How to Do Martial Arts

How to do Martial Arts

Currently the fighting arts are undergoing a resurgence in popularity owing to the success of the UFC and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). There is much discussion over what is the 'best' style but with so much variation in approaches from different arts from around the world, such discussion tends to be redundant and a better question to ask is what style is best for you. Even then, the quality of instruction and the rapport you enjoy with your teacher will in all likelihood contribute more to your enjoyment and advancement that the particulars of the art you study.

Much of your practice will focus on repetition of basic techniques and forms - series of pre-arranged movements done in a strict sequence. Once your are comfortable with some basic techniques they may be applied against pads or punching bags to increase your power and speed. Your timing will be improved through sparring with training partners. Sparring in the early stages will be pre-arranged with participants agreeing to limit and control their techniques. Eventually you will build up to free sparring which allows you to exchange techniques with a partner in an unrehearsed (but safe and controlled) manner. Depending on the art you study, advanced students may also cover weapons practice.

Ultimately how you train will depend on the art you study and the approach taken by your instructor. Broadly speaking the arts can be divided in Western and Asian martial arts. The most popular Western arts are Boxing and Wrestling, both of which have become more popular with the rise in the study of MMA. The most popular Asian arts are Chinese (Kung Fu), Japanese (Karate and Judo) and Korean (TaeKwonDo) but you can find online guides to the history, philosophy and technique of many more diverse methods on this site.

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