A Guide to Martial Arts for Adults Near You

Martial Arts Classes For Adults: Finding Center and Flow

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In our martial arts classes for adults, we focus on developing a strong center, which is the foundation of our physical and mental balance. By aligning our posture, breathing, and awareness, we can access a deeper level of strength and stability in both mind and body. This is essential for martial arts and everyday life, where we often face challenges that can throw us off balance. Both work and family frequently put us in challenging positions.

Through a combination of basic exercises, partner drills, and meditation practices, we explore different aspects of flow, such as relaxation, sensitivity, and responsiveness. We learn how to move easily and efficiently without wasting energy or forcing our bodies. We also learn how to apply our movements in self-defense scenarios, using principles of timing, distance, and strategy.

Bruce Lee, one of the most influential martial artists of all time, famously said, “Be water, my friend.” This means being adaptable, fluid, and responsive to any situation rather than rigid, tense, and reactive. In martial arts, we emphasize this concept by practicing movements that are natural, effortless, and spontaneous, like water flowing in a river. We learn to recognize the right time and place to apply pressure and when to withdraw.  Developing a mindset that flows like water is the key to navigating life’s challenges with greater wisdom.

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Why Adults Should Do Martial Arts

Martial arts provide many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. We have many other articles digging deeper into the benefits of martial arts for adults, but here are some of the key benefits of practicing martial arts for adults.

Physical Fitness 

Martial arts is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. You can read more about martial arts and some of the physical benefits of martial arts for adults in these articles:

Stress Relief

Physical activity reduces stress and anxiety [1], and martial arts is no exception. Martial arts emphasize the unity of mind and body. Through the demands of training, we learn to focus our minds and control our breath, which can help to calm our nervous system and reduce stress [2].

Additionally, we learn not to let our thoughts and emotions control us, but rather to recognize them as they pop up and choose how we respond. This mental discipline and emotional regulation can help us to feel more in control of our lives, which can be a powerful tool for managing stress.

The focus required during training can also provide a welcome break from the stressors of daily life. By cultivating mindfulness and developing a deeper awareness of their bodies, martial arts practitioners can find a sense of peace and balance that can carry over into other areas of their lives.

Self-Defense Skills

Martial arts can help you develop the skills and confidence you need to defend yourself in dangerous situations. While it’s true that we live in relatively safe times, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Being able to defend oneself in a dangerous situation not only provides a sense of security but can also potentially save lives. By learning self-defense techniques through martial arts, individuals can gain the confidence and ability to protect themselves and their loved ones. As the saying goes, it’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. It’s essential to have the tools necessary to defend oneself just in case the need arises, and martial arts can provide those tools.

Mental Discipline 

Martial arts require focus, concentration, and discipline. Discipline protects us from the tyranny of our own worst thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Martial arts provide a structured environment that fosters discipline and cultivates a strong work ethic. This kind of discipline is beneficial not only for martial arts training but for everyday life as well. Through martial arts training, students learn to control their bodies, developing a sense of focus and concentration that carries over into other areas of life. By practicing and honing their skills, martial arts students become better equipped to handle stress and overcome obstacles in their personal and professional lives. The self-discipline and mental toughness that come with martial arts training can also help overcome bad habits and make better choices overall. Ultimately, the discipline instilled in martial arts training can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.

Increased Confidence

Practicing martial arts can help you build confidence in your abilities and give you a sense of empowerment and a sense of personal agency in your life. Grandmaster Sam FS Chin is the founder of Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan (our specialty). He says, “martial arts gives you confidence, not because you can fight, but because you know.” 

Confidence is not just about the ability to fight or defend oneself physically but also about having a clear and level-headed understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through martial arts training, we develop the ability to discern and evaluate situations with a calm and clear mind rather than reacting impulsively or emotionally. This can help us to make better decisions, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and effectiveness. Ultimately, martial arts can help us to become more self-aware, resilient, and confident individuals.

Community & Connection

Technology and social media have certainly had an impact on our relationships. While they have made it easier than ever to connect with others, they have also contributed to a breakdown in meaningful, face-to-face interactions. Social media can create a false sense of intimacy, leading us to believe that we are more connected to others than we really are.

This can make it difficult to form deep, meaningful relationships that require genuine effort and investment. In addition, social media has made it easier to engage in superficial interactions that lack real substance. We are bombarded with constant updates, notifications, and messages, making it difficult to focus on any one thing for an extended period of time. This constant distraction can lead to a lack of attention and focus, reducing our ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Overall, while technology and social media have undoubtedly brought us closer in some ways, they have also contributed to a decline in the quality of our relationships.

Ancient Solutions For Modern Problems

Joining a martial arts class, especially one that approaches martial arts as a tool for cultivating mindfulness, can be an effective way to combat the negative effects of technology and social media on our relationships. By taking personal accountability and committing to regular training, we are surrounded by people who not only support us but challenge us to be our best selves.

The practice of martial arts constantly reminds us of the importance of discipline, focus, and hard work. We learn to be present in the moment and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. In this way, martial arts can help us cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships with ourselves and with others. By being part of a community that values personal growth and self-improvement, we are held accountable to be better people, both on and off the mat. So if you’re feeling disconnected from others and yourself, consider joining a martial arts class as a way to reconnect and find meaning in your relationships.

How to Find the Best Martial Arts for Adults Near You

Determine Your Goals 

If you are interested in taking up martial arts for adults, it is important to find a class that is right for you. If you’re not sure which martial art you should choose, we have a detailed article on many of the things you should look out for (read more…), but here are some basic tips for finding the best martial arts for adults near you:

What do you hope to achieve through martial arts? Are you looking to improve your fitness, build self-defense skills, or both? Try the following exercise by filling in the blanks: “I want to learn martial arts so I can ____, so I can ____.” This will help you determine which type of martial arts is right for you.

Avoid “McDojos” 

A McDojo is a derogatory term used to describe a martial arts school or training facility. McDojos promote students based on payment rather than skill and experience. They often offer multiple martial arts styles or mix-and-match techniques without any real foundation in any of them, or even fake martial arts styles.

These studios claim to teach martial arts techniques that are often exaggerated or completely fabricated, with little basis in reality or functional martial arts principles. 

For example, in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, the character Rex teaches a completely fake and comical martial art, “Rex Kwon Do.”

While this is obviously an extreme and humorous example, it highlights the fact that some martial arts schools may not be teaching real, practical techniques.

An instructor’s credentials can provide valuable information about their training and experience in martial arts. Instructors who have trained with reputable organizations or under renowned martial arts masters may be better equipped to teach the techniques and principles of martial arts effectively. Moreover, instructors with significant experience in martial arts can offer valuable insights and guidance to their students.

However, while credentials are a useful starting point to demonstrate competence, they do not necessarily reflect a person’s abilities or proficiency in teaching those skills to you.

Martial Arts Lineage

Lineage can be an important factor in determining the authenticity and quality of a martial arts instructor. This is especially true if you’re looking to train a particular system or style. McDojos often lack a clear and legitimate lineage.

By choosing an instructor with a well-established and respected lineage, prospective students can increase their chances of finding a quality adult martial arts program. A legitimate lineage reflects a strong level of accountability and standards that can help you avoid McDojos. 

However, while lineage can be a valuable tool in avoiding McDojos, don’t be too focused on martial arts lineage. What’s most important to consider is a teacher’s ability to effectively teach and communicate with their students.

Traditional martial arts schools are plagued by “lineage queens.” These instructors prioritize their connection to a famous teacher or lineage over their own proficiency or ability to teach effectively. They may use their connection to a famous teacher as a means of asserting their authority or expertise, even if they are not actually skilled instructors.

It is important for students to prioritize finding an instructor who can teach effectively and help them develop practical martial arts skills rather than simply relying on the reputation of a particular lineage or teacher. 

Ultimately, the effectiveness of a martial arts instructor should be judged by their ability to help their students improve and grow, not by their credentials or connections to famous teachers or lineages. It doesn’t matter what they can do or how awesome their teacher’s teacher was; it only matters what they can help you to do.

Reviews: Proof Of The Best Martial Arts For Adults

Read reviews from past and current students to get an idea of what to expect.

Reviews from current and former students can provide valuable insights into the quality of a martial arts program and the effectiveness of the instruction. Look for reviews that mention improvements in skill level, positive changes in mindset, and overall satisfaction with the program. Social proof can be helpful for ensuring that you choose a reputable martial arts school that will provide you with the training and instruction you need to improve your skills and reach your goals.

Besides reading public reviews, try looking for evidence of or asking existing students how much time outside regular training they tend to spend together doing other activities. When students spend time together outside of regular training, it’s a clear sign of a good martial arts school. This type of community-building promotes a strong sense of camaraderie among students and instructors alike. 

It can be especially beneficial for beginners who may feel intimidated or uncertain about their abilities. Spending time together outside of class allows students to form deeper connections with one another, build trust, and provide mutual support. A good martial arts school recognizes the value of these relationships and encourages them through social events and group activities. Ultimately, these connections can help students feel more engaged and motivated in their training, leading to greater progress and overall higher quality of life.

For example, at Falling Leaves Kung Fu, over the years, we have organized many outdoor activities together, from hikes on trails throughout Arizona to barbeques, axe throwing, and other fun activities “off the mats.”  We also frequently travel together out of town or out of state to participate in workshops that help us take our martial arts practice to a deeper level.

Trial Offers

Most martial arts schools offer introductory classes or trials, so take advantage of these opportunities to see if the class is right for you. While it’s common for many martial arts schools to offer a free class, I want to convince you that a paid trial is actually a better choice and a sign of a higher-quality martial arts program.

As a martial arts instructor, I understand the allure of a free trial class. However, I believe that a paid trial is a better option for both the student and the instructor. New students require a lot of attention and guidance. A free class most likely means that the instructor expects you not to join and will likely not give you much direct attention, which in turn means you will likely get very little out of your experience, even if the program is a good one.

Existing students have already paid for the instructor’s full attention, and offering free trials can distract from their learning experience. Charging for a trial shows that the school has confidence in the value of its program, and it sets the expectation that the student is committed to their training. Ultimately, a paid trial is a better investment in the student’s future, ensuring they receive the best instruction and guidance possible.

At Falling Leaves Kung Fu, we offer a two-week trial with a money-back guarantee.  Don’t like our program after all? No problem, I’ll refund you, no questions asked.  However, because I take the time to find out what prospective students are really looking for and help them understand if we’re a good fit rather than focusing on a quick sale, I have never had anyone request a refund in more than 20 years.

Adults Only

Firstly, children and adults have different physical capabilities and limitations. Children are still growing and developing, so their bodies are not as strong or coordinated as adults. This means that training exercises and techniques should be adapted to their physical abilities. 

Secondly, children and adults have different attention spans and learning styles. Children typically have shorter attention spans and benefit from more frequent breaks and varied activities to keep them engaged. Adults, on the other hand, can focus for longer periods and may prefer a more structured approach. 

Finally, children and adults have different goals and motivations for training in martial arts. Children may be interested in learning self-defense or improving their physical fitness, while adults may be more interested in stress relief, personal development, or competitive training. Mixing these groups together can lead to frustration and boredom for both children and adults.

While many schools or facilities may offer both children’s classes as well as martial arts classes for adults, ideally, they should generally train separately most of the time for the best outcomes.

Summary & Conclusion:

Martial arts for adults is a great way to improve your physical fitness, build self-defense skills, and developmental and emotional discipline. With so many types of martial arts to choose from, there’s a program out there that’s right for you. So, if you are ready to unleash your inner warrior, start looking for martial arts for adults near you today!

At Falling Leaves Kung Fu in Tempe, AZ, we specialize in teaching I Liq Chuan, a martial art based on the principles of Zen, Tai Chi principles, and flow. Our classes are designed to help adults of all ages and backgrounds develop discipline, concentration, and wisdom.

So if you’re looking for martial arts classes for adults and you want to explore a holistic approach to health and well-being, consider joining us.

Read More!

• Bruce Lee’s Real Fights: The True Stories Behind the Legend
• 
  The Ultimate Guide To Focus Mitts & Thai Pads For Martial Arts
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  Technique vs. Techniques in Martial Arts
• 
  Is Strength Training Good For Martial Arts?

References

1. Kanning, Martina, and Wolfgang Schlicht. “Be active and become happy: an ecological momentary assessment of physical activity and mood.” Journal of sport and exercise psychology 32.2 (2010): 253-261.
2. Torelly, Gabriela Aquino, et al. “Acute effects of mind-body practices and exercise in depressed inpatients: A randomized clinical trial.” Mental Health and Physical Activity 23 (2022): 100479.