Which MA to learn? (I am MA newb)

[Spetsnaz101]

I am living in Canada, near Toronto. I am hoping to start learning Martial arts this summer.
I am looking for a striking martial arts that is not mainstream. So I am thinking of taking lessons in Kung Fu, however I am not certain of which style to learn as I have had no MA experience prior. When I think Kung Fu, Shoalin comes to mind but I realize it is probably impossible to find near Toronto.

So in short, which Kung Fu or other striking martial art would you recommend?(excluding Ti Kwon Do) And of course it can't be some radical style that I have to go to China to learn...

Edit: I am also not sure this is in the right forum, but help would still be appreciated...

[shadowkiller]

Well I would recommend Muay Thai but that is just because I like the art. You have to find something that fits you. Try things out, you might end up finding that regular boxing is best for you.

[SweepEm]

the martial art you choose is important but also the teacher, the school and the students.

If I were you, I'd go to every martial art school close to you and watch a class, talk to the instructor and the students. Most schools have a free first class. Take a free class to see if you like it. Try to avoid any schools that have you locked into a contract.

You are going to pay money to train so make your decision wisely.

[naginata]

I'd recommend going to each school as well. Everything depends on you and the individual schools: what you want to learn, how you learn, the instructor, etc. So go watch the classes, and try it out to see which one you like the best.

But as far as my preferences for striking arts, I've always done Karate, Wing Chun, and boxing. Muay Thai is good if you can find a school, and I've heard Krav Maga is alright.

[NaTurE-of-WaTeR]

[quote=SweepEm]the martial art you choose is important but also the teacher, the school and the students.

magnificent advice......definalty would check all schools surrounding your area...i would find out when the tests are givin and see how they conduct their advancements in cirruculum..

[wardancer]

Originally Posted by Spetsnaz101

I am living in Canada, near Toronto. I am hoping to start learning Martial arts this summer.
I am looking for a striking martial arts that is not mainstream. So I am thinking of taking lessons in Kung Fu, however I am not certain of which style to learn as I have had no MA experience prior. When I think Kung Fu, Shoalin comes to mind but I realize it is probably impossible to find near Toronto.

So in short, which Kung Fu or other striking martial art would you recommend?(excluding Ti Kwon Do) And of course it can't be some radical style that I have to go to China to learn...

Edit: I am also not sure this is in the right forum, but help would still be appreciated...

Finding a good instructor and a good club environment is the priority over the style of MA.

You are limited by the number of MA clubs around you.
The style that will appeal/'work' for you will depends on what you are looking for.
You already decided to train in a striking martial art already.
Mainstream MA (e.g taekwondo) have their pro and cons: some of them are 'water down' MA but on the other hand they are more popular in number of MA clubs members which means more competitions and participants.
It is much more 'healthy' MA club that some 'dodgy' Kung Fu club which does not belong to any organisations and does not participate to any competitions.
Their only marketing tool would sounds like that "this style of MA has being tranfered from so and so....and we do believe in open competition etc"...

For me, competition is important because in our modern days, it is the only way to test and practise your new learned skills against opponents (unless you gonna test on the streets!!)

At the moment Muy Thai and BJJ are the hot favorites as the MA arts that kick ass in the MMA tournaments.

However, as a start up for MA, I think Kyokushin Karate and Ashihara Karate are worth having a look at. They both are modern 'version' of karate e.g Kick to the legs, KO. rules etc..

Well good luck and keep us updated..

[gracilva]

I.m.o Muay Thai, good luck.

[kooky]

www.TurningPointTrainingMethods.com

[Londo Molari]

Definitely check out ALL the schools in your area... Don't be afraid to try a free class (usually you are allowed). If the instructors have a good friendly attitude and encourage you to learn, you will eventually develop your own style, and can convert any striking martial art into your own strike-fighting system.

I personally took up Kung Fu 8 months ago, and really like it... but I have very limited experience with any other martial arts, so I can't say "kung fu is better or worse than so and so". Keep in mind, I don't think Kung fu has much to offer in terms of grappling and ground fighting.

Oh, and I would really suggest joining up where they have sparring and competitions (even if just with protective equipment ). Because there IS NO REPLACEMENT for experience.

[krys]

You are very lucky to live near Vladimir Vassiliev's systema school....
Vladimir is a former spetsnaz instructor. Training is tough but you will not be disapointed.... many of his students are leos and in the military.

He has a lot of real combat experience.....

http://www.russianmartialart.com/

[Londo Molari]

Someone told me about Vladimir Vassiliev just last night.... do you play subspace?

[grubbogoppoly]

Originally Posted by krys

You are very lucky to live near Vladimir Vassiliev's systema school....
Vladimir is a former spetsnaz instructor. Training is tough but you will not be disapointed.... many of his students are leos and in the military.

He has a lot of real combat experience.....

http://www.russianmartialart.com/

What does what date the students were born on have to do with it

[Londo Molari]

LOL, he doesnt mean Leos as in birthdate... I think its some kind of military division.

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

Yo,

I used to live in Misssissauga and went to a very fine Muay Thai school. Siam #1 under Kru Ajarn Suchart. There is a great MMA school under the name of K.A.T.A that offers alot including wrestling. www.kombatarts.com The Muay Thai trainers there also helped me train for my first fight.

Alot of the instructors there were pioneers of "extreme" martial arts and spent their time beating the shit out of each other to see what worked. They were one of the first to really stand out in Ontario in Muay Thai before it was banned then regulated under the new rules.


KATA, have people that even do Arnis/Kali and have trained with the famous Dog Brothers and also people who are hardcore into Tony Blauer concepts. Its a very diverse and good school.

It is located in Mississauga.

Ask around...and see what you like best.

[platinum_angel]

i would suggest mantis kung-fu...........thats the best art ever