More and more individuals are looking to ancient combat arts as a means of self-defense. Among the most popular martial arts practiced in America today are traditional kung fu, karate and tae kwon do, while a number of lesser-known fighting arts such as taijutsu and systema also are gaining popularity. While many martial artists claim that it's impossible to learn an authentic fighting art without the presence of a live instructor, practically anyone can utilize these techniques to build strength, develop dexterity and cultivate the sense of discipline that comes along with learning a martial art at home.
Step 1
Select a spacious indoor or outdoor area for your at home martial arts practice and place a mirror in a location where you can clearly see your torso, hips and legs in the reflection. Ensure that no animals or children can enter your training area in the middle of practice.
Step 2
Decide on a martial art that you wish to pursue by creating a list of the top three martial arts you have been most interested in. Include arts and techniques that you may have read about, seen in movies, or had friends and family members speak of. Ask members of your local martial arts community which fighting art they recommend and view books or videos of each art until you have chosen the martial art that you wish to learn.
Step 3
Acquire books or instructional videos that detail all of the basic, fundamental techniques of your selected martial art. Make sure the material includes visual instruction of how to perform each of the punches, strikes, blocks, kicks and stances utilized in the beginning lessons of your martial art. Begin with the white belt, or beginner, material and advance yourself as if you were attending a martial arts school.
Step 4
If necessary, place a TV, laptop or DVD player in your training area so that you can clearly see and hear the instructor's lesson. Put on workout clothes, or your martial art uniform if desired, and place yourself before the mirror. Begin each training session with basic leg, arm and back stretches and strengthening exercises to warm up your body and prepare you for the home lesson. Progress through the video instruction, carefully watching and repeating each motion of the punch, kick or form sequence while pausing and rewinding as needed.
Step 5
Select a sparring partner for weekly martial arts sparring practice and determine the rules for each fight. Put on your protective sparring boots and gloves, mouth protector and other safety gear as desired and engage in safe, controlled combat with your partner. Practice the punches, kicks, stances and blocks you learned from your books and instructional videos and confine your fighting techniques to the martial art you are currently learning at home. This will help you keep from creating your own fusion style of fighting that is less authentic to the specific art you're learning.
Step 6
Contact a local sensei, sifu or instructor in the martial art you are learning and schedule a time to meet and go through your techniques and forms. Consider the advice and corrections offered by the instructor and integrate it into your at home practice as you progress in skill and technique.
Tips and Warnings
- While at-home training is always recommended, few things can replace the intensive education of a live instructor or the community of your martial art classmates. Consider your reasons for practicing at home and decide if you would like to attend workshops or monthly classes to ensure your training is complete.
- Consult your personal physician before undergoing a martial arts training regimen that is considerably different from your normal activity level. Contact your doctor if you encounter any serious or lingering pain during practice.
Things You'll Need
- Full-body mirror
- TV, VCR or Laptop computer
- Sparring boots and gloves
- Mouth guard
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