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When you have answered this question you should take a look at those martial art systems that will enable you to reach your goal. Most schools and systems provide lot’s of information on possibilities they have for students.
One important point here is that you should be very selective and ask around when choosing a martial arts system or school. There are many strange systems out there that only want to get your money instead of teaching you.
The best way to know what school is right for you is to take a look at human and martial arts quality of high level students. Ask yourself: Do I want to be of same level as they are?
This will allow you to narrow possibilities to only a few different systems
Q3. How much do you want to invest in your training?
I do not mean only spending money in tuition fees but also in time. Do you have time to travel to dojo and spend hours needed to train? Are you willing to buy equipment needed? How much do you want to spend on travelling to seminars or tournaments?
This question is as important as previous ones; some martial arts equipment is very expensive like kendo or kyudo equipment, other martial arts are a lot cheaper. How much do you want to spend on equipment.
Next, check out how many schools there are close to you where they teach martial art you selected. VISIT THEM ALL!!!! Talk with instructor, ask him if you can witness a session, look at behaviour of other students, ask if you can participate in a free session to give it a try and make inquiries about tuition and insurance fees.
After visiting ALL of them sit down and write down on a piece of paper pro’s and contra’s of each of them. Take a look at list and compare. Listen to your inner voice and after waiting for at least 1 week decide which school you will become a member of.
By answering these 3 questions and following this guideline you can easily find right martial art for you.
Peter Vermeeren is a martial arts practitioner and teacher for over 30 years and runs the martial arts and fitness information portal called Kamikaze : http://www.kamikaze-portal.com , home of the magazine called RENSHU. Peter teaches traditional martial arts all over Europe. Here is his personal site : http://www.takaharudojo.org