Taking Recommendations, what Martial Art is right for me?

[Mlindsey]

Hello everyone, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Matthew, and I am located in the greater North Houston area. I have had a compelling interest in martial arts for many years.

I am seeking a "Style" if you will, that will suit my basic concepts of what I want to establish with training. I would like to be capable of self defense, capable of acheiving above average to exceptional physical and mental conditioning.

I have been turned off to various "Martial Arts" styles such as Tae Kwon Do, because I rarely notice anything that deals with "Practical" fighting, per se. In other words, I don't see how half of those techniques would work in a real bout. Jeet Kune Do, on the other hand, seems to focus on "Reality" while somehow maintaining beauty. It's very awe inspiring to me.

Another Martial Art I have been interested in is Shaolin Long Fist. The beauty of the various Kung Fu arts cannot be denied, but again, I wonder about "Practical" applications of this in a real bout, especially since the Kung Fu I have researched involves sequenced movements that restricts the "Chaos" (pardon the term) of a fight, and somehow seems a bit limiting.

I would love any responses and will accept advice readily! What would you guys say is that right thing for me?

Thanks!

[Mlindsey]

Anyone? I would really enjoy some input..

[Szczepankiewicz]

Do you often make it a habit to act on advice you receive from strangers on the internet?

[ap Oweyn]

szczepankiewicz, why even come to a discussion forum if that's what you're going to offer?

mlindsey, most people i know will tell you to look into the schools in your area rather than to make a decision based solely on style. you'll find that some taekwondo schools provide more realistic training than you'd expect. and some jeet kune do schools spend more time on theory than you'd expect. direct experience will sort one out from the other.

watch a few classes of varying skill levels, set up an intro class, and give it a try. then you'll be better prepared to make your own judgments.


stuart b.

[Guest]

Take a class in a mainly striking art, like Thai Boxing. And also take classes in a mainly grappling art, Like Judo or Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.

That should cover it......

[Mlindsey]

Thanks Ow/Bri -- I appreciate the responses, and to S: I am just looking for suggestions, don't be a jerk.

So you guys rule out kung fu as being a legitimate method of Self Defense? (By legitimate, I mean Practical, as I stated in the original post)

[ap Oweyn]

no worries mlindsey.

nope. like most things, gung fu is in the execution. depending on how it's trained, i don't see any reason why it shouldn't work. but like i said, you'll need to observe some classes.

do you have any friends who are already into martial arts? someone with enough experience to go with you and make an educated judgment? (no offense intended. but it'll always be helpful to bring along someone who knows what they're looking at.)

[Superdude]

I would strongly recommend against Kung Fu (or TKD) because they are almost useless in self defence.

I would recommend you start with Muay Thai. This is effective self defense art which doesn't take fifty years to get good at. In addition it's a good idea to learn a grappling art, BJJ seems to be the favorite for most people. However a striking art is more important on the street than a grappling art, so start learning Muay Thai first.

[Mlindsey]

Thanks! Yeah last night after some extensive reading, I had decided to go with Muay Thai. Thanks again! I'll keep you guys posted.

[William]

MLindsey, go over to the Thai boxing forum and read the article that I posted last night (No mercy, no escape) about Ajarn Chai Sirisute. It will give you a good overview of this effective and awsome art.

William

[Mlindsey]

Time to be winded.

Wow, after looking into this a bit more, this seems like it will be taxing on my body But I really don't mind --

I am about 5'11 and 1/2 and about 170 pounds, I know some of this weight is going to melt off, do you guys think I am of a good height to have decent reach with Muay Thai?

[Szczepankiewicz]

szczepankiewicz, why even come to a discussion forum if that's what you're going to offer?

I think it's a legitimate question. Sorry you don't seem to agree.

don't be a jerk

Sorry, can't seem to help myself sometimes. Please forgive me.

[Biker]

Regarding Kung Fu, it is like any other art. It depends on how you are trained. Does the school spend more time doing practical training (the way to go) or do they spend more time doing forms (run away if you want to learn the practical stuff)? It's also a good idea to ask to see some sort of certification for the MA's someone teaches.

[Brokenmace]

Szczepankiewicz...

It is a good question. The trouble is that Mlindsey never said "act". I believe the word was "accept." These are two different things.

I've accepted advice and yet not acted upon it, believing it to be the wrong course of action.

Mlindsey,

Whatever art you choose is of little importance The more you grow as a martial artists, the more you will realize the importance of an open mind and the value of varying points of view. Everything has a place and application, though both may be forgotten or ignored by some, including instructors.

The important thing is that whoever trains you believes in sparring. This is essential. Everyone has two arms and two legs. In the chaos of "angular exchange" (the dynamic between the arcing motions of two bodies, such as punches and kicks), the realities of combat quickly become apparent, as do the methods of response. You must believe in the results of such training, no matter what you learn otherwise. That your skills will degenerate to or below the level of your ability to spar is an observable fact.

This being the case, it won't matter what art you choose, as long as you test it against the crucible of simulated combat. This is the key to the effectiveness of boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, and BJJ. They all emphasize sparring.

But don't be pulled into the trap of point sparring, unless your purpose is sport. Never limit your list of targets or weapons, as long as you can make them work on the mat or in the ring.

Respect.

[ceasarx]

Hey I wanted to know how your training is going and I would also like to say that you had a good idea in asking for suggestions from other martial artist. I will not say wich systems are better but I would suggest spending some time looking into anything before you make a commitement. When you find what you like , run with it and do your best.

Good luck