So you’ve been thinking about learning a martial art. Maybe you’ve watched one too many UFC fights, or maybe you just want to get fitter, learn some self-defence, or find a new challenge that doesn’t involve running on a treadmill. Whatever your reason, there’s no shortage of options – from the graceful movements of Kung Fu to the raw power of Muay Thai. The tricky bit is figuring out which one’s right for you.
Let’s break it down in plain English – what to think about before you start, and what each major style is really like.
Start with Why You’re Doing It
Before you start Googling gyms, it’s worth asking yourself why you want to learn martial arts in the first place. Are you looking to defend yourself? Get fitter? Build confidence? Or maybe you just think spinning kicks look cool – no shame in that.
If self-defence is your main goal, you’ll probably want something practical and no-nonsense like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Krav Maga. These are designed for real-world situations – the kind where things don’t go to plan.
If you’re chasing fitness and want to burn serious calories, you can’t go wrong with Muay Thai or Taekwondo. Both will get you sweating, improve your flexibility, and give you an incredible workout.
And if you’re more into the meditative or cultural side of things – the philosophy, the discipline, the “inner peace” side – then traditional styles like Kung Fu or Karate might speak to you more.
There’s no wrong answer here. The best martial art is the one that keeps you coming back for more.
Don’t Overthink It – Just Try a Class
It’s easy to get caught up in research mode. You might spend hours reading online forums and watching comparison videos, but nothing beats just jumping in. Most martial arts gyms like UMF Academy will let you try a class or two for free. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s something you enjoy.
Go in with an open mind. You might think you’re signing up to learn how to punch and kick, but what you’ll often find is a sense of community. You’ll meet people from all walks of life – tradies, students, parents, even retirees – all learning together and helping each other improve.
A Closer Look at the Main Styles
Alright, so let’s talk about what’s actually out there. Each martial art has its own personality, and it helps to know what you’re signing up for.
Karate is probably the first thing most people think of when they picture martial arts. It’s Japanese, it’s structured, and it focuses on powerful punches, kicks, and disciplined movements. It’s great if you like routine and steady progression – earning belts, mastering forms, and improving your technique. The downside is that some schools focus too much on grading and not enough on real application, so it’s worth checking out a few before you commit.
Taekwondo, from Korea, is all about fast, high, flashy kicks. If you’ve ever wanted to do a spinning back kick that looks straight out of a movie, this might be your thing. It’s also one of the most popular martial arts for kids, and the cardio workout alone is worth it. Just keep in mind, it’s not the most practical for street self-defence – those fancy kicks are harder to pull off in jeans on a wet footpath.
Kung Fu is a bit of a catch-all term for Chinese martial arts, and there’s a huge range within it. Some schools focus on the artistic, almost dance-like forms, while others (like Wing Chun or Sanda) lean more toward fighting and self-defence. It’s steeped in history and philosophy, so if you’re drawn to the cultural side as much as the physical training, Kung Fu’s hard to beat.
Judo might surprise you. It’s not about striking at all – it’s about using your opponent’s momentum against them. Think throws, trips, and holds. It’s a full-body workout and great for learning control, balance, and confidence. You’ll also learn how to fall properly, which turns out to be surprisingly useful in life.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most popular martial arts in Australia right now, and for good reason. It’s all about grappling and ground fighting – using technique and leverage rather than brute strength. It’s incredibly practical for one-on-one situations, and there’s a huge, friendly community vibe at most gyms. The only catch is that it doesn’t prepare you much for multiple attackers or situations involving weapons, so it’s best thought of as one part of a bigger self-defence toolkit.
Muay Thai – also known as Thai boxing – is as real as it gets. You’ll learn how to punch, kick, knee, and elbow, and you’ll quickly realise why it’s called “the art of eight limbs.” It’s one of the best workouts you’ll ever do, and it’s great for learning to stay calm and composed under pressure. If you like straightforward, no-frills training, this is for you.
Then there’s Krav Maga, which isn’t really a traditional martial art but a modern self-defence system developed for the Israeli military. It’s fast to learn and brutally practical – the focus is on surviving, not scoring points. You’ll practice defending against weapons, multiple attackers, and realistic scenarios. It’s not as flashy or spiritual as other styles, but if your goal is pure self-protection, Krav Maga delivers.
Picking What’s Right for You
You don’t have to get it perfect the first time. Most people try one martial art and later explore others as their interests change. You might start out doing Taekwondo for fitness, then move into BJJ because you like the challenge of grappling, and maybe end up doing Muay Thai down the track because you want to mix in some striking.
Also, pay attention to the vibe of the school you join. Some gyms are very competitive and serious, others are relaxed and community-focused. Go with what fits your personality – you’ll enjoy it more and stick with it longer.
More Than Just Fighting
Here’s the thing most people don’t expect: martial arts aren’t really about fighting. Sure, you’ll learn to punch, kick, or grapple – but what you really gain is discipline, confidence, and focus. You learn patience, respect, and how to handle yourself when things get uncomfortable – both on and off the mat.
It’s also a brilliant way to get fit without feeling like you’re working out. You’ll build strength, coordination, and flexibility – and you’ll probably have a few bruises to show for it, too.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” martial art – only the best one for you. The main thing is to find something that makes you excited to show up each week.
So take a deep breath, pick a style that catches your eye, and give it a go. Whether you end up throwing kicks in a Muay Thai gym, rolling around on the mats at a BJJ academy, or moving through forms at a traditional dojo, you’ll be stepping into something that can genuinely change your life.
And who knows? A few years from now, you might be the one helping the next newbie learn their first punch.
