How many of you have watched a Bruce Lee movie, or perhaps you’ve seen the movie “Kill Bill”, and thought, “Man, I’d love to take martial arts training and learn to move like they do!”? Or maybe you’ve noticed that martial artists are generally in shape? Or maybe you’d like your kid to get off the couch and into a structured activity? Or maybe you’ve decided to learn some self-defense techniques? In this guide I will help people who might want to get started in the martial arts. Getting started is not at all mystical or scary, but there are a few things you might consider to help you on your way, and the purpose of this guide is to get you started in the right direction. I’ll cover the benefits of martial arts training, how to choose a martial art you are interested in learning, and how to find a place to train.

Art of Shaolin Kung Fu

What is a Martial Art?

What exactly are martial arts? We’ve all seen Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris do their thing on the movie screen. Was their awesomeness just movie magic? Or, was there a system of techniques behind all that flailing, kicking, and punching? Joseph Svinth provides thorough discussions and definitions in “What are the Martial Arts?”, but essentially martial arts are codified systems of physical conditioning, combat, and self defense.

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Benefits of Martial Arts Training for Adults

There are many benefits from practicing a martial art. Some enjoy the physical exercise and challenge of honing the body into shape or mastering a complex set of moves. Others enjoy the mental rewards from learning routines and learning to anticipate what an opponent is going to do. There are also “spiritual” rewards, as practicing martial arts can help calm you down and give you confidence as you go out into the world.

Many people today are uncentered in their lives – are out of shape, stressed out, and/or lack a sense of where they fit within the universe. While certainly not a universal remedy, many find martial arts training helpful in achieving this balance between the physical, the mental, and the spiritual.

Under proper instruction and within the proper environment, for adults martial arts training can help fulfill the following needs:

  1. self-defense training
  2. a physical workout
  3. improved fitness and weight loss
  4. improved dexterity and motor skills
  5. mental calmness, self-confidence, and inner peace
  6. a greater understanding of one’s inner self, capabilities, and position within the universe

Benefits of Martial Arts Training for Children

Scientific studies on the effects of martial arts on children, here, here, and here, suggest that martial arts provide many positive benefits, from reducing bullying, reducing aggression, improving self-esteem, improving confidence, and reducing violence. From a visit to one of today’s high schools, complete with guards, metal detectors, and even clear backpacks, it is clear that current school policies are heading in the wrong direction. Perhaps martial arts training could be a part of the solution, or at least responsible parents could consider martial arts training as a step toward “world-proofing” their child.

In general, martial arts lead to self-improvement and can provide a great framework for kids–it can teach them discipline, fitness, and structure, habits definitely needed to counteract alarming childhood obesity trends. And with 50% of all adults projected to be obese by 2030, martial arts can help the entire family get off the couch, get in shape, and learn interesting skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Decisions

Okay, so now you’re hooked on the idea of training in martial arts. There are two main decisions you will have to make in order to get started, assuming of course that you are medically able, have the money, and have the time to train: 1.) which art, and 2.) where to train. These will be covered in the next two parts to this series, followed by some final thoughts.

This is part 1 of a four-part series on how to get started in martial arts:

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For those who’ve done martial arts before, what did I miss? Any comments? For those considering martial arts training, what else would you like to know? Any suggestions? Please, send feedback my way— I’d love to hear from you.