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The following is a brief description of common Martial Arts for a person interested in beginning. If you are just starting, visit all the schools you are interested in. Meet the instuctor, and try out a class. If you are not invited to try a class, do not attend the school. Do not fold to the pressure of signing a long term contract or paying a large enrollment fee. It is more important to find a studio where you will be comfortable rather than a particular martial arts style. There is a variety of styles and instructors. Some will teach you poor skills, and some of them are down right dangerous so be careful. Do not become discouraged if you have a bad experience. Martial arts training is a journey on a path that never ends. If you become discouraged and quit, you will not develop the skills that you may someday need to protect yourself or a loved one.

(1) KICKBOXING:

Kickboxing is a full-contact martial art. This style combines martial arts kicks with western-style boxing. It involves punching and kicking your opponent. Fighters can also strike with their knees and elbows. This is a devastating fighting art. It is also easy to learn.

(2) Tae Kwon Do: 

Tae kwon do is a kicking art. It involves a large variety of kicks. It is not very effective in the boxing department.

(3) Jiu Jitsu:

Jujitsu is a grappling art. It is similar to wrestling. It involves throwing your opponent or using joint locks or breaking bones to disable your opponent. This type of training can be effective. It takes years of training to be proficient. The Bazilian style of Jiu Jitsu is the most effective.

(4) Kenpo:

Kenpo is a good all-around martial art. It involves punching, kicking, and throwing. Students move up in belt rank by learning Katas (routines).

(5) Kung Fu: 

Kung fu is a very formal type of martial art. Students learn many Katas. It is a good style for a student interested in learning movement rather than fighting skills.

If you are trying to decide on a style, asking yourself the following questions will help you understand your needs:

(1) Do I want to learn a striking art or a throwing art?

(2) Do I like movement (forms), or do I like fighting?

(3) How long do I want to learn before I can protect myself (years or          months)?

If you answer these questions, you can better narrow the type of style that would be right for you. If you like throwing, then JuJitsu might be a good art for you. If you like movement and forms, then Fung Fu might be good for you. If you want to learn to protect yourself quickly, then Kickboxing would be good for you.

Good luck on your Martial Art search. If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to e-mail me.