How do I start learning martial arts on my own?
I'm intrigued by martial arts as a tool for self-defense, fitness, and also just as a cool hobby but have no idea where to start and don't know anything about the different types. Can I start learning stuff at home on my own? What are some resources for learning more about it?
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For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article How to Teach Yourself Martial Arts at Home (for Beginners)
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You should consider looking for a martial arts school or academy for formal instruction. Here are my tips for finding the right school for you:
1. First off, do not be influenced by degrees of black belt or competition titles. They have nothing to do with being a good instructor. Look for instructors who are MATA Certified (Martial Arts Teachers Association (MATA). That is a professional development standard.
2. Visit the school and watch beginners and advanced classes. Are the beginners taught practical skills or traditional imaginary make-believe skills? For instance, a staple of many schools is kata. Kata is an imaginary fight against pretend attackers. Kata is great for coordination but TERRIBLE for teaching practical skills. Shadow kickboxing is essentially the same but FAR more applicable.
3. Don’t take what the instructor says as law. Ask yourself, “Does this make any sense?”
Example of a practical approach: snapping the hand back to protect the face after a punch.
Example of an impractical approach: pulling the hand back to the hip after a punch while holding the other hand out in space.
4. Are the advanced students in shape? Skilled? Friendly? Respectful? These are the products of the school, so they will give you an indicator of the results the school produces.
Good luck!
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1. First off, do not be influenced by degrees of black belt or competition titles. They have nothing to do with being a good instructor. Look for instructors who are MATA Certified (Martial Arts Teachers Association (MATA). That is a professional development standard.
2. Visit the school and watch beginners and advanced classes. Are the beginners taught practical skills or traditional imaginary make-believe skills? For instance, a staple of many schools is kata. Kata is an imaginary fight against pretend attackers. Kata is great for coordination but TERRIBLE for teaching practical skills. Shadow kickboxing is essentially the same but FAR more applicable.
3. Don’t take what the instructor says as law. Ask yourself, “Does this make any sense?”
Example of a practical approach: snapping the hand back to protect the face after a punch.
Example of an impractical approach: pulling the hand back to the hip after a punch while holding the other hand out in space.
4. Are the advanced students in shape? Skilled? Friendly? Respectful? These are the products of the school, so they will give you an indicator of the results the school produces.
Good luck!
While it's best to learn martial arts from an experienced instructor so you develop the right techniques and avoid bad habits, there are some things you can practice at home. Work on stretching, strength training, and endurance to increase your fitness level.
You can also learn about the various kinds of martial arts through books, forums, social media groups, or videos and choose the style that's best for you. Then, look for YouTube videos or live online classes that teach the basic stances, footwork, kicks, and punches.
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You can also learn about the various kinds of martial arts through books, forums, social media groups, or videos and choose the style that's best for you. Then, look for YouTube videos or live online classes that teach the basic stances, footwork, kicks, and punches.
You can visit a dojo (or we call it dojang) and start there. For resources, you can ask me more about this :) I have a blue belt in taekwondo
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I think Sanshou and kickboxing are still quite practical. The others are just so-so.
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I think it's really valuable to have an instructor when you're just starting off in martial arts. The instructor will be able to tell you if you're doing anything wrong, and it's so important to get your form right when you're building your fundamentals. I know you want to learn stuff at home on your own, but if you can, take at least a few lessons to get you started. Once you have a good grasp of the basics, then you can stop taking lessons and hone your skills at home.
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Yes you can but first you might want to figure out what you’re interested in like me I’m into kicking and grappling so I chose Jeet Kune Do
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It's hard to beat a professional instructor, but if you wanna learn on your own you can try watching and following YouTube video tutorials. Watch several different tutorials so you can get a better since of what's best practice. And if you have any friends who do martial arts, see if they're willing to give you pointers.
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