| With hundreds of different styles available, | | | | style. Even though two schools both teach |
| it's difficult to make a decision on what to | | | | Karate, the way in which they teach it and |
| learn. The simple answer is to stay close to | | | | the sub-styles of Karate may be completely |
| home and find an instructor you love. A close | | | | different. Also, pay close attention to the |
| location and a good instructor will keep you | | | | instructors and use your "gut feel" when |
| interested and inspired more than the style | | | | evaluating them. Are they someone you can get |
| will. With that said, here are some tips to | | | | along with? Are they someone who you will |
| help you out. | | | | respect and listen to? |
| | | | |
| 1. There's no style that is the "best". | | | | 6. Know your physical abilities and limits. |
| | | | As you are visiting schools, be sure to check |
| 2. Find a school nearby with classes to fit | | | | with the instructor about any limitations you |
| your purpose – you may be limited to | | | | may have before signing up. You'll also get a |
| what's nearby and to what you can fit into | | | | really good feel for what you're in for by |
| your schedule. | | | | observing a class or two. Most schools offer |
| | | | one class for free. |
| 3. lists the most common styles, however | | | | |
| there are hundreds (if not thousands) of | | | | 7. If you have friends already practicing a |
| styles that use combinations of these common | | | | style, think strongly about learning the same |
| styles. Just because a school advertises a | | | | style. Having others to practice with and to |
| style that isn't listed here doesn't mean it | | | | encourage you helps a great deal in the long |
| isn't a good style. Keep an open mind and | | | | run and makes it even more fun. |
| form your own opinion about each style. | | | | |
| | | | As we said before, your instructor will make |
| 4. Sport, Self-Defense or Fitness – All | | | | all the difference in the world. A good |
| styles have all 3 of these components, just | | | | instructor is like a good teacher in that |
| be sure to look for a class that either | | | | they can take the most daunting and boring |
| focuses on your purpose or gives a general | | | | tasks and make them exciting! Once you're |
| overview of all 3 depending on your goals. | | | | excited about martial arts, you'll find that |
| | | | training 3 days a week isn't work…it's |
| 5. Visit schools to see if you enjoy the | | | | something you truly enjoy doing. |
| atmosphere and instructor along with the | | | | |