Seeking Advice on Which Style to choose

[mjc62]

I trained breifly (1.5 yr) in a blend of Isshinryu Goju Ryu Karate, and find myself now 8 yrs later hungry to get back into martial arts, this time for the long haul but as a neophite, I need help finding a style that fits me and my needs.

I am courious about two different styles, yet quite different, Judo and or Akidio. I have the option to train in either style; conveniently a dojo of each are both 1 block walking distance from my urban dwelling (these two places also offer Kung Fu & Karate). Only having a basic understanding of both styles(judo/Aikido), the purpose of this message is to have someone clue me into the two styles, while identifying where my personal "instincts"/ needs of fighting would best fit in to make a good choice.

My time with Karate was a great workout, with much to offer, but I wanted more "hands-on" both during training and as an art form. I find the lock/throws or Aikido fascinating, but wonder if my own instinct to charge and lock-up to be counter intuative to the Aikdio way. Judo seems to incorporate much in the way of getting close,throwing and some grappling, but I wonder if with Judo that I would miss out on skills that would also include throws with minimal body contact, i.e. wrist lock type throw that leaves the person airborn but without being "too" close.....? I.e Aikido.

What style/art would best combine throws (both w/ body and joint throwing), effective/efficient strikes, and grappling??? Although extreemly effective, BJJ seems to be too much focus on ground work for me personally. Perhaps the karate style I once scratched the surface on would have provided what I seek once I started advancing??

What would be a cocktail of Aikido lock/throws, Judo hip/body throws, with effective strikes throught the phase of an attack (standing, during the the throw, and once on the ground)?

I have taken three introduction classes in Aikido, to determine if I want to proceed. Ironically, and despite only a short stint in the Goju Ryu etc, I found myself very tight, weight back, and moving a bit robotic like when trying the basic Aikido footwork. Wondering if Aikido is "not effective enough", if, heaven forbid, I was in a life threatening situation, I wonder if such a drastic change in body flow, style, etc, would be not worth it?

Karate seemed to lean to much on staying on my feet, while Jujitsu seems to be the other extreem of "getting to the ground". What is a great inbetween??? Being effective toe to toe, fast/effective throws, and no slouch on the ground is what I invision.

My athletic background in the past was Football, Rubgy, and a brush with wrestling in junior high- I tend to lean towards body contact- a linebacker not a shifty reciever. If one should consider such things as well to really find the art that fits every aspect of who I am, what do I do??? I have fast hands, and quick reactions, and am wanting to learn an art that while appreciating the history/traditions, will provide me with a "real world" fighting skill that would result in a VERY quick and effective defense if ever attacked. I want to stay committed for a long time, thus, understanding what the style will offer is key-I don't want to jump around in styles.

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

[blade_cs]

Hello
Well.. you seem to want a lot , so maybe you could consider taking more than one style.

What style/art would best combine throws (both w/ body and joint throwing), effective/efficient strikes, and grappling??? Although extreemly effective, BJJ seems to be too much focus on ground work for me personally. Perhaps the karate style I once scratched the surface on would have provided what I seek once I started advancing??

Traditional Hapkido and Japanese Jujitsu have a combination of throws, strikes, and joint locks. Btw, you should ask bdenision cause he knows more about Japanese Jujitsu than anyone.

What would be a cocktail of Aikido lock/throws, Judo hip/body throws, with effective strikes throught the phase of an attack (standing, during the the throw, and once on the ground)?

Isn't that similar to your question above?

[GRACIEAUSTIN]

I think you should train Jiu-Jitsu or MMA at a good school. You have seen lots of Arts I think you would like a really effective style under a proven fighter.

[El Luchador]

Originally posted by GRACIEAUSTIN
I think you should train Jiu-Jitsu or MMA at a good school. You have seen lots of Arts I think you would like a really effective style under a proven fighter.

Or Look For a Hybrid School.