How to Pick a Marital Arts School That's Right for You

There are a multitude of styles to choose from and even more individual schools for each style. So how do you know which one to pick even if you are sure which style you want? You don't want to get roped into something that is going to turn out to be more arduous than enjoyable, right? Well, first you should figure out what you want to achieve: Physical Fitness, Sporting Competition, Spiritual Enlightenment, Family Activity, Self Defense, etc. Once you figure out that goal, you're well on your way to picking the right school. Now, before we begin, I strongly suggest reading my other blog about the ever hated "McDojo". If you don't already know what it is then suffice it to say, you don't want to belong to one. Here is the link; read it, its important: here - So, now let me break down each of your potential goals and which styles might best fit them.

1. Physical Fitness

Every martial art will provide you with a certain level of exercise and you should always be mindful of your own physical limitations when selecting which type of style you want to try. Caveat aside, styles like Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), or even Capoeria all provide for excellent forms of exercise.

2. Sporting Competition

Ah, competition. This is often the apex for many martial artists. Seldom in life does one have the opportunity to pit himself against another, fight with all his heart, and possibly walk away with glory (and without a jail sentence). Some styles that include a great deal of competitions are: BJJ, Kung Fu, Kendo (sword fighting) Taekwondo, and Karate.

3. Spiritual Enlightenment

This one, I must admit, I don't have too much personal experience in. However, many of my more senior friends in the martial arts community have suggested styles like Aikido, (traditionally taught) Karate, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Yoga - not really a martial art, but still good for those seeking enlightenment.

4. Family Activity

Looking for a way to connect with little Johnny but he hates fishing and thinks Little League is boring? Try teaching him how to fight! Many parent child relationships are deepened and strengthened when the two are engaged in the same activity together. And here is the best part, nearly every martial art will give you this end result: Taekwondo (a favorite among many parents), Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, etc.

I would discourage against signing up a young child for a BJJ class for the reason that MANY of the joint locks involve practicing within centimeters of breaking your partners arm. You don't want little Johnny to have his elbow snapped because his friend was over zealous. Save this for your older kids.

5. Self Defense

Whew, boy. This is where a lot of the die-hard BJJ fighters will start to hate me, but so be it; you came to me to hear my opinion and here it is.

Self Defense (the protection of ones self, and of others) is similar but NOT THE SAME as sporting competition. They differ in that there is no ref, no rules, and no rounds, and no guarantee that you will walk away with your life.

That said, sport fighting arts can effectively supplement Self Defense, but it is no substitute. And for the record, I STRONGLY recommend engaging in competition if you seek Self Defense skills. Competing makes the practitioner more familiar with what is called the "Adrenaline Dump". This is when your higher brain goes to mush, your fine motor skills give way to gross motor skills, and your primitive survival instinct takes over. Competition also allows the practitioner to hone his skills on a very uncooperative opponent.

A short, and by no means complete, list of Self Defense styles include: Combat Hapkido, Krav Maga, Filipino Martial Arts, Combat Sambo, Jeet Kun Do, etc.

What is truly most important is that you select a style that feels right, for you and then TRAIN HARD in it.