newbie question on what to study

[newbie2MA]

Hi, I've been reading the threads here for some guidance, I thought I'd ask directly as well, any advice appreciated.

First let me say I am *not* looking for the "ultimate" fighting art, or to get into street fights, hoping not to have to actually. By the same token, not looking to compete/get ranked/etc.

That said one goal is definitley pracitcal knowledge i can use *if* I need to one night on a dark street, in a bar with some crazy bothering a girlfriend/family member, etc. Nothing flashy, just direct and effecitive.

I am 5-7, 150 if that makes a difference. Took a little "boxing" in a health club (some good teachers actually, and used mitts) which I liked a lot.

I don't want to spend a ton of time on the ground though I'd like to know what to do when I get there.

Mainly I want excellent conditioning/strenghtening/reflexes/etc and something that will be challenging/fun.

I don't have a very flexible lower body and don't much like the kicking aspects either except for low kicks, i.e. I don't want anything like Tao Kwon Do. More hand/block/jam/strike/joint oriented with an emphasis on speed and grace rather then strength.

If it makes a difference I plan on private lessons 4-5 times per week. I have heard some arts lend themselves better to this in terms of progress you can make.

Studied very very briefly Wu Mei in NYC.

I am leaning towards;

JKD
Krav Maga
Akido

I saw an ad also (NYC) for a place called ronin athletics that seems to do some mix of bjj and jkd (?) and a place called Anderson Maritial Arts.

Anyway I guess the long and short is what would you recommend with someone with the time and resources to train privately who wants to make the most of it?

Thanks in advance!

[Katsu]

While all of the styles you have listed are good and quite effective in a real self defense situation, I think, based on what you yourself are looking for I would definately recommend aikido. It offers many great techniques that will make an opponent think twice before repeating an attack while at the same time not requiring years of practice before being able to defend yourself effectively.

[newbie2MA]

one reason I mentioned JKD and Krav Maga is that I thought those were both very "progress" oriented arts that had the same aspect you mentioned, i.e. quick strikes that would make someone think twice.

The only thing I've had close to a fight in the last 20 years is some guy who got on my case a lot, about 4 inches/80 lbs plus, who did it one time too many, in the wrong situation, and I slammed him against a wall elbow against throat. he never bothered me again. not touting my "fighting" skills just saying my preference would be to have speed/ability to deter and to have that against someone with some fighting skills rather then just a dork who thought cause I was quiet/small I'd take crap.

I watched a Wing Chun tape on another thread here it was pretty brutal and effective. I am hoping that JKD has some of those elements plus.

Maybe the thing to do is go watch a class of each.

Any thoughts on mixing traiing (e.g. JKD and Akido)? Do they complement one another or confuse one?

[bdipab]

A good FMA school, their pretty complete as an art (empty hands, weapons, dumog, etc)and have concepts similar to jkd (directness/simplicity). Also some muay thai would be good, after you take some lessons for a while then you can maintain what you learn through sparring (so you're used to fists/feet flying at you) and bag work.

[newbie2MA]

Filipino Martial Arts?

I noticed Andersen in NYC is both Jeet Kun Do and "FMA" as is one other I saw, I forgot the guys name. Both schools/instructors seem to combine the disciplines and have teachers proficient in both.

[Tant01]

Originally Posted by newbie2MA

.....
....Maybe the thing to do is go watch a class of each.

Any thoughts on mixing traiing (e.g. JKD and Akido)? Do they complement one another or confuse one?

It's a great idea to mix arts once you have a decent grasp of the concepts... You'll also find that JKD will fairly compliment any style...

Boxing can be a very good skill to develope. And, if you have time add Judo to your list of choices. I doubt you'd be dissapointed! Some instructors will taylor a program to fit your needs...Don't be shy about asking them. It's YOUR money!

Good journey...

[newbie2MA]

i saw a list of NYC instructors and his school looked pretty good to me and his background looked amazing.

[avbjj]

bjj?bjj?...................

[newbie2MA]

bjj fan. i'd like some basic bjj but I don't really care to spend all my training time grappling and pinning and tapping out. *Even* if it could be proven that bjj is the bestest art ever

I prefer, even if it is at the expense of "practicality" to practice more stand-up, striking, joint-locking, clinching, etc.

Right now I am leaning heavily towards Ronin Academy with Anderson a second choice.

As I said I am not training to either a) compete or b) to be able to handle multiple assailants or c) get into fights with other martial artists to test my mettle.

[avbjj]

Keep It Simple...it Is Easy For ME TO MAKE You Fight My Ground Fight....but Almost Impossible For You To Take Me Out Of My Ground Fight... There Is Soooo Much More To Bjjj Than Grappling... It Is A Family And A Lifestyle....if You Have The Chance To Try, Do It , You Will Never Be The Same,you Will Be Addicted,...and Good Luck In Your Adventure...

[newbie2MA]

San Francisco, I personally found the culture to be fantastically aggressive, ie lots of guys looking to kick ass on the street and dominate in class. i couldn't care less about either one.

[avbjj]

Originally Posted by newbie2MA

San Francisco, I personally found the culture to be fantastically aggressive, ie lots of guys looking to kick ass on the street and dominate in class. i couldn't care less about either one.

tHERE ARE SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE OUT THERE. THE MAJORITY OF US ARE JUST THERE TO GET BETTER...

[ryanhall]

Go to Ronin Athletics. Don't listen to any of these other jokers. I'm not kidding.

www.roninathletics.com

Tell Christian that Ryan Hall told you to come down.

[newbie2MA]

I notice on their site a few locations, the NYC ones seem to be at HRCs.

Are the Manhattan locations "official", i.e. does Christian teach out of there do you know?

[ryanhall]

Yes, he teaches there.