CHOOSING THE RIGHT MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL NEAR YOU
Posted on October 24 2017

For anyone who wants to learn a martial art, there is a lot to know in regard to the many different styles. Of course, there is the question of finding the best martial art, which is a question a lot of people ask. With so many martial arts styles to choose from, it can be very complicated to pick one to learn.
It is quite impossible to name one style of martial arts as the ultimate best. Actually, there are several factors that come into play, which makes a statement about a style being the best impossible. Even though one style may beat another in a competition or a fight, doesn’t always mean that the winning style is right for a person.
Before deciding to rush out there and learn a martial art, there are several things that people should consider. Martial arts are great to learn, no matter which style someone ultimately decides. A martial art can teach self-discipline, self-defense, and several other traits that will help no matter where people go in life.
Self Defense
All over the world, there are several martial arts schools and dojos that emphasize self-defense a lot more than others. Schools that focus on kata, forms, or light sparring are less than likely to teach users to protect themselves on the streets. If users are looking for street self-defense, then people will want a style that trains hard.
Fitness
Even though martial arts can improve fitness levels, it isn’t the goal behind a lot of the martial arts styles. Several styles are based purely on martial arts and doesn’t include a lot of physical fitness training. If someone is looking for fitness as their main goal, then they should be looking into something other than martial arts.
Fighting Ability
This will vary among the many different martial arts styles. Self-defense schools will most often take advantage of fighting skills, teaching students everything they need to survive in a fight. Most martial arts styles are slow in theory, teaching kata, movements, and forms. Self-defense schools on the other hand, teach students how to inflict the most amounts of damage in the least amount of time or end fights quickly.
Competition
Competition based martial arts are all about winning trophies and showing the world the style of martial arts. The competition that students have chosen, will greatly impact the style of martial arts. Students will need to decide if they will be fighting or showcasing display kata, light or heavy contact, or focusing on grappling or striking.
Before a person decides on a martial arts style, they should always research the schools and dojos in their area and see what all they offer. The best schools will allow students to participate in a few free classes, or offer discounts on first few months. They will answer any questions that potential students have, and work with them to help them learn as much as they can.
Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting learning experience. There are hundreds of different martial arts styles out there, although students may be limited in choice, depending on what all is offered in their area. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu and some of the most common types of martial arts, and normally offered just about everywhere. The more distinct styles, such as Kung Fu, Shootfighting, Kempo, and Shaolin styles are a bit hard to harder to find.
If students do their homework on some of the styles that are offered in their area, they’ll find one that best fits their reasons to study. Martial arts can change people’s outlook on life - all they have to do it devote themselves to learning all they can about the philosophy of the martial art.