BJJ, OK, or WCKF

[Forbidden Fury]

Hey guys. I'm new here and my purpose for joining is that I need a little help. I'm looking to join a martial art, but am trying to get more information and opinions. One of the guys I've been talking to keeps changing his mind and so is just confusing the crap out of me.

From suggestions, I think I've narrowed it down to Wing Chun Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or Okinawan Karate (I know there are a few of these styles. I don't know what the schools in my area teach. So, if you have something to say about OK, could you throw out a particular style or two for advice?).

3 rather different styles, from what I can tell. I've love to take 2, but I can't afford it. So right now I need to narrow it down to one and hopefully someday I can join another. I am interested in something for self-defense (which is the main thing) and on a lesser note, physical fitness. You know, in case I get jumped on the street of something, etc. At this time I have absolutely no interest in competitions.

A little about myself, as that may affect things... I'm pretty small framed and am of the body type that has difficulty gaining weight of any kind, so I'm light. That and no matter how much I go to the gym, my wrists are twigs and will probably always be twigs. I've always been pretty active in sports, but I'm in physical therapy right now after a year of inactivity, due to tearing a tendon in my back twice playing rugby. While the injury itself has healed, I'm still trying to get the spasm out, and since I've ripped it twice already, I'm a little concerned about this as I sure as hell do not want to rip it again.

So, throwing all that out there, does anyone have any suggestions, comments, info, etc? Much appreciated.

[shirase]

I think in terms of self defense stand up fighting is more useful, so Id suggest a stanup art. If you can, look for a muay thai gym or even a boxing gym in your area, as they usually include sparring in their training, and learning how to deal in a real combat situation is one of the most useful things you can have in terms of self defense. If you can only go the the karate or wing chun then be careful and skeptical when you go to the gym and make sure they know what they are doing and will get you doing at least light sparring(contact) before you signup. If I personally had those choices I would choose BJJ simply because its groundfighting and I think its awesome, but definitely its less aplicable to street situations.

[LoneHusky]

of those 3 bjj imo.

[danfaggella]

For self defence don't go to a boxing gym, in a boxing gym you will learn what is practical in the ring (very practical in many ways) but not what will be best for actual self defence. BJJ is also very sportive and is best used in MMA, or submission grappling competition, but there is plenty of it that is street aplicable. However, since these sportive styles can train without dirty moves (self defence moves, involving groin attacks, eye attacks, tendon removals, ect...) they train full contact which is great for practically learning and experience martial art, but then again niether usually teach what's best for the street.

Generally in the street you want to learn how to say upright, so you can be more mobile and able to book it. Not to mention, on the ground you are more likely to hurt yourself on whatever is on the ground, and you are more likely to have even an untrained attacker gouge your eyes or bite you or something. Furthermore, if there is more than one attacker your grappling time will be very limited because the other guy will jump on you as well and kick you in the grill.

I would recomend Wing Tsun King Fu for a great self-defence option. It is a practical and brutal style and has many moves MADE for smaller quicker men, like many southern styles (Hung Gar, White Brow, some others...)

Remember, you must check to see what these places are like. Even though Karata is generally very rigid and impractical, especially in America, you may find a phenominal KArate instructor who will fit your needs and teach you in a practical fun manner!

Good luck in martial arts.

-Dan

[JkD187]

Welcome to the forum bro.....It really depends on what your looking for.BJJ is awesome for ground fighting and essential for self defense...however it should be coupled with clinch training and striking....weapons training and the most important thing...Awareness.WCKF it really depends on the school but most are not that good and id steer away from the OK unless you want to spend your time doing katas and bowing and not learning how to fight.Check all 3 schools and see which benefits you the most.Good luck searching bro!

[EmptyneSs]

bjj can be really rough on your back. u said u have hurt your back twice before. bjj is a good art, but it may really put u at risk if u are prone to injury. immagine if this guy gets stacked hard or something and just destroys his back. perhaps training at a lighter contact place for a while may be a good idea.

[bOoRadley]

I've had limited trained in Karate, Kung Fu, boxing and have just began training Brazilian Jujitsu...in the short time that I've been in BJJ I can say that I have learned more effective, usable self defense than the other 3 combined. I knew I was in for something interesting when I had my ass kicked by a 125lbs girl in the first week.

If you're jumped on the street and you try to trade kicks and punches with someone who is a great deal bigger and stronger it's gonna be a crap shoot. If you have the ability to use that persons size and aggression to your advantage you stand a much better chance of defending yourself against an attack. I would much rather have the ability to throw someone on to the concrete and choke them out, snap an elbow or a knee and get the phuck outta there than have some Chuck Norris test of manhood brawl.

And I will tell you this, if you want to get fit fast there is nothing I have ever done that was so physically demanding. It's getting easier and easier now that I'm getting in better shape and know when and where to better exert my energy, but holy shit do I ever leave those classes exhausted.

Good luck.

[Forbidden Fury]

Sis, actually I didn't mention that in my first post because I think its irrelevant. And I wasn't going to say anything this time either but "bro" was just too funny.

Anyway, I appreciate all the input. Gives me something to think. I'm def going to check out a few schools before I decide on anything. And I'm hoping to talk a friend of mine into visiting the schools with me, as he's a martial artist and would know better than I would if someone was bullshitting me (he's pushing the OK at the moment). Still, I'm having such a hard time making up my mind. There are too many options!

[quote=EmptyneSs]bjj can be really rough on your back. u said u have hurt your back twice before. bjj is a good art, but it may really put u at risk if u are prone to injury.[quote]

Yeah, that's a serious concern of mine. It's probably going to take me a while to restrengthen my back. Obviously no matter where I end up, I'm going to tell the instructor about my back concerns to be on the safe side. But it still makes me nervous. Though obviously I'm going to ask my doc first.

Also, a concern about the BJJ would be multiple or armed opponents. As with the others, I don't mind katas and the like if I feel its helping me learn. In most martial arts theres a code and spiritual component. While these aren't my reason for joining, I don't mind them either.

Can anyone give me a quick layout of these? I look online a lot and they talk about this and that, but they don't often seem to tell you much of what the arts consist of. You know, hard blocks, circular deflections, high kicks, low kicks, etc. I mean I have a faint idea, but more detail would be nice. Thanks for the help

[Forbidden Fury]

I've decided to add Jeet Kune Do to the list of possibilities.

[aseepish]

Which JKD instructors are there in your area? I'm a bit biased but if you can find them on http://inosanto.com/wrapper.php?file=instructorlist.php or http://fighting.net/instructors.php RUN don't walk to their school!

[Forbidden Fury]

Originally Posted by aseepish

Which JKD instructors are there in your area? I'm a bit biased but if you can find them on http://inosanto.com/wrapper.php?file=instructorlist.php or http://fighting.net/instructors.php RUN don't walk to their school!

I checked, but the instructor (George Ilyadis) in my area, and his teacher (Jerry Poteet), aren't on either list. But according to the website, Poteet is supposed to be well known and a first generation student of Lee.

[eXcessiveForce]

you should be fine with the JKD.

Due to your back concerns I would rule out BJJ, even with caution it's still too much risk.

[bOoRadley]

Also, a concern about the BJJ would be multiple or armed opponents

C'mon, get serious...unless your a freakin monster your phucked against multiple opponents no matter how well trained you are in any martial art.

I'm sure the usual cast of no neck mouth breather tough guys who use this forum are furiously two finger typing anecdotal stories of how they single handedly beat up dozens of guys numerous times but it's all bullschit. Just being able to realistically defend yourself against any man who attacks you is all you can ask for.

And what's with all this nonsense about BJJ not being effective against striking martial arts? I guess Royce Gracie wasn't fighting strikers when he dominated in the UFC....you people are imbeciles.

[Sagacious Lu]

Originally Posted by bOoRadley

C'mon, get serious...unless your a freakin monster your phucked against multiple opponents no matter how well trained you are in any martial art.

Do you really think that all scenarios in which you face multiple opponents are hopeless? So what would you do if you found yourself being attacked by two or more people? You wouldn't just give up would you?

[BoarSpear]

Originally Posted by Sagacious Lu

Do you really think that all scenarios in which you face multiple opponents are hopeless? So what would you do if you found yourself being attacked by two or more people? You wouldn't just give up would you?

He already gave up....you can read his defeatest attitude in his post..."i can barely defend myself against one guy if he gets any help, im their bitch "