New, and A question...

[GTF]

true true.. me also thinks the best self defense is actually never needing to have to defend youreself.

you never know when you could be attacked

ps the quote feature seams to have gone wrong

[Gumbi]

Allow me to add my two cents.

Since everyone is giving advice on which styles to choose, I'll give my 2 on how to choose a school.

First off, there is a lot to be said for which STYLE of fighting you choose. You'll often hear "its the person, not the style" but that is certainly not true- to say so is to ignore the differences in all the styles of combat. In one demensional fighters, it is much more the style than the person fighting. In mixed martial artists who are well rounded, usually then is when the fighters matter more than the style, since they have crosstrained.

So, this is what I look for when choosing a gym to train at:

1: Do they spar with contact?

Sparring for points and full contact fighting are two completely different things. I want a gym that concentrates on hard contact sparring and practicalilty. Learning how to fight without contact is like learning how to ride a bike by jumping on a stationary one.

2: Does the instructor prove what he teaches?

Does the instructor have some sort of competition record, or will he give you opportunity to question what he teaches? It gives heavy credibility to a teacher if hes willing to prove that what hes teaching you works, either by having used it in competition, or by giving you the opportunity to prevent his attack/penetrate his defense. Any of that "too deadly for the ring/street/full contact" stuff is something you want to avoid.

3: Does the instructor show geniune concern for your development as a fighter?

Does the instructor simply allows you to go through the motions without correcting you, or does he actually take the time to explain techniques and principles to you.

That being said, Muay Thai and western boxing are the striking arts with the best record. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling, and Sambo are grappling styles with the best record. Take that for what its worth.

[MMACHAMP]

Uhm...all of you would like to say avoid the fight which i agree to some extent...but i dont think it helps Ahazmaksya...so if you ask i would have to say cross train between muay thai and BJJ and you will be able to beat someone standing and on the ground.