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This is such an individual choice that I hesitate to offer any advice about what type of martial art to pursue. In fact, I won't. The crux of the decisions lays along several vectors, but the ones that are most important are those that address the question - will you go consistently?

The factors that most affect that decision are convenience, appeal and scheduling.

If you have decided you want to add some martial art to your life, awesome. Here's how you pick a school. Sit down with a map of your area, both were you work and where you live. Whip out the yellow pages or do a Google search and see what is offered in those areas. Something you can get too fairly easily. Don't specify style. Make a list of places to check out and... go check them out. Most martial art schools offer some kind of introductory class. Take them. Get a feel for the style, the teacher, and the school. If possible take a general class rather than a private session to get a feel for the community. Remember, it's your money, spend it on something you will enjoy not just on something you think you should have. Ignore the sales pitch and find a school you will be comfortable attending for a good long stint. To reap all the benefits that martial arts offer takes time and dedication. You are not going to give those to a style, school or teacher you don't like.

Once you have decided on a school whose class times fit your schedule, whose location you can get to consistently, and whose style you groove with, remember to review your choice every so often. Studying anything should be for you foremost. Don't get caught in a rut, or accept a situation out of only a sense of loyalty. This is your time, your fitness, your money. The goal should be to stay on a steady path of progression. It can be very easy to slide into a pattern of habit, losing the excitement and enthusiasm which first engaged you. Don't let that happen. If your life would be better served by changing schools/styles, do so.

Learn more about this author, Travis Eneix.
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