How to Start Your Own Martial Art

The martial arts encompass a broad spectrum of karate and fighting techniques. By drawing upon core elements of these established styles and adding your own personal twists and tweaks, you can design a martial arts style which not only highlights your particular strengths, but also helps you in training others to become successful martial artist as well.

Research different martial arts styles and techniques including tae kwon do, wrestling, boxing, kempo, ju jitsu, jeet kune do and others which are all useful for incorporating into your personal style. Watch movies featuring skilled hand to hand combat scenes, check out books from the library on different fighting styles, and read martial arts magazines and websites.

Become proficient in one or more martial art styles. Choose a style that appeals to you and take lessons from a master instructor. This does not necessarily require years to accomplish; with natural talent and ability you can advance fairly quickly.

Visit people who are knowledgeable in different martial arts techniques. Talk to masters in several styles of martial arts. Most experts will be willing to share their thoughts, not only about the physical aspects, but of the mental training and mindset required to become successful in the martial arts.

Develop good verbal communication skills. It is crucial in the martial arts to be able to effectively impart your ideas to others in a way that allows them to maximize the benefits of your training.

Decide what the goal of your martial arts style will be. Determine if your goal is training your students in street-applicable self-defense techniques or for competition purposes or simply teaching others a new skill for their own personal enrichment. All are possibilities.

Create an outline of the elements of the martial arts that you feel are most important to teach to your students. Incorporate as many components of the different styles as you wish, tweaking them to fit your personal style.

Create a manual. Design a program that you will teach to your students and print it out. Do not limit yourself to the manual. Use it as a guideline. Your students will be most successful if you customize your instruction to fit their personal strengths.