by Ian Black

Created on: March 02, 2009   Last Updated: March 03, 2009

Locating a Martial Arts school in your area should be relatively straight forward.

There are many ways to find out about Martial Arts. A good idea, before you rush in to signing onto a Martial Art, is using Wikipedia or Google to find out more information about certain martial arts, and what is involved. Most or all other Martial Arts will teach you similar basic movements in how to defend yourself, with very slight differentiations.

I have been participating in the Korean Martial Art of self-defence, Taekwon-Do, for the last two years. The sport has become a deep passion of mine. It has taught me to be more confident in the street. It has also taught me to be more tolerant with people, and to be courteous towards others. These are little things that can make a difference to a person by enrolling in any martial art.

In Taekwon-Do, there are five tenants of the Art, which each and every student must be able to memorize: "I shall observe the tenants of Taekwon-Do. I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do. I shall respect my instructors and seniors. I shall be a champion of freedom and justice. I shall build a more peaceful world." What makes Taekwon-Do so unique, comparing to other self-defence arts like Karate and Kung-Fu, Taekwon-Do teaches you how to elevate power, speed and concentration. It is really useful because it also, not only improves your confidence within yourself, but improves your felxibility, too. There is only so little you can be taught, but if you are willing to progress in the Art, then it is strongly advisable to practice at home; going over everything and anything that you have been shown in class; whether it be simple patterns, theory, or your own flexibility.

Finding out about certain forms of Martial Art is relatively simple. At any major sporting complex, or centre, you should be able to enquire about self-defence classes. There will generally be leaflets or posters advertising when, where, and what times the classes start. Or, you can simply go along to one of the classes and inquire certain information about the Art itself from the Instructor. They will be more than happy to help you with any questions.

Another way to find out about Martial Arts is by using the telephone book. Just try searching through until you find the "sport/recreation" part. There should be a list of many activities and other sports within the page. The first two classes will more than likely be free of charge, as it is basically and induction/try-out to see whether you are interested or not. After, you will be expected to pay certain fees for sparring equipment; a suit, etc. The suits for the Martial Art will generally be around thirty pounds, (prices on sparring equipment can vary). If you are being enrolled into Taekwon-Do, you will also be expected to pay twenty pounds (adults only) to participate in Seminars, and fifteen pounds (children only). There are two Seminars are year, and you be instructed to partake in the Seminar once every six months.

If you happen to know anyone personally who conducts Martial Arts classes, then feel free to make an enquiry. Any Martial artist is always looking to have new students enrolling. For more information, just contact your local sports centre/complex, or log on to the Internet.

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