Choosing an art

[waya]

I think this is the most important part of training, choosing the right art for the person that wants to train.
The general public, sadly, is not well informed of the various arts and their differences. Most think all martial arts are Karate and Karate is all the same. Add to that the fact that not all arts are available in all areas and it really makes training the right art for a specific person difficult. On top of all this, generally if you ask someone (especially a commercial instructor) which art you should train they automatically say their own is the best, which it usually is for them but that doesn't mean it will be for you.
I do firmly believe that not just any art is the one that is best for everyone. At my size I wouldn't try to master a grappling art or a wrestling art. And anyone that is larger sature would likely have a hard time with an art requiring alot of flexibility. The same applies to tall people in close striking arts etc.
I think that anyone wishing to train should read any publications on the arts that they can get ahold of, and that instructors should help them honestly and give them all the information they can to assist the person in making an educated decision as to which art they should train.

Rob

[Chazz]

Choosing a style is like choosing a doctor. Yes you could go to one just because your friend says its the best around or that it might be closer to your house but is it the one for you. Look around make a list of ideals that you are looking for in a school to join. visit as many different schools and styles as you can. See if any of them meets the ideals that you have written down. One school might not be as close to home as other or sut up in as nice of a building as others but does it fit what you are looking for. Follow your own heart and ideals, not someone elses

[waya]

That's what I mean by instructors giving honest assistance to new prospective students. I think as an instructor it should also fall under the same responsibility to ensure a person is training the right art, rather than have someone that is 5'0 and 90 pounds trying to wrestle when the average opponent is 5'8 or taller and weighs 50+ pounds more. Alot of people fear losing students by doing this, but if all instructors were that open it would be a reciprocating thing that they would send students to each other based on how the arts truely fit them. I think this would also give a better class of martial artists out there and a lower rate of turnover in the schools. Just my opinion

Rob

[Melanie]

I know I seem to harp on about my instructors - but they really are very good! (Especially as one now knows that I use this forum and does guest appearances :D )

Both instructors have said to me right from the beginning that once you find the martial art that suits you - you will attune to the MA and the teacher and they will show you what is expected of you - for you to then make it your own...

I hope that makes sense - answers on a postcard to MMMM PO Box Shoto, East Sussex Uk :D

Melanie

[Andy Murray]

I was part of an organisation at one time that spent a lot of money on a Marketing campaign advertising all sorts of things that we were'nt that focussed on. We advertised, Boxercise, Kickboxing, Self Defence, padwork, you name it. We attracted large amounts of interest, but the dropout rate was very high. Most people had dissapeared after two nights training. I don't advertise now, but when people arrive at my clubs ( through word of mouth ), they know that they will get what I say. No more, no less. A Martial Art should really have something to keep the attention of any build of person.

Look not for the quick fix. A fancy suit, some flashy moves and an ego endorsement. Look at Martial Arts as a life enhancement program, and you will have a foundation to build on for life.

Should the person choose the style, or the style choose the person?

[waya]

I think it's a little of both.... they will choose each other really. At least that is what happened to me with Hapkido

[RunningDog]

BJJ FTW



Put that necromancy in yer pipe and smoke it. 5 years mofos.

[KempoFist]

BJJ FTW



Put that necromancy in yer pipe and smoke it. 5 years mofos.

Who let you out on here?

[RunningDog]

Who let you out on here?


It's day release only until they're sure I don't pose a danger to the public.

[NamSagoon]

Whatever style it is, make sure they teach you to throw deadly chi balls.

[Scarlet Mist]

BJJ FTW



Put that necromancy in yer pipe and smoke it. 5 years mofos.

Wow. You deserve some kind of award for that.

[RunningDog]

Wow. You deserve some kind of award for that.


Cookie please. I WANNA COOKIE!

[bcullen]

He had the stone rolled away from the tomb and bid Lazarus to come out, and so he did, still wrapped in his grave-cloths.

Jesus spoke and said "BJJ is teh g4y". So let it be posted, so let it be done, Amen.

:p