All arts are not equal – each offers something different. Before looking for a school, you must decide what it is you want for yourself. Is it for physical health and fitness? Self Defense? Mental or spiritual growth? Just about every art offers at least some of each aspect, but they generally all focus more one way or the other.

Karate: Karate is a Japanese art, and within it are dozens of styles. It focuses on strikes with the hands and feet. Throws and take downs may be included, but are generally secondary. The styles vary in their level of contact, and so it is a good idea to find out if the school has sparring classes, and to observe one. Many karate schools teach a variety of self defense techniques, and most have strong components of tradition, discipline and physical fitness.

Judo: Judo is a Japanese throwing art, and is one of the few martial arts to be included in the Olympic games. Schools teach throws and take downs, pins and submission holds. Although judo can be very effective in self defense, most schools don’t focus on this aspect. Judo uses a very well defined system of techniques, and is regulated though international bodies. Physical fitness, tradition and discipline are important in judo training.

Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Aikio, Aiki-Jitsu, are all different, but they are bases on Japanese martial arts. Most of these arts teach techniques that are very effective (sometime even lethal) in self defense applications. Because of the risks of injuries, it is rare that students will spar with each other with high intensity or resistance. The techniques are a mix of joint locks, take downs and strikes. Most schools will emphasize the mental and spiritual aspects of the arts. Often the physical work out is less intense that in some harder styles, but this varies from school to school.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Submission Wrestling: These styles have been made extremely popular by the rise of the UFC and other mixed martial arts competitions. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu differs from its Japanese counterpart in that techniques are generally practiced against a fully resisting opponent, and most submission techniques are applied on the ground. Throws and take downs from Judo and wrestling are used to bring the opponent to the ground, where pins, joint locks and chokes can be applied. The main difference between BJJ and submission wrestling is that the practitioners of jiu jitsu are wearing a Gi (uniform) which the opponent may grip. Submission wrestling is usually practiced in shorts and a t shirt or rash guard, and grabbing the clothing is prohibited. Many schools will teach both. There is often less emphasis put on the traditional aspect, but the physical work out of very intense. There is a debate about the usefulness in self defense applications – while the techniques are extremely effective, being on the ground is a disadvantage in anything other than a 1 on 1 situation.

Kung Fu: This is the generic name given to a variety of Chinese martial arts. There is huge variation in the schools and styles, and a tremendous amount of history behind them. Most styles focus on close range fighting, using short movements along direct paths, and using positioning and balance to negate the proponents attacks. If you are considering one of these styles, it is helpful to get referrals from others. Often it is possible to trace back the lineage of the teachers. Most styles provide many techniques for self defense, and often meditation and other spiritual/mental features are incorporated into the training.

Tae Kwon Do: This is a Korean art. Similar to some styles of Karate, it is based strikes with the hands and feet (with an emphasis on kicks). This is another art that has become part of the Olympic games, and there are international regulating bodies. As long as the school is a member in good standing of the federation, you can be fairly sure you will get the proper instruction. Physical fitness and active sparring are important in this style, and it has a reputation for developing great flexibility.

Boxing / Kick Boxing / Muay Thai: Boxing is often overlooked as a martial art, for some reason people think that since it is “western” it doesn’t qualify. Muay Thai is a style from Thailand that adds elbow strikes, knee strikes and kicks to the punches of western boxing. Any of these styles gives a great physical workout, and fairly intense sparring is common among advanced students. These styles, and especially Muay Thai have become more popular since the rise of mixed martial arts competitions. Typically MMA competitors will practice one of these styles in conjunction with Brazilian jiu jitsu or wrestling to give them the rounded skill set they need. Before considering one of these styles, be sure to visit the school several times and watch their classes. The level of intensity varies dramatically from one school to another. Recently “cardio kick boxing” has become popular. While this is a great work out for the entire body, effective fighting techniques are not normally taught in these sorts of schools.

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts is a catch all to describe a group of techniques taught specifically for ultimate style fighting competitions. Usually these will be a mix of striking and ground fighting systems. It is particularly hard to separate the good schools from the bad in this style, since there is no international federation, set curriculum or ranking system. These schools usually train their fighters for competition, so the best advice is to see how their students are doing. These schools will give an extremely hard physical work out, with very little or no focus on metal/spiritual training, and no self defense training.

Tai Chi: Another Chinese art, this often looks like some sort of slow motion martial art. There are 5 different main styles, and then dozens of other “mixed” styles as well. Tai Chi is often practiced for physical, mental, and spiritual health. Although it is based on fighting techniques, that is generally not the focus.

In addition to there, there are hundreds of other styles, and variations. You may need to visit several different schools before finding the one that is right for you. Take advantages of free trials or short term memberships to find out if the style and school is right for you before signing up for the long term. Most schools will let you try a few classes first to find out if you like it. Try to talk with the other students, and get an idea of how their outlook is similar to or different than your own.

Don’t get drawn into too many internet discussion forums – the topic of “which martial art is best” appears on pretty much every bulletin board at least once a week. Of course, most everyone thinks the style they practice is best. Remember that what matters is how you feel. Find something that makes you happy to go to the class each time, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

Find a martial arts school near you: Phoenix Martial Arts

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Max Miller is chief content editor for America411.info, the leading US Business and Information directory.

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