If running on a treadmill and weightlifting don’t work for you anymore, and you are considering switching things up a little, maybe you should consider joining martial art classes? Not only will it be beneficial for your fitness and help you stay in shape, but it will also improve your overall well-being. Needless to say, you will learn how to throw those super-precise punches.
Here are a few things all beginner should consider before they Hajime [hah-jee-may] or begin in Japanese, the language used for many martial arts commands and terms.
- Pick the right sport
You certainly know that there are quite a lot of martial arts to choose from, so deciding which one to take up can be quite a challenge. Kickboxing will give you an intense cardio workout and increase your coordination, strength, and confidence. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for those who are keen on wrestling but want to take it to the next level. If you want to go old-school, there is always boxing.
Once you pick your sport, it is easy to immerse yourself in everything related to it – from keeping track of the latest news to watching martial arts videos online. If you want to make it all more interesting and spice things up a bit, many websites offer martial arts-themed casino games, like slots, that will remind you of your favorite sport even while you are having fun. Promotions allow you to claim a bonus when you start playing such games.
- Invest in good training equipment
Even though the training gear for most martial arts like karate, aikido, judo or taekwondo is on the pricey side, having the right equipment is of the utmost importance. Investing in quality stuff should be your priority because your equipment is there not only for your protection but the protection of your opponents as well. A lot of injuries can be prevented if you are properly geared up so this is an investment that should be on the top of your list. You are going to need a groin protector and a mouthpiece for any sport you choose, so make sure to get them from the start.
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Be open to learning
Many beginners make the mistake of thinking they know all about martial arts because they saw it on TV or they did a little research online. You should go to your class with an open mind, and leave all you think you know outside the door. If you want to improve, you have to learn, and you will only get better if you do a lot of practice.
When it comes to martial arts, it’s all about having proper technique and many students begin overthinking and doubting themselves. All it takes sometimes is not thinking but just doing it.
- Stay determined and push through
All beginnings are tough, and accidents can happen (although classes are safe most of the time). After all, martial arts are mainly contact sports, and you will definitely get a bruise or a bump or two from time to time. As you improve, you will learn how to avoid getting bruised, and that is the whole point.
You cannot expect to get results overnight, and you might sometimes feel like you are not making a lot of progress. It certainly won’t be easy, and you will feel like giving up because you may think you don’t have what it takes. At such times, you need to find the strength to hold on and move forward. Remember that nothing comes easy and that you have come a long way from the day you started. Remember why you started this journey and keep on pushing through.