Martial Arts are growing in popularity every day, but the new student is often overwhelmed by the number of choices at his disposal. Should he choose Karate or Taekwondo? Perhaps he should learn Judo instead. Maybe he would like to learn a little bit of them all with a mixed martial arts (MMA) program. Many students grapple with trying to figure out which martial art is “best”. The truth is that there is no one better than the other. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses that each student should consider before making a final choice.

Here are some tips to help you decide which martial art is best for you:

1. What do you want to get out of it?

Some people want a martial art to help them stay fit. They want to find an exercise program or a sport that is more engaging than normal exercise programs. Other people are drawn to the discipline over mind and body that a martial arts program can provide them. Some martial arts emphasize meditation, philosophy, and community involvement more than others. Still other people want some practical training in self defense so that they can protect themselves and their families on the street.

2. What’s Your Body Type?

Some martial arts are better for others depending on their body type. Judo, for example, emphasizes grappling and throwing techniques, while Karate emphasizes punches and kicks. If you have a smaller, compact body type, the grappling fighting styles may be more effective for you. It can be hard to win a fight against a lankier opponent if you cannot reach him to land your punches and kicks. Similarly, a taller student might take advantage of his large frame and learn an art that emphasizes punches and kicks.

3. Try Out Different Schools

Even within a particular martial art, there can be many schools that emphasize different aspects of martial arts. Choosing a particular discipline may not be enough. Often, it is more important that a student finds an instructor or school that he trusts and likes. For this reason, it is a good idea to try out many different schools before deciding on one. Most schools offer a free lesson or a week’s membership for free. A student ought to take advantage of these offers to find a fit that is right for him/her.

There are many considerations for a new student who is deciding which martial art program to begin. It is important to find one that fits with your goals. It is also important to be safe by finding a good company that provides high quality gear for these sports. Most of all, remember to have fun!