What's your style of Martial Arts?

Which Martial Art is Right for You? 

3 Steps to help you Find your Style

Wing Chun, Tae Kwon Do, Ninpo Ninjutsu, Karate, Aikido, Kung Fu, Mui Tai… We’ve all heard these names before. But what exactly do they mean? And better yet, why should you bother to find out? 

Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon

Well, if you have you ever fantasized about being a kung fu master, or been curious about Asian philosophy and traditions, or been athletically skilled your whole life but unable to develop a passion for any traditional sport, or simply hoped to learn self-defense techniques in order to protect yourself and loved ones, then there might just be a martial artist hidden deep inside of you, ready to karate chop his/her way out. 

Martial Arts have attracted all types of people since the beginning of their popularization. Many of us became familiar with them after watching old iconic movies like “Enter the Dragon”, “The Karate Kid”, or newer flicks like "The Matrix" and "Kill Bill". But even before Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan were stars on the posters of your teenage bedroom, martial artist all over the world have engaged in some form of self-defense and combat training. Many schools have remained very traditional in their style, while some, like Olympic style Tae Kwon Do, have adopted more athletic approaches to the traditional arts. 

So which tradition is a best fit for YOU?

Aikido Throw

Before we get into it, let’s clear up the air about what martial arts are definitely NOT:

• Martial arts are NOT an offensive education in how to hurt or injure people. If you’ve ever met anyone who did martial arts with the purpose of getting back at someone, or humiliating someone, or just showing off, they are not martial artists; they are bullies.

• Training in martial arts for a couple of years will NOT magically turn you into a Kung Fu master. This isn’t the Matrix (unfortunately). Your Sensei or Master or Teacher will not plug you into a program so you can download all the goodies. No. Martial Arts take dedication, effort, and an ability to learn with an open mind. 

• Martial Arts are NOT all chops and kicks and punches. At the heart of martial arts is discipline of mind and honing the strength of your character. It will refine your skills and help you perform better in every other aspect of your life.

Bruce Lee Meditating

Tae Kwon Do sparring competition

Okay great! Now that we are certain you’re not going to turn into a vengeful bride or replace your whole wardrobe with black faux leather and combat boots, here are 4 steps to take when picking the right Dojo for you:

Ip Man and student Bruce Lee
(true story)

1. RESEARCH! – As previously mentioned, no two Martial Arts are the same, so do some basic research. For example, if you have heard the term Wing Chun, but aren’t clear about what it is, find out about its history and roots, learn about the founder of its tradition, discover what core values it teaches, and explore some cool videos on YouTube. 
2. Ask yourself what about martial arts attracts you – Take a look at the images on this page and notice how they make you feel. Perhaps you are more attracted to the mental discipline aspect; perhaps breaking wooden boards with your bare hands isn’t really your style, and that’s okay too! The things that attract you to the concept of Martial Arts are indicators of which tradition is right for you. 
3. Visit martial arts schools in your area – Last and not least, research which schools in your area offer what you are looking for, and go watch a class! See if you feel the same attraction. If you do, then ask the school’s teacher if any trial classes or short-term arrangements can be made so you can get a taste of what it would be like to train there. If you don’t, then find the next school.

Remember young grass-hopping Padawan jump-front-kicking wax on-wax off lean mean punching machine: you never know whether something is for you or not until you try… GOOD LUCK!

Stephanie L. Onofri