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Choosing a Class: Self Defense? Fitness? Or Fun?
A thoughtful journey leads to the right choice.
By Alex Iglecia
Published in the Boston Women's Journal

“I want to do something practical. I’ve done martial arts, but I just want to know how to defend myself.” This describes the intent of most adults who come to the POWER. TO PROTECT program, formerly known as Genuine Bussey Style. The other half has never touched a martial art, but wants to have practical defensive abilities. I want you to have the tools you need to decide what kind of class is best for you, and for you to pursue that class for the right reasons.

I am biased and I will be the first to admit it. When it comes to martial arts, I respect the skill, talent and ability of many styles. I’ve practiced traditional arts before choosing to take a more practical approach to my training. When it comes to personal defense and practical applications, I have tough standards. While I have many good friends who are having a great time kicking, punching, sparring, I’ve also known many men and women who simply haven’t trained in a realistic way and take their classes for the wrong reasons.

Ready for a few simple questions? Let’s go!

Q. Why do I want to take this class?

Fitness? Sport? Competition? To get in touch with tradition? Learn another culture? Health? Religion? To star in the movies? To learn to defend myself?

Your options will offer some of these benefits with varying emphasis. Know what your top goal and match it to the main focus of the class. If your goal was to get fitter and increase your endurance/flexibility, and you didn’t want much contact, your best bet might be a cardio kickboxing class or one that emphasizes forms/kata.

If your goal is to defend yourself, and you wanted challenge and fitness and fun, you’ll have few real options, but they’re out there. Something to consider are Fatal Tendencies (habits that form from practicing moves that are not realistic. When these defenses are attempted under the pressure of real threat, the results can be deadly.) If a defense class resembles the Karate Kid, or students are spending a lot of time perfecting a rigid stance or block, you’re probably seeing Fatal Tendencies. Find something that your common sense tells you is practical and that fits your style while gently pushing your comfort zones to grow.

Q. What is the class like? The instructor? The students?

Get to know the instructor by phone, or email, or in person. Most will be nice enough to spend time with you and will not hard sell you. Watch a class. Is the instructor friendly? Encouraging? Informal? Respectful? Traditional? Militaristic? Commanding? He or she may be a combination of the above qualities. Listen to your intuition. Finally, talk to the students after watching them practice. What do they get out of the training? What keeps them coming back? Do their goals match your goals?

Q. How much time do I want to put into training?

Days, weeks, months, years? Many people start out in a class for one reason or another and stay for different reasons. I might start a Tai Chi class for relaxation and find that my body is feeling so much better that I’ll keep practicing.

Some self defense classes will be run in a day or less, some in 20+ hours in a matter of a few weeks. On the other hand, martial artists often practice for years, integrating art with lifestyle. In the case of my students, they come for personal defense but often stay because, “it’s a great workout, the people are great, the music is good, and I’m learning stuff that’s really practical.”

Remember: you can always wade in, have fun, and leave when you need to. Know yourself and what you want and you’ll find a class that’s right for you.