Which martial art suits me?

The ultimate guide for beginning athletes

Do you want to get fitter and stand stronger in your own shoes? Or are you looking for a new hobby? Then a martial art could be the answer. There are just so many different types: (kick)boxing, judo, karate, krav maga… Where do you start? Every martial art has its own style, rules and training format. Some focus mainly on kicks and punches, while others focus on technique, control or ground fighting. That's why one sport might immediately feel right for you, while another suits you less.

In this blog you'll read what the most well-known martial arts involve and who they're suitable for. This way you can choose the sport that gives you the most satisfaction.

Kickboxing: burn off energy and get fit fast

Kickboxing is a martial art in which you combine boxing with kicks. You use both your fists and your legs to execute techniques. During training you often work with pads or a punching bag and learn various techniques and combinations. The pace is fairly high, making it an intensive workout as well. Many gyms have you train with gloves, shin guards and sometimes a mouthguard. You also often work together with a training partner and learn, among other things:

• Punches such as a jab, cross, hook and uppercut;

• Kicks such as low kicks, high kicks and front kicks;

• Combinations of punches and kicks;

• Defensive techniques such as blocking and dodging;

• Fitness and strength exercises.

Is kickboxing right for me?

Do you have a lot of energy, do you like to train intensively and do you want to improve your fitness quickly? Then kickboxing is a good choice.

Starting with kickboxing? Get a discount on your gear in April

Does kickboxing appeal to you and do you want to start off right? Then it helps to train with the right equipment. Think of sturdy gloves, shin guards and wraps that support your hands while punching. Good equipment not only provides more comfort, but also safety during your training.

In April you can purchase your first kickboxing gear at a great price. From April 1 to 7 you'll get 10% off gear from various brands, such as Rumble. Choose the products that suit you and grab your discount! That way you'll start your next training session fully prepared. 💥🥊

MMA: the most versatile martial art

MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. In this sport you combine different fighting styles. As a result, you'll see techniques from multiple disciplines in a single training session or competition. You learn elements from, for example:

• Boxing for punches;

• Kickboxing or Muay Thai for kicks and knees;

• Wrestling for takedowns;

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for ground fighting.

Because all these styles come together, MMA is one of the most complete martial arts. You work on strength, speed, technique, strategy and fitness.

Is MMA right for me?

Are you looking for a challenging sport where you learn different techniques? Then MMA is a good fit for you.

Karate: focus, discipline and technique

Karate is a Japanese martial art in which you learn to defend yourself with punches, kicks and blocks. The name literally means 'empty hand', because you use no weapons. The sport is not only about fighting, however. Respect, discipline and self-control play a major role. Many karate practitioners therefore work towards new belts, such as yellow, orange, green or eventually black. These colours indicate how well they have mastered all aspects of technique and mental focus.

Training sessions usually consist of three parts:

• Kihon: basic movements such as punches, kicks and blocks;

• Kata: a fixed series of techniques against imaginary opponents;

• Kumite: sparring with a partner.

Is karate right for me?

Do you want to train both your body and your mind? Then karate is a good choice. These aspects are central to this structured martial art.

Taekwondo: spectacular kicks and speed

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for fast and high kicks. The name refers to hand and foot techniques and stands out for its spectacular movements. Spinning and high kicks are characteristic of this sport. Just like karate, belts indicate your level here too, from white to black. During training you work on various elements:

• Kicks and jumping techniques;

• Poomsae (fixed movement patterns);

• Sparring with protection;

• Self-defence;

• Fitness and flexibility.

Is taekwondo right for me?

Do you enjoy speed, flexibility and technical kicks? Then taekwondo is a good martial art for you.

Judo: technique comes first

Judo is a Japanese martial art in which you use your opponent's strength against them. Instead of punching or kicking, it's all about throws and control. An important part of judo is ukemi: learning to fall without injuring yourself. That makes the sport useful outside the dojo as well.

During a judo training session you learn, among other things:

• Throws to bring an opponent to the ground;

• Hold-downs to pin someone;

• Arm locks;

• Choke techniques;

• Falling techniques.

Is judo right for me?

Do you enjoy technique and strategy? And are you looking for a sport where you don't have to be the strongest to beat your opponent? Then judo is suitable for you.

Jiu-jitsu: chess on the mat

Jiu-jitsu focuses heavily on ground fighting. Instead of punching or kicking, you try to gain control over your opponent using locks and holds. Many athletes therefore call jiu-jitsu a game of chess with the body. You constantly think about how to improve a position or escape from one. The most well-known variant today is Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).

During training you learn:

• Takedowns to bring someone to the ground;

• Control positions;

• Arm locks;

• Chokes;

• Escape techniques.

Is jiu-jitsu right for me?

Do you find strategy and technique interesting? Then jiu-jitsu is a good choice.

Aikido: flowing movements and calm

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on defence without aggression. Instead of blocking an attack, you move along with the energy of the opponent. Many people find aikido appealing because it is less focused on competition. It is mainly about technique, control and cooperation. During training you often work in pairs. One person attacks and the other executes the technique. Then you switch. This way you learn:

• Throws;

• Wrist and arm locks;

• Dodging attacks;

• Rolling and falling.

Is aikido right for me?

Are you looking for a calm, technical sport? Then aikido is a good fit for you.

Krav Maga: realistic self-defence

Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art, but a self-defence system developed for the Israeli military. The goal is to get yourself to safety as quickly as possible in a dangerous situation. Training sessions therefore focus on realistic scenarios, such as:

• Defence against punches or kicks;

• Breaking free from holds;

• Dealing with multiple attackers;

• Defence against weapons.

Is Krav Maga right for me?

Do you mainly want to learn practical self-defence? Then Krav Maga is right for you.

How do you choose the martial art that suits you?

Martial arts not only help you get fitter and stronger, but also build self-confidence and discipline. That's why it's great to start with such a sport. Unfortunately, there is no martial art that is perfect for everyone. The best choice depends on what you enjoy and what you want to learn. Fortunately, many gyms offer trial lessons. By following a few training sessions, you'll often quickly discover what suits you.

Where do you buy the best sports gear?

Once you've chosen a sport, good equipment is important. Gloves, shin guards, punching bags or other training gear make your training safer and more comfortable. Not sure what gear you need? Then visit our store in Houten. There you can try on various products, get personal advice from our martial arts specialists and take your first step towards an enjoyable training session.

April 2026: order kickboxing gear with a discount

Do you love a good discount? Then April 1st is the moment to order your new gear. And no, this is not a joke. On that day you'll get 10% off our gear from various premium brands. That way you can affordably get your gloves, shin guards or other kickboxing equipment and start your next training session fully prepared.