| For anyone who wants to learn a martial art, | | | | |
| there is a lot to know in regards to the many | | | | This will vary among the many different |
| different styles. Of course there is the | | | | martial arts styles. Self defence schools |
| question of finding the best martial art, | | | | will most often take advantage of fighting |
| which is a question a lot of people ask with | | | | skills, teaching you everything you need to |
| so many martial arts styles to choose from, | | | | survive. Most martial arts styles are slow |
| it can be very complicated to pick one to | | | | in theory, teaching you kata, movements, and |
| learn. | | | | forms. Self defence schools on the other |
| | | | hand, teach you how to inflict the most |
| No matter what you may hear or what others | | | | amounts of damage in the least amount of |
| have to say, it is quite impossible to name | | | | time. |
| one style of martial arts as the ultimate | | | | |
| best. Actually, there are several factors | | | | Competition |
| that come into play,Even though one style may | | | | |
| beat another in a competition or a fight it | | | | Competition based martial arts are all about |
| doesn't always mean that the winning style is | | | | winning trophies and showing the world your |
| the best. | | | | style of martial arts. The competition that |
| | | | you have chosen, will greatly impact your |
| Before deciding to rush out there and learn a | | | | style of martial arts. You'll need to decide |
| martial art, there are several things that | | | | if you will be fighting or showcasing display |
| you should decide first. Martial arts are | | | | kata, light or heavy contact, or focusing on |
| great to learn, no matter which style you | | | | grappling or striking. |
| decide on. A martial art can teach you self | | | | |
| discipline, self defence, and several other | | | | Before you decide on a martial arts style, |
| traits that will help you no matter where you | | | | you should always research the schools and |
| decide to go in life. | | | | dojo's in your area and see what they offer. |
| | | | The best schools will allow you to |
| Self defence | | | | participate in a few free classes, or offer |
| | | | you discounts on your first few months. They |
| All over the world, there are several martial | | | | will answer any questions that you have, and |
| arts schools and dojo's that emphasize self | | | | work with you to help you learn as much as |
| defence a lot more than others. Schools that | | | | you can. |
| focus on kata, forms, or light sparring are | | | | |
| less than likely to teach you what you need | | | | Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting |
| to protect yourself on the street. If you | | | | learning experience. There are hundreds of |
| are looking for street self defence, then | | | | different martial arts styles out there, |
| you'll want a style that trains hard and | | | | although you may be limited in choice, |
| doesn't let up. | | | | depending on what all is offered in your |
| | | | area. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and |
| Fitness | | | | Jiu-Jitsu and some of the most common types |
| | | | of martial arts, and normally offered just |
| Even though martial arts can improve your | | | | about everywhere. The more distinct styles, |
| fitness level, it isn't the goal behind a lot | | | | such as Kung Fu, Shoot fighting, Kenpo, and |
| of the martial arts styles. Several styles, | | | | Shaolin styles are a bit harder to find. |
| such as Tae Bo, are based purely on martial | | | | |
| arts and don't include a lot of physical | | | | If you do your homework on some of the styles |
| fitness training. If you are looking for | | | | that are offered in your area, you'll find |
| fitness as your main goal, then you should be | | | | one that best fits your reasons to study. |
| looking into something other than martial | | | | Martial arts can change your outlook on life |
| arts. | | | | - all you have to do is devote yourself to |
| | | | learning all you can about the philosophy of |
| Fighting ability | | | | your martial art. |