How To Choose A Martial Art

If you are new to self defense it might seem confusing to determine how to choose a martial art. There are many styles of martial arts out there. Some use flowery movements to try and hide what their purpose is, others are stripped down to just self defense. Some styles are more for fitness than self defense, others include weapons training. Your needs will help narrow down the search.

1. If you are looking for self defense, a hard style of Karate is the area to look in. Shotokan, and offshoots of Japanese or Okinawan styles, like Isshin-ryu are for close quarters self defense. These styles use quick punches or kicks. Kicks are usually targeted to the lower body, hand strikes for the upper. Punching styles are also different with a vertical fist and an elbow down to prevent the arm from being grabbed and broken at the elbow.
2. Korean Taekwondo, and other offshoots have different fighting styles. Wider stances, kicks to the upper body, and a punching style with a twisting horizontal-ending fist mark these styles.
3. Evaluate the place you plan to workout with once you have chosen a style. Make sure they aren't in the business of just selling you things like belts or memberships and actually teach what you want to get.

There are many other styles from other countries. If you are near a major university you can usually find many clubs that work out, and sit in on some sessions to see what it is like. Make sure you look at other styles before going in one direction. It's also beneficial to add in something like Judo to help with throws and other moves.