You may be wondering whether training in martial arts is a right fit for you; so, how can you be sure? The truth is martial arts can be a great way to complement your workout regimen. Whether you choose to learn Muay Thai, karate, or judo, the classes can be exciting and dynamic. Here are some steps that you should consider before enrolling for a martial arts training program in your neighborhood:

• You must first decide whether you want a program that is racy and fast-paced or one that is relatively calm and slow-paced until you are prepared to move onto something more advanced. This decision will depend on many factors like your physical condition, age, etc.
• Martial arts classes are never easy; they will be painful and challenging at the beginning. So, you need to keep showing your discipline and commitment to your instructor. Even when things are tough you must keep your cool. It is not some place where you can get away with an inflated ego or an aggressive mindset.
• Your next job is to determine which school you will train at; you have to look at various things like the master, style of training, etc because these will affect your learning ability.
• It is not wise to start off when you are obese; you should be in reasonably good shape to start with a martial arts training program. Martial arts do not require you to be exceptionally strong; it demands endurance.
• You have to understand and respect the tradition because this form of training was given originally to protect oneself against many attackers.
• You should respect your sensei’s role because he will be your inspiration, friend, and even your worst enemy. Your instructor will force you to push your limits, and teach you never to surrender without a fight. You need to have a rapport with him to learn better but you must also realize that everyone else in the program is also there to do the same.
• You have to respect your dojo because you have enrolled to learn something that requires seriousness and determination. You cannot take things lightly; nor can you disrespect your fellow students.
• Unlike what many people may tell you, martial arts will never teach one to discriminate against others. At the training center, there is no difference on grounds of race or ethnicity. Real students are never aggressive; rather, they are the most positive-minded of all. The idea is to share the passion and encourage one another to strive for better.
• You must always uphold a clean and positive image of yourself. Since these are close contact sports, you must pay attention to hygiene. You need to wear clean and proper sportswear because this reflects how disciplined and serious you are about your training.
• Respect the motivations of others; not everyone seeks admission to the program for the same reasons. When the sensei is a disciplinarian, he will expel anyone who does not adhere to the norms.
• You are going to be assigned a yuki or a trusted partner to who you should show respect. You will be taught to practice your actions on this person and he will spar against you. It is your duty to help him learn in the process. When fighting, it should be under control.
• Finally, there is no substitute for practice to master the techniques in martial arts.