Get Active: Martial arts

Explain it to me: Ever looked at a Bruce Lee film and thought: I could do that? Maybe you could. Well, some of it. With a lot of practice. Martial arts in Ireland is a diverse field, covering everything from karate and taekwondo to jiu jitsu and kickboxing. One thing they all have in common: you'll find you are using muscles you never thought existed, so you'll end up fitter, more flexible, and probably better able to defend yourself. But martial arts is about more than learning how to punch and throw fancy kicks; it's about respect and discipline too.

Where do I start: Just do it. There are few clubs that insist beginners and new members immediately fork out for all the gear they'll use if they decide to stay in the club and get on to the mats to fight. Do your research, find out what style you would like to try, and go for it. The Irish Martial Arts Commission has a full list of associated member bodies, and from there you get lists of clubs.

Costs: These can vary. Some clubs offer a free class or two initially so you get an idea of whether it suits you; then you are faced with either a fee per class – it can be around €10 for adults – or a monthly membership fee, that can be €50 or more depending on how many classes you want to do per week, particularly for full-time martial arts studios

Top tips: Don't take yourself too seriously at the start. Everyone was a beginner at some point, and not all of us were born with the natural talent to throw spinning kicks. Martial arts is for people of all ages and abilities – so your best approach is just to throw yourself into it.