Deciding that self defense training is a good idea, and actually picking what kind of program to begin, are two different things entirely. Whether you want to learn a martial art for sport, or you want to learn military self defense for combat style training, there are a few things you should consider before you start classes.
Combat Value
Combat may or may not be your first priority. Many self defense disciplines are designed more for sport than actual self defense or combat. For example the martial art of Judo was created by eliminating the more dangerous elements from jujitsu. And for lots of methods, there are many different schools or philosophies which emphasize combat over sport and vice versa. Tournaments and competitions are usually more sport-focused.
That means that sporting program with tournaments and competitions have a lower combat value. In order to ensure the safety of the participant's strikes to the knees, eyes, and throat are usually not allowed in tournaments. Because these strikes aren't used in competition it's common for defensive teaching against these techniques to be ignored as well.
Your Physical Size
Your body size plays a role in your training too. Variations within different disciplines are often the result of an instructor modifying techniques to suit the height and build of his or her students. Sometimes people who are tall have difficulty with grappling techniques and throws. On the flip side, shorter students will not do well when it comes to long-range strikes and kicks. The will fare better with close-proximity techniques, because they can hit harder at short range. Students with longer limbs will struggle and discover they don't have enough room to follow through with an attack.
Threshold for Violence
Some self defense training styles are more violent than others. Aikido, for example, is known for joint locks and holds that can disable an opponent without doing bodily harm. These kinds of programs are known as "soft" styles. "Hard" styles rely heavily on potentially harmful punches and kicks that can cause serious injury. If you are undecided on a combat military self defense or sport self defense, you should make sure that you are comfortable with the inherent level of violence required to train.
For those students who train because they want to be able to defend themselves in attack should be aware that there are certain legal ramifications involved with the use of physical violence - even though you may be acting entirely in self defense.
Self defense training can provide you with a variety of health benefits. Many students in all disciplines lose weight, build and tone muscle, reduce stress and anxiety, feel more self-confident about themselves, and experience increased energy and stamina after spending just a short time training.
The key to success in any martial arts program is to make sure you enjoy it. If you don't do something that is both fun and challenging, you will quickly tire of the training.
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