By the time people are considering martial arts training, in the final stages of decision-making and taking that first step, they are asking questions to see if they should eliminate the option from their list of possibilities. Many realize that the way martial arts training is designed can be a fit for just about anyone wanting to try it. Here we look at some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about martial arts training.
Do You Have to Be Physically Fit To Train in Martial Arts?
The short answer is no. There is no minimum requirement for a student’s physical abilities when training in martial arts. Some studios begin with students as young as three years old, and there is no way for a 3-year-old to be physically fit, per se. The physical body is only one element of martial arts training, so there is no student that does not qualify to participate – martial arts training is one of the most accepting sports available for new students.
The best studios, which consider the students of each class, assign appropriate levels of activities so that everyone can participate. Well-established studios, like SwiftKick Martial Arts, can offer several different classes that focus on younger students, teens, and students with specific physical needs.
All students will begin their physical fitness journey and experience improved stamina, balance, focus, and coordination. Studios dedicated to their students will work to improve each student’s fitness levels, no matter where they begin.
Will Martial Arts Increase Aggression in Students?
Although martial arts continue to get stuck in this unfortunate category of violence-encouraging activities, training in martial arts teaches the opposite of violence and aggression. Instead, the focus is on staying calm, maintaining self-control, and behaving honorably in all scenarios in and out of the studio.
Families often ask this question because their child may be very active and even show some signs of aggression at home or school. Contrary to what most families think, their children often begin to display greater self-control and compassion, and working with the proper studio will make a difference. Brian Cowell, owner and founder of SwiftKick, continues to have the most well-designed program for young children in San Diego County. The stripe and promotion process targets behaviors and characteristics that must be displayed during training and outside of the studio, which motivates children to work on their person as well as learn cool moves.
Can You Get Injured in Martial Arts Training?
In any sport, there is a risk of injury. However, martial arts is one of the most effective exercises people use in rehabilitation. Since martial arts training is individual, the techniques and moves are closely supervised to ensure they are done correctly, minimizing the risk of an injury. Many with previous injuries begin martial arts training because it is an excellent mental and physical workout. There is no contact except sparring, and every student practices to learn their force and effort in more advanced levels of training. In other words, unlike some other sports, you do not have physical contact with other students, and you may experience an injury. Martial arts are not a high-contact sport.
Students usually use their techniques in the air or against a padded object. As students grow in their skills, they may participate in sparring, which is contact with another student or an instructor to practice the real-life adrenaline surges that come when struck. However, not just anyone can spar, and the studio must use discretion when inviting students to participate. Sparring is closely supervised, and protective gear is required to participate.
How Long Will It Take to Become Proficient and Get a Black Belt?
Surprisingly, this is a frequently asked question, even for beginners. Although we encourage enthusiasm to achieve great things in martial arts, programs take time to master. Students are encouraged to set short-term and long-term goals; as they achieve them, they can set new ones. Many factors come into play when determining how long it will take to become proficient at martial arts. The time and effort you commit in the studio and outside practice, as well as your abilities, can take up to six months of consistent training to feel like you could defend yourself. Black belts can take several years to accomplish, and there are some rules around age, but anyone motivated to do so will be encouraged on this ambitious journey!
Younger students will likely attend a class once or twice a week, and as they display the core characteristics of martial arts training, they will gain stripes on their current belt (all students begin with a white belt). Once all the stripes are earned, they can test up for the next belt when the studio holds promotion events. If this is important to you, ask the studio about their promotion policy and that it aligns with what you seek.
If you live or work in San Diego County, contact SwiftKick Martial Arts for a free trial class today – multiple convenient locations and class times are available!