Martial arts have absolutely exploded in popularity in the last ten years (for a variety of different reasons), but beginners across all different martial arts face the same issue right off the bat – choosing the right discipline to study!
Though it may not look like the most challenging decision to make, once you realize that most martial arts are quite literally a lifelong pursuit, the kind of hobby and activity that will become a part of all you are and how you identify yourself to the world, you start to understand that it’s a lot more challenging a decision than most people make it out to be.
Thankfully, finding the right martial art for beginners becomes a lot easier when you pay attention to the tips and tricks that we are going to share with you below.
Let’s dive right in!
What kinds of schools are available in your local area or are you willing to travel?
This is going to have a tremendous impact on the kind of martial arts that you decide to study, and it isn’t quite as obvious a question as it may seem at first.
You’re going to want to look around your local area to get a feel for the kinds of martial art schools that are available. You’re going to need to decide whether or not you’re willing to travel to take advantage of the kind of training that you are most interested in.
We can say this – beginners are going to find it a lot easier to stick with a martial art (especially in the early stages of the training) when the school is close by. It eliminates a lot of excuses for not going.
Fortunately, the Academy of Martial Arts has locations in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, and even Naples, Florida, so you can be sure to find a location in your neighbourhood.
Learn more about the disciplines of each school
The Internet is also going to be your best friend when it comes time to learn more about the disciplines and the philosophy behind the different martial art schools in your area.
Karate, for example, is very much focused on personal development and spiritual growth, whereas other martial arts may be more focused on dominating tournaments or learning self-defense skills. Sort internal arts are about agility, balance, and discipline.
Our instructors teach physical styles like Karate, Kobudo and Jiu Jitsu, and soft internal arts like Tai Chi and Pa Kua, so no matter which discipline you choose we have the right fit.
Visit the schools in your area and speak with the instructors
If at all possible, try to “shadow” a class at The Academy of Martial Arts. Sit down with instructors to figure out whether or not it seems like the right fit for you. This is the kind of inside information that you’d never have access to without taking the time and effort to visit before signing up, and may be the one thing that helps guarantee that you choose the right discipline going forward.
