Kyle-san

Aikido would be close to your Judo training than Wing Chun, however Wing Chun would teach you the strikes that are lacking in Judo. Personally, I'd go for Aikido.

In the latest game his "art" was listed as Hapkido. But, um, you aren't even going to be able to learn moves like his because he's a video game character.

The match was technically a tie, but since he was more agressive they gave it to him.

That's a fairly weak argument, it's been shown that BJJ is excellent for groundwork and is specifically designed for MMA tournaments. I mean, just look at all those fighters that started cross training after they saw how good the BJJ guys were doing. In the last tournament I was at I had to take on a BJJ guy and it was probably the hardest match I've had. If it wasn't for the point system they were running it wouldn't have been able to catch up to him.

So, you're saying that when you're on the ground noone can attack your sides or from behind?

Of course, not everyone leaves because they think they've completed their training at or near black belt. I've left two arts before achieving my black for different reasons, but basically boils down to conflicts with my instructors. I left Karate because of a combination of switching organizations (and testing requirements), my sensei spending no time teaching me the new techniques I needed to learn, and the fact that I just didn't know how to deal with this (I was way too young to get a black belt anyway). I left Taekwon Do because my instructor was just looking to make money and he didn't care how. It got to the level that if you paid for your testing you were going to pass automatically. The last time I tested I didn't put any effort in at all, was incredibly sloppy, and should have failed. However I was promoted, more money was spent and I felt I didn't get anything out of it. I'm not happy that I left either of these arts and feel I'm missing a lot from my training, but if I had to do it again I'd have acted the same way.

You've made some excellent points, but what about styles that have no kata involved in them? For example, neither of the Jujutsu clubs I've been to have used kata as part of their training but they have some of the best technique that I've seen. There is still the heritage/history behind the moves and certainly noone that lasts there is looking to learn how to fight, does that make them a less complete martial artist?

I completely agree. I, for one, am not a huge fan of full contact sparring, but when it comes down to it I've got no problems about defending myself. In class we do these drills with a partner where one of us has our eyes closed and the other is attacking. When the signal is given the partner with their eyes closed opens them and the other one attacks, it can be anything from any direction and we have to defend. It's interesting to see how people react.

Maybe, maybe not.

If things continue as they have over the past 10 years it'll mean an increase in MMA-style gyms that really focus on winning the tournament, or it'll be more "combat" schools. Nothing new, really.

Um, you seem to be focusing on the sport aspects of Jujusu which, lately, have really been emphasized in the Brazillian Jujitsu variant. I don't really hear a lot of traditional Jujutsu practitioners talking about how they can take someone down with every move, but that's just me.

Mmm... I love doing tomoe nage, it's just so fulfilling. A great little variation if you ever need to use it would be to aim a little lower with the foot and dig it into the groin instead of the stomach. That'll open their eyes.

A lot of tournaments have rules against certain moves/techniques. Generally speaking, unless it's an NHB tournament there won't be striking allowed on the ground.

I'd talk my way out of it as best I could, and if that didn't work I'd hit as fast as possible. If you've got 10 against 3 the police will side with you, so there aren't any worries about how much force you need to use. Kicks to the knees and groin work well, if you can get a wrist lock or armbar from a block go directly into the break. Anything you can think of that will drop them quickly is preferable for this kind of fight, most damage with fewest moves. Throws work well, too.

Personally, I think this thread is a great example of different martial perspectives.

Hm. Seems like a quick changing light.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the two belt system. White and Black.

Y'know, it is possible that he's all talk and no action. If he's said repeatedly that he'll fight you and hasn't yet there's a good chance he never will. Anyway, Smith & Wesson has the right idea in this situation.

That's a possibility, but not one that would come up in a tournament situation.

I think that's an excellent policy. I've found very few people under 16 or 18 that really understand what they're doing and are able to teach it to others.

So it completely ignores any achievement made before you become a legal adult?

I like the well used but clean look. It puts me in a better frame of mind when training.

Hah, that's the way it should be.

Yeah, if you find a judo club that has a children's class you should definately sign your son up for it. I mean, what kid wouldn't like the chance to roll around and "wrestle" for an hour or so?

Because as much as we compare arts there's nothing like personal experience to decide what's best for you.