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