You’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in some martial arts classes in Lincoln – awesome! Congrats for taking the first step. But where do you start? There is a so much information out there on different systems and schools, how do you choose?
Here are a few handy tips for choosing a martial arts class in Lincoln.
1 – Decide what your goals are
What are your goals for training in martial arts? Are you looking for a little self confidence? Or to lose a little weight? Or to meet some new friends and more the social aspect? These are all important factors to take into consideration when you are deciding which martial arts academy to join.
If you are looking for some general self confidence then most martial arts systems will generally fit the bill for this, but if you’re looking for a hardcore workout, or something to get you sweating and losing weight – maybe Tai Chi, or a softer style of martial art isn’t for you.
Similarly, if you are looking for a softer style due to injury or confidence issues, going straight into Mixed Martial Arts, or Muay Thai classes, may not be the best option.
Decide your goals, then research the martial arts class around you and what is on offer. Speak to the instructors and ask to attend a free trial class to meet everyone and get the lay of the land. Most instructors and academies are more than happy to have you in for a free session to try it out and see if it is for you.
At Empower Martial Arts Academy – we always offer a free trial to come and chat to us about your goals for training, then see if we fit and if we are the right people to help you achieve those goals.
2 – decide your focus in training
Most people wanting to train in a martial arts class don’t have much knowledge on the different styles or the history of them – why would they? They just want to get fit and have fun right? While you don’t need to know the intricacies of every style, it is useful to generally research the style of the class you are planning to attend so you know what to expect.
If you are wanting to learn some basic punches and kicks, but book yourself in for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, you may be disappointed! Similarly, if you are interested in groundwork and submissions, but book in for a Muay Thai class, not knowing what it is – again, disappointment may follow.
Research the styles and decide whether you want to focus on striking, wrestling, groundwork or self defence to start with – you can always change your mind or investigate more mixed systems later on down the road.
At Empower Martial Arts Lincoln, we try to offer a range of different classes, from Kickboxing, to Jeet Kune Do and weapons based systems such as Kali and Eskrima. Our syllabus tries to offer a little of everything from all ranges – striking, clinch work, takedowns and groundwork, as well as fitness and self defence.
3 – talk to the instructors
The most important tip I can give is to talk to the instructor of the academy and ask their advice. Whether you are training at a professional full time academy, or more of a part time set up, the instructor should know what they are teaching and be able to offer you the best advice on whether their style suits you. If they focus on more of a striking art for example, and you are looking for groundwork and submissions, I would be vary wary if the instructor says they can offer you that.
If you’re open to all styles of martial art and don’t know what your focus is going to be yet, try a few free trial classes, go to different instructors and see which feels best in terms of teaching style, vibe and what the other students have to say about the academy!
Starting martial arts can be a fun and exciting time and offer a whole range of benefits from improved physical and mental health, to increased concentration and awareness. Feel free to come and see us at our full time academy for a free no obligation chat and trial class and if we can’t offer you what you need, we’re more than happy to sign post you to someone or somewhere which would be a better fit.