Quit Waiting to Start Training

The first step in training martial arts is to begin training.

However, many potential martial artists or others interested in training believe that they have to make themselves “ready” to train beforehand. See if any of these comments sound familiar:

• I need to lose some weight before I start.
• I’m not sure that I can because of a chronic injury.
• I’m worried that I might get hurt.
• I don’t know if I have the time.

Here’s a secret. Not one of these is a reason to delay. Let’s talk about each individually.

I need to lose some weight before I start

Martial arts like Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu have students of all body types. Almost every gym has multiple people who weigh more than 300 pounds, and nobody is checking your love handles when you come through the door.

Furthermore, the science on obesity is fairly clear - it is one of the least healthy conditions a human can have. Even if you can’t move very well or you have to take a breather every two minutes, it’s better for your body than if you weren’t training.

You also might lose weight. Additionally, most people who train have to eat properly to have the energy to do it consistently, so there is never a shortage of people who can recommend diet ideas to you that have worked for them.

I’m not sure that I can because of a chronic injury

Obviously, if you have a broken leg, a torn rotator cuff, or some other acute injury, you can’t begin training until you heal. However, if you have a condition like a herniated disc in your back, tendonitis in your elbow, or the infamous bad knee, you need to start training.

The truth is that most of us who train are injured. Part of the journey is finding ways to work around the painful areas and discovering a strategy that fits your body type and condition.

Amazingly, your injury may actually improve. Not only will you be building muscles that can lend support to your weak area(s), but you may actually stretch out and diminish those bits of inflammation as you move.

I’m worried that I might get hurt

There is a kernel of truth in this one, as you are likely to acquire dings, bumps, bruises, or outright injuries when you train. Some of these events are common to any sports, while others are more specific to the art you practice.

A good gym is not a place that allows you to be hurt. If you are greeted with anything less than friendliness and special treatment as the “new guy,” you should walk away.

Once you’ve trained awhile, the others in the gym might start increasing the intensity on you. However, while you’re still getting your bearings, everyone on the mat will go out of their way to keep you safe and uninjured. If they don’t, inform the instructor, and he or she will handle it right away.

I don’t know if I have the time

Most gyms offer classes that last exactly one hour. Even if you only train twice a week, you are still making progress every single day because you’ll be thinking about your last session and what you’d like to try or do differently during the next one.

Gyms also keep hours that appeal to students with commitments during the day. Every single gym in the world is open in the evenings in order to maximize the opportunity for everyone who isn’t a professional fighter. Some gyms also offer other class times, such as early in the morning,  around lunchtime, or even on the weekend.

Final thoughts

Waiting for the right time to begin training any type of martial art is like waiting for the right time to have children - it doesn’t exist. The hardest thing to do is walk through the doors the first time and meet all of us who do this stuff already.

However, some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet are the ones learning how to beat you up. So, take a deep breath, get in the car, and start today.