Starting martial arts rarely fails because of fitness and almost always because of the first hurdle in the head. Many people stand outside the door for weeks before they walk in, because they do not know what to expect. This section takes away exactly that uncertainty: it describes how a first session goes, what you need for it and how you can tell whether a martial art suits you.
What is answered here
The texts for beginners revolve around four questions. First, the choice of sport: striking, kicking, wrestling or weapons work demand very different bodies and characters. Second, how the first class goes, from the warm-up through technique to partner drills. Third, equipment, meaning what is really necessary and what can wait. Fourth, what to expect of yourself: what is normal in the first weeks, which muscle soreness comes with it and when you should rather rest.
Starting without prior experience
Martial arts for beginners does not mean everyone is equally far along. In every class, people with years of experience train next to people in their second week. That is not a disadvantage but the usual way: technique is shown, practised slowly and only then applied under pressure. Fitness comes from training, not before it. Anyone who waits until they are fit enough never starts.
All that matters is that you tell us your limits. An old shoulder injury, an operation last year, discomfort with punches to the head: all of this can be taken into account if the trainer knows about it. None of it is a reason to be excluded.
Getting started in Aachen
At the Shouraki martial arts school and fitness centre in Aachen, several classes are open to beginners from the age of 16. Kickboxing in Aachen combines punching and kicking techniques and has its own group for beginners and intermediates. Boxing in Aachen concentrates on footwork, guard and punching technique. Wing Chun in Aachen works at close range with reflexes instead of strength. On the ground, the focus is on BJJ, grappling and ground fighting. The quickest way to find out which class suits you is the free trial class.
You will find all classes for getting started under Martial arts in Aachen; you book your first class through the free trial class.
