Martial arts are comprehensive fighting systems that generally include a vast array of unarmed and weapons combat styles. Developed in variations around the world, most traditional martial arts emerge from historical climates of warfare wherein the knowledge of self-defense could easily mean the difference between life or death. While most modern martial arts practitioners learn their techniques and fighting methods from dojos, or schools, some individuals seek to supplement their martial training online. Though typically less effective than training with a live instructor, these home training tips can be used by practically anyone to increase their skill in martial arts.
Step 1
Decide on a martial art to which you wish to dedicate your home training. Ask friends or members of your local martial arts community which styles they recommend and acquire books and videos of each style to help your decision making. Research the different varieties of popular martial arts such as kung fu, tae kwon do and karate, as well as lesser-known styles such as Kenjutsu or Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, and decide on the martial art you wish to learn.
Step 2
Create a training space in your home or office for regular training sessions in your martial art. Clear the room of any furniture, bulky decorations or other obstructions that may get in the way of your free movement. Position a full-body mirror in the center of a far wall wherein you can see your reflection in the surface and position your laptop or desktop computer screen where you can clearly see it.
Step 3
Decide on a series of instructional videos offered by an online sensei, sifu or class instructor in your selected martial art. View as many free online videos as possible with the help of YouTube, MetaCafe and other online video libraries, and choose material befitting your current rank and knowledge of your martial art so that you gradually develop your "belt grade" as you would in a live class. Narrow your selection of online teachers in your martial art and contact each one individually to help you decide on which instructor you can learn the most from. Make sure your laptop or desktop computer has all of the video watching, flash or web cam capabilities required by your instructor.
Step 4
Set aside a 30-to-90-minute chunk of time for frequent training. Begin each training session with basic wrist, ankle, quadriceps, triceps and calf stretches in order to warm up your body for your online martial arts class. Open the instructional video or online web cam lesson and perform each strike, form or combat sequence instructed in the video. Divide your attention between the video and the full-length mirror to ensure that you are executing each punch, strike, kick, block or stance successfully.
Step 5
Pause or rewind the video as needed to help absorb the intricacies of different movements. Perform each movement in repetition to make sure that you perfect each technique before moving on, and contact your online instructor with any questions you may have. Be consistent with your training schedule and practice four to seven times every week.
Step 6
Progress in your learning of the styles and techniques of your martial art and inform you online instructor when you feel prepared to test, or advance to new material in your martial art.
Tips and Warnings
- While potentially effective in toning the body and supplementing your learning, online martial arts classes typically cannot replace the experience and instruction of having a live teacher. Carefully research the martial art schools in your area and consider if a weekly, monthly or occasional attendance is possible to help ensure that you are learning each technique correctly.
- Consult your personal physician or doctor before you begin a martial art, particularly if this is your first time. If you feel any sensations of acute or lingering pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Laptop or desktop with screen
- Full-body mirror
- Web cam (optional)
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