How to get into martial arts: kickboxing, judo, taekwondo, karate, ju-jitsu and more

The term martial arts covers such a large number of different sports, there is sure to be one discipline that appeals to you.

What all have in common is the benefits you can gain to your fitness and confidence.

Judo

Judo roughly translates as 'gentle way' in Japanese, and though it can appear to be anything but gentle, it's skill, technique and timing that will see you gaining different colour belts as you improve.

Judo is one of two martial arts included in the Olympics, and it is easy to try it, with all clubs registered with the British Judo Association offering free starter sessions and 'judo gi' (uniforms) to borrow.

Use their club finder to get started, or try the NI Judo, Judo Scotland and Welsh Judo websites.

Taekwondo

Korea-inspired taekwondo requires patience, self-discipline, dedicated training - and seriously flexible legs!

The second Olympic discipline, taekwondo requires effective self-defence, strength development and cardiovascular fitness, all developed through a combination of mental and physical training.

Information about where you can locate your nearest club can be found on the British Taekwondo, Taekwondo Association of Northern Ireland, Taekwondo Scotland and Taekwondo Cymru websites.

Karate

More than 50 million karate practitioners worldwide can't be wrong, can they?

Though it involves physical moves such as punches, kicks, knee and elbow-strikes, karate is revered for teaching supreme levels of self-discipline and self-control - the mind is just as important as the body.

Explore either the English Karate Federation, Scottish Karate Governing Body, Wales Karate Governing Body or the Northern Ireland Karate Board websites to find your local club.

Ju-Jitsu

Though it's a tough, close-contact combat sport, ju-jitsu centres on the principle of using an opponent's energy against them, rather than directly opposing it.

This manifests itself through a series of clever techniques, which are crafted over time.

Take note: although the accident rate is low, it's wise to have a licence. Find your local club at the British Ju-Jitsu Association website.

Martial arts galore!

• Although it is a martial art, capoeira is less about fighting, more about dance, acrobatics and music!

• Feeling stressed? Tai chi, a truly gentle martial art, involves a series of graceful physical movements combined with deep breathing that can significantly promote relaxation.

• Kendo is on the up. It's incredibly challenging (both physically and mentally) and very eye-catching, with large bamboo swords and protective armour.

• From Thai boxing to MMA, and everything in between, there's sure to be a martial art there that tickles your fancy. Search for clubs near you here.

Disability martial arts

For anybody, taking up martial arts can improve one's health and promote a greater sense of self-worth and wellbeing.

The Disability Martial Arts Association is a wide-ranging support network which fundamentally believes that people come first and disability is second.

They have a comprehensive database of all Martial Art Clubs and Associations that cater for people with various disabilities.

Coaching and volunteering

In many disciplines, to become an instructor means being highly qualified - but not in all. Volunteering opportunities do sometimes arise, for example, in helping people learn tai chi.

The Disability Martial Arts Association runs a programme on how to provide martial arts participation opportunities for a wide range of disabilities that people have. You can also try Sports Coach UK for coaching opportunities.

All clubs need a chair, secretary and treasurer to help things run smoothly as well as officials, coaches and judges. Whatever role you're interested in, Join In has opportunities to volunteer in your area.