Need some instructions

[Aeolus08]

Ok, I am new to this site and to martial arts in general, and would like to know what is a good martial art for a beginner, but also has it's uses for defending yourself or someone else. I'm looking for something that's not really "show-offish" (If that is a word). I won't be in any tournaments or anything as far as I know, and any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Aeolus08

[kiddbjj]

see whats available in your area first then come back here and let us know. we could give you some advice then

good luck

[sapatiero]

It may be worth seeing if there's any 'old school' style BJJ in your area. The 'old school' stuff is basically as Rorion Gracie & his sons teach in Torrance, LA, and it includes plenty of stand up & self defense. Admittedly, it'd be difficult to defend against a seasoned striker, but it's fine against the average joe.

The newer style of BJJ is that practiced by schools such as Gracie Barra. It's more relaxed, more technical, and works better in tournaments with shortish rounds. But not as good for self defense.

I've trained in both the above, and they both have their own merits, but if you're looking for good self defense, the 'old school' style of BJJ coupled with a little boxing or muai tuai is a good combo.

I'm aware that this is a contraversial subject, and that there's likely to be plenty of differing opinions on this forum, but this is my tuppence worth.

Good luck!

[danfaggella]

there is also plenty of stuff other than BJJ that can work fine for self defence, if you list the places within a certain radius of your home, a lot of guys here will be able to figure if its worthwhile.

[Aeolus08]

Thanks for the help, guys. Sorry it had taken me so long to get back to you, I've been really busy lately with school and such.
As for the classes that are taught in my area:
Aikido
Boxing
Hapkido
Karate: Classical Okinawa Shudokan
Kung Fu
and Tae Kwon Do
These are the only ones in my area, and to tell you the truth, I've no idea really what most of them are. So, from your professional opinions, which would you think I should do?

[LoneHusky]

Boxing my man.

[SamuraiGuy]

outta that boxing no question.... no question....

after that... whichever one seems the most realistic and the one you like most... for instance....

if you go to the kung fu place and they are advertising being able to put opponents down by yelling (this is an actual place BTW) then you dont want that one...

however if you go to the kung fu place.. it seems like they are pretty realistic.. they dont have a ... "ok now you grab me here, now when I do this you do this" attitude.. than you should be good...

Best advice anyone can give you is try em and see what you like...

outta that list Id go with boxing 100% though.

[kiddbjj]

yeah i would have to say boxing but you might find kung fu okay too. i did that for 5 years but in ABSOLUTELY depends on the school cause kung fu can be very good and very bad depending on where u go.

if they free spar and teach things like building your awareness and multiple opponent sparring then go for it. also try to steer clear of places that teach lots of forms/kata cause its really an inefficient use of your training time if you want to learn to fight, which is best done through learning techniques then trying them out in some controlled free sparring.

good luck dude, your entering a whole new world that could keep you hooked for life

[sapatiero]

I agree with these guys - definitely boxing.