| People have always been fascinated with the | | | | paid for. |
| martial arts. Hollywood has done a great job of | | | | The Mystical Martial Arts Myth |
| twisting the art of self defense way out of | | | | You are an intelligent reader and probably realize |
| proportion. From Bruce Lee movies to the Power | | | | that self defense systems have nothing to do |
| Rangers, people have a very skewed take on | | | | with magic or mysticism. If someone is looking for |
| what martial arts are really about. If you're | | | | this kind of training, there are some unethical |
| considering self defense classes, it helps to know | | | | studios that are more than happy to take the |
| a few things so you can make the best choice. | | | | money and teach you the supposed "secrets" |
| What Do You Hope to Take Away from Self | | | | that will give you great powers. Just know that |
| Defense Classes? | | | | there is nothing otherworldly about real self |
| Before you sign up for any type of martial arts | | | | defense training. |
| course, you need to know what your motives for | | | | Practical Self Defense Training |
| learning are. Different styles and schools have | | | | There are several systems that teach decent self |
| varying benefits. You should honestly ask yourself | | | | defense techniques. Kenpo, Krav Maga and MMA |
| why you want to study martial arts. The most | | | | studios teach practical self defense that you can |
| common reasons are: | | | | use. There are also online courses that have |
| - Physical Fitness or as a social activity or hobby | | | | stripped away all the unnecessary frills of fancy |
| - To learn "mystical" secrets of fighting | | | | self defense systems and give you just the meat |
| - To learn real self defense tactics to protect | | | | - the kinds of techniques that can keep you from |
| yourself. | | | | being a victim of violence. |
| You need to choose the right kind of program for | | | | You can learn some good self defense from a |
| your needs. Nearly all martial arts systems will | | | | Kenpo or Krav Maga school, but you will have to |
| help you to improve your fitness level. When | | | | pay quite a bit for these better self defense |
| you're moving around, punching and kicking, you | | | | courses - typically $50 to $100 a month. Online |
| get good exercise. | | | | self defense programs that instruct you in the |
| If you want to pursue karate or other fighting | | | | most effective fighting skills are much more |
| styles as a social activity. There are plenty of | | | | affordable than studios or schools. With the better |
| clubs and studios in most areas that offer classes | | | | online self defense programs you get the best |
| that you can sign up for. Some will charge a | | | | instruction on the most realistic defense |
| monthly fee others will ask you to sign a contract. | | | | techniques for less than the cost of one month of |
| It's best to avoid contracts and large down | | | | studio lessons. |
| payments. Too many karate schools go out of | | | | You are finally ready to learn how to really |
| business and leave you standing with a worthless | | | | defend yourself without paying a ton of money, |
| contract and without receiving the lessons you | | | | aren't you? |