Many people dream about learning martial arts. Maybe you wanted to try karate classes as a kid but never got the chance, or maybe you’re intrigued by all of the unique martial arts equipment like nunchaku or swords. Or possibly you’re just looking to learn some simple self-defense moves.
If you’re interested in starting martial arts at home but don’t know where to begin, this guide is for you.
Can You Start Martial Arts Training at Home?
If it’s been your life-long dream to try out martial arts, then I have good news for you! Yes, you can start martial arts training at home. Whether you can do it effectively is another question. If you want to become an elite MMA fighter or boxer, then training at home isn’t a good choice. In fact, most martial arts have some element of combat involved, so you’ll need to find a trained sparring partner.
Remember that just because you can start training at home doesn’t mean you should always train at home. You’ll progress faster if you learn from an expert. Without an exceptional teacher to provide feedback and insight, you’re not going to reach your full potential as a fighter. You need a trained professional to help correct your form and work on advanced techniques.
Training Alone vs. Training Cooperatively
Let’s use football as an example. If a football player only practiced kicking the ball into an empty net by himself and nothing else, then he wouldn’t become a fundamentally sound player. Sure, he might get better at striking the ball but, there’s much more to football than this one move.
Now, what if this same soccer player primarily trained at home in his backyard, but the difference is he has a coach come to his house 2 times per week and help him with his form? Perhaps he also plays football every night in the backyard with a couple of his buddies. He gets better at dribbling, scoring, understanding plays, defense, and increases his overall physical fitness.
He wouldn’t become the next David Beckham by primarily training at home, but the addition of a personal coach and some practical experience would make him a more well-rounded player. Keep this analogy in mind if you’re looking to start martial arts at home.
What if I already take martial arts classes?
Are you already going to classes? You can practice at home on days when you’re not at the studio. As long as you’re taking the necessary days you need for rest and recovery, then you can definitely further your martial arts skills at home. Instead of sparring with a partner, you can focus on things like conditioning, proper form, and stretching.
What Are the Best Martial Arts to Learn at Home?
You’ll never truly master martial arts by training at home by yourself. However, there are some online training programs that can help you learn the basics. Spend some time learning a little bit about different types of martial arts before making a decision on which one is right for you.
To narrow down your search, you can write off learning MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ, Taekwondo, or any other martial art that’s dependent on having another person to practice with.Keep in mind you can always learn the theory behind martial arts from the comfort of your home. There are multiple courses available online that teach you about the history, techniques, and movements of various types of martial arts. They won’t help you practice techniques or give you feedback, but they can arm you with knowledge.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is very focused on self-practice, so it can be a good choice for you to learn martial arts at home. There is also no sparring in Tai Chi, which makes it ideal for practicing alone. On the other hand, you’ll need to confer with an expert in order to make sure your technique is right. If you're interested, this guide on how to start tai chi for beginners is a good place to start.
Cardio Kickboxing
If you’re interested in cardio and burning lots of calories, cardio kickboxing might be for you! Unlike traditional kickboxing, sparring isn’t part of cardio kickboxing classes. However, kickboxing places a lot of emphasis on the proper technique which can be nearly impossible to achieve if you’re practicing on your own. This guide on kickboxing for beginners is a good place to start and get familiar with the sport.
General-Self Defense
It’s easy to learn some simple self-defense moves at home, even if you have no one to practice with. When diving into the realm of martial arts for self-defense, you’ll likely come across a method called Krav Maga.
Krav Maga is a self-defense system created by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is an extremely effective method of protecting yourself against attackers of all sizes. However, it can be dangerous to practice with anyone who is untrained. The moves taught in Krav Maga can seriously injure or kill opponents, so tread with caution.
Best Online Courses for starting Martial Arts at Home
So, you’ve decided you would rather go at it alone. There are many people in your position, that’s why there are various online martial arts programs available today.
Best for Beginners: Muay Thai and Kickboxing at home Level 1
Best for Military Training: Learn Military Close Combat Training Captain Chris Pizzo
Best for Kids: Karate Lessons For Kids
How Long Does It Take to Learn Martial Arts at Home?
Many people who start learning martial arts become life-long practitioners, so there’s no specific timeline to keep in mind. As a general rule, you should train at your own pace.
- It’s common to do 1-2 classes per week, so aim for 45-60 minutes at least once a week.
- Once you feel more comfortable with some basic movements you can transition to classes at a studio.
Logen Lanka, the founder of Way of Ninja, recommends training approximately 29 hours to reach a basic level of proficiency. “Assuming that you are training two sessions of one hour each week, you will take roughly 3 to 4 months to be good enough.”
But that’s with the aid of a black-belt teacher. There’s no guarantee you’ll make that much progress if you’re training on your own.
However, if you devote 2 hours per week to conditioning or learning martial arts theory, you can make some significant strides.
Equipment You Need to Start Martial Arts Training at Home
For simple home training, you’ll only have to purchase basic martial arts training equipment. To increase your overall physical fitness before jumping into a specific martial art, you can start with your trainers and some comfortable workout clothes. No fancy equipment needed!
There’s also equipment available to take your training to the next level, like punching bags and grappling dummies.
Prepare to explore the enthralling realm of military training and discover the essentials of self-defense! Take a look at the 'Learn Military Close Combat Training' course, featuring over 31,000 students and more than 2,600 reviews averaging a remarkable 4.7 stars.
Conditioning Routines for Aspiring Martial Artists
If you’re just looking to improve your stamina, flexibility, and overall health, then you should consider following along with an excercise routine as opposed to a skills-based martial arts course. This martial arts workout can help you improve your fitness and get comfortable with moves that you might be unfamiliar with. There are a variety of exercise workouts like this available on Skillshare and YouTube.
Of course, it’s best to learn under hands-on instruction of a certified teacher. The most important thing to remember when practicing martial arts at home is to be safe and get yourself into a studio or dojo to learn the proper form.
How can I create a training schedule and routine that will help me progress in my martial arts training?
Creating a training schedule and routine is essential for anyone who wants to make progress in their martial arts training. To create an effective plan, you should start by setting realistic goals, determining your training frequency, and choosing the exercises and techniques you want to practise. Next, you can create a schedule using a calendar or planner that outlines when you will do each exercise and for how long. It is also essential to track your progress over time and be flexible in adjusting your plan as needed. By following these steps and sticking to your training plan, you can stay motivated and make significant progress in your martial arts training.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when starting martial arts training at home?
When starting martial arts training at home, it's essential to be mindful of common mistakes that can lead to injuries and setbacks. Some common mistakes to avoid include neglecting proper technique and form, overtraining, and skipping warm-up and cool-down exercises. To ensure that you stay safe and injury-free during your workouts, it's crucial to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training. You should also wear appropriate safety gear, listen to your body, and rest when needed. Incorporating cross-training exercises can also help build strength, flexibility, and endurance. By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can make significant progress in your martial arts training while staying safe and injury-free.
Is there an age limit for starting martial arts?
No, there is no specific age limit for starting martial arts training. People of all ages can learn and benefit from practicing martial arts, including children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. Many martial arts schools offer classes specifically tailored to different age groups and skill levels, so anyone can find a program that suits their needs and goals. However, it's important to consult with a physician before starting any new physical activity, especially if you have underlying health conditions or injuries. Additionally, certain martial arts styles may be more physically demanding than others, so it's essential to choose a style that aligns with your fitness level and abilities.
How long does it typically take to see progress in martial arts training?
The time it takes to see progress in martial arts training varies depending on several factors, such as the style of martial arts, the frequency and intensity of training, and the individual's natural ability and dedication to practice. Typically, beginners can start to see progress within a few months of consistent training, such as improved fitness, flexibility, and coordination. Learning the basics of a martial art can take several months to a year, while mastering advanced techniques and skills can take several years of dedicated practice. However, progress is not always linear, and there may be times when progress seems slow or stagnant. It's essential to maintain a positive mindset, be patient, and focus on consistent training to achieve long-term progress and success in martial arts.
What are some common benefits of practising martial arts, both physical and mental?
Practicing martial arts offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. On the physical side, martial arts training can improve cardiovascular health, increase strength, flexibility, and coordination, help with weight loss and improve body composition, enhance balance and stability, and promote better bone density and joint health. Mentally, martial arts training can increase focus, concentration, and discipline, reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills, and increase resilience and ability to cope with challenges. Additionally, martial arts training can provide a sense of community and social support as students work together to improve their skills and achieve their goals. The benefits of martial arts training are wide-ranging and can positively impact both physical fitness and mental and emotional well-being.
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