I've started a martial arts class and am wondering if anyone here has any tips for me.

We're not studying any one type but mainly focusing on exercise and self defense with the opportunity to advance and learn more.

I studied Jeet Kune Do and did some grappling tournaments. My only tips are to wear a mouthguard and learn how to work a heavy bag. Also, most instructors tend to teach female students to dance more than fight. If you are seriously learning MA for self defense, there is no substitute for gearing up and throwing down. You'll learn that getting hit hurts, but it's not the end.

Make sure to stay on task. I studied tae kwon do, judo, and karate and I found that discipline, not surprisingly, is on of the most satisfying parts of the practice. Respect for your sensei, discipline to follow through and repeat moves and sequences until they are perfect. This not only gets you into great shape, but it makes you proud of your accomplishment. Don't focus on the calories burned. Just focus on the fluidity of your movements and the importance of discipline in your practice. It really helps you in weight loss and in life. I would also suggest endurance training on the side because the hardest part for me about martial arts was getting through long classes and expecting to perform well from start to finish, even at a beginner's level.

Thanks!

I'm going tonight. I'll be monstrously sore tomorrow. Worth it in the end, though.