Martial arts are one of the fastest-growing participation sports world wide. Buoyed by the popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments, demand for martial arts training is increasing monthly to unheard-of proportions. Sadly, dropout rates are also very high - particularly in the first year. The number one contributing factor for most of those dropouts? Poor fit: the art (or the school) did not meet the student's needs.
Three main factors determine the fit between a student and the martial art: age, physical ability and psychological make-up. Anyone considering studying a martial art should stop and take a few moments to honestly assess each of these factors.
Age: We all like to believe that we are immune to the passage of time. Unfortunately, time takes its toll - especially on those living a sedentary life. Leaping from a desk job directly into a full-contact martial art is sure to be a very challenging transition. Older students will recover more slowly - and train less frequently as a result. This may result in slower progression through the ranks.
Physical ability: Some people are simply more athletically-inclined than others. People's tolerance of physical hardship or discomfort also varies: it is important to choose an art that is challenging without being destructive. Martial arts should build the individual up, not grind them down. Most capable instructors will adapt to a range of abilities, but it is up to the individual to choose an art that will work for them.
Psychological make-up: How aggressive are you? Are you a thinker or a doer? Intense or laid-back? Are you stubborn or changeable? Martial arts train body and mind together, so answering some of these questions will help determine which art to study. An aggressive and competitive "doer" might be happier in jiujutsu or MMA than tai chi chuan; conversely a quiet, laid back individual might be happier with tai chi.
Martial arts provide a challenging route to personal growth and physical fitness. In order to realize the full benefits of any art, it is important to train steadily over a long period of time. By taking a few moments to consider factors such as age, physical ability and psychological make-up, the prospective student can choose an art that will enhance their life for years to come.