Hi, I started martial arts in college in 1985 and have been doing it ever since (with a 5 year or so break in the middle), and I do some teaching now too.
Every martial arts place is different, so the best thing to do, in my opinion, is:
1) narrow down what you want to do. Just punching and kicking, throws, grappling. Do you want to do this to mostly become better at self defense, for fitness or do you want the whole "art" experience?
2) find schools within your willingness to drive area and call them up. Most will allow you to view a class, and many will allow you to attend one class for free (careful of a hard sell after the class). View classes a beginner would be in, does the instructor's personality mesh with yours? Are they doing something you would be comfortable doing?
3) after visiting several classes, then re think your goals and objectives with what you have seen and go forward from there to help narrow your decisions.
4) ask lots of questions.
Also, groupon, and other similar programs can provide you with an inexpensive way to try a handful of classes of different styles.
Many places do not do tournaments at all, some are optional. Again, that's something to ask each place.
As far as the lower back goes, many styles really emphasize good posture, good stances, rooting your center, and balance. Personally, I believe all of those things are good for your lower back.
eta: If you decide on something, be careful of costs and long term contracts.
fear of trying Martial Arts
in Yoga & Martial Arts
Posted
Hi, I started martial arts in college in 1985 and have been doing it ever since (with a 5 year or so break in the middle), and I do some teaching now too.
Every martial arts place is different, so the best thing to do, in my opinion, is:
1) narrow down what you want to do. Just punching and kicking, throws, grappling. Do you want to do this to mostly become better at self defense, for fitness or do you want the whole "art" experience?
2) find schools within your willingness to drive area and call them up. Most will allow you to view a class, and many will allow you to attend one class for free (careful of a hard sell after the class). View classes a beginner would be in, does the instructor's personality mesh with yours? Are they doing something you would be comfortable doing?
3) after visiting several classes, then re think your goals and objectives with what you have seen and go forward from there to help narrow your decisions.
4) ask lots of questions.
Also, groupon, and other similar programs can provide you with an inexpensive way to try a handful of classes of different styles.
Many places do not do tournaments at all, some are optional. Again, that's something to ask each place.
As far as the lower back goes, many styles really emphasize good posture, good stances, rooting your center, and balance. Personally, I believe all of those things are good for your lower back.
eta: If you decide on something, be careful of costs and long term contracts.