What's Your Martial Arts Style? - How to Choose the Perfect Martial Arts School for You

As an instructor, one of the questions I am most often asked is, "What’s your martial arts style?"

This is a question often heard when talking about martial arts. And for me personally, it is often a difficult one to answer.

I have been a student of the warrior ways, martial arts, for over 20 years. I have studied styles and systems from all over the world. As I have done so, I have looked at the differences and similarities, the strengths and weaknesses of all of these arts.

I have also been in the military and served as a police officer. So I take into consideration the real world application and usefulness of each move and each system. The programs I offer are more concerned with how well you would do if attacked on the street or in your home and much less concerned with how well you would do in a refereed martial arts competition.

There are variations in martial arts style based on culture, tradition, weaponry, geography, history, purpose, resources, physical abilities and more.

There are many more similarities in martial arts styles than there are differences.

The human being has certain inherent weaknesses and strengths. We all have limitations. Some of us are fast, some big, some strong and others flexible, but we all have two arms and legs, two hands and feet, two eyes and ears. We need to study a martial art that emphasizes our strengths and minimizes our weaknesses.

We are not dragons, tigers, or snakes so why would we learn to fight like one.

We are humans. We must learn to use the attributes we have to the best of our abilities. Regardless of the name of the martial arts style or the origin, the human body only moves in so many different ways.

A front kick is a front kick, the leg is flexed at the hip to raise the knee and the foot is extended out to make contact with a target. A punch is the same, as is a round house kick or ridge hand or what ever technique you may be practicing.

Style is much less important than function.

What are you interested in learning?

Why do you want to study martial arts?

It does not matter whether it is karate, jiu jitsu, kung fu, Shito Ryu, White Crane or Ba Gua. What matters is that you learn an art that is useful and practical in our modern world.

What matters is that you become stronger, healthier and happier, that you develop qualities and attributes that will make you a better person and that you learn more about yourself and how you choose to live your life.

The particular martial arts style is like icing on the cake. You don’t know what’s underneath until you bite in.

So the question becomes, "What are YOU looking for?"

Not all martial arts are created equal.

Really look at what they do and how they do it. Some arts are combat oriented. Others are flashy and for show. Some are for noncontact sports competition, while others are more about internal development.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when choosing a martial arts school.

Is the philosophy of the martial arts school in alignment with my own? (Their primary focus is self development, self defense, competition, or sport)

Why do I want to study martial arts? (to gain strength, discipline, focus, confidence, flexibility; or to lose weight; or to feel safe and be able to protect myself and others.)

Is this school teaching what it is that I am looking for?

Is the Head Instructor a good teacher or just a good martial artist? (Just because someone is a skilled artist does not mean they know how to teach others to become the same.)

Do I have things in common with the other students? (I will be spending several hours a week with these people. Do I really like them?)

Is the school located in a place that I can easily get to regularly? (You will not progress if you only show up to class once in a while.)

Is the environment one in which I am comfortable?

Are the classes at times that are convenient to me?

Does it feel right? (This is the most important one. Follow your intuition and feelings, they are usually right.)

A good school will be open and welcome you to watch and perhaps attend a class before making any decisions. So check out the schools in your area.

Be particular. Only attend a school that meets your needs and is in alignment with what you are looking for.

The most important thing to remember is that you must enjoy what you are doing and you must be growing as a human being. The rest is just icing on the cake.

Have fun and enjoy walking the path of the warrior.

Raven

*** Raven is the Head Instructor at Spirit Warrior Martial Arts and Personal Defense Systems based in Tesuque, New Mexico. He offers a multitude of martial arts, self defense, and security officer training programs.

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