7 Tips For Selecting A Martial Arts Style

7 Tips For Selecting A Martial Arts Style
By Javier Lozano, Jr.

With hundreds of different styles available, it's difficult to
make a decision on what to learn. The simple answer is to stay
close to home and find an instructor you love. 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 out.

1. There’s no style that is the “best”.

2. Find a school nearby with classes to fit your purpose - you
may be limited to what’s nearby and to what you can fit into
your schedule.

3. Experiencemartialarts.com lists the most common styles,
however there are hundreds (if not thousands) of styles that
use combinations of these common styles. Just because a school
advertises a style that isn’t listed here doesn’t mean it isn’t
a good style. Keep an open mind and form your own opinion about
each style.

4. Sport, Self-Defense or Fitness - All styles have all 3 of
these components, just be sure to look for a class that either
focuses on your purpose or gives a general overview of all 3
depending on your goals.

5. Visit schools 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 feel" when evaluating them.
Are they someone you can get along with? Are they someone who
you will respect and listen to?

6. 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 one class for free.

7. 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 isn't work...it's something you
truly enjoy doing.

About the Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. was a world champion
Karate point fighter as ranked by NASKA and is training for his
3rd Dan in Wado-Ryu Karate. He is a writer for
http://ExperienceMartialArts.com, a website dedicated to
helping people learn about martial arts, select a style and
find a suitable school nearby.

Source: http://www.isnare.com