2 Easy Martial Arts Styles for Novices: Discover Your Perfect Starting Point

By Maurice Novoa a master under the Yuen Kay Shan, Ip Man and Pan Nam lineages.

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey into the world of fighting styles can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for novices. With an array of disciplines to choose from, finding the right martial art that aligns with your interests, fitness goals, and comfort level is key. In this guide, we’ll explore a couple of easy-to-learn martial arts styles that are perfect for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a solid foundation in striking techniques or a balanced mix of punches and kicks, we’ve got you covered.

Boxing: Building Strong Foundations in Striking

When it comes to starting your martial arts journey, boxing offers an excellent entry point for beginners. This fighting style centers around honing your punching techniques, providing you with a solid foundation in striking skills. Here are the key aspects that make boxing an ideal choice for novices:

Basic Punching Techniques: Laying the Groundwork

In boxing, you’ll delve into the essential punching techniques that form the core of effective striking. These include:

• Jabs: The jab is a quick and straight punch that serves both offensive and defensive purposes. It’s a versatile tool that helps maintain distance and set up other punches.
• Crosses: The cross is a powerful rear-hand punch delivered with your dominant hand. It’s a go-to technique for generating force and targeting your opponent’s head or body.
• Hooks: Hooks are curved punches delivered to the sides of your opponent’s head or body. They’re effective for targeting opponents from different angles.
• Uppercuts: Uppercuts are upward punches aimed at an opponent’s chin or body. They’re particularly useful in close-range combat.

Heavy Bag Work: Perfecting Your Strikes

A crucial element of boxing training is the heavy bag. This essential training tool allows you to practice your punches with power and precision. Hitting the heavy bag helps you develop proper technique, build strength in your punches, and refine your hand-eye coordination. It’s a cathartic way to release stress and immerse yourself in your training routine.

Sparring for Fitness: Gradual Progression

While boxing sparring is typically considered an advanced practice, beginners can engage in light and controlled sparring sessions to improve their fitness levels and gain insights into timing and distance. Sparring is an opportunity to put your skills into practice and refine your movements. However, it’s important to approach sparring gradually and under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

By immersing yourself in boxing, you’re not just learning a set of techniques; you’re developing a strong foundation in striking that can be applied in various scenarios. As you master the fundamental punching techniques, engage with the heavy bag, and potentially explore light sparring, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding martial arts journey. So, whether you’re seeking improved self-confidence, fitness, or simply a new and exhilarating challenge, boxing has something unique to offer to novices like you.

Kickboxing: Adding Kicks to Your Arsenal

As you embark on your journey into the world of martial arts, kickboxing presents an exciting avenue for beginners to enhance their skill set. Building upon the foundation of boxing, kickboxing introduces basic kicks that add a dynamic element to your striking techniques. Here’s why kickboxing is a fantastic choice for novices like you:

Incorporating Basic Kicks: Expanding Your Repertoire

Kickboxing takes the techniques you’ve learned in boxing and expands your repertoire by introducing fundamental kicks. These include:

• Front Kicks: Front kicks are delivered with the ball of the foot and target your opponent’s torso or face. They’re effective for creating distance and launching surprise attacks.
• Roundhouse Kicks: Roundhouse kicks involve a rotational motion, delivering a powerful strike using the shin or instep. These kicks are versatile and can target the legs, body, or head.

By integrating these basic kicks into your skill set, you’re equipped with versatile tools that enable you to engage opponents effectively from various distances.

Combination of Strikes and Kicks: Seamless Transitions

Kickboxing trains you to seamlessly transition between punches and kicks, allowing you to create a well-rounded and unpredictable attack strategy. This fluidity enhances your ability in martial arts to keep opponents on their toes, making it challenging for them to anticipate your next move.

Focus on Fitness and Conditioning: A Total-Body Workout

Beyond its effectiveness in self-defense, kickboxing also emphasizes fitness and conditioning. The combination of punches and kicks provides an exceptional cardiovascular workout that boosts your heart rate and burns calories. Simultaneously, the engagement of different muscle groups enhances your overall strength and flexibility.

Why Kickboxing is Ideal for Beginners: Gradual Progression

Kickboxing is particularly suitable for beginners of martial arts because it offers a gradual progression from boxing. By introducing kicks while maintaining the emphasis on fundamental striking techniques, kickboxing ensures a manageable learning curve. This approach allows novices to build upon their existing skills and comfort level while delving into new techniques.

As you venture into the realm of kickboxing, you’re not just acquiring additional techniques; you’re expanding your fighting styles horizons and honing your ability to engage opponents with a diverse range of strikes. The integration of kicks adds depth and versatility to your skill set, making you a more well-rounded martial artist. So, whether you’re motivated by self-improvement, fitness, or the thrill of mastering a new discipline, kickboxing offers an enriching experience for beginners like you.

Choosing Your  Martial Arts Starting Point

As a novice, selecting your entry point into the world of martial arts depends on your preferences and goals. If you’re eager to build a strong foundation in striking techniques and enjoy the simplicity of punches, boxing is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking to add kicks to your arsenal and experience a well-rounded mix of punches and kicks, kickboxing is a great next step.

Remember, the journey into martial arts is personal, and it’s important to find a style that resonates with you. Both boxing and kickboxing offer accessible and enjoyable paths for novices to begin their martial arts journey. Whichever style you choose, you’ll be on your way to building skills, boosting fitness, and developing self-confidence—all while having a rewarding and fun experience in the world of martial arts.