Martial arts are a great way to get fit. Almost all styles have an strong focus on physical fitness, flexibility and strength. Also, classes often provide a fun and interesting environment in which to exercise. A good instructor is often much better at motivating you to keep working that an aerobics instructor. Also much of the exercise is done with a partner, and students help motivate each other while training, which is really a unique way to exercise.

However, there are many different styles of martial art available, and not all styles are suited to all students. So how do you chose? The simple answer is to stay close to home and find an instructor you like. A close location and a good instructor will keep you interested and inspired more than the style will. With that said, here are some tips to help you find the right style for you.

Find a school nearby with classes to fit your schedule. Some schools offer more than one style, and some single style schools also teach some freestyle, self defense or MMA styles. Finding an instructor your like who creates a calm atmosphere in the school is more important than the style.

Decide why you want to learn a martial art. The four main reasons to train are:

1. To compete – e.g. kick boxing, Judo, Taekwondo
2. To learn to defend yourself – e.g. kung-fu, Krav maga, Ju-jitsu, boxing
3. To get fit – most hard styles will get you fit, however Tai Chi and Aikido may not be so effective
4. To learn a traditional style – e.g. specific kung-fu styles like Southern Mantis and Wing Chun, Iaido, authentic Tai Chi Chuan

Most styles have one or more of these components, just be sure to look for a class that either focuses on your purpose or gives a general overview.

Visit schools in your area to see if you enjoy the atmosphere and instructor along with the style. Even though two schools both teach Karate, the way in which they teach it and the sub-styles of Karate may be completely different. Also, pay close attention to the instructors and use your gut feeling when evaluating them. Are they someone you can get along with? Are they someone who you will respect and listen to? How do the other student behave? Are they relaxed, tense, aggressive? Is the club clean? Are there male and female changing facilities? Does it feel safe?

Know your physical abilities and limits. As you are visiting schools, be sure to check with the instructor about any limitations you may have before signing up. You’ll also get a really good feel for what you’re in for by observing a class or two. Most schools offer the first class for free, so take advantage of this to try out as many as possible before signing the membership forms.

If you have friends already practicing a style, think strongly about learning the same style. Having others to practice with and to encourage you helps a great deal in the long run and makes it even more fun.

As we said before, your instructor will make all the difference in the world. A good instructor is like a good teacher in that they can take the most daunting and boring tasks and make them exciting! Once you’re excited about martial arts, you’ll find that training 3 days a week is not even hard work, as it becomes something you truly enjoy doing.

Bear in mind that it is only when you start training that you will really know if it is for you. Once you start improving in your chosen style, you may get the competition bug, and want to train harder to compete in tournaments. Or you may discover an interest in learning traditional, authentic training methods. The most important thing though is to enjoy yourself. We believe that there is a martial art for everyone, however it is up to you to find it.

We shall  be exploring the most popular styles in forthcoming issues, so come back soon! For now see our list of martial arts styles.

Search Google for these Martial Arts Clubs:

• Aikido Clubs
• Boxing Clubs
• Capoeira Clubs
• Childrens Martial Arts
• Brazilian Jujitsu Clubs
• Escrima clubs
• Indian Martial Arts
• Internal Martial Arts
• Ju Jitsu Clubs
• Judo Clubs
• Karate Clubs
• Kick-boxing Clubs
• Korean Martial Arts
• Krav Maga Clubs
• Kung-fu Clubs
• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
• Tae Kwon-Do
• Tai Chi Clubs
• Thai Martial Arts
• Wrestling Clubs