Best Martial Art for Self-Defense?

Yeah, the best arts for striking, but I appreciate in your position and in that environment you have to be careful.

Just remember mate:

If he won't walk then walk him
If he won't be walked then drag him
If he won't be dragged then drop him

[GQchris]

I can't be without it man! I currently train at at a boxing/muay thai gym but I need more.

Paul has a Law Enforcement program that is based on an escalating level of force.

Level 1 is the restraint and movement of an individual, which employs Dumog, Locking and a little BJJ.
Level 2 is for when the threat escalates to striking, and involves Destructions combined with a more aggressive level 1
Level 3 is for a serious threat, in which the relavent components of the RAT System are employed

He hasn't taught it for quite a while, and typically only Full Instructors know it. I teach it to Police Officers and Security Staff and it seems to hit the mark.

[GQchris]

Right now Michael I do some security at my church, we have had altercations and have had to throw someone out before, who would not go quietly. Which of Paul's stuff should one start out with?

The RAT System is only a very small part of what Paul teaches, there's a wealth of great material if you stick around a bit longer.

[GQchris]

I've said this before, but I don't think martial arts plays a major role in self protection.

Lifestyle choices, intelligence, preparation, awareness, avoidance, courage, confidence, communication, experience, aggression, and luck are all things further up the list.

If anyone ever approaches me with a determined passion or paranoia about self protection, then these days I tell them to get a job on the doors. They will learn exactly what they need to know from the guys around them, and will grow to understand more about how to handle the ugly nature of aggression and violence in one week there than they will in years on the focus mitts.

But for most people, its not really that important to them. Its just a small insurance policy they would like in the back of their pocket, and they want something easy to learn, in the shortest time, for the least effort.

Given that remit, I still recommend Paul Vunak's method. Its very simple to learn, its not attribute based, and its nitty gritty material in all ranges, with and against weapons, with and against more than on person. Its not perfect, but no method is, and for 99% of people it will never be put to the test anyway.

Are you referring to Paul's Rapid Assault Tactics?

I've said this before, but I don't think martial arts plays a major role in self protection.

Lifestyle choices, intelligence, preparation, awareness, avoidance, courage, confidence, communication, experience, aggression, and luck are all things further up the list.

If anyone ever approaches me with a determined passion or paranoia about self protection, then these days I tell them to get a job on the doors. They will learn exactly what they need to know from the guys around them, and will grow to understand more about how to handle the ugly nature of aggression and violence in one week there than they will in years on the focus mitts.

But for most people, its not really that important to them. Its just a small insurance policy they would like in the back of their pocket, and they want something easy to learn, in the shortest time, for the least effort.

Given that remit, I still recommend Paul Vunak's method. Its very simple to learn, its not attribute based, and its nitty gritty material in all ranges, with and against weapons, with and against more than on person. Its not perfect, but no method is, and for 99% of people it will never be put to the test anyway.

[WildWest.]

What makes JKD the "best"?

[GQchris]

JKD, but it's not a "style".

[KungFuPOW!]

Jeet Kune Do is best.
Contact the Inosanto Academy for details.

[First Action]

I'm looking for the best real world martial art for self defense.
I don't mind if it's not particularly flashy, which one would take the least time to learn but be most effective.

Here are my thoughts - Most traditional martial arts are made for the time that they were created, so what was good then, although much if it still valid, isn't so good now, and although most will give you an advantage over a less knowledgeable opponent, to be proficient takes a lot of time and training.

So.. if you want to learn Self Defense, take a self defense course. If you are keen for ongoing training in specific styles, I think you would be interested in Krav Maga or other military type styles. Be sure to pick something with weapons training. Of course if you want to get fit and learn how to kick ass without weapons, then you can go past Muay Thai.

First Action Self Defence Survival and Fitness

https://www.fightingequipment.com.au

[black knife]

You will have to find a well rounded school that covers grappling/groundfighting, stand-up fighting and weapons (Knife and Stick).

I don't know too many schools that covers all of these areas.....you might have to attend several schools to accomplish this.

I have studied various arts over the years and now I am well rounded in my fighting skills but it took many years of training to get there....good luck

[Nicodemus]

If you live in Ca. or Az. I might be able to recommend something as I know of several schools in both areas.

In general, you are going to be better suited by a school that focuses the techniques towards ending a fight and doing as much damage as possible as quickly as possible. The more time you spend in class doing forms or kata's and point sparring the less time you are spending on learning how to do real damage.

Use google maps to search for self defense schools in your area weed out the traditional martial arts schools and check out the places that are left and within distance.

From my own personal experience some structured arts that are focused on street application are Kajukembo, American/Hawaiian Kempo, Systema, Krav Maga and some Kali.

[WildWest.]

I'm looking for the best real world martial art for self defense.
I don't mind if it's not particularly flashy, which one would take the least time to learn but be most effective, it doesn't have to be out of Judo or Tai Chi but I hear that they are the two easiest.

Thanks,
Daniel.

Judo and Tai Chi aren't the easiest mate....very far from it. If you're looking for self defence, I wouldn't recommend those 2 styles anyway. Judo is good, but ideally you would want to mix it with something else. Personally I find Judo's rules completely shit, but that's a personal opinion.

If you want specifically self defence, then look for a reality based self defence school. Some are shit though and run by "end of the the world" types in camo pants who don't really have the experience or qualifications to teach effective self defence.

But there really is no simple path. You say you don't mind what style you do right now, but you will find there is such a range of styles that you will choose something that you like over something else.

There is a lot of good stuff out there and a lot of shit too.....probably more shit than good unfortunately.

Maybe look at Muay Thai for stand up defence and something like Sambo, wrestling or BJJ for some ground defence.....after a few years look at something like a reality based self defence style to help tie your skills into a package for the street.

Additionally, have a look at a Filipino style as they have some excellent weapons based training that is of great benefit to self defence.

Finally, when it comes to recommending what style to choose, it doesn't really matter what I or anyone else says. When it comes down to it, you are going to have to experiment yourself.

[shuyun]

do some shopping around first about the available styles in the vicinity, decide what you are prone to do given a situation or what you want to do in a situation and see if you have any physical advantages or constraints. Some styles lend themselves easier to somebody types. Being fit is generally great .