New to MA, looking for good self-defense

[Slider33]

Hey,

 

I'm brand new to martial arts, and I've been trying to do some research on what would be the right martial art for me (and my wife). I am hoping everyone can help me out. I've briefly read through some of the threads, like some of the top 10 combative MA's and such.

 

Basically, I am looking for the right MA for my wife and I. Some of the threads I noticed a lot of martial art styles mentioned that I had never heard of before, and I'm not sure I even have access to.

 

What I am wanting is something that is very self-defense oriented. I've heard some types of MA are better at this than others. I want something that leans more toward effective fighting and defense in real life situations, and not necessarily for competition. Hence why I posted this in the Combative forum.

 

My wife also is wanting to learn a great self defense art. What would be most effective self defense MA for her as a small sized woman?

 

Most of the types that we have access to are: (various forms of Karate), Taekwondo, Judo, Tai Chi, Hapkido, Chin na, Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Chi Kung, and I thought I saw Jeet Kun Do.

 

I have no idea which would be the best for what we're looking for. But just a guideline would at least help me narrow this down. I'm leaning toward Karate. How does it rank as far as self-defense/combat compared to the others I listed?

 

I know there are a whole list of issues I need to consider before actually choosing an art much less the right dojo. But who better to ask than people who actually study and train in these arts right?

 

It may be the case that any of them are fine and can't go wrong with picking one over the other. But if there are any MA's that stand out above the rest for what we're looking for, or any feedback anyone can get me I am most appreciative. Thanks in advance!

[Dijita]

This is such a hard question to ask, because you are going to get opinions from all over the map. It's to be expected as each individual is going to show a respect and bais to their own style.

 

I think you need to ask yourself some more questions before you can begin your search. Some possible questions:

 

1) Do you want to learn more striking techniques? Kicking, punching? Or do you want to learn to take the fight to the ground?

 

2) Do you want to do a style that is purely focused on the fighting and less on the traditional aspects such as doing forms or katas?

 

3) Are you prepared to do a style that practices realistic contact? Or do you want to learn the techniques without the contact in your training?

 

These are just some questions.

 

You should know, that no style will ever prepare you 100% for the street. Defending yourself on the street means fighting someone who is unpredictable, fast, and possibly has a weapon. Taking up martial arts will only increase your odds of defending yourself off from an attacker.

 

Just to add, I personally see a greater advantage in the styles that use full contact in the classroom, as it prepares your body a little bit more to the realistic feeling of hitting as well as being hit. However, again, it's a personal opinion and not necessarily accurate as there's different strokes for different folks.

[Slider33]

Thanks for the reply! I'm glad you asked those questions. I know this is a tough one to get a clear cut answer on. There are so many variables to consider, personal preferences and style. But I would love to hear any feedback from as many people in their respective arts as I can. Even letting me know which MA's I should already rule out is a great start for me. Avoiding the wrong choice is something I'm shooting for.

 

For question 1: I'm definetely more interested in striking techniques than taking the fight to the ground.

 

No. 2 is kind of both ways for me. I can only speculate which training style will better prepare me. I'm assuming a focus on fighting as opposed to forms/katas would be more of what I'm looking for. But I would be happy doing either.

 

I definetely want something that practices realistic combat. Full contact would be great with me, and actually preferable.

 

It's something that I've always looked forward in doing one day, now that I have the means and access to take up a martial art, it's something I've always wanted to do. Anything that increases my chance to defend my family and myself I will be a much happier, confident person. Which is definetely what I want to achieve.

 

But not knowing the details of each martial art, it's hard for me to know what fits these general guidelines. And if there are any other questions/preferances you guys need from me just let me know!!

[Dijita]

Well, I won't speak on behalf of the other martial arts, but I will tell you about the style that I do.

 

I do what's called Kyokushin Karate. We practice full contact, and our tournements are full contact as well with little to no protection gear. In class we practice a lot of our basic techniques such as the different strikes, blocks, and kicks. We do a lot of sparring, and a lot of pad work. We also do a lot of kata's, which is where you practice through certain movements in a formal pattern. On top of all that, we do some partner self defense techniques more related to joint lock manipulation and such, but it's not focused on as much as the other part. I'm sure that even within Kyokushin, there will be a lot of differences in the training. The biggest thing though about it, that makes it so great for self defense is the fact that we train in realistic contact. Probably one disadvantage is that although we learn how to strike to the face, we don't practice striking to the face in sparring or in tournements.

 

If you want less of the traditional aspect, you may want to look into Muay Thai or boxing.

[Northren Ogre]

I've trained in a few martial arts and by your answers to Dijita's questions(which were excellent by the way) I also recommend Jeet Kune Do, as you said it may be in your area. Jeet Kune Do offers varied no-nonsense techniques, as well as a good mix of stand up(striking) and ground techniques. And I also recommend that whatever style you decide to study, make sure you check out the facility and class. Sit in for a class , or some schools offer a free class. Take advantage of these and see how the school fits you, how the instructors behave and if something dosen't feel right, don't sign up there.

[Drunken Monkey]

and if they DON'T let you sit in a class or give a free taster,

 

well, most of the time, that means something...

[Fat Donkey]

:DBoth Northern and Djita make good points, another question I have is how fast do u mant to start the hard stuff. I know KK and Muy Thai start u off right away and its extremely cardiovascular. Since u want to train with your wife I think the JKD and also Hapkido or Krav Maga(not full contact I don't think) would be good bets because they practice weapons and joint locks for self defense scenarios and include a bit of everything. Good Luck.

[delta1]

All good advice, especially Dijita.

 

Another thing to look at is their orientation. Some schools only work kata. And though they might work on the applications of moves in the kata, they never really apply them. You have to apply them, with control of course, in order to learn them.

 

Already covered, but extremely important, they should periodically spar with contact and ground option (even if they are a striking school) if they profess to teach realistic self defense. Some weapons sparing is also a must.

 

If there is an American Kenpo school in your area, I suggest you check it out. It orks well for men and women of all sizes and abilities. Also, look hard at the JKD school, another system that has a good rep. But be aware that just because the system is good, it doesn't mean the school is.

 

Any style or system can be good for self defense, if taught that way. But many are not. Some red flags:

 

*"Our techniques are too deadly to apply in training,"- run, Forrest, run! Find another school.

 

*"No contact sparing will prepare you for full contact fighting, without the injuries." No, it prepares you to get injured if you have to apply it for real, in all probability.

 

*"We don't allow our students to work out with other systems/stylists because we don't want to share our secrets." Wrong- they are afraid of the comparison. If the other instructor came in and signed a contract, they'd tell him everything they know.

 

*"Contracts allow us to keep our costs down by assureing our revenue and letting us plan ahead." Contracts assure them revenue because when you find out they are selling crap, you still have to pay for it. Don't sign any contracts, especially ones that obligate you to long terms.

 

*"Sport training is the best for reality situations because it puts your skills on the line against other fighters." Hard contact sports are good training, but not the best or only way to put your skills to the test. Sports have rules, reality tends to be lawless and extremely chaotic. Reality arts train for that chaos, not for the ring or to impress the ref or judges, or to submit him or KO him only. Reality trains to destroy his will or his ability to continue. It trains for multiple opponents and weapons. It trains to recognize signs of trouble, and to avoid trouble before all else.

 

One last tip- if you aren't sure, take the time to try out a couple of schools and see what you like best. Most, as already said, will let you take a couple of free lesons. You could also sign up for a couple of months. No ime you spend learning is wasted, and in fact it would be a good investment to make sure you get what you want for both you and your family. Good luck!

[Slider33]

Thanks again for the replies. Having narrowed down what I'm looking for, it greatly differs from what my wife wants. Most likely she'll be taking something completely different or not at all. I wouldn't mind starting the hard stuff right away, but I am definetely looking at this for the long term, so it's not an urgent thing. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time.

 

I've been leaning towards Wing Chun, and perhaps Jeet Kun Do. There are a few different places where I live that teach these so these may be good choices for me because they are available. I think I've found a Wing Chun dojo that has what I want.

 

My wife, however wants something different. She doesn't want to have (especially) full contact sparring, or a very minimal or no sparring at all. So that brings up more questions, as to which arts (if any) would be best for her? Are there MA's and dojo's that don't have sparring? Since I'm not too knowledgable about the different styles, are there some that practice more on forms and less on sparring? Since she doesn't really want to "trade punches", (to me, this seems to defeat the purpose of even doing a martial art) but I was hoping maybe there was still stuff out there she could do.

 

Perhaps something along the lines of tai-bo or some aerobic kickboxing type things would be better for her. But if there is a style that would work for her I would like to know.

 

edit:

 

Thanks so much for the advice, it has really helped me narrow down my choices. And plus following the above guidelines I may have found a place that is just right! Hopefully I will find out soon

[delta1]

Tae Bo is mainly for fitness, and can develope bad habbits for self defense. Again, shop around. Some schools will let the students determine the level of contact, to a degree. And very few will push a student past what they can handle. The good ones will push your comfort zone, but they don't try to hurt or intimidate their students. See if she's willing to try a few, she might find she likes it.