Crex Posted July 18, 2004 Posted July 18, 2004 Hi all, I'm hoping someone can help me decide what type of MA would be most beneficial for me to study. I'll give some information about myself and goals which should help narrow down the recommendations: Basically I want something practical. By that I mean something I can use in the real world if need be. As most people know, in street fights there isn't always a designated clear area, and most of the time space is extremely limited and the * usually ends up on the ground. What style would allow one to make the best use of limited space and do what is needed to end the situation ASAP. It would be nice if this style taught the use of small practical weapons as well; something you could take with you and access quickly and easily... not like kamas or nunchakus. Also I lift weights and am somewhat muscular (I'm not looking to compliment myself, I'm just trying to give, what I feel, is important information). I'm about 200 pounds at 10% body fat. I assume it wouldn't be the wisest thing in the world for me to pick a MA that relied a lot on speed, but I would like one that could help me build strength, flexability, and cardiovascular fitness (not to mention burn off some fat). Somethings I'm not immediately concerned with (though I don't mean to offend anyone who greatly values these aspects): Competition, spirituality, or extravagant movements. Okay, this turned into a bit of an essay, sorry for the length and thanks for your time in reading and responding.
aefibird Posted July 18, 2004 Posted July 18, 2004 Firstly, welcome to Karate Forums! Well, I'd suggest something like Kenpo (or Kempo, as it is often spelt) or a self defence system such as Krav Maga, which tends to be able to be learned in a relatively short period of time. If you're more into stand up fighting and striking, then Muay Thai would be a good choice, with Brazillian Ju Jitsu for if you're more into grappling ang ground work. I'd also sugest that you check out which styles are available in your area - there's no point in firmly deciding that you want to study Krav Maga, only to find out that your nearest school is 150miles away... Good luck in your search! "Was it really worth it? Only time and death may ever tell..." The Beautiful South - The Rose of My CologneSheffield Steelers!
Luckykboxer Posted July 18, 2004 Posted July 18, 2004 AefiBird has all the right answers for you. Basically its going to come down to whats available to you unless you are willing to move to a great school. find out what your options are. find out what fits your needs and desires.. If you live someplace like southern california you pretty much have your choice of hundreds of martial arts and thousands of schools.. its no problem. however if you live in say Little Egypt, Iceland populaition 35 you will not have the options..
Rotten Head Fok Posted July 19, 2004 Posted July 19, 2004 Welcome to KF, I would look at the schools close to you and that will fit into your schedule. Watch some classes, ask questions then take a little time (not to long) to think about your choices, then go for it ! You must be stable and balanced in your foot work, if you have to use your martial knowledge in combat, your intent should be to win. If you do strike, you must release great power! The martial arts are easy to learn, but difficult to correct.
Vito Posted July 30, 2004 Posted July 30, 2004 first, real quick comment- all mas rely on speed, and if you work for it youll gain speed. anyway, you know what- your ideals are exactly like mine as far as training are concerned. aef seems to have it down, mmas are really the way to go for that- boxing/kickboxing and wrestling/BJJ or something similar. oh, while not terribly practical, nunchuks can really mess a guy up... and mine happen to fit in my inside coat pocket. just food for thought.... "If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared." -Machiavelli
Isshinryu88 Posted July 30, 2004 Posted July 30, 2004 I would second the thought of going to a school and watching. I think that the instructor is the most important aspect. A really good instructor of the "can barely fight my way out of a paper bag" style is going to be of more benefit to you than a poor instructor of the "instant death touch" style. Make sure that the instructor teaches in a way that you can learn. I studied one art where they were very much against asking questions on the mat. I found this incredibly annoying since I knew I was doing techniques incorrectly, but my partner wouldn't say anything to help me out. Another style just went through techniques so fast, it was difficult to get the basics of one, let alone begin working on it and improving it. Good luck.
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