Martial arts a beginners guide

Karate is a popular martial art worldwide with several different styles emphasising on  different aspects, such as self-defence, competitive karate  (WKF) and values. This martial art teaches values through discipline, respect, and using inner strength. This type of training aims to develop posture, balance, coordination, speed, power, and mental focus. Training includes practicing basic techniques (kihon), forms (kata), sparring (kumite), and self-defence techniques.

KRAV MAGA 

Krav Maga combines some of the best techniques from different martial arts. It focuses on aggressive moves to end combat situations in the fastest way possible. Krav Maga utilizes real-world techniques like violent sneak attacks and intimidation to prepare a student for realistic fight situations. An important component of the training includes honing one’s instinct and awareness to be ready at all times.

JUDO

This form of martial arts also originated in Japan and uses grappling as the central theme. It focuses on capturing the force of the attacker and using it against them. Although the name translates to ‘gentle way’, Judo is a respected sport that can be used in combat to control and disable the opponent.

TAEKWONDO 

Started in Korea, this form of combat shares some similarities with karate but emphasizes the use of feet and kicks. It is a series of moves that can be used to defend and disable an opponent. Training includes skills like agility, power, speed, and using gravity and centres of balance to fight more effectively. While it is now largely a competitive sport, it originated as a form of self-defence and was used in the military.

The focus on using legs as weapons allows the fighter to stay farther out of reach than if using arms. It involves self-defence techniques, sparring, and board-breaking techniques. Students train by using repetitive drills to refine techniques and enhance flexibility by combining intricate footwork, swift strikes, and blocks, making it an art form that blends beauty, athleticism, and practicality.

MUAY THAI 

A Thai-based form of martial arts that largely makes use of shins, elbows, fists and knees. It is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ because it utilizes so many body parts. It makes extensive use of foot sweeps that can be used in a real fight to disable the opponent. The training for Thai boxing or Muay Thai is helpful because it teaches the fighter how to use skills like footwork to prevent being struck.

The techniques and tactics  Muay Thai use by focusing on increasing your endurance, and learning precise technique execution. This type training includes pad work, heavy bag training, sparring, and conditioning drills. To develop strength, speed, agility, and mental strength.

KICKBOXING

Kickboxing is a full-contact fighting style that combines punches and kicks, towards the upper and lower body. And is combination of boxing and karate. Kickboxing has gained global popularity as a competitive combat sport.

Kickboxing focuses on developing striking skills, physical conditioning, and self-defence techniques. Kickboxers use  a variety of techniques, including punches, kicks, knee strikes, and depending on the fighting style, sometimes elbows.

Training involves extensive pad  and bag training.  Using mitts or pads to train for accuracy, speed, and timing. Sparring is another critical aspect of kickboxing training that allows for a practical application in a controlled but realistic environment.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

A Brazilian style of fighting, this form teaches how to fight larger opponents by bringing them to the ground. It focuses on disabling and sending the opponent to the ground, but it also teaches the student how to control an attacker and keep them in the phase of the fight that is most suited to one’s greatest strengths.

One of the important aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is it focuses on leveraging technique, and positioning to overcome opponents, regardless of size or strength. Techniques include sweeps, takedowns, joining locks, chokes, and body control. BJJ aims to gain strong positions on the ground with tactics such as a rear mount, where joint locks or chokeholds are applied with force.

You can start at the beginner level for all forms of combat and work your way up the ladder till you feel confident about entering competitions. All forms can be practised up to a professional level while judo, karate, and taekwondo are part of the Olympics.

 MARTIAL ART LIFESTYLE 

Training in martial arts is really a complete package as it not only teaches self-discipline, But also a healthy lifestyle. By learning how to eat an healthy diet and using foods such as protein for strength and performance, removing those unhealthy habits, and becoming the best version of yourself.

By mastering techniques that you can use in self-defence. You’ll also discover how to use your own body in more effective ways. By learning to develop quick footwork, throwing a punch, and how to disable or control your would be attacker. These techniques set you apart from someone who doesn’t have the training or the self awareness to prepare or defend against a threat.

Martial artists training won’t worry about incorporated diet into training. Unless they have hit the professional  stage e.g Olympic Games or competition where you compete in a weight class. I found it’s beneficial to concentrate by eating in moderation, including superfoods. Which in turn will fuel  your body. Therefore, giving you optimum performance. Here are some tips I learnt from my martial art mentor.

EATING SMALL MEALS AT REGULAR INTERVALS 

When you are living with an active lifestyle and regardless of what you train in.  In general you’ll be likely to have a bigger appetite. The best solution here, instead an eating a massive meal and think I’ll work it off later. Is to eat small light meals every 4 hours as this keep your metabolism active and ensure your body doesn’t go into starvation (calorie-saving) mode.

A BALANCED DIET = GREATER STRENGTH 

Don’t avoid any food group, but plan it so that your body gets what it needs when it needs. This means eating enough protein to retain muscle mass, eating things whole grains and using them in your diet, adding carbs for post-training boosts, and using healthy fats like olive oil or nuts to keep your system working well. Check out this article as I found this really interesting.  How martial artists from around the world eat https://www.japanesemartialartscenter.com

RAW INGREDIENTS 

It is essential like all good nutritionist say. We need to be adding fruit and veggies into your diet to provide fibre, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. I found as a martial artist it vital to include a good deal of protein and a large side of grilled or steamed veggies. This is really good after a training session.

STAY HYDRATED 

We are all aware that staying hydrated is critical. So, regardless if you’re in the sun, playing sports or training in martial arts. If your body is getting enough water, it can perform all the functions required to get the job done. This means the elimination of toxins, digestive functions, muscle recovery, and good mental health. When participating in a high intensity martial arts class or sport,  you’ll perspire and lose a lot of water, so it’s vital to top it up during the day.

DO NOT OVERINDULGE 

As I stated above by eating small meals at regular intervals helps to increase your metabolism, but it also prevents you from overeating. Martial arts training emphasises in  discipline and self-awareness. So you see overindulgence goes against both of these concepts.

When you overindulge, you are drawing energy away from your body and mind and to your stomach. You’ll feel sluggish after over eating and nobody can be prepared or alert if they are sleepy. Remember to eat what your body needs, not what your brain or your emotions are telling you to eat.

COMMON QUESTIONS ( martial arts a beginners guide)

WHAT AGE CAN MY KIDS START TRAINING IN MARTIAL ARTS?

Most  martial arts schools these days offer classes for children as young as four to six years old. Beginning martial arts at a young age provides numerous benefits, including physical fitness, discipline, focus, self-confidence, and social skills. 

Children at this age typically have the physical coordination and attention span necessary to engage in structured martial arts training. Training teaches kids at these age often focus on developing foundational movements, techniques, and introducing core principles such as respect, discipline, and self-control.

AM I TOO OLD TO BEGIN TRAINING IN MARTIAL ARTS?

 

No , adults can learn martial arts at any age. Training can be accommodated to any different fitness abilities, skill levels, or personal goals. You are not required to meet any predetermined criterion of fitness, skill or flexibility. You are joining these classes to learn those skills, to begin with. Anyone, old or young can learn different kinds of combat techniques.

The best way to begin with martial arts is to join an introductory class. One of the best things about any format you choose is that this is your own journey. Where you do not have to rely on anyone else, but you will need an instructor to help you understand the moves and the logic behind the technique.

Sensei’s are happy to adapt training to suit individual needs and ensure a safe and enjoyable training experience. Learning martial arts as an adult improves physical fitness, self-defence skills, reduces stress, and helps to enhances personal development.

CAN WE TRAIN TOGETHER AS FAMILY?

 

Yes a lot of dojo’s out there do offer family classes. This is a great way to not only get fitter, learn amazing skills. But also it builds an amazing bond with your kids. When I restarted my martial arts journey in karate over 5 years ago.

My eldest son was constantly getting bullied at school. So I decided we would take on a united front and train together. When we started I was in the senior class, while both of my kids were in the junior class. But as they progressed into the higher rank, they joined me in the senior class.

Not only have I had the privilege of watching my son’s turn into amazing young men. But we have an amazing bond that will last a lifetime. You are all equal on the mats and it is a great feeling to know you are going through this experience together.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS IN LEARNING MARTIAL ARTS?

Yes,  just like learning any combat sports there are risks. Martial arts involves physical contact, strikes, throws, and grappling techniques, which all carry a risk of injury. 

Instructors will teach you the correct methods to avoid the risk of injuries through proper techniques, safety guidelines, and the use of protective equipment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS 

By training in martial arts it will enhance your confidence by physical strength, survival mindset, discipline, focus and a sense of security.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE 

 

Confidence is defined as the feeling of belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. Martial arts is a lot more than just fighting or self defence, but it also helps you spiritually, physically and building a strong mentality.  This is not only important in self defence but also achieving your life long goals.

Whether you are going through your belt ranks, learning new techniques or even pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, you build a deep sense of accomplishment.  It helps enhance your inner and physical strength,  sharpening your focus or building up your resilience.

LEARNING HOW TO TAKE CONTROL (martial arts a beginners guide)

One of the most important things I took away learning martial arts was the values.  Karate has taught me that you can transfer the strengths from training and then use them in your everyday life. Some of the most effective values are

• Taking on challenges head on
• Motivation
• Focus
• discipline
• Indomitable spirit
• Survival mentality

TEACHES YOU SELF DISCIPLINE 

Martial arts is great at showing you how to build self discipline.  This can be defined as the ability to  control your feelings and to overcome your weaknesses.  There will times where you don’t feel like training such as “It’s too hot “ but by learning how to be consistent with your training you come out stronger on the other side. Also your progress in techniques will be enhanced and not only amaze your sensei but yourself.

SELF DEFENCE SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN 

• Focus and Control of your body and mind
• Memorising physical movements e.g techniques
• Following directions and listening to constructive feedback
• Respecting other students and people in the community
• Building confidence by pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone

BOOST YOUR PHYSICAL FITNESS 

Learning a self defence program has a lot of benefits including boosting your physical fitness. It does not matter what age or size you are, everyone can enjoy the physical aspects of martial arts.

Some of  major benefits of starting self defence for fitness are

• increasing your endurance
• building stamina
• Improving your muscles strength
• Helps you lose weight
• Faster reflexes
• Agility
• Strength and power
• Gain more flexibility

BECOMING MORE FLEXIBLE (martial arts a beginners guide)

This beneficial in many ways, you start and end your training with a series of stretches. No only does this help decrease the chance of injuries. But also helps achieve better technique by giving you higher kicks. Therefore, helping to align your joints so you are less stiff, giving you more freedom with your movement.

SELF DEFENCE 

As we go about our daily lives, you always want to be prepared for the unexpected.   Learning how to defend yourself against a predator is one of the best skills to have. It makes me think about the quote “It is better to have the skill and not need it, than need it and not have it”. 

When I started out in my self defence journey. I was nervous at the beginning, but it has empowered me to grow stronger and become a better version of myself. I have achieved things I never thought possible, by helping me get out of my comfort zone.

 

FUNDAMENTALS OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (martial arts a beginners guide)

Situational awareness is the most important part of self defence. By learning how to be aware of your surroundings and becoming aware of any potential dangers. Projecting self confidence in the way you walk and using a loud clear voice. You are stating you will not be an easy target, making you less desirable for a would be attacker.

Attackers are looking for the element of surprise, to catch you when you off guard.  When you are closely watching your environment. This will give you a better chance of seeing and avoiding any potential threats, that come your way.

 

IMPROVING YOUR MEMORY (martial arts a beginners guide)

 

When you start in any martial arts program. You will need to learn a variety of techniques such as punches, kicks, blocks and joint locks. Doing these on a consistent basis will not only help you physically but will also help train muscle memory. This way in a self defence scenario you will not have to think about your techniques as they will a natural instinct over time.

Improving your memory is also important as you start to get older and will also beneficial and help you feel more confident in chasing any life long dreams. I realised that in order to be good at self defence your mind and body needs to work as one.

 

HELPS REDUCE YOUR STRESS 

We all know that feeling when you have a hard day at work or life has literally thrown you a curve ball. Everyone needs to release the stress that we build up on a daily basis. Just like going to the gym, going for a run or a swim. 

Karate has shown me that when you are going through training. By recycling your stress, put all your power into your techniques and by  focusing on the task at hand. Completely releases your stress hormones making you feel satisfied and powerful at the end of the class. You may feel stress at the beginning of the class but you will feel you can take on the world at the end.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MARTIAL ARTS A BEGINNERS GUIDE 

 

Are you like most women out there and have thought about a martial arts or self defence program but have no idea where to start. Knowing there are so many different styles out there, it can become overwhelming. The  importance of exploring different martial arts. Is because not every style will suit everyone. You may be like me who started off training in one style but then wanted to become a more well rounded martial artist. Maybe you just have begun to think about your of where this journey can take you.

Training in any one of these styles, or others out there. Will greatly improve your chances of protecting not only yourself but also your love ones, should the situation occur. As I always say you are strong, you are beautiful and you are worth it.

Channeling the Warrior Spirit