IYO, what would be the best combative art for me?

[Dijita]

hey all, i'm just curious as to what everyone here would thinks.. i'm 16 years old right now, and i'm currently training in Shorin-ryu Karate and i'm sticking with it at least until i get my 3rd dan.

 

Umm... I hope this doesn't come across as rude, but please tell me you're no where NEAR getting 3rd Dan at 16 years of age? In our style, I think the youngest I've seen someone with a 3rd Dan is in his 30's. Actually he's still 2nd Dan but is testing for 3rd Dan this October. He received his 2nd Dan in 1994, and started training in Japan in 1982.

[Drunken Monkey]

...no, he's only just started and is a yellow belt.

 

now you understand why i'm so um, harsh?

[CapitalKarate]

whatever drunken.... the reason i was asking was because i was planning on moving to oregon when i once i get my associates degree. and i said to myself, i might as well learn a new art when i move. but my dads applying for a promotion and it looks like i might be moving to oregon by the end of the year, or the beginning of next year. and since i was going to have to join a new dojo, i wanted to know what would be the best combative art for me? i don't care if i stay with karate. i want an art thats been proven effective for self defense, incorperates at least one realistic weapon, and is a complete art. and if its not too much to ask, could you guys look and see if there are any really good dojos in the portland/tigard/mcminville area? thanks

[Shorin Ryuu]

I can tell you Shorin Ryu is highly effective for self-defense. I haven't taken jujitsu or wrestling, but since I've learned concepts rather than simply techniques, I can hold my own against them on the ground (although it is irritating not being able to hit them...). In fact, it is one of the more broad range arts, in my opinion.

 

Realistic weaponry, you ask? Once again, it is learning concepts not techniques. Yes, I will never walk around the street with a nitonbo (similar to escrima stick), a sai or a nunchaku, but if I have the opportunity to use something with similar characteristics, then the training comes in handy.

 

Self-Defense? I think Shorin Ryu (I've studied Shorinkan (Kobayashi) Shorin Ryu and Matsumura Shorin Ryu) offers a wide range of defensive and offensive manuevers (once again, not just techniques, but concepts). These include not only punch/block/kick, but pressure point and joint manipulations at the higher levels used in grappling and in-fighting situations, which is what Okinawan karate is designed for, so stick with your training and it will serve you well.

 

Unfortunately, everything won't be able to be given to you all at once, so it just takes practice (proper practice, that is) and time. There is a constant learning curve, but it gets easier over time.

 

There is nothing wrong with broadening your horizons and learning different things from other styles. I think you should get your foundation first and decide from there.

 

Best of luck to you in your training and good luck!

[wing chun kuen man]

CapitalKarate,

 

My advice is stick with shorin-ryu. If your school is good then you are a lucky man because this style of karate is a very effective self defence system. I have had a look through the internet and there are shorin schools in the Portland Oregon. Wether they are good or not I cannot tell you, but maybe other members of the forum can help or you can research them yourself once you get there.

 

If further down the line you find that shorin ryu is not "rich" enough for a lifetime of dedication then I would suggest that you look into Shaolin kung fu. And yes there is kung fu in Portland. However, give Shorin Ryu karate a chance, study it with dedication for a few years before you decide.

 

Good Luck.

 

Wing Chun Kuen Man

[Muaythaiboxer]

stick with what you have but i would recomend cross training in thaiboxing/boxing and considering your still in high school if you want to get good grapling join the wrestling team

[Kreisi]

Judo sound perfect for you since you have long legs and long arms and since you are quick and flexible. you better give it a try!!! judo is great!

[Muaythaiboxer]

hmmmm i would still recomend wrestling cause wrestler train harder than most judoka i have seen.