What MA to take?

[mpg9999]

Hi. I have been wanting to take martial art for awhile now. I have no experience with any martial art. I was thinking about taking hapkido. From what I understand, its basically a combination of jujitsu and tae kwon do. I like the fact that you get both striking moves and grapling moves. I also like the fact that it takes from jujitsu, because that is what my girlfriend takes and it would be nice to be able to practice together.
What im looking for is something that is fun to take and practical as a form of self defense. If it helps, I am 6 foot 2, and about 155 pounds. I lift weights and run also. What do you guys think?

-Mike

[c0bra]

from what ive heard you sound in the right shape to be pretty good. but it would help if we see all the options you have. i see people saying they dont really like hapkido, but some do. most martial arts combine take down moves now anyway.

[mpg9999]

Honestly, that is the only one I have really seriously considered, and unless you guys give me a good reason to go with something else, its probably what ill do. BTW, do you drive a cobra?

-Mike

[c0bra]

nah. im just as fast and deadly as one (the snake)


heres a good conversation on hapkido, i didnt really read through it but it might interest you.

http://www.defend.net/deluxeforums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9363

[BadgerFu57]

A lot of it depends on your goals. Hapkido is ok for most. It's not great for a ring, but if you just want MA for fun, fitness, hobby, spirituality, etc it might be good. I think it just depends on what you're looking for.

I keep a balance. I do hapkido, wrestling, jiu-jitsu (well when wrestling isn't in season) and i plan to do judo and boxing. I might do some TKD too just for fun.

[Kensh0]

I say go for it. Hapkido is a wonderful MA, but it realy comes down to the teacher and what you want to get out of it. Don't bother listening to guys who tried Hapkido for three lessons than assessing it as a weak martial art. You have to do what feels right for you. I think it awsome that you want to practice with your girlfriend, you two could definately learn alot from eachother and as well would strengthen the relationship-speaking from experience-Just curious what kind of style of Hapkido is it, where I train for Judo they also teach Combat style of Hapkido that seems to be very effective for self defense. Whatever you pick don't let some of these weenies infuence what you do. Best of Luck!

[mpg9999]

Originally posted by c0bra
nah. im just as fast and deadly as one (the snake)


heres a good conversation on hapkido, i didnt really read through it but it might interest you.

http://www.defend.net/deluxeforums/s...&threadid=9363

Thanks, I did see that earlier and read threw it. I guess I will probably go check out some of the schools I found in my area and talk to the instructors. Thanks

-Mike

[gregimotis]

I don't know anything about Hapkido so I'll leave that conversation to others, but...

Some schools offer several differnet styles in the same building. Especially mixed martial arts type places will offer some sort of ground fighting (Ju-Jitsu esque) and some type of stand up - maybe Muay Thai or just 'kick-boxing"

My school works like this and it really helps keep my interest up. It also can make you a much more knoweldgable martial artist in the long run. Even if you don't take all the classes, you will be around people with different skills and opinions.

Something to think about anyway...