Looking to start learning Martial Arts.

[Otakawa]

Hello!

I was recently wondering about the physical shape my body is in, and quite honestly, it's not too great.

I've always been very interested in martial arts, due to my brother being a black belt in Karate. He's my inspiration.

I never really bothered to start learning, however, and now I'm starting to deeply consider it.

I need help, though, which brings me to the core of this topic. I don't really know which type/style/difficulty/etc of Martial Arts to start studying and training with. I was thinking of learning the basics online, and then possibly looking into finding an instructor.

I was looking into Xingyiquan and the various types of Shaolin styles, but I don't really know if they're right for a beginner.

Anyone willing to assist me along in choosing what I want to train in?

[Hardball]

I would suggest to start by working out with your brother. If that is not geographically possible, look around your area and seek out trial visits at several different schools until you find one that you like.

[Bjjexpertise@be]

In all honesty there's no telling what martial art is right for you, the only way to tell is to try them and see what you enjoy and are good at. Some people take to the more modern martial arts rather than the traditional and vice versa. Try everything in the area and see what you discover.

[jubaji]

How old are you? What's your situation?

[JadeDragon]

Try Hung Gar Kung Fu or Shaolin Kung Fu (Sil Lum Kung Fu) or Seven Star Praying Mantis

[gregimotis]

Don't try to learn the basics online or from a book. I can see how that sounds like a good idea but in fact it's just the opposite:
The basics are where you need a coach the most. You won't get it right, you'll miss important points, you won't be able to work with other students, you won't have a coach to push you along and correct problems.



Look at all the schools available in your area, google (Wikipedia) the styles advertised, think about what you might enjoy learning.

[Tom Yum]

Hello!

I was recently wondering about the physical shape my body is in, and quite honestly, it's not too great.

I've always been very interested in martial arts, due to my brother being a black belt in Karate. He's my inspiration.

I never really bothered to start learning, however, and now I'm starting to deeply consider it.

I need help, though, which brings me to the core of this topic. I don't really know which type/style/difficulty/etc of Martial Arts to start studying and training with. I was thinking of learning the basics online, and then possibly looking into finding an instructor.

I was looking into Xingyiquan and the various types of Shaolin styles, but I don't really know if they're right for a beginner.

Anyone willing to assist me along in choosing what I want to train in?

Greetings! And welcome aboard!

As mentioned before, learning a martial art online is not a good idea. You can learn some skills with online supplimenting, like new conditioning routines and foreign languages - but martial arts depends alot on personal instruction.

The only exception? If you have a martial arts background and you are trying to add new skills to it.

There are very few practitioners/experts here in the Chinese arts - so I'll leave a discussion about that for them.

I recommend looking at the Chinese martial arts schools in your area first, checking them out and then posting your experiences and questions here.

Best of luck!

[Otakawa]

Totally understandable.

I can somewhat see how learning online can be a hindrance to the whole experience of learning martial arts, and I might not get all I can out of it.

I'll begin looking for different schools in my area, but I don't know if any are all that great.

I live in southern Florida.

[Tom Yum]

BTW You can start a martial art at almost any age, provided that you come from some kind of athletic background (not just weekend warrior).

I trained with an individual years ago who entered amateur boxing at age 43 and was able to knock guys out in the cruiserweight division. His previous experience was in powerlifting. It kind of makes sense, even though boxing relies alot on cardiovasculuar fitness as it does power and mental tenacity.

On another note, I observed a 60-something woman enter her first triathlon and place mid pack for women in their mid-30's. This granny had no prior experience, just an ironwill to train!