Which style/art/form am I looking for?

[TTEscrima]

Job done, grab yourself a beer.

Surprise, surprise more stupid advice on weapons and SD.

If you have a concealed carry permit, your training load and responsibility just tripled, and for god sake avoid intoxicants!!

Of course I'm sure we're going to hear how this was just more bad advice couched as a joke.

Considering that the average poster here seems horribly unaware of the implications of SD it's a piss poor attitude to give bad advice out for your own entertainment. And the UK's population wonders why they're not allowed weapons? How about because their supposed martial artists (who should know better) give advice like, "You've got your concealed carry permit, now get a beer".

I have a conceal carry permit

Job done, grab yourself a beer.

[PFSofPA]

There's bigger issues here than training.

[Resiles]

Why would you need a skill set that focuses on lethal force options?

I have a conceal carry permit in my home state and realize the implications with typing out those words, but it is the truth. Ideally this style would be used as a last resort, while lives or personal safety are at stake. I am not one who finds himself in bar-room brawls that often; I diffuse those types of situations. Since I carry a pistol I'd really hate to have it taken from me and used against me. When I do get in my next (real) altercation I feel with fair certainty that my life or the lives of those I hold dear will be in jeopardy. And just because I learn how to kill doesn't mean that I will, or that I will need to. Imagine if you will... being attacked and wishing in hindsight that had you just struck the attacker with a lethal strike you would not have to be running for your life with copious amounts of blood flowing from your favorite arteries.

[TTEscrima]

Proven in combat? Says who, a KM guy?

[PFSofPA]

Garland's right. Why do you need lethal force options? And Krav Maga looks good on video??? Everything looks good on video! Proven in combat? Says who, a KM guy?

Go check out several schools. Don't worry about uniform vs non-uniform. Teacher/student ratio. Find a system that appeals to you. Don't sign up for anything long term so that if you find you don't like it, you can get out and find something better. From there you have a frame of reference for what you don't like. Above all, find something that is basic, geared toward the street, and above all, a place that encourages sparring the techniques you are learning. Nothing is any good if you can't apply it under resistance.

As far as price, you should be able to find something within the $75-100/month range. Don't waste time watching a half dozen times. Watch once or ask for a free trial lesson. I encourage new students to jump in and train

I'm a PFS/JKD guy but that doesn't mean it will be right for you. Trial and error brother. We all went down this path.

[Resiles]

OK, since I'm getting fantastic and helpful responses(thanks again guys/gals), I'll proceed with more questions.

I've only looked at schools online. What should I suspect when I actually GET to these schools. Should the first lesson be free? Free uniform, t-shirt, etc? I realize these schools are businesses but I don't want to just be treated as "One of 3 billion sold" if you catch my meaning. How much should I realistically spend for classes, say, per hour or maybe half hour? Should I ask what thier instructor to student ratio is? Should I ask if the guy whose name in plastered all over thier website is the actual instructor? I do know one thing, I won't be signing any contracts. I figured I would show up and watch about maybe half a dozen classes at the most before making my decision as to whether that school is right for me. Basically I'm looking for "things to look out for at the dojo" type responses.


Thanks.

[FLMKane]

Never studied it either, but Krav Maga looks good from what I've seen on videos. And its proven in combat.

Progressive Fighting Systems. Have a look at Fighting.net - Executive PFS Jeet Kune Do, Martial Arts, Self Defense, and Street Fighting Training as a starter. Its just encompasses a lot of the keywords in your post, and its very streamlined and efficient.

I have never studied Krav Maga so can't comment I'm afraid.

[Resiles]

Thank you for the replies. By the way what does "PFS" mean? Also, what do you guys think of Krav Maga?

If you can find a PFS Instructor, the training is very characteristic of your requirements. Alternatively, a good Kali teacher.

[TTEscrima]

You just described traditional JuJutsu. WWII combatives, combat judo or Nelson's Mongolian Wrestling all fit the bill as well.

[Resiles]

I have a desire to learn a martial art that involves lethal strikes, joint breakage, eye gouges, groin kicks, and such(dirty fighting). Ideally this style would be well suited for fighting in close quarters: inside buildings, at crowded bars, between parked cars, etc. Not really interested in going to the ground with my attacker(s), but will entertain all responses. Thank you in advance for your time and responses.