Question of style

[Aodhan]

Hello all-

I've been a striking arts student for a long time (Close to 10 years), and am currently a 2nd degree in ATA TKD. I do train for both point and full contact type sparring, and our art does encompass basic joint releases, locks and takedowns, although we don't progress too far down that path.

I've been interested lately in finding a good art for takedowns, joint locks, grappling/in close fighting.

I went to a class of bujinkan taijutsu last night, and I did find it interesting. They divide their focus into nine different ryu, and the current one is...gyokku ryu, which looks to be a lot of aikido type "don't be there" movements with strikes and joint lock progressions.

What art would you all think would be a good complement? I live in the Phoenix, Az area, there are a couple of JJ schools, and one or two aikido schools, as well as a wide mix of traditional (Didn't see any judo), and a couple of MMA/extreme fighting type schools.

Any suggestions?

Aodhan

[TJS]

I've been interested lately in finding a good art for takedowns, joint locks, grappling/in close fighting

Brazilian Jiu jitsu or sambo would be your next best bet if you dont have a good judo school nearby.

[UseoForce]

A primary advantage of grappling is the ability to train all-out without getting hurt (judo, wresltling, and BJJ are a few examples). Whatever you choose, make sure it incorporates all-out training. I don't know much about the art you mentioned, so I can't judge it.

JJJ has excellent techniques (It forms the basis of Hapkido ), but many schools train only in a static fashion. Be sure to check training methodology as much as technique.

The MMA schools are the exact opposite. They have a great training methodology, but may not be geared towards self-defense (more sport like). Still, if you have the right mindset, this can be easily overcome. You also said you wanted to learn in-fighting. The elbow, knees, and clinch work of infighting would be covered well here.

I'm not a big fan of Aikido personally. But that's just me, there's no reason why you should feel that way without checking out the school.

[NotQuiteDead]

If you want to learn to blend your striking and grappling, mma would be your best bet.

Do you want to learn to grapple in a gi? If so, do bjj, judo, or sombo (although they don't use a gi, the kurtka is like it).

Do you want to learn to grapple without the gi? Then look for submission wrestling or no-gi bjj. The MMA classes would probably teach you submission wrestling.

Try everything out and stick with what you liked best.

[goshinman]

Go to the MMA school. Since TKD is your base art and what you are learning seems to be geared more towards self defense it will do you well to mix in some hardcore mma style training. Not only will this help you get into great shape but it will improve your TKD skills tremendously as you will know what it is like to go full speed/power and will have the proper timing to execute the techniques. I have always been an advocate of training in a good sport art to compliment your self defense art. For example if you train in TJJ then you will most likely not get to do full out randori. So to make up for this take up judo or bjj so that you will experience realtime movement. This will open up your eyes to the true function of your base art.

[Sam]

seems to me the generally consensus is BJJis a good way to go, and id say the same.... thats what im looking to take up soon [september] to fill in the gaps of my tkd training.

[Master Jules]

Usually TKD is accompanied by training in Hapkido

[Sam]

I agree, but i prefer the ground work development side of things you do in BJJ.... I did consider hapkido but wanted something completely separate.

[UseoForce]

Hapkido is awesome if you have a good school close by. Combat Hapkido is even better, especially you want ground fighting. Check out ICHF.com.

But remember, if they are not training hard at the particular school, it doesn't matter how "good" the art is, you won't be able to use it in combat

[Sam]

this is what i say a lot - generally the success of applying a certain style is about how you train.///