There are many benefits to martial arts: get physically fit, develop mental fortitude, become a part of a community, and learn self-defense skills to name a few. But with so many to choose from, how do you know which martial art is right for you? After all, you want a martial art you will enjoy, one you’ll get out of it what you are seeking, and, ultimately, a martial art you can stick with for life. Becks Martial Arts in Fort Collins is the premier martial arts school focusing on taekwondo. Below, we offer up tips for choosing the best martial art for you based on those you’ll most likely find in your hometown.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST MARTIAL ART FOR YOU
- Muay Thai or kickboxing. From Thailand, Muay Thai uses fists, feet, knees, and elbows for strikes as well as standing grappling known as clinch. These techniques are common in UFC fights. Techniques are learned through drilling on pads called Thai pads. Once you’ve learned to properly throw the strikes, you’ll move into sparring. The sparring is shoulder and hip intense, and the clinch is a test of your core endurance. If you want to compete, Muay Thai is a good way to go. Many MMA fighters use Muay Thai as the basis for their striking game. If you’re already flexible, you’ll probably have an easier time at the start, especially with the kicks. From a self-defense standpoint, Muay Thai is in the middle of the pack in terms of practicality.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a ground-based grappling martial art as opposed to Muay Thai. A branch of Judo from the early 1900s, the object is to put your opponent in a submission hold that either knocks them out or inflicts so much pain that they have to submit. At the core of most Jiu Jitsu training is what’s called “rolling,” which is basically wrestling. This is extremely fatiguing for every part of the body. Think Pilates on steroids. If your primary goal of a martial arts program is self-defense, then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t the best choice since taking a guy to the ground on the street is too time consuming to be effective. However, if you’re looking for a martial art sport, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might be the best.
- Krav Maga. Developed by the Israeli Defense Force, Krav Maga is designed to be used in real-life combat situations. The Hebrew translation of Krav Maga is “battle contact.” In addition to punches, kicks and throws, Krav Maga teaches real-life scenarios like how to disarm an attacker. Most Krav Maga programs are intense workouts with lots of drills and an emphasis on fighting when you’re tired. If you crave contact, then this martial art is for you. There’s a lot of twisting and striking, so it’s great for your core and requires and strengthens the joints.
- Tae Kwon Do. If you’re looking for a bit of everything, then this martial art from Korea may be for you. It has more followers than any other martial art, and it’s an Olympic sport. Attacks include punches, kicks, and throws. Taekwondo classes entail a wide variety of activities from drills to sparring and maybe even relaxation techniques, along with good old-fashioned breaking of boards and bricks with your hands and feet. Many people find taekwondo to be a great balance of traditional martial arts with modern day applications.
Becks Martial Arts is a taekwondo martial arts school. We adhere to the taekwondo standards of Kukkiwon and the United World Taekwondo Association. We believe taekwondo is the best, all-around martial art. We develop leadership, quality character traits, self-defense skills, and the basis of taekwondo in all of our students. We are heavily invested in the community and encourage all of our students to give back through a variety of outreach programs we participate in. If you’re looking for a martial art that will achieve all of your goals — physical, mental, spiritual, and community — then visit us and try a free taekwondo class today!