How to Teach Yourself Martial Arts

From the time I could walk, I've been interested in martial arts, but for various reasons, I've had only some formal training with a sensei. Because of this, I decided to take the initiative to train on my own, without outside help aside from books and the occasional sparring session. Yes, it is possible to take up martial arts training in this way, though admittedly not ideal. This shouldn't stop you though - you may not be competing in martial arts tournaments, but you can still gain confidence, strength and self-discipline. Here are a few things about regimen, equipment and goals to consider when teaching yourself martial arts.

How physically fit are you? This has a lot to do with your martial arts training regimen. Although you should do warm-up exercises before each training session, it's still good to have a decent level of fitness beforehand. By physically fit, I mean being able to scale two flights of stairs at a full run without needing to stop for breath. Flexibility, strength and stamina are important as well, though raw strength isn't needed quite as much for martial arts.

How well can you pick up things mentally? If you're teaching yourself martial arts, odds are you're doing it from a book or instructional DVD. You need to be able to visualise the techniques - you can't very well learn and practice a martial arts technique if you're holding the book or your remote with one hand and punching/striking with the other. You should also know how the skeletomuscular system works, basic laws of physics and how to apply them. For example, force = mass * acceleration dictates why the entire body should be put into a strike, rather than just one limb. Pressure = force/area dictates why only the first two knuckles are used in a punch.

What kind of martial arts training equipment do you have access to? Here are a few things you'll need:

-An empty room or other place in which to train. This can be a basement, garage, anywhere with at least 20 to 30 square feet of space.

-A mirror, preferably full-length. You need to be able to see yourself move - whether or not you realize, you'll be able to see if a particular technique simply doesn't 'look right'. You'll be able to spot and feel tension, improper distribution of weight, etc.

-A tumbling/training mat. This comes later, when learning how to take falls in arts like judo, should you decide to include this.

-Suitable clothing. Good martial arts training clothing is loose, light, cool and easily washed. I train in in loosened black sweat pants and a tanktop. If you want a gi, that's okay as well, but normal workout clothing works too

-A striking surface. This can be either a punching bag or a makiwara. A makiwara is simple to make, if you don't feel like buying one, and can condition your limbs more thoroughly. To make a makiwara, take a large piece of lumber or a log and wrap it with thick rope. This, in my opinion, more simulates the feel of an actual flesh-and-bone (bone being the operative word here) person than does a punching bag. Plus it's cheaper to buy rope and lumber than it is to buy a punching bag.

-Instructions. These can come from martial arts training books or instructional DVDs. Head over to your local library, or look on the Internet - believe me, there's no shortage.

Teaching yourself martial arts is a very satisfying pursuit - with these general things to keep in mind you can begin your martial arts training regimen today. In future articles I'll go more in-depth about different training aids, exercises, forms, techniques and so forth. Good luck.