How to Learn Martial Arts at Home – Training By Yourself
Wondering how to learn martial arts at home, or if it’s even possible? Whether you want to get back into karate or begin boxing for the first time, it’s possible to start martial arts training by yourself and not go to a dojo or gym.
This blog post will walk you through an easy 12 step process that will help you get started on your journey!
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to get fit and be more active, combative training might just be the answer. Even if you feel like you missed your chance, it might not be too late for you to learn.
There are simple ways of learning martial arts right from home. You’ll be able to practice these skills on your own and set your own training schedule as appropriate.
Can you really start martial arts training at home alone?
A lot of people don’t know where to start when it comes to learning martial arts because they think that the only way is through a dojo or gym. I’ll walk you through an alternate way to exercise with skills that you can practice on your own in the comfort of your home.
Combative training is a great way to get fit, stay active, develop self-awareness, or just enjoy exercising more. Although equipment is helpful, you don’t need any to get started other than some comfortable clothes and a good attitude.
Disclaimer: This article was published for entertainment and educational purposes. It should not be used as personal or professional or medical advice. Please consult your doctor before deciding to engage in any new exercise activities or nutritional regimen. Take care!
Table of Contents
What are martial arts?
For the purposes of this article, we’re lumping combat sports (such as boxing and mixed martial arts) together with martial arts (such as karate) and self defense systems (such as Krav Maga). For more information about what makes different forms of combat practice unique, check out this article on the differences between martial arts, combat sports, and self defense systems.
Just remember that practicing martial arts doesn’t mean becoming skilled at self defense. Self defense requires proper instruction, sparring partners, and a teacher who knows how to identify and correct your bad habits. But you can practice martial arts by following your own training program and using online courses to enhance your understanding.
What is the best martial art to learn at home?
The best martial art for you to learn at home will depend on your level of fitness as well as what you’re interested in and your goals. If you just want to get fit, that requires a very different workout regimen than if you want to be able to kick higher than your head.
Another determining factor should be your health – what level and style of training will it support? This is why it’s so important to discuss new exercise plans with your doctor.
Can fighting be self taught?
To a limited extent yes, but be careful; even “real” martial arts training does not prepare you for a street fight.
While someone who knows kickboxing or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu would likely have an advantage in a fight against an untrained opponent, the only way to learn self defense technique and “real fighting” is to practice self defense and real fighting, and you need training partners for those.
That said, martial arts techniques and combative skills can very easily be practiced at home alone. Doing this will increase your fitness and confidence, and prepare your muscles and mind for any additional combative training you may include in your regimen.
How to Learn Martial Arts At Home: 12 Steps to Fitness
By focusing on simple technique and fitness, you can get many of the same benefits of attending classes at a gym.
Step One
Talk to your doctor. It’s always best to consult your physician before beginning a new workout habit. That way you’ll know if you’re facing any limitations that could inhibit your journey.
Step Two
Build a knowledge base about martial arts and prepare yourself mentally for the challenges of learning something new. This process could involve meditation or just a quiet period of reflection. If you haven’t yet, choose a martial art or combat sport to focus on.
Step Three
Start with low-impact exercises such as half-speed punches, stretching, push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups. Try building towards three or four workouts per week. Focus on getting enough water to keep you hydrated, healthy and light on your feet for training.
Step Four
Work on improving your diet if necessary. Eating clean is important for keeping up your strength and energy levels, but it’s not easy to do when you’re constantly surrounded by tempting goodies. If you eat well you will feel lighter and more inclined to exercise.
Step Five
Look for free resources such as YouTube tutorials or forums to learn the basics of different fighting styles. There are many sources of information online to help beginners.
Step Six
Create a schedule you can stick to. Motivate yourself by setting small goals like learning your next kata, and it will be easier to keep up with your training.
Step Seven
Always focus on maintaining a solid stance and good form. In ordinary classes, the sensei would give you reminders, so you must focus your mind on maintaining best practices.
Step Eight
Join an online forum or Facebook group and share your triumphs and struggles with others.
Step Nine
Blog or vlog about your training and get feedback on your technique and progress. Be clear on your goals. Do you want to achieve a black belt, or just get fit?
Step Ten
Practice your basics until they become second nature. Within a few months you should be able to use combinations of movements including basic low kicks.
Step Eleven
Continue to challenge yourself with new regimens, ideas, and other exercises as a complement to your art.
Step Twelve
Share your success with the community you joined, and always keep practicing!
Best Equipment For Practicing Martial Arts At Home
While you can practice combative training with no equipment, it’s easier and more fun with a few items to help you along the way.
Here’s a list of ideal equipment for a beginner:
- a punching bag
- boxing gloves or other punching gloves for hitting the bag
- dedicated workout gear (such as trunks and a rashguard)
- training equipment like weights
- a skipping rope
You may want to get started with minimal equipment and then build your home gym up over time. If a particular item will inspire you to train regularly, you may as well buy it.
Differences between martial arts practice and classes
The difference between martial arts classes and learning at home on your own will become clear quickly. It will be more challenging and require more dedication at home, because you will lack the momentum provided by an instructor and fellow students.
That said, training at home is no less rewarding. If you get bored, try changing things up – maybe take some YouTube cardio kickboxing classes if you were focusing on karate. You can also design special classes for yourself, for example by building a workout around a specific stance or moves.
Reasons why it’s hard to learn at home by yourself (give it time)
It’s challenging to practice alone because many people don’t have the space or equipment for this type of training. It can also be difficult without a coach to give you pointers on things like body position as you move through different stances.
If you want to commit 50 minutes per day to learning new skills then set aside that much time each day. This will likely change over time but you can it’s important to start somewhere.
Even if you only have five minutes, set a timer and do something! Pick up a pair of gloves and practice punching for thirty seconds before moving on to the next exercise in your routine.
Here’s a sample exercise routine you can use if you’re stuck:
- Jump rope for one minute
- Shadow boxing (do this for thirty seconds between other exercises!)
- Ten Jump squats
- Ten sidekicks each leg
- Ten roundhouse kicks each leg
- Jump rope with rotation (jump and turn feet from side to side as if skiing) for thirty seconds
Martial arts masters to inspire your training
“Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth.”
Mike Tyson, Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion
“In karate, there’s a lot of respect. In fact, when an opponent accepts to fight me, he’s giving me a chance to show my work, so I can’t diminish him at all.”
Lyoto Machida, Former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion
“Whatever luck I had, I made. I was never a natural athlete, but I paid my dues in sweat and concentration and took the time necessary to learn karate and become world champion.”
Chuck Norris, Martial Arts Icon
“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.”
Bruce Lee, Martial Arts Legend and Creator of Jeet Kune Do
“No such thing as bad student. Only bad teacher.”
Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid Character
Since you’re both teacher and student in this situation, pay attention to that last one!
Train safe, have fun, and come back to MyFitnessFight.com soon!