It takes decades of study to become truly proficient in a martial art. However, students often find that they make significant progress even after only a few weeks of dedicated training. Although each martial art has its own ethos, style and signature moves, the method for learning martial arts remains consistent. You need to find instruction and practice what you learn.
Finding a Class
Step 1
List all the martial arts programs in your local area. Besides the obvious phone book and Internet choices, check with local recreation guides, health clubs and community centers. Many such venues offer otherwise unadvertised martial arts classes. Also, ask your friends for recommendations, as it's likely at least one of your acquaintances is taking lessons somewhere, or knows somebody taking martial arts classes.
Step 2
Call each program from your list. Ask about their class schedule and teaching philosophy. Cross off the ones that don't have a compatible schedule or that approach martial arts in a way that makes you less comfortable. For example, somebody who wants to have fun getting fit should avoid a competitive kickboxing program. Similarly, somebody who wants to learn to fight would eliminate schools that specialize in teaching kids.
Step 3
Visit between three and six schools on your list, based on location, schedule or your opinion from the phone interview. Check the school for professionalism, good atmosphere and safety on the training floor. Like teaching philosophy, different elements will matter more or less, based on your preferences.
Step 4
Sign up for the introductory program at two of the schools. Immediately disqualify any school that asks you to sign a long contract without trying an intro class. Use this period as an extended interview where you get to know the instructors and students.
Step 5
Sign up for a full course of study with your favorite of the two schools.
Practicing
Step 1
Attend a minimum of two classes per week. Martial arts teacher Dave Coffman says that attending fewer classes often leads to frustration with your progress.
Step 2
Focus on one single piece of material in each class. Although you should participate in all the exercises, make it a goal to learn one specific skill well enough to practice it at home.
Step 3
Practice your material a minimum of three days per week. During your practice session, spend half the time practicing the skill you focused on in your most recent class. Spend the other half reviewing skills you focused on previously.
Step 4
Read books and watch videos about the art you're studying. During your first few years of training, avoid studying about other arts. Although most arts are equally valid, many have subtle or large differences in their approach to fighting. Until you've learned your material, studying other arts can confuse you and slow your progress.
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Hillsboro, Oregon
- "The Tao of Jeet Kun Do"; Bruce Lee; 1975
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