Unlike in the movie The Karate Kid, you are not Daniel LaRusso who happens to live next door to karate master Mr. Miyagi. Before deciding what kind of martial art you want, you should find out for yourself your goals for learning self-defense, then find a form of martial arts that fits those goals, and finally choose a course and teacher. There is no martial art that is superior to another, the only one who excels is the martial arts expert. Every martial art has strengths and weaknesses. So. choose the one that suits you.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Choosing Martial Arts
Step 1. For self-defense purposes, learn jujitsu
Usually a person learns martial arts so that he can defend himself. Just look at Daniel LaRusso. He is being bullied. you too? Or are you afraid that you will become a victim of bullying? Every martial art will teach you how to defend yourself. Look for martial arts that place more emphasis on defense and escape techniques. Jujitsu is widely regarded as an art of self-defense because it utilizes the opponent's strength and attack power to fight the enemy. That is, the stronger or larger the attacker's body, the easier it is to defeat him.
In defensive situations, you'll learn how to dodge forward attacks, get out of grips, and quickly beat your opponent. Every martial art has a goal of self-defense, but some are more confrontational than others. Jujitsu balances the two
Step 2. Kung Fu makes the body healthy
The second most popular reason people practice kung fu is to exercise, convert fat into muscle, and improve coordination. Every martial art has this purpose, but you can choose kung fu because you want to get fit. Kung fu is rightly chosen to train the whole body. Because kung fu maximizes low posture and strong adam, the body tends to be fully trained. Kung fu is also one of the most disciplined martial arts.
Kungfu trains all the muscles of the body, while there are other martial arts that emphasize only the upper body or the lower body, and flexibility. If you want to work on your upper body strength, learn western boxing or Shotokan karate from Japan. If you prefer your feet to be in strong shape, choose a martial art that places a much greater emphasis on leg strength and agility, such as taekwondo
Step 3. Naginata builds self-confidence
Naginata is both a martial art and an art form that teaches ethics, respect, and self-confidence. Martial arts like Naginata can build self-confidence as it unlocks potential, builds muscle, and teaches new skills. Generally someone who first walks into a dojo has no self-respect or confidence in themselves. Do you also feel the same? If so, look for courses and teachers who will build your confidence instead of slamming you into the mat. The naginata teacher will focus on encouraging positive feelings and experiences. This positive reinforcement is the main factor in your learning the naginata.
Step 4. Taekwondo will practice discipline and self-control
Taekwondo is the most popular martial art in the world, especially since it was introduced at the 1988 Olympics. Many people think of taekwondo as an artistic form that requires proper self-control. You must discipline yourself to make every move graceful, graceful, and purposeful. Taekwondo can be a great way to teach discipline and self-control (to both children and adults) because so much emphasis is placed on movement and form.
The experience of learning martial arts gradually and regularly requires a high sense of discipline and self-control. While studying, you may experience unexpected things. "Wax on, wax off," said Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid. Daniel couldn't understand how polishing a car could make him proficient in martial arts. However, he finally found out that his teacher was more understanding. That's why you must always obey your teacher. Listen to the instructions and practice diligently. Discipline will make you a martial arts expert which will eventually affect your daily life
Step 5. Kickboxing requires you to fight in the ring. In the 1970s, American karate experts felt that the rules in karate duels were very strict. What they wanted was a full contact duel that gave birth to kickboxing. One may use opponents, kicks, punches, blocks, and shadow fists in fighting. Due to its full contact and dueling aspects, kickboxing is suitable for those of you who want to fight in the ring.
Some martial arts do not emphasize fighting in the ring. Traditional styles of kung fu such as hung gar or wing chun were not designed to fight in the ring. Learning this kind of martial art is fine, but it will take a long time before your basics are solid enough to apply in combat situations
Step 6. Look at the cultural interests you have
If you respect or have an interest in a particular culture, you are better suited to learn one of the martial arts that comes from that culture. Learn krav maga if you are interested in Israeli culture, taekwondo for Korean culture, or sumo for a better understanding of Japanese culture.
Choose a course that has a teacher who is native to that culture, or someone who has been directly trained by someone who owns that culture. The instructions you get will feel more "authentic". You will also have a better understanding of other aspects of the culture, such as behavior, language, history, or philosophy
Method 2 of 2: Choosing a Martial Arts Course and Teacher
Step 1. Find a martial arts course near your home
Usually a person will learn a martial art based on the availability at the place where he lives. If the practice dojo is difficult for you to get to or is very far away, you will be more tempted to stop halfway. Therefore, look for a self-defense course closest to you, via the internet or in the phone book.
Step 2. Make sure the price of the course you are taking is affordable
Usually self-defense courses do not include tuition fees in the leaflet. The cost of studying can be determined per month, per several months, or the frequency you study every week. The cost of studying is usually also cheaper if more people participate (eg family packages). There are courses that charge around IDR 300 thousand per month, some charge IDR 300 thousand per session. Choose a course that you feel is affordable and worth it. You will know which courses are too expensive.
You can also save money by looking for courses that don't operate exclusively. There are many self-defense courses that operate in community centers, schools, colleges, or the field. The services provided are also not inferior. Call and ask about free trials, course outfits, and membership/course fees. Find out hidden costs. Some courses offer discounts if you plan to attend multiple meetings
Step 3. Be present to class
Get a feel for the martial arts style and course/teacher you're interested in so you get a chance to see the room, other students, and the teacher. This is a great way before you decide to join the martial arts.
Talk to other students. Find out what they like and don't like about the program. Some of the more experienced martial arts students may want to talk about other martial arts programs to help you make an informed decision
Step 4. See if the martial arts teaching style suits you
If you want to learn martial arts in a practical way, does the course encourage or allow beginners to fight freestyle, or is it only for advanced students? Do you prefer to use a coach because it can motivate you to study? Do you aim to create self-confidence? Do you prefer to practice privately or in a crowded class? The teaching style of a martial arts teacher varies, depending on the purpose and the setting.
For novice students who want to duel should also be more restricted than advanced students. Beginner students are usually not able to control the stroke which reduces the risk of injury
Step 5. Look at the community in the neighborhood
Pay attention to how students there interact with each other or with their seniors. Are they friendly? Do they respect other people? Do you want to be their friend? You will be spending a lot of time hanging out with them, so understand their personalities. Your safety also depends on them. If you don't feel comfortable, find another martial art.
Step 6. See the qualifications of a martial arts teacher
You don't have to worry about degrees and certificates. There is no universal standard of judgment or governing body in martial arts. You should look for answers to these questions:
- Who did the teacher learn from?
- How long does the teacher study with the teacher?
- How long had the teacher been studying this martial art?
- Was he experienced as a martial arts teacher, or was he just a martial arts expert? Just like a soccer player who gets a bad coach (and vice versa), a great martial artist doesn't necessarily have a great teacher.
- Of course when you visit a class, the teacher there will say that their class/system is the best. There are many martial arts experts who are very loyal to their own type of martial arts and will undermine other martial arts if you express your interest in other martial arts. Be careful if this happens. This person may not be the best teacher if they don't respect others who are different.
Step 7. Choose a course that fits your schedule
You have to spend a lot of time each week to focus on studying. Most martial arts have exercises or forms that you can do yourself at home so you can keep track of them. If you only study during the course, it will take you a long time to progress.
Take enough time to take the course, then practice at home. Remember that martial arts puts discipline first. Don't take courses that won't discipline you
Step 8. Join and follow now
Don't delay until later, immediately pick up the martial arts that you have researched beforehand. You now understand the purpose of following your chosen martial art. Happy learning, yes!