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OK, I like to call myself a bit of an expert in the Martial Arts department, and I thought I'd write this topic to maybe persuade you to take up the "Sport".
The Guide starts here!
1) The men in white coats are not coming to take you away
If you join a martial arts club you might find yourself rolling around in a padded room with a bunch of men in white suits that like to meet nice people and strangle them. This will probably be preceded by mumbling in a strange language and banging your head against the floor. Don’t worry, this is normal.
The white outfits are called ‘Gi’s in Japanese. (Japanese martial arts include karate, judo, ju-jitsu, aikido, nin-jitsu). The Gi is important for functional reasons as well as traditional ones. They give you a lot of movement and give your training partner something to grab. Grappling based martial arts use very strong double woven Gis to cope with the rough and tumble. Etiquette dictates that you should turn your back on your partner when straightening your Gi up.
2) You don’t have to rush out and buy a set of white pyjamas
You can go along to your first class in tracksuit pants and a T-Shirt. When you’re sure about it then you can invest in a Gi. It’s all try before you buy. Do think about cutting your finger and toe nails and removing jewellery for safety reasons though. In throwing or grappling martial arts people often grab hold of your Gi. If you’re wearing a T-shirt pick one that’s big enough they can grab it without embarrassing you both, old enough it doesn’t matter if it’s stretched and not so loose it will come off easily.
3) You don’t have to spend your first three weeks saying wax on and wax off
Starting up in a martial art might be about strange initiation rituals and proving yourself in the movies but in real life it’s about joining up with people who enjoy martial arts and want you to enjoy them too. People at martial arts clubs are not out to humiliate you and they’ve all been a beginner. They won’t be put off you by the fact that you are not good at something or that you feel scared to fly through the air but they will be put off if you don’t give it a good bash. I’m naturally abysmal at any type of sports – you know - the type the teacher had to teach how to throw a ball. Luckily my club respected my commitment and supported me the whole way.
Of course there are some clubs out there that do make it tough for beginners. Who knows, maybe if you stick it out you will discover the secret of eternal life but if that’s not for you find another club. Many martial arts clubs will let you attend the first time for free. If not you can certainly go along with no obligation. If the first club doesn’t take your fancy, if they don’t make you feel welcome, if they don’t invite you to the pub afterwards, if you wanted more punching and kicking or more emphasis on breakfalls – try another club. You could happily spend a month sampling different clubs before you choose.
5) You can find a club without knowing a secret handshake
But it’s not always easy. Unfortunately they’re often not in the yellow pages. Some city councils may provide information about local club, as might Leisure centres and swimming pools – especially if they are council run. Check the phone book and the community papers. Also check the Internet but call first before you go looking for the club because some web pages are out of date.
6) You don’t have to get off on pain – but it helps
No, I’m kidding about that - although you can expect some sore muscles to start with. Many martial arts involve strangles, wrist locks and arm bars. In order to know if it’s working you need to put the lock on until it starts to hurt. Emphasis on ‘starts’. Once it starts to hurt you let them know by ‘tapping’. Tapping is just what it sounds like. Slap your hand against your thigh, the mat, whatever is close. That tells them what they need to know and they’ll stop.
7) e=mc squared
Well, perhaps you don’t need to know that but a lot of martial arts is just physics. You might be wondering what wrist locks are arm bars are. Well, there’s ways you body is meant to bend and ways it isn’t. Elbows bend forwards but they don’t like going backwards. Sit back for a moment and try this… Straighten your arm and push it palm upwards against the desk in front on you. Feel it lock? Now put some gentle pressure on your tricep just above your elbow pushing it upwards as well. Does it feel a bit uncomfortable? Well you’re doing it with almost no leverage at the moment but that’s the basic idea behind a lot of armbars.
Wrist locks, are about turning your wrists ways they don’t want to go – no surprises there. Perhaps it is surprising how much control you can have with a wrist lock. You know those displays the martial artist forces someone onto the ground or to follow him just by holding their hand in a strange way? They often do that with wrist locks – and it’s not that hard.
The most important thing, however, is balance. It might be all just physics but it takes a bit of learning!
7) There are many shades of black.
There is a tendency to think that black belts are gods and that the quicker a martial art can turn you into a black belt the better the martial art. Well, all black belts aren’t created equal. In fact for many martial artists a black belt is just the start. There are several grades (known as ‘dans’ after black). Your first black belt grading makes you a first-dan. Grand masters can reach 8th dan (I don’t know if 9ths are out there but maybe). 8th Dan black belts normally have grey hair and grandchildren.
Getting a first dan black belt can take anything from three years to forty years. Some martial arts have more levels between white and black and others have long spells between gradings. Judo requires that everyone compete in competitions to earn gradings. You could be the best thing since Bruce Lee but if you don’t go to the meets you won’t get the belt. Also, some martial artists don’t attend every grading. So the person with the darkest belt might not be the most experienced. However, a black belt does mean someone’s put a lot of work in and they should be respected for it.
8) Bowing doesn’t mean you’re about to be given a cup of green tea
The ritual aspect in martial arts is bewildering to most new recruits. Where should I stand? Am I doing the right thing? What is that about? Fortunately most instructors and club mates are only too happy to tell you what you should be doing. It’s up to you whether you choose a formal, discipline-oriented club or not. For many people discipline is the essence of martial arts. Other people find it just too daunting and prefer a more laid back club. There’s plenty of each out there.
9) If you trash someone else’s martial art you will come back as a hedgehog.
Some people like to spend a lot of time telling you about why their martial art is the only one. It’s not true. They all have something to offer and I think the best martial artists have trained in more than one.
*****
You need to look around to find the one that suits you. However, here’s a few pointers on what some of the arts focus on (it’s not comprehensive and it really really really depends on the club!):
Punching and kicking arts: Thai Boxing, Karate, Kick boxing, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Ju-Jitsu.
Throws and breakfalls: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Armbars, wristlocks, strangles: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Grappling: Judo
Wrestling/ Groundwork: Judo, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, some other Ju-jitsu clubs
Swords: Kendo and Aido
Other weapons: Nin-Jitsu
Using someone else’s strength against them: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Discipline and meditation: depends a lot on the club. Often a feature of nin-jitsu and Zen Do Kai clubs, Tai Chi
Competition and sport: this varies from club to club. Judo is a sport so most judo clubs will compete. Karate, Tae Kwon Do and other may or may not.
Whatever martial art takes your fancy the best advice I can give is to give it a go. It might be daunting at first and the first club might not suit you but stick it out and the rewards are there!
*****
So there you go! Your online guide to martial arts, Have fun!
And don’t go kicking any old grannys, unless you’re playing Grand Theft Auto 3 that is! ;-)
The Guide starts here!
1) The men in white coats are not coming to take you away
If you join a martial arts club you might find yourself rolling around in a padded room with a bunch of men in white suits that like to meet nice people and strangle them. This will probably be preceded by mumbling in a strange language and banging your head against the floor. Don’t worry, this is normal.
The white outfits are called ‘Gi’s in Japanese. (Japanese martial arts include karate, judo, ju-jitsu, aikido, nin-jitsu). The Gi is important for functional reasons as well as traditional ones. They give you a lot of movement and give your training partner something to grab. Grappling based martial arts use very strong double woven Gis to cope with the rough and tumble. Etiquette dictates that you should turn your back on your partner when straightening your Gi up.
2) You don’t have to rush out and buy a set of white pyjamas
You can go along to your first class in tracksuit pants and a T-Shirt. When you’re sure about it then you can invest in a Gi. It’s all try before you buy. Do think about cutting your finger and toe nails and removing jewellery for safety reasons though. In throwing or grappling martial arts people often grab hold of your Gi. If you’re wearing a T-shirt pick one that’s big enough they can grab it without embarrassing you both, old enough it doesn’t matter if it’s stretched and not so loose it will come off easily.
3) You don’t have to spend your first three weeks saying wax on and wax off
Starting up in a martial art might be about strange initiation rituals and proving yourself in the movies but in real life it’s about joining up with people who enjoy martial arts and want you to enjoy them too. People at martial arts clubs are not out to humiliate you and they’ve all been a beginner. They won’t be put off you by the fact that you are not good at something or that you feel scared to fly through the air but they will be put off if you don’t give it a good bash. I’m naturally abysmal at any type of sports – you know - the type the teacher had to teach how to throw a ball. Luckily my club respected my commitment and supported me the whole way.
Of course there are some clubs out there that do make it tough for beginners. Who knows, maybe if you stick it out you will discover the secret of eternal life but if that’s not for you find another club. Many martial arts clubs will let you attend the first time for free. If not you can certainly go along with no obligation. If the first club doesn’t take your fancy, if they don’t make you feel welcome, if they don’t invite you to the pub afterwards, if you wanted more punching and kicking or more emphasis on breakfalls – try another club. You could happily spend a month sampling different clubs before you choose.
5) You can find a club without knowing a secret handshake
But it’s not always easy. Unfortunately they’re often not in the yellow pages. Some city councils may provide information about local club, as might Leisure centres and swimming pools – especially if they are council run. Check the phone book and the community papers. Also check the Internet but call first before you go looking for the club because some web pages are out of date.
6) You don’t have to get off on pain – but it helps
No, I’m kidding about that - although you can expect some sore muscles to start with. Many martial arts involve strangles, wrist locks and arm bars. In order to know if it’s working you need to put the lock on until it starts to hurt. Emphasis on ‘starts’. Once it starts to hurt you let them know by ‘tapping’. Tapping is just what it sounds like. Slap your hand against your thigh, the mat, whatever is close. That tells them what they need to know and they’ll stop.
7) e=mc squared
Well, perhaps you don’t need to know that but a lot of martial arts is just physics. You might be wondering what wrist locks are arm bars are. Well, there’s ways you body is meant to bend and ways it isn’t. Elbows bend forwards but they don’t like going backwards. Sit back for a moment and try this… Straighten your arm and push it palm upwards against the desk in front on you. Feel it lock? Now put some gentle pressure on your tricep just above your elbow pushing it upwards as well. Does it feel a bit uncomfortable? Well you’re doing it with almost no leverage at the moment but that’s the basic idea behind a lot of armbars.
Wrist locks, are about turning your wrists ways they don’t want to go – no surprises there. Perhaps it is surprising how much control you can have with a wrist lock. You know those displays the martial artist forces someone onto the ground or to follow him just by holding their hand in a strange way? They often do that with wrist locks – and it’s not that hard.
The most important thing, however, is balance. It might be all just physics but it takes a bit of learning!
7) There are many shades of black.
There is a tendency to think that black belts are gods and that the quicker a martial art can turn you into a black belt the better the martial art. Well, all black belts aren’t created equal. In fact for many martial artists a black belt is just the start. There are several grades (known as ‘dans’ after black). Your first black belt grading makes you a first-dan. Grand masters can reach 8th dan (I don’t know if 9ths are out there but maybe). 8th Dan black belts normally have grey hair and grandchildren.
Getting a first dan black belt can take anything from three years to forty years. Some martial arts have more levels between white and black and others have long spells between gradings. Judo requires that everyone compete in competitions to earn gradings. You could be the best thing since Bruce Lee but if you don’t go to the meets you won’t get the belt. Also, some martial artists don’t attend every grading. So the person with the darkest belt might not be the most experienced. However, a black belt does mean someone’s put a lot of work in and they should be respected for it.
8) Bowing doesn’t mean you’re about to be given a cup of green tea
The ritual aspect in martial arts is bewildering to most new recruits. Where should I stand? Am I doing the right thing? What is that about? Fortunately most instructors and club mates are only too happy to tell you what you should be doing. It’s up to you whether you choose a formal, discipline-oriented club or not. For many people discipline is the essence of martial arts. Other people find it just too daunting and prefer a more laid back club. There’s plenty of each out there.
9) If you trash someone else’s martial art you will come back as a hedgehog.
Some people like to spend a lot of time telling you about why their martial art is the only one. It’s not true. They all have something to offer and I think the best martial artists have trained in more than one.
*****
You need to look around to find the one that suits you. However, here’s a few pointers on what some of the arts focus on (it’s not comprehensive and it really really really depends on the club!):
Punching and kicking arts: Thai Boxing, Karate, Kick boxing, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Ju-Jitsu.
Throws and breakfalls: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Armbars, wristlocks, strangles: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Grappling: Judo
Wrestling/ Groundwork: Judo, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, some other Ju-jitsu clubs
Swords: Kendo and Aido
Other weapons: Nin-Jitsu
Using someone else’s strength against them: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Discipline and meditation: depends a lot on the club. Often a feature of nin-jitsu and Zen Do Kai clubs, Tai Chi
Competition and sport: this varies from club to club. Judo is a sport so most judo clubs will compete. Karate, Tae Kwon Do and other may or may not.
Whatever martial art takes your fancy the best advice I can give is to give it a go. It might be daunting at first and the first club might not suit you but stick it out and the rewards are there!
*****
So there you go! Your online guide to martial arts, Have fun!
And don’t go kicking any old grannys, unless you’re playing Grand Theft Auto 3 that is! ;-)
OK, I like to call myself a bit of an expert in the Martial Arts department, and I thought I'd write this topic to maybe persuade you to take up the "Sport".
The Guide starts here!
1) The men in white coats are not coming to take you away
If you join a martial arts club you might find yourself rolling around in a padded room with a bunch of men in white suits that like to meet nice people and strangle them. This will probably be preceded by mumbling in a strange language and banging your head against the floor. Don’t worry, this is normal.
The white outfits are called ‘Gi’s in Japanese. (Japanese martial arts include karate, judo, ju-jitsu, aikido, nin-jitsu). The Gi is important for functional reasons as well as traditional ones. They give you a lot of movement and give your training partner something to grab. Grappling based martial arts use very strong double woven Gis to cope with the rough and tumble. Etiquette dictates that you should turn your back on your partner when straightening your Gi up.
2) You don’t have to rush out and buy a set of white pyjamas
You can go along to your first class in tracksuit pants and a T-Shirt. When you’re sure about it then you can invest in a Gi. It’s all try before you buy. Do think about cutting your finger and toe nails and removing jewellery for safety reasons though. In throwing or grappling martial arts people often grab hold of your Gi. If you’re wearing a T-shirt pick one that’s big enough they can grab it without embarrassing you both, old enough it doesn’t matter if it’s stretched and not so loose it will come off easily.
3) You don’t have to spend your first three weeks saying wax on and wax off
Starting up in a martial art might be about strange initiation rituals and proving yourself in the movies but in real life it’s about joining up with people who enjoy martial arts and want you to enjoy them too. People at martial arts clubs are not out to humiliate you and they’ve all been a beginner. They won’t be put off you by the fact that you are not good at something or that you feel scared to fly through the air but they will be put off if you don’t give it a good bash. I’m naturally abysmal at any type of sports – you know - the type the teacher had to teach how to throw a ball. Luckily my club respected my commitment and supported me the whole way.
Of course there are some clubs out there that do make it tough for beginners. Who knows, maybe if you stick it out you will discover the secret of eternal life but if that’s not for you find another club. Many martial arts clubs will let you attend the first time for free. If not you can certainly go along with no obligation. If the first club doesn’t take your fancy, if they don’t make you feel welcome, if they don’t invite you to the pub afterwards, if you wanted more punching and kicking or more emphasis on breakfalls – try another club. You could happily spend a month sampling different clubs before you choose.
5) You can find a club without knowing a secret handshake
But it’s not always easy. Unfortunately they’re often not in the yellow pages. Some city councils may provide information about local club, as might Leisure centres and swimming pools – especially if they are council run. Check the phone book and the community papers. Also check the Internet but call first before you go looking for the club because some web pages are out of date.
6) You don’t have to get off on pain – but it helps
No, I’m kidding about that - although you can expect some sore muscles to start with. Many martial arts involve strangles, wrist locks and arm bars. In order to know if it’s working you need to put the lock on until it starts to hurt. Emphasis on ‘starts’. Once it starts to hurt you let them know by ‘tapping’. Tapping is just what it sounds like. Slap your hand against your thigh, the mat, whatever is close. That tells them what they need to know and they’ll stop.
7) e=mc squared
Well, perhaps you don’t need to know that but a lot of martial arts is just physics. You might be wondering what wrist locks are arm bars are. Well, there’s ways you body is meant to bend and ways it isn’t. Elbows bend forwards but they don’t like going backwards. Sit back for a moment and try this… Straighten your arm and push it palm upwards against the desk in front on you. Feel it lock? Now put some gentle pressure on your tricep just above your elbow pushing it upwards as well. Does it feel a bit uncomfortable? Well you’re doing it with almost no leverage at the moment but that’s the basic idea behind a lot of armbars.
Wrist locks, are about turning your wrists ways they don’t want to go – no surprises there. Perhaps it is surprising how much control you can have with a wrist lock. You know those displays the martial artist forces someone onto the ground or to follow him just by holding their hand in a strange way? They often do that with wrist locks – and it’s not that hard.
The most important thing, however, is balance. It might be all just physics but it takes a bit of learning!
7) There are many shades of black.
There is a tendency to think that black belts are gods and that the quicker a martial art can turn you into a black belt the better the martial art. Well, all black belts aren’t created equal. In fact for many martial artists a black belt is just the start. There are several grades (known as ‘dans’ after black). Your first black belt grading makes you a first-dan. Grand masters can reach 8th dan (I don’t know if 9ths are out there but maybe). 8th Dan black belts normally have grey hair and grandchildren.
Getting a first dan black belt can take anything from three years to forty years. Some martial arts have more levels between white and black and others have long spells between gradings. Judo requires that everyone compete in competitions to earn gradings. You could be the best thing since Bruce Lee but if you don’t go to the meets you won’t get the belt. Also, some martial artists don’t attend every grading. So the person with the darkest belt might not be the most experienced. However, a black belt does mean someone’s put a lot of work in and they should be respected for it.
8) Bowing doesn’t mean you’re about to be given a cup of green tea
The ritual aspect in martial arts is bewildering to most new recruits. Where should I stand? Am I doing the right thing? What is that about? Fortunately most instructors and club mates are only too happy to tell you what you should be doing. It’s up to you whether you choose a formal, discipline-oriented club or not. For many people discipline is the essence of martial arts. Other people find it just too daunting and prefer a more laid back club. There’s plenty of each out there.
9) If you trash someone else’s martial art you will come back as a hedgehog.
Some people like to spend a lot of time telling you about why their martial art is the only one. It’s not true. They all have something to offer and I think the best martial artists have trained in more than one.
*****
You need to look around to find the one that suits you. However, here’s a few pointers on what some of the arts focus on (it’s not comprehensive and it really really really depends on the club!):
Punching and kicking arts: Thai Boxing, Karate, Kick boxing, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Ju-Jitsu.
Throws and breakfalls: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Armbars, wristlocks, strangles: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Grappling: Judo
Wrestling/ Groundwork: Judo, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, some other Ju-jitsu clubs
Swords: Kendo and Aido
Other weapons: Nin-Jitsu
Using someone else’s strength against them: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Discipline and meditation: depends a lot on the club. Often a feature of nin-jitsu and Zen Do Kai clubs, Tai Chi
Competition and sport: this varies from club to club. Judo is a sport so most judo clubs will compete. Karate, Tae Kwon Do and other may or may not.
Whatever martial art takes your fancy the best advice I can give is to give it a go. It might be daunting at first and the first club might not suit you but stick it out and the rewards are there!
*****
So there you go! Your online guide to martial arts, Have fun!
And don’t go kicking any old grannys, unless you’re playing Grand Theft Auto 3 that is! ;-)
The Guide starts here!
1) The men in white coats are not coming to take you away
If you join a martial arts club you might find yourself rolling around in a padded room with a bunch of men in white suits that like to meet nice people and strangle them. This will probably be preceded by mumbling in a strange language and banging your head against the floor. Don’t worry, this is normal.
The white outfits are called ‘Gi’s in Japanese. (Japanese martial arts include karate, judo, ju-jitsu, aikido, nin-jitsu). The Gi is important for functional reasons as well as traditional ones. They give you a lot of movement and give your training partner something to grab. Grappling based martial arts use very strong double woven Gis to cope with the rough and tumble. Etiquette dictates that you should turn your back on your partner when straightening your Gi up.
2) You don’t have to rush out and buy a set of white pyjamas
You can go along to your first class in tracksuit pants and a T-Shirt. When you’re sure about it then you can invest in a Gi. It’s all try before you buy. Do think about cutting your finger and toe nails and removing jewellery for safety reasons though. In throwing or grappling martial arts people often grab hold of your Gi. If you’re wearing a T-shirt pick one that’s big enough they can grab it without embarrassing you both, old enough it doesn’t matter if it’s stretched and not so loose it will come off easily.
3) You don’t have to spend your first three weeks saying wax on and wax off
Starting up in a martial art might be about strange initiation rituals and proving yourself in the movies but in real life it’s about joining up with people who enjoy martial arts and want you to enjoy them too. People at martial arts clubs are not out to humiliate you and they’ve all been a beginner. They won’t be put off you by the fact that you are not good at something or that you feel scared to fly through the air but they will be put off if you don’t give it a good bash. I’m naturally abysmal at any type of sports – you know - the type the teacher had to teach how to throw a ball. Luckily my club respected my commitment and supported me the whole way.
Of course there are some clubs out there that do make it tough for beginners. Who knows, maybe if you stick it out you will discover the secret of eternal life but if that’s not for you find another club. Many martial arts clubs will let you attend the first time for free. If not you can certainly go along with no obligation. If the first club doesn’t take your fancy, if they don’t make you feel welcome, if they don’t invite you to the pub afterwards, if you wanted more punching and kicking or more emphasis on breakfalls – try another club. You could happily spend a month sampling different clubs before you choose.
5) You can find a club without knowing a secret handshake
But it’s not always easy. Unfortunately they’re often not in the yellow pages. Some city councils may provide information about local club, as might Leisure centres and swimming pools – especially if they are council run. Check the phone book and the community papers. Also check the Internet but call first before you go looking for the club because some web pages are out of date.
6) You don’t have to get off on pain – but it helps
No, I’m kidding about that - although you can expect some sore muscles to start with. Many martial arts involve strangles, wrist locks and arm bars. In order to know if it’s working you need to put the lock on until it starts to hurt. Emphasis on ‘starts’. Once it starts to hurt you let them know by ‘tapping’. Tapping is just what it sounds like. Slap your hand against your thigh, the mat, whatever is close. That tells them what they need to know and they’ll stop.
7) e=mc squared
Well, perhaps you don’t need to know that but a lot of martial arts is just physics. You might be wondering what wrist locks are arm bars are. Well, there’s ways you body is meant to bend and ways it isn’t. Elbows bend forwards but they don’t like going backwards. Sit back for a moment and try this… Straighten your arm and push it palm upwards against the desk in front on you. Feel it lock? Now put some gentle pressure on your tricep just above your elbow pushing it upwards as well. Does it feel a bit uncomfortable? Well you’re doing it with almost no leverage at the moment but that’s the basic idea behind a lot of armbars.
Wrist locks, are about turning your wrists ways they don’t want to go – no surprises there. Perhaps it is surprising how much control you can have with a wrist lock. You know those displays the martial artist forces someone onto the ground or to follow him just by holding their hand in a strange way? They often do that with wrist locks – and it’s not that hard.
The most important thing, however, is balance. It might be all just physics but it takes a bit of learning!
7) There are many shades of black.
There is a tendency to think that black belts are gods and that the quicker a martial art can turn you into a black belt the better the martial art. Well, all black belts aren’t created equal. In fact for many martial artists a black belt is just the start. There are several grades (known as ‘dans’ after black). Your first black belt grading makes you a first-dan. Grand masters can reach 8th dan (I don’t know if 9ths are out there but maybe). 8th Dan black belts normally have grey hair and grandchildren.
Getting a first dan black belt can take anything from three years to forty years. Some martial arts have more levels between white and black and others have long spells between gradings. Judo requires that everyone compete in competitions to earn gradings. You could be the best thing since Bruce Lee but if you don’t go to the meets you won’t get the belt. Also, some martial artists don’t attend every grading. So the person with the darkest belt might not be the most experienced. However, a black belt does mean someone’s put a lot of work in and they should be respected for it.
8) Bowing doesn’t mean you’re about to be given a cup of green tea
The ritual aspect in martial arts is bewildering to most new recruits. Where should I stand? Am I doing the right thing? What is that about? Fortunately most instructors and club mates are only too happy to tell you what you should be doing. It’s up to you whether you choose a formal, discipline-oriented club or not. For many people discipline is the essence of martial arts. Other people find it just too daunting and prefer a more laid back club. There’s plenty of each out there.
9) If you trash someone else’s martial art you will come back as a hedgehog.
Some people like to spend a lot of time telling you about why their martial art is the only one. It’s not true. They all have something to offer and I think the best martial artists have trained in more than one.
*****
You need to look around to find the one that suits you. However, here’s a few pointers on what some of the arts focus on (it’s not comprehensive and it really really really depends on the club!):
Punching and kicking arts: Thai Boxing, Karate, Kick boxing, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Ju-Jitsu.
Throws and breakfalls: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Armbars, wristlocks, strangles: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Grappling: Judo
Wrestling/ Groundwork: Judo, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, some other Ju-jitsu clubs
Swords: Kendo and Aido
Other weapons: Nin-Jitsu
Using someone else’s strength against them: Ju-jitsu, Judo, Aikido, Nin-Jitsu
Discipline and meditation: depends a lot on the club. Often a feature of nin-jitsu and Zen Do Kai clubs, Tai Chi
Competition and sport: this varies from club to club. Judo is a sport so most judo clubs will compete. Karate, Tae Kwon Do and other may or may not.
Whatever martial art takes your fancy the best advice I can give is to give it a go. It might be daunting at first and the first club might not suit you but stick it out and the rewards are there!
*****
So there you go! Your online guide to martial arts, Have fun!
And don’t go kicking any old grannys, unless you’re playing Grand Theft Auto 3 that is! ;-)