Advice For A Beginner

Hello,

I could use some advice. I have been interested in martial arts for some time and I have finally come to a point where I commit myself to learning - I just graduated law school and have more time now that I'm done with school. I took a jiu jitsu class in college and I did some fitness training with former Army Ranger friends over a summer, who were trained (though I don't remember in what style) and that is about the extent of my experience.

Specifically, suggestions on resources regarding the different styles of karate and how to pick a good instructor/school and what to look for would be helpful. Also, I'm sure it depends on the school, but are lessons multiple times a week, once a week, etc.? And what are some typical prices for lessons? I am short (5'5") and I think a standing striking type style would fit me well, but I don't know. My main goals include fitness, self defense, and sport - some competition.

I've read through a few posts and I'm learning a lot. Thanks for your patience - I'm sure you get lots of "beginner" posts like this.


Jeff

Welcome, Jeff. I'm sure most of the people on this or any other forum will tell you to "shop around" in your area. There are many good styles of martial arts. Probably the biggest question you have to ask yourself is, "Do I want to compete in tournaments or no." While some schools might offer both, you have to be careful on which you choose.

I would recommend you go a couple of times to each school you chose. Also, check at your local YM/WCA's. They usually offer excellent martial arts programs. You also need to talk to the instructors. Don't go by what a friend might recommend. What might be good for him/her might not be good for you. See if you can talk to one or two of the students at each school. Ask the instructor if he/she offers a free introductory class. It's very important that you at least talk to the instructor. Go in with a list of questions, and don't be afraid to ask them. Being a lawyer, I'm sure you know how to ask them.

Don't be afraid especially to ask for cost. Also, don't be afraid to ask how long one might become a black belt with regular attendance to class. I think basically you're looking at approximately three years with diligent training, if this is important to you. Beware the school that says many years to black belt, as they are a money trap in my opinion.

Another thing to look for. Are there many children? Most instructors need to water down their martial art for obvious reasons where children are involved. What I mean is, What might be a devastating technique in reality, might be taught something else. Or an instructor, after having taught primarily children, might forget how to teach an adult, and so consequently forgotten how to teach the real meaning of a technique in a kata or form.

I hope this helps. I'm sure you'll get more advice from others on the forum as there are many good martial artists here. Good luck.

Carl

Thanks for the great information Carl! I'm curious, why is there a big difference between schools that compete in tournaments, and those that don't? I think I might be interested in competing, but I'm not sure. I know I at least want to be able to practically apply the techniques by being able to spar with a partner. Besides price, technique taught, how many kids are in classes, and how many years to attain black belt with regular training, what are some other good questions I should ask when speaking with the instructors?

Thanks again!

I'd recommend reading these articles to help you

http://www.wikihow.com/Discover-Your-Fighting-Style

http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Martial-Art

http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Martial-Arts-School

All these are found under

http://www.wikihow.com/Category:Martial-Arts

enjoy your chosen Martial art

These are some very good articles, Kuri Tora Ryu. Thank you.

Carl

There are many things to look for in a dojo (school). It sounds to me like you are looking for one that will prepare you to be able to defend yourself therfore the compitition factor. Competing is a great way to test your skills with people you don't know. You will fight (kumite) with students in your club but it's the sparing with others that gives you the confidence you need to be able to defend yourself in a real situation. The karate community is full of people willing to help you get what you need for you from your choosen art. P.S. Be aware of contracts. if the dojo doe's not give you a choice of contract or no contract, walk away.

oos

Hello,

I think that the best thing to do would be to set yourself a target every month or so and then aim to complete that certain target in any time that is suitable for you. That way i find that you will learn a lot more in a sensible manner. Just adding to the point, just listen to your Sensei and try you best, you can only do what suits you, do not push yourself to much and get fustrated, take your time in what you do and in a few months you will notice various things in your technique, meaning you are actually making progress.

Hope this helped!

Watch out for so called McDojos.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDojo
(you might want to take a llok at the links that are in the external links section).

It usually takes longer time in kyokushin, so if you are interested in kyokushin, longer than 3 years to become black belt is not a sign of a money trap (I think 5-6 years of dedicated training to become black belt is normal in kyokushin, but it often takes longer).

I actually do not understand why many years to become black belt is sign of a money trap?
Is it because they expect the students/customers to quit training after getting a black belt (if that is the case I do understand your opinion)?
If the gradings are not exceptionally many or costly, I can not see why long time to black belt is a sign of money trap.

It usually takes longer time in kyokushin, so if you are interested in kyokushin, longer than 3 years to become black belt is not a sign of a money trap (I think 5-6 years of dedicated training to become black belt is normal in kyokushin, but it often takes longer).

I actually do not understand why many years to become black belt is sign of a money trap?
Is it because they expect the students/customers to quit training after getting a black belt (if that is the case I do understand your opinion)?
If the gradings are not exceptionally many or costly, I can not see why long time to black belt is a sign of money trap.

The sign of a money trap maybe a actual fee per rank advancement.

Long time to get to black belt may not be so, if the cost reflects the value.