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A guide for beginners

Which martial art is best for beginners?

The best martial art is the one you’ll keep doing. Here’s an honest look at the main styles, what each one is good for, and how to choose for yourself or your child.

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Students kneeling in a line at the start of class

Before you choose

Five questions to ask any school

  • Can I watch a class?

    A good school is happy to show you. At Safeguard, parents can watch every class from the viewing area.

  • Is there a free trial?

    You shouldn’t have to sign up to find out if you like it. Every program here starts with a free trial.

  • Who teaches?

    Ask about the instructor’s training and how long they’ve taught. Sensei Troy is a 4th-degree black belt in Shotokan karate.

  • Are the prices posted?

    You should know what it costs before you walk in. Ours are on our prices page.

  • Is sparring optional for beginners?

    Contact should come when you’re ready. Here, partner work is supervised and never forced.

Start with your goal

What do you want from it?

Most people have one main reason. Start there.

Your goalGood places to start
Self-defenceKickboxing or karate for staying on your feet; jiu-jitsu or judo for grappling
Getting fitKickboxing or boxing
Focus and discipline for kidsKarate or taekwondo
ConfidenceAny art with a welcoming beginners’ class; karate’s belts give kids clear goals
CompetitionTaekwondo or judo (Olympic sports), boxing, karate tournaments or, later, MMA

The main styles

Seven martial arts, in plain words

  • Karate

    A Japanese striking art: stances, blocks, punches and kicks, kata (set patterns) and a belt system.

    Good for: Kids and adults who want self-defence with focus, respect and clear goals. We teach Shotokan karate.

  • Kickboxing

    Punches, kicks and knees on pads and bags, with plenty of conditioning.

    Good for: Fitness and practical striking. Easy to start at any fitness level. We teach it from age 8.

  • Taekwondo

    A Korean art known for fast, high and spinning kicks, forms and Olympic-style sparring.

    Good for: Flexible, kick-loving kids and anyone interested in the sport side.

  • Brazilian jiu-jitsu

    Grappling on the ground: holds, sweeps, chokes and joint locks, with live rolling.

    Good for: Self-defence on the ground, for people comfortable with close contact.

  • Judo

    Throws, pins and lots of practice falling safely. An Olympic sport.

    Good for: Balance, toughness and learning to fall without getting hurt.

  • Boxing

    Punches, head movement and footwork.

    Good for: Hand speed and fitness. There are no kicks.

  • MMA

    Striking and grappling combined, often with a competition focus and more contact.

    Good for: People who already have a base in one art and want to put it all together.

Down to two? See karate vs taekwondo, kickboxing vs boxing and kickboxing vs Muay Thai.

Our honest take

Why we think karate and kickboxing are the best places to start

We teach karate and kickboxing, so we’re not neutral. But here’s why we think they suit most beginners:

  • You learn on your feet

    Most real situations start standing up. Both teach you to keep your distance, protect yourself and get away.

  • Easy to start

    Beginners work on pads, bags and technique. Contact comes later, and only when you’re ready.

  • Any age

    Karate from age 3 (Tiger TOTS) to adult, kickboxing from 8. Not sure which class? Kids and adults each have a guide.

What we teach

Karate and kickboxing at Safeguard

Reviews

From Safeguard families and students

5.0 from 76 reviews on Google

Read them all on Google

  • ★★★★★

    Our son has been attending since 2017 and has grown in confidence, strength, ability and has found a social connection as well. The Dojo is always clean and well equipped. They teach more than just the martial art. There is also a focus on empathy, knowing wrong from right, plus the importance of community and of perseverance. We have a deep trust in their commitment to safety.

    Wayne & Chad · February 2023

  • ★★★★★

    Sensei Troy and Sensei Tina have been amazing with making my son feel welcome and engaged. The classes are dynamic and interesting, with many important takeaways to build strength and confidence in a safe, friendly and kind environment. Very impressed with the care and attention each child gets.

    Dana K. · May 2023

  • ★★★★★

    Safeguard is my happy place. I started going to Safeguard when I was about 9 and ever since then I have gained so much confidence and strength. I have become super close with the students there.

    Tanner D. · January 2023

Questions

What people ask us

Is karate or taekwondo better for kids?

Both build discipline, fitness and confidence through belts. Taekwondo leans toward kicking and sport sparring; karate balances hands and feet with kata and self-defence. The instructor and the class matter more than the style, so try a class and see if your child lights up.

What’s the best martial art for self-defence?

The one you’ll keep training. Striking arts like kickboxing and karate teach you to protect yourself on your feet and keep your distance; grappling arts like jiu-jitsu cover the ground. Good self-defence training also teaches awareness and how to avoid trouble.

Am I too old to start?

No. Adults start at every age. You work at your own level, and it’s worth telling your instructor about any injuries before your first class.

Can I train in two martial arts?

Yes. Karate and kickboxing go well together: one sharpens technique and focus, the other builds power and fitness. Each of ours has its own free trial, so you can try both.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Years, and that’s the point. Belts are earned, never handed out. For some students the journey takes a decade, and the confidence and discipline they build along the way are the real reward.

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