Finding the right Martial Arts Club for you

Many people want to take up a martial art these days, with its obvious benefits of health, strength, fitness, flexibility and self-defence, but all they have to go on is what they see in the films. Inevitably, that's Chinese kung fu (of various styles) or a mixture of boxing, kick-boxing and good old brawling. This means that many people expect the wrong things when they pick a martial arts club.

What people see in most movies is Wushu. This is the theatrical form of kung fu - it is not the 'real' martial art, but the acrobatic, flashy style developed specifically for the movies. Wushu won't teach you spiritual discipline or how to break someone's neck, but it does look good! If you're picking a martial art purely for exercise, then perhaps this is the one for you. And let's face it, lots of people want to be able to do what they see in the movies.

I practice Shotokan Karate and have done for a decade. It looks nothing like what you see in the movies, because Karate is rarely used in the movies. When it is, it is most often used by the guy getting defeated by the 'proper' martial art of Wushu. This is because most martial arts films are Chinese-made, and the Chinese very rarely practice Karate. This does not mean it is ineffective.

Karate isn't flashy and doesn't always involve leaping into the air and kicking people in the head. Because of its modesty,some people do not rate it very highly. Do not be fooled by this. A Karate practitioner will point out that in the time it takes to get your leg all the way up to kick someone in the head, that person will have knocked your supporting leg from beneath you!

There are many things to think about when choosing a martial art. The most important is to understand exactly what you want to get out of the experience. Do you want to learn to fight or learn to defend yourself - there is an important distinction. Do you want to get fit and build huge muscles, or become and lean flexible? Do you want just the physical side, or the history and mental discipline too?

Research is required for someone who is serious about wanting to practice. I started off in kickboxing when I was sixteen, and I had no idea what to expect. I lasted a couple of years but was increasingly dissatisfied with the endless emphasis on fighting. Wasn't there any more to it? I decided to do some research, and having always had a fascination with Japan and the samurai, checked out the various Japanese martial arts. Although the idea of swinging a sword around was intriguing, I plumped for karate.

Having picked the art, I next needed to choose a style. There are several in karate - Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Kyokukinshai, Shito-ryu, Shukokai, to name but some. I turned to the internet for help, and there learned that Shotokan was the oldest style, the original one that came out of Okinawa. I decided that was the style for me and have never looked back.

So, think about what you want out of your martial art. Below is a list, by no means comprehensive, that may help you decide.

1. Fighting or mainly fighting - boxing, sport karate, kick-boxing
2. Flexibility - tae kwon do, Karate, kung fu, tai chi
3. Self-defence - Karate, kung fu (especially wing chun), aikido, ju jitsu
4. Weapon arts - kendo, escrima, iaido, aikido, jo-jutsu (stick fighting), ninjitsu

It is important to remember that every martial art will enhance your fitness and flexibility, and every one will give you varying degrees of self-defence. Be wary of 'fad martial arts' that everyone seems to be doing, including your favourite celebrity. Make sure you're doing it because you want to, not because you heard that Johnny Depp does it.

So, you know your martial art and your style. Now to find a club.

The chances are there will be several close to you. Check them out online - see if they have a website. Find out the instructor's name and put it in a search engine, see if it comes up with a martial arts biography.

Once you've found a few you like the look of, phone the instructor. Explain you're a novice and would like to observe a class. Note that many instructors prefer you to join in rather than observe. This is fine, as long as you are comfortable with it. Make sure you comply with the rules regarding dress code, tying back long hair, removing jewellery etc.

Once you've observed and/or taken part, speak to the instructor face to face.

1. Do you have club insurance?
2. Does the instructor have personal insurance?
3. Is your club affiliated to a governing body of this particular martial art?
4. Do students have their own licences and insurance?

If the instructor answers no to any of these questions, do NOT join the club. If you are injured during training, you will not get a penny of compensation.

If the instructor confirms all the above questions, ask any others you may have, including frequency of training, cost of the classes and any equipment, what you can expect to get out of the lessons.

Once you have done this at a few different clubs, you will be ready to make your decision.

Remember, a martial art is for life, not just for Christmas!