Martial arts has changed and adapted along the years to the requirement of fighting different animals and people. There are many types of fighting tactics due to different regions climate or terrain. The surroundings play a major role in the type of training the locals would do. One thing they all had in practice is meditation. The key to you body is through you mind.
In these days martial arts is learned out of mostly sports and self-defense. This is probably the greatest defense for anyone, no matter a person age or size. A martial artist requires a great amount of dedication to their meditation and physical exercise in order to execute their moves. Like any other exercise, you will need to be consistent in order to be able to perform when the moment arrives. You can learn martial arts in the comfort of your own home with a professional DVD where you will be shown step by step on how to preform on what moves to focus on more than others. However, if you are a beginner to martial arts it is wise to join a traditional class. This will allow you to get the consultation with a qualified teacher whether you are fit to perform these exercises as well as learning the basics the correct way the first time.
Martial arts is hard and you may not do as well as you want on the first session or couple of session, but keep in mind practice makes perfect and that will see you through. Learn to listen to your body and don’t push it too far past your limit, doing so could cause you more injury than than your opponent. If you are having shortness of breath, chest pains and/or severe pain in any part of you body stop immediately and inform your instructor or a doctor.