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Ask a few friends which martial art you should start with and you'll get conflicting advice, because each of them trains one style and swears by it. Here's the honest answer. There's no single best martial art for women, but there is a best one for you, taught at a club you'll still be turning up to in six months. This guide covers the main options in New Zealand, what the evidence says about self-defence, and how to get gear that actually fits. The Short Version For self-defence, a grappling a …

In a five-year study of Great Britain's elite amateur boxing squad, the hand was injured more often than any other part of the body, head included. A pair of hand wraps is the cheapest protection you can buy for it, yet plenty of people wind them on without knowing what the wrap is actually doing. This guide is for boxers, Muay Thai and MMA people around New Zealand who want the straight story: where wraps came from, what they can and can't do, and why a fighter's wraps on fight night look nothi …

Choosing the right judo gi in NZ is essential for safety, comfort and performance on the mat. A quality judo uniform should fit well, withstand gripping and throwing, and match the needs of beginners, kids, regular club members, and competitors. This guide explains everything you need to know about judo gi sizing, weave types, durability and which judo uniforms work best for New Zealand practitioners. Quick Answer / TL;DR The best judo gi for most NZ practitioners is a well-fitted cotton gi wit …

As a parent in Aotearoa, you've probably watched your kid bounce off the walls and thought: "there has to be a better use of this energy." Martial arts could be exactly what you're looking for — but with dozens of styles, clubs, and age groups to navigate, it's easy to feel a bit lost. This guide is written for NZ parents who want to make a smart, informed choice for their child — covering the right age to start, the best styles for different personalities, what to look for in a club …

Whether you're a parent looking for something great for your tamariki, an adult wanting to get fit and learn self-defence, or someone who's been curious about the mats for years — choosing the right martial art can feel overwhelming. With more than 50 styles practised across Aotearoa, the options are genuinely mint, but knowing where to start is the hard part. This guide cuts through the noise and helps you find the style that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and the clubs available near y …