Choosing a Martial Art Form

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Ricemarine

Tae kwon do = Kicking, and more kicking.. A lot of people think of this as an ineffective martial art, for kicks can be blocked easily.

you clearly missed the cro-cop thread a few days ago, a Pride fighter was kicking the bejesus out of everyone and knocking them down with kicks to the head.

 

[Modeps]

Aikido and Tai Chi are nice passive arts.

 

[opticalmace]

sit in on a few different classes, from different dojos, then choose for yourself.

 

[mrrman]

shotokan karate

 

[Torched]

I think for self defence and staying in shape Aikido would be best. I personally studied songahm taekwondo up to red belt level(one away from black) and would still recommend it but i've seen aikido in action and would seem better for the beginner. My father was trained in wushu kungfu and learned the dragon animal form.

 

[HBalzer]

Krav Maga

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: dmw16
I have wanted to take a martial art since I was a kid, and now I am graduating college and need to find a way to stay active.

How do I go about choosing a style? I want something where there will be competitions eventually since I enjoy some competition from time to time. Beyond that I dont know where to start.

ANy suggestions?

There's going to be a lot of 'experts' here claiming one style is better than another. My advice, is to go to a school that is convenient for you and that you get a good vibe at. They all will keep you physically active, and they'll all teach you the basics of what you need. It doesn't have to be a lifetime commitment to that school.

The most important thing to me are what i just said. If it's a great school with a great reputation, but it's 45mins away, you're less likely to go than to one that's only 15mins away. And some schools are more 'cliques' or the atmosphere may not be suited to your personality... but may have a reputation for being 'the' school in the area... whereas a family oriented one may be laughed down by that school, but you'll have a much more fun time because everybody there to enjoy themselves as well.

And ALL schools have some form of sparring or tournaments... some are more focused on it than others.

 

[Modeps]

I've got a question, the op is obviously not a 7 year old boy... it seems like most people start out at young ages when they do start martial arts... Do most schools cater to older people?

All I can picture is that episode of Seinfeld where Kramer joins a karate school and is a master because all of the students were 7-10yrs old.

 

Originally posted by: Modeps
Aikido and Tai Chi are nice passive arts.

Aikido doesnt have any offical competitions though. I would say Judo would be a good alternative from Aikido though if he wants to partcipate in tournys.

 

[Modeps]

Fallen, yeah.. it's all about using your opponent's attacks against themselves... not about attacking yourself. So a tournament would be something like two dudes standing around waiting for one another to do something.

 

Originally posted by: Modeps
I've got a question, the op is obviously not a 7 year old boy... it seems like most people start out at young ages when they do start martial arts... Do most schools cater to older people?

All I can picture is that episode of Seinfeld where Kramer joins a karate school and is a master because all of the students were 7-10yrs old.

You would be surprised how many cater to those older than HS. What they teach at a younger age (6-12) is much different than what they teach to adults...adults can hold punches, kicks, throw lighter, and understand the mechanics better than children. Sure, children can take a fall better and copy styles, but they dont understand why to do something, or how to fully apply it to a different situation. Adults can.

 

[Looney]

For adults, age isn't a restriction or a variable in how people are taught, but people are taught by their ranks. So a 18 year old who just started will be in the same class as a 40 year old who just started. Usually classes are broken up into ranks... first half of ranks are together, and then the higher more advance half of ranks are grouped together.

 

[Modeps]

Good to know. The op made me want to get into it. I took Aikido for a while but it was one of those YMCA programs and didnt continue past one season.

Are martial arts a good replacement for going to the gym?

 

Originally posted by: Modeps
Fallen, yeah.. it's all about using your opponent's attacks against themselves... not about attacking yourself. So a tournament would be something like two dudes standing around waiting for one another to do something.

that and the fact that its discouraged among those that practice the art.

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Good to know. The op made me want to get into it. I took Aikido for a while but it was one of those YMCA programs and didnt continue past one season.

Are martial arts a good replacement for going to the gym?

For cardiovascular, hell yeah. And much more fun. But it doesn't replace weight training at all.

 

[Atomicus]

If Tae kwon do kicks are easily blocked, then why does Hwoarang from Tekken kick a$$?

 

[Modeps]

How often do classes usually take place? 2-3 times a week?

 

[blackdogdeek]

OP listen to Looney. imo, his information is the most useful in this entire thread, especially if you're just starting.

make sure you visit the schools and watch a few classes so you can get a feel of the students, the atmosphere and most importantly the instructor. many places will offer a month to month membership so you can switch to another school later on.

imo, the most important thing is actually starting any martial art. once you become profficient, you will understand what you do or don't like about the particular style you've chosen and what you do or don't like about other styles. and even if you switch to another style later on, your previous experience will always be valuable in some way.

and all martial arts will get you in better shape, especially cardiovascular shape.

 

[DaShen]

Go to some local places and find out what suits you. Sometimes it is best to find people in those places and ask around because there are real good masters out there that don't teach for money but rather to pass down the knowledge.

Most of the really good masters are quite picky about who they teach though. You have to show that they won't use there training in a hurtful way, basically that you favor non-aggression. At least when it comes to old Chinese martial arts and some Japanese martial arts. I don't know if this is tradition in other cultures.

I would say though that if you want to use martial arts for self defense, take many forms, and meld them into something that suits you. This takes years of training. If you want something quick for show and for aggressive purposes, take anything you want.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: Modeps
How often do classes usually take place? 2-3 times a week?

all schools are different but at the schools i've been to, everyday there is a class offered in every age range and/or belt level. this way people can attend the classes they find most convenient for their schedule.

 

[Modeps]

I like that, typical costs?

 

Originally posted by: DaShen
Go to some local places and find out what suits you. Sometimes it is best to find people in those places and ask around because there are real good masters out there that don't teach for money but rather to pass down the knowledge.

Most of the really good masters are quite picky about who they teach though. You have to show that they won't use there training in a hurtful way, basically that you favor non-aggression. At least when it comes to old Chinese martial arts and some Japanese martial arts. I don't know if this is tradition in other cultures.

I would say though that if you want to use martial arts for self defense, take many forms, and meld them into something that suits you. This takes years of training. If you want something quick for show and for aggressive purposes, take anything you want.

Not to be nit-picky, but anyone who calls themselves a "master" of an art isn't worth the time. There are no "masters" of an art, as master implies no mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes.

 

[JLGatsby]

Try Ninjutsu, the art of the Ninja. It's like getting a degree in "breaking and entering."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninjutsu

 

[JackOfHearts]

I enjoyed kempo karate for the few years I did it... I think part of it was the instructor though he was great. So I would say going to some classes and checking it out would be a good thing...

 

[Looney]

Originally posted by: Modeps
How often do classes usually take place? 2-3 times a week?

Depends on the school, but at the very least they'll offer is 3 classes a week. Some usually offer more, including afternoon classes instead of just evenings, and weekends.