Thinking about starting a Martial Art??!!......Just DO IT!!

I talk to many people a day telling me how they are thinking about starting a Martial Art and I always have the same reaction......"Fantastic, I think that is a great idea!!" Then when i start talking to them more about which one they are interested in and when they want to come in to try a class I usually get the same reactions from them....."Well.....I think I need to get in shape first so I am going to start working out and then come and try a class." Working out is great and always a good idea to get yourself healthier but here is the problem with that. No amount of exercise will ever get you ready for Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Striking or Wrestling because the only thing that helps to get you in shape for those martial arts are the conditioning and drills you do for them specifically. I have seen it time and time again where a super in shape person has come in to try class, they are a runner or a body builder etc... and they are dying 30 seconds in to the warm ups thinking that their cardio is so good that this will be easy.....NOPE lol and that is completely fine because you are here to learn a specific kind of training that you cannot do unless you train it. That being said, most places have a trial class whether it be a trial for one class, a week of classes or maybe even a month of classes, so take advantage of that. Try all the different martial arts out and see what fits your life style. As a gym owner I can say that I would rather you be happy with your choice and see you grow and get better every day then picking something you don't really care for and then we don't see you again. I love building a team of different personalities and watching people that used to be timid get confidence in them especially in our kids program. These types of martial arts are not for everyone and I get that, but it is so awesome to see that a student with ADHD can learn how to focus and channel their energy into bettering their selves and their training partners. I love seeing that students that were once shy, are now making friends and being goofy because they have a new found confidence that they can now take into the other parts of their lives. Martial arts can be such a great tool for anyone to add to their toolbox but it absolutely works better if you know what you are looking to learn from it. You could want to learn self-defense techniques, you may just want to have fun and lose some weight or maybe you want to relieve anger by punching or kicking something and then you can go from there. Bottom line is make no excuses just get in to your local martial arts place and take advantage of their trial before making a decision. Also you may want to talk to the owners because they are another good tool in helping you figure out what may be a good fit for you. We, as gym owners, are here to help you and if you find the right place it should be easy to get your foot in the door.