My Martial Arts Journey: Advice for New Practitioners

Over the past three decades, I've been involved in various styles of martial arts, ranging from American Kenpo to Bujinkan. In this article, I'll share my personal journey and provide some insights for those looking to start or continue their martial arts practice.

My Martial Arts History

My journey in martial arts began in 1988 when I started with American Kenpo. Unfortunately, my dad took me out of it a year and a half later, which made my middle school years more difficult. In 1998, I resumed training with Aikido, which I practiced for five years before joining the Air Force. During my military career, I started learning Combat Hapkido but only made it to the yellow belt level before moving on.

In 2012, I PCS'd to Okinawa, where I had the opportunity to practice Aikijujitsu, which I studied for about three months. In 2016, I returned to Aikido with my son, although he didn't benefit as much from the training due to his young age. That year, I also started Bujinkan and trained for two years. However, my wife eventually became tired of the retired Green Beret instructor, and we went back to American Kenpo. Since then, I've been training actively in this style and recently earned my green belt, eagerly anticipating the path to the black belt.

Advice for New Martial Arts Practitioners

1. Just Train and Have Fun

Unless you are training for self-defense or have a specific goal, the style of martial arts you choose doesn't matter as much as the consistent training and enjoyment you derive from it. I've found that training for ego or a specific rank can be counterproductive. Instead, focus on making friends, improving yourself, and having fun. Whatever style you choose, stick with it and enjoy the journey.

2. Conditioning is Key

Conditioning is crucial for any martial artist. Fighting can be physically demanding, even with safety gear. Focusing on functional physical fitness is essential. Strength, endurance, and combat-specific physiology all matter. Body size can also be a factor, as it can affect your overall performance in a fight.

While some traditional martial arts may be categorized as "Weib," I believe that any legitimate martial art can be effective in the street if you train your body for it, including those often considered more aesthetic or performance-based. Even disciplines like Aikido, which are less focused on combating, still offer valuable lessons in effective fighting.

3. Grappling Enhances Your Functionality

Grappling is an excellent way to enhance your overall physical fitness and make you more proficient in combat. It trains you in using your entire body, which is beneficial for any martial artist. Grappling also allows for safe, intense fighting and strengthens both your muscles and connective tissues.

Furthermore, grappling helps you manage your energy and be more resilient in fights. It has psychological benefits as well, as it immerses you in close-quarters combat. A short grappling session can be more physically demanding than stand-up sparring, teaching you the importance of energy regulation and management.

Closing Thoughts: Know Your 'Why'

Martial arts are not for everyone, and many people, especially children, may quit early in their practice due to various reasons. However, for those who continue, martial arts can serve as a form of physical fitness and a community of like-minded individuals.

For me, martial arts have been a way to stay in shape and engage in a community of improvement-minded people. I plan to continue practicing until my body can no longer handle it. Though I will never be a professional fighter, I can stay away from places where I might get into street fights. Instead, martial arts are a fun activity that helps me instill physical fitness in my kids and prevent them from being bullied.