How to Choose the right Martial Arts Gym for you

Many people go to a martial arts gym to learn self-defence techniques, some want to hone their fighting techniques in the ring and others want to try a different way of becoming fit. Whatever your end goals, martial arts can fit easily into your existing fitness regime, providing you with a disciplined way to achieve the results you want.

The problem is knowing which gym is best suited to your needs. There are a few gyms open in Brisbane, so short of going to each one and trying them out – how can you select the best one? The most effective strategy is to match the gym to your goals, look for trainers who have the experience to help you reach these goals, and class times that are easy to attend.

 1. Fit the gym to your goals

Do you want to fight competitively or do you want to learn self-defence? Is your goal to simply get fit? Whatever your goals, you need to match them with the right type of gym. As you can imagine, some gyms are more focused towards competitive fighting. If you join these gyms they will teach the type of martial arts that is used in the ring, along with all the rules that are necessary to keep the sport legal.

On the other hand, if you want to learn self-defence techniques, then you want a martial arts gym that focuses not on competitive sports, but on self-defence. The type of moves that you will be taught at these gyms differs considerably to those that are taught for competitions. The main difference being that in the ring certain rules need to be enforced, whilst in the street when you are defending yourself, these rules don’t apply. So knowing your goals will help you to select the right type of gym to fulfill these objectives.

 2. Look for experienced trainers

If you want to fight competitively in the ring, then the best trainers are those that have achieved a certain level of success in the ring themselves. It makes sense that fighters can teach fighters! If you want to learn martial arts for self-defence and fitness, not to fight competitively, then it makes sense to select trainers who excel in teaching non-competitive martial arts. Most gyms will advertise their skills and experience, but there’s no harm in dropping into your local martial arts gym and asking these questions yourself. You will also get a feel for the gym, which is an important part of your decision. 

 3. Convenient location and classes

The importance of finding a gym that’s in the right location and classes that suit your schedule cannot be understated. If you have to go out of your way to get to the gym and the class times aren’t really convenient, you will quickly find reasons not to attend. Whether you select a gym close to home or to work is up to you, but make sure that it’s not out of your way and the class times fit comfortably into your lifestyle.