| A lot of people nowadays are getting into the | | | | There is no regulation in the martial arts industry |
| martial arts and choosing a school without even | | | | that defines what standards a good school should |
| knowing which style of martial arts the school | | | | uphold. Also there are a wide range of martial |
| teaches. Some schools are not totally clear on | | | | artists who are full-time commercial school |
| what their style is as many are practicing and | | | | owners and some who are part-time hobbyists. |
| teaching a hybrid mix of multiple arts. Is this a | | | | Most people's perception is that the more |
| problem? Should you know which style you | | | | expensive the school the better the martial art. |
| practice? Are clearly lineated styles even | | | | Sometimes this is true but sometimes the local |
| important? The easy answer to all of these | | | | community center has a great martial artist |
| questions is yes and no. Unfortunately there are | | | | offering a great service. Expensive schools usually |
| hidden costs involved in choosing the wrong style | | | | offer excellent training facilities and great |
| of martial arts. | | | | customer service together with well-structured |
| Here's why: | | | | programs. |
| · Choosing a style based on popularity | | | | Cheaper schools or classes generally offer lesser |
| rather than something that fits your personal | | | | facilities and sometimes inferior instruction, but |
| strengths | | | | very often there are some hidden gems to be |
| Just because a style is the most popular thing | | | | discovered. Don't overlook these people just |
| going doesn't mean that it is right for you. | | | | because of price. Conversely don't overlook the |
| Taekwondo has held the interest of many a | | | | big schools because they are "too expensive". |
| young person due to its dynamic and spectacular | | | | Make your decision based on quality and not price. |
| kicks. If you are athletic and flexible then this | | | | · Opening the Yellow Pages and choosing |
| might be the art for you but if you have bad | | | | a karate school just because the ad looked good |
| knees and worse hamstrings, then think twice. | | | | Looks can be deceiving and just because an ad in |
| Not too long ago, Tae Bo was the big thing. At | | | | the Yellow Pages looks good doesn't mean that |
| first glance some people thought this was a | | | | the karate school is the right one for you. It just |
| martial art, especially as the founder Billy Blanks | | | | means that they are better at marketing and |
| was a former karate champion. However, some | | | | design than some of the other schools listed in |
| of them were disappointed to find out that Tae | | | | the same pages. Check into a few of the schools |
| Bo was a new style aerobic workout using martial | | | | by calling them and visiting them and then make |
| arts techniques that has little to no self-defense | | | | your decision. It might end up that you still go to |
| value. | | | | the school with the cool ad and that's fine, but at |
| More recently Mixed Martial Arts has become | | | | least you looked around a little first. |
| hugely popular and the Ultimate Fighting | | | | So what is the moral of the story? Do your |
| Championship (UFC) is attracting record numbers | | | | research first, before you begin your martial arts |
| on its Pay-Per-View events. Consequently, many | | | | practice! A little extra time spent up front will |
| young people are hoping to ride the next wave of | | | | more than likely pay dividends later. The martial |
| popular martial arts. However if you want to keep | | | | arts often turns into a lifetime endeavor. You |
| your good looks, straight nose and nicely-shaped | | | | probably won't be too happy if you spend some |
| ears you might want to reconsider. | | | | significant time practicing a certain style of martial |
| The bottom line is that you should try to find a | | | | arts only to find out that there is nowhere else to |
| martial art that matches your strengths and not | | | | go unless you change your style. |
| your weaknesses. | | | | I speak from personal experience here so please |
| · Picking a martial art that has conflicting | | | | listen to what I'm saying. I spent the first ten |
| values with your core beliefs | | | | years of my martial arts practice studying a style |
| The majority of martial arts have a certain | | | | of karate that had been invented by my |
| amount of traditional "baggage" that comes with | | | | instructor. I was lucky because this particular |
| them. This "baggage" can sometimes include some | | | | instructor was actually very good at the martial |
| rather esoteric practices and mystical thinking that | | | | arts and had developed his style based on what |
| you may or may not be comfortable with. Most | | | | he felt was the best from some of the |
| people are able to accept these practices at face | | | | mainstream karate styles. |
| value and in many cases the various martial arts | | | | Consequently, when he decided to end his study |
| schools water down some of the stranger | | | | of the martial arts due to family commitments, |
| customs and forms of etiquette in the interest of | | | | the transition into my current style of Shotokan |
| blending in with our popular culture. | | | | Karate was not too difficult due to the similarities |
| Some people however feel that their own | | | | with my first style of karate. Fortunately I have |
| personal religious preferences and ideals are being | | | | few regrets based on the life lessons I received |
| compromised and therefore can feel more than a | | | | from my first instructor. Some of you may be |
| little uncomfortable. If this description fits you then | | | | less fortunate and will have to change altogether. |
| you might want to check out your chosen style's | | | | For a comprehensive guide on how to choose the |
| practices and customs before you make your | | | | right style and the right school for you just |
| final decision. This factor is usually not an issue but | | | | download my FREE Report, "Karate for |
| it doesn't hurt to check out this aspect of your | | | | Newcomers: How to Find Out Everything You |
| martial art before making a commitment. | | | | Need to Know to Start Your Karate Practice". |
| · Enrolling in a martial arts school based on | | | | You will find it at |
| price rather than quality | | | | Good luck and best wishes on your journey in |
| This factor can work for you and against you. | | | | karate. |