A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Are you considering starting your martial arts journey but overwhelmed by the vast options available? Are you asking yourself, “which martial art should I learn?” Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we aim to guide you through the exciting world of martial arts training.
With so many styles to choose from, it can be difficult to determine the best fit for your individual goals and needs. But, with a little bit of research, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect martial art for you. We’ll cover everything from the different types of martial arts and their focus, to the benefits of training, to the various factors you should consider when choosing the right style for you. Get ready to discover the art of self-defense, physical fitness, and personal development through martial arts training!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Martial Art
- Personal goals
- Values
- Availability and cost
- Injury History & Physical Limitations
- Longevity
Personal Goals
When choosing a martial art, you must consider your personal goals and why you want to practice it. For example, do you want to improve your physical fitness, learn self-defense, or compete in tournaments? Different martial arts offer different benefits, and each gym or dojo can have a different focus. so choosing one that aligns with your goals is important.
The Five Whys
If you’re unsure exactly what your priorities are when pursuing martial arts training, you can try using the “Five Why’s” exercise to help you gain clarity.
Using this information, we can make an informed decision about the best martial arts program based on our specific goals and needs. The Five Whys exercise not only helps solve problems, but also serves as a powerful tool for personal self-discovery and goal setting.
Here are two different examples of using the Five Whys exercise to understand the priorities for choosing a martial arts program:
- “I want to train martial arts.”
- “Why?”
- “I want to improve my physical fitness.”
- “Why?”
- “I want to be healthier and have more energy.”
- “Why?”
- “I want to feel better about myself.”
- “Why?”
- “So I can feel confident and empowered.”
In this example, the Five Whys exercise helps to reveal that the ultimate goal for choosing a martial arts program is to feel confident and empowered. Understanding true priorities can help guide the decision-making process in choosing a martial art that fits the individual’s goals and needs.
Example 2
Here’s another example using the Five Whys exercise with a different starting point:
- “I want to train martial arts.”
- “Why?”
- “So I can compete in tournaments.”
- “Why?”
- “So I can improve my skills and be recognized as a top competitor.”
- “Why?”
- “So I can win championships and be recognized as a successful fighter.”
- “Why?”
- “So I can be a famous professional fighter.”
In this example, the Five Whys exercise reveals that the ultimate goal for choosing a martial arts program is to become a famous professional fighter. This understanding guides the individual in making a decision to choose a martial art that fits their goals and needs and focuses strongly on competition and tournament preparation.
Example 3
The Five Whys exercise can be simplified by using this format:
“I want to [blank], so I can [blank], so I can [blank].”
This format helps break down one’s goals and motivations for choosing a martial arts program into a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand sequence.”
Even within the same martial arts style, the intensity of training can vary wildly from gym to gym or dojo to dojo. For example, some BJJ gyms focus on general-purpose training, while others focus on preparing fighters for MMA competitions (more on BJJ below). The level of contact and intensity of training at the latter will likely look very different than the former.
Likewise, in a gym whose primary focus was on preparing people for MMA competition, the use of performance-enhancing drugs and narcotics to deal with pain and inflammation of injuries sustained in combat would not be unheard of. This is not to imply that this would be taking place in every gym, but it is something you should be on the lookout for before joining.
Getting clear about our priorities at the outset can help us avoid wasting both time and money.
Values
image source: unknown
Every martial arts gym has its own unique culture. For example, here at Falling Leaves Kung Fu, we tend to attract a lot of “rugged individualists” who value individual liberty, self-sufficiency, and personal responsibility. Another example from our school is the emphasis on Zen philosophy, which may conflict with your closely held religious beliefs.
Choosing a gym whose culture doesn’t align with your personal values is likely to lead to friction over time, which can lead to a bad experience for all involved. Take the time to talk to any potential instructor and the other students to understand better whether the school or gym will be a good fit in the long run.
Martial arts help develop the quality of humility, which requires surrendering our ego. Don’t expect a gym to change its culture to accommodate you. Be prepared to set your ego aside or choose another facility that better aligns with your closely held personal values.
Availability and Cost
It is also important to consider the availability of martial arts classes in your area and the cost of training. Some martial arts are more readily available than others. Depending on your location, there may be no facilities nearby if you’re committed to learning a particular martial art system. Many instructors are now offering online classes. However, while they can open the possibilities of learning from anywhere in the world, online learning has some significant limitations.
Read more about learning martial online here…
Balancing Quality and Affordability
Shopping based purely on price is not a good idea when looking for martial arts training. Naturally, you need to make sure the fees will fit your budget, but quality instruction frequently costs more, and for good reason. If you want high-quality instruction, you should be willing to support your instructor financially. They have sacrificed more than you can know to develop their skill. Likewise, it’s expensive to keep the doors open on a facility.
Conversely, we usually get what we pay for, and the cheapest school in town is also very like a “McDojo,” which will not offer much value regardless of your reason for training.
Hidden Fees
When considering which martial art school to join, it’s important to know hidden or extra fees not covered by your gym dues. These fees can add up and make the cost of training much higher than expected. Some common hidden fees include uniforms, belts, and testing fees. To avoid unexpected costs, asking for a full list of possible fees upfront is important.
Price transparency is crucial when making a decision about which martial art to study. Knowing all the costs associated with a particular school, you can accurately compare different options and make the best choice for your budget. However, price transparency also serves as an indicator of the integrity of the instructor or gym. A clear, upfront pricing structure shows that they value transparency and honesty in their business practices. On the other hand, hidden fees or lack of transparency in pricing can be a red flag and indicate a lack of trustworthiness.
When inquiring about fees, don’t be afraid to ask specific questions. For example, find out if there is a fee for testing or if you need to purchase a new belt every time you advance to a higher rank. Understanding the cost of training is an important part of the decision-making process and should not be overlooked.
In conclusion, asking for a full list of fees and ensuring the school is transparent about pricing is key to finding the right martial art school for you. A school that is upfront about costs and willing to provide clear answers about fees is more likely to be trustworthy and a good fit for your training goals.
The Risks and Pitfalls of Committing to Long-term Contracts
The most significant issue you should be aware of when it comes to cost is whether or not a school offers month-to-month payment options, the ability to pay for classes in blocks, or if they want you to commit to a long-term contract similar to a standard “globo gym.”
Committing to long-term contracts, such as 1-3 year contracts, in a martial arts school can be problematic for a number of reasons. Firstly, it can be difficult for students to predict changes in their schedules, interests, or personal circumstances, which may make it difficult for them to fulfill the terms of their contracts.
Secondly, long-term contracts can be a financial burden, as students may be obligated to pay monthly fees even if they cannot attend classes due to personal reasons. Worse yet, once signed, the school usually sells these contracts to a third party for a lump sum similar to a loan. If you default on your payments, you’re not dealing with your instructor with whom you have a personal relationship. You’re dealing with a faceless bureaucracy that doesn’t know you, doesn’t care about your circumstances, and just wants their money, regardless of the burden it places on you.
Be sure that you have the freedom to “vote with your feet” if the instructor fails to provide you with the level of instruction you expect and deserve.
Benefits of a Recurring Billing For Martial Arts Training
I use a recurring billing system that charges a student’s credit or debit card each month, and students are free to cancel their subscriptions any time they like. Recurring billing in martial arts schools can greatly benefit the instructor and the students. By having a consistent, automatic billing system in place, instructors can focus their energy on teaching rather than keeping track of payments. This allows for a more dedicated and effective teaching experience for the students. Additionally, it eliminates the awkwardness and potential friction that may arise from constantly asking for payments or having to chase down students for payment.
With a recurring billing system, students can easily make payments on a regular basis, and instructors can focus on providing the best possible instruction. This creates a more efficient, streamlined, and stress-free environment for both parties involved.
Regardless of the system the instructor has in place to collect payments; you should be sure that you have the freedom to “vote with your feet” if the instructor fails to provide you with the level of instruction you expect and deserve or if you’re life circumstances change. You shouldn’t still have to pay for martial arts training in Arizona after moving to Florida for work.
Injury History & Physical Limitations
If you have a history of injury or physical limitations, it’s important to consider how this may affect your ability to practice a particular martial art. Some martial arts place more demands on our bodies, so choosing a martial art that is appropriate for your physical condition is important. Consider talking to your doctor and/or a martial arts instructor to help you make an informed decision.
For example, many veterans and retired athletes suffer from TBI. Choosing a gym that focuses on martial arts that involve frequent strikes to the head may not be the best choice for someone with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities, and repeated blows to the head can exacerbate these symptoms and potentially lead to further injury.
A Tai Chi program, while not as hardcore as Thai Boxing or Krav Maga may be a better choice for somebody that is looking for a fun and interesting hobby or needs to minimize any blows to the head, for example.
Longevity
Before joining a program, try asking some other students how long they’ve been a member. The length of membership of the average student at a martial arts school reflects the quality of instruction provided by the instructor or school. If students stay for long periods of time, it is a sign that they are receiving high-quality training and are satisfied with the experience. On the other hand, if students leave quickly or have a high turnover rate, it may indicate that the instruction is not meeting their needs or that the training environment is not a good fit for them. The length of membership can be seen as a barometer for the instruction’s overall effectiveness and the students’ satisfaction.
At Falling Leaves Kung Fu, most of our members stick around for three to five years, and most students who leave only do so due to work or personal circumstances beyond their immediate control.
Why Is That Important?
Considering these factors when choosing a martial art is important because they can greatly impact your experience and ability to progress in your training. If you choose a martial art or gym that does not align with your personal goals, interests, or physical abilities, you may quickly become frustrated and discouraged and may eventually give up training altogether. On the other hand, if you choose a martial art that is a good fit for you, you are more likely to enjoy your training, make progress, and stick with it over the long term.
Additionally, choosing a martial art that is accessible and affordable is crucial for ensuring that you can continue your training and make the most of your investment of time and resources. Understanding your injury history and physical limitations is important for preventing further injury and ensuring your safety while practicing martial arts. By considering these factors, you can make a more informed and strategic decision about which martial art is right for you.
Understanding the Different Types of Martial Arts
All martial arts train three fundamental principles:
- Attack
- Defense
- Power.
Techniques for attack and defense fall into four categories:
- Striking
- Kicking
- throwing and takedowns (wrestling)
- grappling and joint manipulation.
I do not fear the man who has trained 10,000 kicks; I fear the man who has trained one kick 10,000 times.
~Bruce Lee
Some martial arts train all four categories equally, while others specialize in one or two.
Understanding the different types of martial arts and their specializations can help you make an informed decision when choosing a martial art to practice based on your personal goals, interests, and physical abilities. Likewise, there are tradeoffs to choosing a martial art like karate, which trains techniques from all four categories more broadly, compared to choosing an art like BJJ, which specializes in grappling and takedowns. Training in a broad range of techniques will leave you well prepared for dealing with general-purpose self-defense situations against an opponent with little to no training, but you may find yourself quickly outmatched by someone with a high skill level in a more narrow selection of techniques. Bruce Lee once said, “I do not fear the man who has trained in 10,000 kicks. I fear the man who has trained one kick 10,000 times.”
Secondly, considering your potential professional needs and legal considerations is also important. For instance, Law Enforcement Officers need to know how to use the minimum level of force necessary when dealing with the public. BJJ, or Brazilian Jujitsu, can help officers modulate their use of force by teaching them techniques to subdue a person with minimum risk of injury.
Western boxing focuses mainly on striking techniques, which are important in self-defense. However, it doesn’t prepare practitioners for grappling and wrestling, which could be important in real-life self-defense situations. Similarly, martial arts that focus on sports competitions may not provide adequate training for dealing with an armed assailant, as real-life self-defense often involves more than just striking.
In the next section below, we’ll take a look at 11 different types of martial arts. If you’re looking for martial arts training in the Phoenix, Arizona area, I’ll recommend a school whose instructor I know and trust or have a friend who trains there.
11 Types of Martial Arts
Please note that the following list of 11 martial arts is just a small representation of the vast number of styles and techniques used in combat and self-defense worldwide. Each culture has its unique approach influenced by its history and traditions. The list does not include various forms of martial arts that focus primarily on weapons such as sticks, knives, or firearms. It is important to keep in mind that this is just a starting point in your journey to discovering the right martial art for you. We have a more comprehensive list of martial arts here.
1. Karate
Karate is one of the most popular martial arts styles in the world. It originated in Okinawa, Japan, and has since spread to countries worldwide. Karate is a striking-based art that emphasizes punches, kicks, and knee strikes. It also includes grappling techniques, such as throws and joint locks, and is known for its fast, powerful movements.
The Karate Kid” movie, released in 1984, starring Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio, became a huge success in the US. It popularized the martial art of Karate, inspiring many people to start learning the discipline. The film’s coming-of-age story and training montages resonated with audiences, increasing Karate classes and dojos across the country.
After more than 20 years of training and teaching I Liq Chuan, before my dad’s stroke, he still asked me, “how’s your karate going?” For many, karate is synonymous with martial arts training.
Further Reading on Amazon: Complete Karate by Mas Oyama
2. Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art and Olympic sport that was founded by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century. It is a grappling-based art emphasizing throws, pins, and submission holds. Kano, was a student of traditional Jujitsu. He adapted Jujitsu techniques and created a new martial art that he called Judo, which means “gentle way.”
Kano’s motivations in creating Judo were to promote physical fitness, mental discipline, and moral character. He also sought to create a martial art that was less dangerous and more suitable for sport and competition.
Judo became an Olympic sport in 1964 and is now practiced worldwide. The objective of Judo is to throw or take down an opponent, immobilize or subdue them with a grappling hold, or force them to submit with a joint lock or choke.
Further Reading on Amazon: Judo: Basic Principles by Eric Dominy
3. Taekwondo
Taekwondo 태권도/跆拳道 is a Korean form of martial arts that focuses on techniques involving punches and kicks. It places emphasis on head-high kicks, spinning jumps, and quick kicks. The name translates to “the art or way of kicking, punching.” The martial art originated in 1945, established by Korean martial artists with Japanese and Chinese martial arts backgrounds, most notably General Choi, Hunghi.
Tae Kwon Do became popular in America after soldiers who had been stationed in Korea began returning home from service.
Taekwondo is known for its fast kicking techniques, with additional points awarded in sparring competitions for strikes incorporating spinning kicks and kicks to the head. Taekwondo can improve your fitness and flexibility, as it’s a full-body workout that involves various kicks, jumps, and stretches. It develops coordination, strength, and agility, making it an excellent choice for overall fitness and flexibility.
4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
There’s no denying that after BJJ exploded into the public consciousness, the world of martial arts was changed forever. Brazilian Jujitsu is a grappling-based art that originated in Brazil. It is known for its ground-based techniques, including submission holds and pins. Royce Gracie made BJJ famous by winning the first Ultimate Fighting Championship tournament with a dominant display of its grappling techniques in December 1993.
Brazilian Jujitsu is an excellent choice for those who want to learn self-defense techniques, as it is standard in most BJJ gyms to “live roll” in every class, ensuring you learn how to apply techniques against active resistance.
Further Reading on Amazon: Breathe, A Life In Flow by Rickson Gracie
If you’re looking for premium Brazillian Jujitsu instruction in the East Valley area, check out Gustavo Dantas gym in Mesa.
5. I Liq Chuan
photo credit: Jack Meyers 2017
I Liq Chuan is a Chinese martial art we train here at Falling Leaves Kung Fu. It is characterized by its focus on Zen philosophy, Tai Chi principles, and its unique spinning and sticky hand training methods.
I Liq Chuan is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes the flow of energy and fluid movements. It was developed by Grandmaster Sam Chin in the 1970s with his father, Chin, Lik-Keong, It is based on principles of internal energy, mind-body connection, and natural movements. The goal of I Liq Chuan is to develop a relaxed yet powerful body and mind and to cultivate one’s ability to respond spontaneously to any situation. Unlike other martial arts that focus on physical techniques, I Liq Chuan emphasizes developing a deep understanding of the body’s intrinsic nature and how it can be best used in martial arts and daily life. The practice of I Liq Chuan includes solo movements, partner drills, and applications in self-defense.
Further Reading: The Martial Art of Awareness by Sam FS Chin
I offer small group classes, private lessons in Tempe, AZ, and workshops worldwide.
6. Muay Thai
Muay Thai is a martial art and combat sport that is referred to as the “Art of 8 Limbs” or “The Science of 8 Limbs.” The eight limbs refer to the eight parts of the body that are used for striking: two fists, two shins, two elbows, and two knees.
Muay Thai requires its practitioners to follow a set of rules, both in training and competition. The rules allow for a balance of freedom and control in movements and strikes, resulting in a unique flow that separates it from other martial arts. Thai Boxing is known especially for its brutal leg kicks and elbows.
Muay Thai is an especially good choice for individuals looking primarily for self-defense or competition as it’s one of the arts that has proven itself again and again in full contact fighting. For this reason, along with BJJ, it has become the basis of most modern MMA curriculums.
7. Boxing
Western boxing is a powerful system of self-defense that requires quick reflexes, strong technique, and the ability to outmaneuver an opponent. The sport is known as “the sweet science” due to its emphasis on strategy and precision, as well as its raw power. Boxers must be fit and agile, able to dodge and strike simultaneously. It’s a challenging discipline that demands a great deal of physical and mental strength.
Boxing has been a staple of the Olympic Games for over a century and is considered one of the world’s oldest and most revered sports. It’s an exciting and dynamic discipline that’s both physically and mentally demanding. For fitness enthusiasts, the hard training required by boxing provides a comprehensive workout that can help to build strength, increase endurance, and boost overall health. Whether you’re looking to improve your self-defense skills or simply looking for a challenging workout, western boxing is a great choice.
Further Reading on Amazon: Championship Fighting by Jack Dempsey
8. Aikido
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes the use of leverage and movement to neutralize an opponent’s attack. It is a grappling-based art that includes throws, pins, and joint locks.
Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, is often called “the art of peace.” It emphasizes flowing, circular movements designed to harmonize with and redirect an attacker’s energy. With its roots in Daitoryu (a form of Japanese Jujitsu), Aikido is a non-violent martial art emphasizing self-defense over aggression. It’s a perfect choice for those who are not interested in high-impact activities or competition due to physical limitations, making it an excellent form of physical and mental exercise.
If you’re looking for a martial art that’s gentle on the body and mind, Aikido is a great choice. Its focus on blending with an opponent’s movements rather than using brute force makes it an ideal choice for those who may avoid activities with intense physical demands. Additionally, Aikido is non-competitive, making it a great option for those who want to train in martial arts in a less stressful environment. With its emphasis on inner peace and harmonizing movements, Aikido is a wonderful way to improve your physical fitness while also nurturing your spirit.
Further Reading on Amazon: Complete Aikido by Roy Suenaka
9. Wing Chun
Wing Chun is a kung fu style characterized by its close-quarters fighting style and emphasis on rapid strikes. First popularized by Bruce Lee in the 20th century, Lee learned Wing Chun as a teen and later incorporated elements of it into his own martial art training style, Jeet Kune Do. In recent years, Wing Chun has become even more widely known through the movie franchise about Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun teacher, Ip Man, which stars Donnie Yen. These movies have further popularized Wing Chun and helped increase its visibility and popularity worldwide.
There are many different sub-styles of Wing Chun. One school I can vouch for in Mesa, AZ, is the Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun of Arizona., run by Sifu Mark Jones. Mark is a true gentleman passionate about sharing his art with others.
10. Krav Maga
Krav Maga is a modern, tactical self-defense system focusing on building techniques based on natural human reflexes. It was developed for the Israeli military and emphasizes practical and realistic training. The goal is to neutralize potential threats quickly and effectively, making it an ideal choice for those looking for self-defense skills that include unarmed techniques and weapons like knives and firearms.
This system is constantly evolving, and adapting to real-world situations, so training stays current and relevant. Krav Maga’s straightforward approach and emphasis on real-world situations make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking self-defense skills in today’s rapidly changing world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Krav Maga is a highly effective and accessible system for personal protection.
React Defense Systems offers classes in Phoenix, Chandler, and Glendale if you’re looking for Krav Maga instruction in the greater Phoenix-Metro area.
11. Kenpo (or Kempo)
Kenpo is an eclectic martial art with origins in Japan. It draws from Japanese Jujitsu, Okinawan karate, and Shaolin kung fu; you could say it’s the original mixed martial art! Kenpo is the Japanese pronunciation of quanfa 拳法, which means “boxing techniques,” another name for Kung Fu.
Kenpo is a scrappy system that uses a mix of grappling techniques from Jujitsu and blends the more linear Okinawan karate with the circular attack and defense style of Shaolin.
James Mitose brought the art with him to Hawaii, where it found a naturally receptive audience that was itself a melting pot of diverse people from Japan, China, Polynesia, and the West who all continued to contribute to the development of Kenpo as a system of martial arts training.
Today, you can find Kenpo schools worldwide. If you’re looking for Kenpo in the East Valley, look no further than our friends at APSK Martial Arts Academy. APSK has been in business since 1994!
Further Reading on Amazon: Infinite Insights vol. 1 by Ed Parker
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which martial art is best for self-defense?
All martial arts can be used for self-defense, but the effectiveness of an individual’s self-defense skills depends on their ability, training, instruction, and experience. Factors such as dedication to training, quality of instruction, and amount of sparring or pressure testing will influence how well an individual can apply their martial arts skills in self-defense.
You can read a more in-depth article about martial arts for self-defense here.
Which martial art is best for improving fitness?
All martial arts have the potential to improve fitness, but results vary depending on training intensity and frequency. However, martial arts with a focus on competition generally offer a great opportunity to enhance physical fitness. On the other hand, arts that emphasize personal development may not provide the same level of physical workouts.
With that said, the old adage “no matter how slow you’re going, you’re still lapping everyone sitting on the couch” still holds true. Any activity is better than no activity. The soft, non-competitive martial arts styles can be a fun, non-exercise activity on “off-days” for those who already maintain a regular workout schedule as well.
For more on this topic, check out our other articles in this series:
Will Martial Arts Help Me Lose Weight?
Can Martial Arts Build Muscle?
Which martial art is best for children?
All martial arts can help children develop discipline, focus and improve behavior, but results depend largely on the instructor’s ability to engage and motivate kids. A teacher with strong classroom management skills and the ability to teach challenging and fun lessons will be most effective in helping kids gain these benefits.
I firmly believe that children and adults have different learning needs, which is why our classes at Falling Leaves Kung Fu are for adults only.
Summary & Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right martial art to learn can be difficult, as there are many styles to choose from. When choosing martial art, it is important to consider your personal goals, physical abilities, and interests. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, learn self-defense techniques, or just find a fun new hobby, there is a martial art out there for you. If you’re unsure which martial art is right for you, consider trying out a few different styles to see which one you enjoy the most. Remember, the most important thing is to find a martial art that you enjoy, and that helps you achieve your personal goals. So, ask yourself, “Which martial arts should I learn?” and start your journey today!
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About the Author
Ashe Higgs, I Liq Chuan Master Instructor & L2 Nutrition Coach
Ashe is a highly skilled martial arts instructor and certified nutrition coach with over two decades of experience in the field. He holds a Master Instructor certification in I Liq Chuan under Sam FS Chin, making him one of only several individuals worldwide to hold the title. He has taught classes and workshops worldwide and is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
With a background in full-contact fighting and a Level 2 certification from Precision Nutrition in nutrition coaching, Ashe is a well-rounded expert in the fields of martial arts. In addition to his expertise, he has a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring others. He has a natural ability to connect with his students and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Disclaimers & Conflicts of Interest
I am not a doctor, and the information provided should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.
Please note that some of the links provided in this content may be affiliate links, meaning that I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them. However, please rest assured that any products or services recommended are based on my personal experience and belief in their value. I only recommend products or services that I have personally used and believe in.