What are the skills i need to b good in martial arts?

Question

I want to be in martial arts classes and I want to b good in them. Are there certain skills i need to have to do well?

(example: flexibility)

Answer 1

1. The skill of listening to the sensei without evaluating. At least, until you are good enough, years later, to be sensei

2. Concentration

3. At least some physical coordination

4. Time management skill, so that you take the time to practice at home

5. The skill of memory, or the skill of writing down notes at the end of class, until you develop the skill of memory

Answer 2

I just started Karate, and here is what I think is important when you start out (keep in mind these skills will be picked up as you learn, that's the whole point of taking the class!):

- flexibility
- balance
- perseverance
- coordination

The way I see it, if you're ok at dance you will probably have a head start in martial arts because the coordination and ability to pick up sets of movements helps.

Answer 3

There are 2 sets of skills you need. You need your physical skills and your mental skills.

Physical skills include:

Flexibility. You can't kick somebody in the head if you're not flexible.

Strength. Don't expect to knock somebody out if you can't even hurt a fly with your hands.

Speed. if people can see your punches coming from a mile away, you've already lost the fight.

Endurance, if you can't do a routine and you're huffing and puffing after 30 seconds, then you're screwed in a real fight.

Accuracy with your strikes and holds. You can't fight well unless you land your strikes and grapples where you want them to land.

Agility. You need to get away from their punches, kicks and holds in order to stand a chance.

Mental skills include:

Discernment. You have to make sure who you're fighting and if it's the right time to fight. I've been in situations where I've had rude cowards try to attack me because they think they can fight.

These guys were idiots with angry tempers. I knew if I started a fight with them, I would lose control of myself and hurt them severely. So I backed down. Using martial arts to settle bar fights is about the worst thing you can do. So be the bigger person and don't fight people unless you or somebody else is in serious danger.

Also, keep a low profile. Try not to go outside wearing your uniform. And if you do wear your uniform, make sure to not show off. I usually don't change out of my uniform after class because I want to get home as soon as possible so I usually wear my uniform on the bus home. What I do to get away from the undue attention I get is I usually just sit quietly and I don't bother anybody and I ignore people's stupid questions.

Confidence. You won't be able to do any of your moves unless you have the confidence to know you can use them on a dependable basis. Part of confidence includes practice. Either at home or at the dojo/dojang/kwoon.

And finally, mental focusing.

You can't become a good martial artist unless you practice every day and focus on how you do your art. Unless you're in a McSchool, you're not going to get your black belt after going to the school for 6 or 9 months. (Training against McSchool "black belts" was probably the best thing I did as a yellow belt) It takes months and years of training and effort to become good enough to become a good student. And your reward for all your focusing and confidence is a black belt. Just remember, being a black belt isn't the end of it all, being a black belt just means you're a master of the basics.

Answer 4

I think that out of all of the skills that you need, determination is the one that you need to focus on the most. Why I say this is because you need to be determined to improve yourself in every way. Martial Arts is not all about fighting and breaking things, it is about training your mind and body as well as conditioning them to react in all situations and remember without thinking moves and skills. To achieve this, is not easy and you must be determined.
We are not all naturals at this and much of the time we have a daily life to contend with aside from our training. It is our determination to improve and push through exhaustion and failure that makes us better at martial arts. That is the skill that will see you through to the top ranks.

Answer 5

You do not need to have any special skills to begin study, save the ablity to choose a school wisely, so that the methods being tough reflect in your everday personality.

As for being good that comes with time,hence so lone as you find a teacher that you respect and a style that enhances the aspects of your physical and psychological makeup then you will have the experiences of a lifetime!

Answer 6

To be good in martial arts, you don't start with skills, you get them during your training and learning. Obviously you learn self-defense and you will also learn to maintain your concentration. You will also have more confidence in yourself. You will also learn respect because you have to listen and carry out everything your master tells you to do.

Answer 7

You need Marshall Arts skills!

Answer 8

if you want your skills to be like shaolin monks then do as they do. train all day everyday. simple as that. martial arts is literally there life. so if you want to be as good as them then train like them, all day everyday. and no you do not have to train in gung fu to be like them. just train in every technique all the time for a very long time. KEEP in mind that there focus is NOT to be good martial artist but to cultivate there spirit

Answer 9

Also:

timing (knowing the exact moment when to strike, duck, block, fade, pary or slip)

Judgement (knowing which reaction is best to suit the situation or opponent)

Distance judgement

Stick-to-it-iveness (not quitting when you really want to). trust me on this one

Self confidence (similar to the above, knowing you'll improve with time and that you compete as much or more with yourself than anyone else. So don't waste time comparing yourself to others and their progress)

Endurance/stamina

Running - in my school at least

Best of luck. I love hearing about others who love the MA as much as me! IM if you want!

Answer 10

Natural ability and many hours of hard work. Not every one has the ability to be good at it but what you need to concentrate on is being the best your abilities allow, be the best you can be.