How to learn how to fight

The good news is, everyone can learn how to fight. Yes. There is no person in the world who cannot learn. The real question is "How do I learn?"

If this is question crossed your mind, here a few things you can do to get the answer to that:

1. WHY do you want to learn to fight? Is it for self defense? Do you want to learn a martial art discipline? Would you like to be confined to competitive fighting?

• If it's for SELF DEFENSE, it's best to take a course in practical self defens. Normally this does not require regular sessions that will take forever. Normally, you would need to attend a single series of sessions depending on what you'd like to learn. So places teach basic self defense and progress you to advance techniques as you get comfortable executing the moves.
• For MARTIAL ARTS, be prepared to get into a whole new discipline. You'll need to be dedicated to this and you need to be prepared to reach goals like rankings, participating and winning competitions etc. If this is your choice, you need to know what type of martial art you are interested in.
• You can even do BOTH! Some people want to learn as much as they can. So they attend both kinds of classes.

2. WHAT type of instruction do you want to have? One on one? Group?

• This really depends on the type of personality you have and the type of class you'd like to attend. If you're the type who's shy and would want to learn privately, then hire a private instructor. If you wanna meet people who share the same interest you have in learning how to fight, then join a class.

3. HOW OFTEN do you want to practice/be in a class or session?

• How much time do have? How much time are you willing to give? This of course is also connected to items 1 and 2.

Once you have answered these questions and determined what you want to learn, it's time to psych yourself up. Even before you attend your first class or session, you need to prepare yourself.

1. SET EXPECTATIONS with the instructor. Tell her/him your objective in learning and what you'd like to learn. Inform them of any medical conditions, hesitations and limitations you may have.
2. OBSERVE a CLASS before you jump in. See how the instructor interacts with students. Is this the type of instruction you like? If you're getting a private instructor, get recommendations from people you know.
3. PREP yourself PHYSICALLY for whatever can happen. Be ready to get tired or even minorly hurt.

4. PREP yourself MENTALLY. Fighting is at first, a psychologically draining exercise. In the long run, it becomes a strong adrenalin pumping activity.
5. KNOW your LIMITATIONS. Pushing yourself too hard may turn out to very tiring and damaging. Stick to your progressive goals one at a time. Knowing your limitations will help you set your goals reasonably and responsibly.

You're finally ready to rumble! Keeping these things in mind will result to choosing the right class for you. Something that will address your needs as a learner and help you grow in the way you best do.