The Many Different Styles of Martial Arts to Learn

If you want to learn martial arts, or maybe you are interested for a friend or family member, then it's important to know that not all martial arts are created equal. In order to really know which is best for YOU, then you need to examine your underlying reasons for wanting to learn martial arts.

Learn Martial Arts for Self Defense - If you are looking for ways to defend yourself, then you will want to look at some combat based styles of martial arts. Examples of martial arts to learn include Hapkido, Krav Maga, and other fighting systems that are not sport based. This is not to say that sport based martial arts do not apply to self defense, but it requires a significantly different mindset. There are some styles of traditional martial arts that indulge both self defense as well as sport, but it's best that you find a class that is concentrated on one or the other. Taekwondo is one style that is well known for its sport application, though there is a very devastating combat method of Taekwondo that you will not find many schools teaching. When in doubt, see if the instructor has a background in law enforcement or military. These are good signs of a strong self defense program.

Learn Martial Arts for Sport - There are many different styles of sport martial arts, and you will want to look into the different strategies, rules, and regulations for each one. Age is very important to consider when looking into this. Sports like wrestling, Judo, or Jujitsu can be very dangerous for kids to learn at a young age because their bones and joints are not fully developed and the nature of these sports can cause irreparable damage early on. Karate and Taekwondo are very good for kids starting at a young age. You will want your kids to learn martial arts that help develop balance and coordination first. Teens and adults would be more suited to learn martial arts like grappling arts, kickboxing styles, and mixed martial arts. Again, check your local schools and gyms to see if your coaches or instructors have a background in competition, or if their members compete frequently.

Learn Martial Arts for Fitness - Learning martial arts for losing weight is an excellent workout for a number of different reasons. It's fun because of the sheer multitude of techniques. It's progressive, because you are always learning new and challenging movements. It's complex because it recruits a larger number of muscle groups that you never knew you had, and it builds a stronger relationship between your body and your central nervous system. This makes your body much more efficient in training and exercising. If you're looking primarily for a workout, then I highly suggest you learn martial arts from a certified black belt instructor, as well as someone who is either a certified personal trainer, or has a background in health and wellness.

Before you look into martial arts schools or gyms, you really want to look into yourself for your underlying reasons for wanting to learn martial arts. Choosing the wrong program from the start can result in poorly spent money, wasted time, or even worse, your dissatisfaction may turn you off to the idea of martial arts altogether. So make sure you are looking into the right programs, whether you want to learn martial arts for sport, for self defense, or for getting in shape.