Questions about martial arts chioce

[PunchingDragon]

Hey i am just about 17 and have never taken a martial arts class in my life...I want to get into something that is very fast with many combos and has power and strength behind the punches and kicks. Some people have told me that i should take Muay Thai and others say Jeet Kune Do would be good. I don't know what to do but i am going to be real serious about my training as i also need to find a school. Along with this could u recommend me the best schools in Chicago for this or all the way to Aurora...Thanks.

[Oreomeister365]

well...if you have a worthwhile Jeet Kune Do intrustuctor you will learn almost all the arts...more or less.

At mah place we learn Boxing, Muay Thai, Savate, Combat submission wrestling, Wing Chun...and....the works (more or less, it is all spread over a hefty period of time to get everything down pat). This is Jeet Kune Do btw...

[jubaji]

17 suggests you are still in high school. Does your school have a wrestling team?

[LoneHusky]

Both awesome arts I'd check them both out and see which one you like the most.

[PunchingDragon]

Yea i have a wrestling team...that would be helpful obviously right....Although later in my life i could take Capoeria (I think thats what its called) Would that be just as good?

[LoneHusky]

Capoeria has evolved into more of a dance but I'm interested in taking it someday aswell. I see it more as an art then a form of selfdefense though.

[LoneHusky]

It's not as good in terms of fighting but may be better in terms of getting ladies.

[cam427]

Your best bet is to try a few and see what you like. Dont feel forced to stay after your first lesson. Tell them you are going to try a few first and see what you like.

Things to remember when choosing your first club:

1) Most clubs give the first lesson free
2) Any club that promises you a black belt after a certain period of time should be avoided
3) DO NOT sign up with a club that demands a long signup period or a substantial amount of money (or both). This usually indicates a club that many people do not stay with because they are crap or one whose sole purpose is to separate you from your money (McDojo).
4) No decent club will mind you training at other places while you are training with them. Many good clubs will even offer cross training within the club.

My personal choice would be to check if there is a straight blast gym affiliate nearby. To check this go to www.straightblastgym.com

Cam