Martial Arts

[G8RBrave]

I am interested in getting started in martial arts. I'd like something where I could learn self defense, discipline, and help me get in better shape?

Whats a good starting point for someone with absolutely no experience with martial arts?

[Dreamliner]

I'm not the one to ask. It's been many years since I've dabbled in the martial arts, Cuong Nu principally. Suppose it depends on what you want. The practice of just about any form would have an exercising effect. And you might enjoy the comaraderie. But in my estimation, the quickest route to becoming proficient at self defense would probably be something dirty, like Krav Maga. Other forms have you perfecting katas, whereas Krav Maga jumps right to how to crush someone's windpipe.

[LeafUF]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJSZ1TwjcsQ

[LeafUF]

OK, now my serious response. I have dabbled on and off since I was a teenager and it never stuck with me. I have tried Krav, Boxing and American Goju. All of them were fun and hard workouts but I just could never stay consistent with it and found they all were a bit inconvenient for one reason or another. Price, location, schedule, getting punched in the face repeatedly. You name it.

Now, I most recently tried Krav and can tell you that the majority of the schools are an absolute joke. They are all based off an Americanized style that while it does teach you Krav is mostly just trying to bring in soccer moms for a good workout. As far as I know there are only two authentic Krav schools in the country and I believe they are both in NYC.

I think the key is enjoying the instructors and other students no matter what style you choose. You should get a good workout from just about anything.

[jaxbeachgator]

Not sure what you likes/dislikes might be but from a conditioning point of view as well as something that can provide a great workout is Brazilian Jui jitsui. Also, It is not uncommon for those establishments that provide jui jitsui to also have some sort of stand up training, i.e. boxing and/or muay thai.

[oI2ange]

I've done BJJ and Muay Thai. I haven't done it in about a year due to not being able to pay for it (I enjoy rock climbing as my #1 sport and do that instead of martial arts), but hopefully I can get back into MA.

It depends what you're looking for. In a bar fight or something like that, MT or boxing are probably more applicable- you don't want to be rolling around on a bar floor with tons of people.

BJJ is probably a better cardio workout and you'll definitely lose weight faster this way.

My recommendation- pick out the art form that you want. My recommendation would be boxing, BJJ, or MT. Krav Maga is pretty hard to really train/spar with since all of the moves are death moves.

Once you figure out what you want to do, check out a local gym. Make sure that you go in and watch a class or two before you decide to sign up. Most all gyms have a free week or two period where you can try classes and get a refund if you don't like it. MAKE SURE THAT YOU'RE IN SEMI-GOOD SHAPE WHEN YOU START! You'll get a TON more out of it from the start if you're not wheezing around. Sure, you're going to be a noob and you're going to struggle (cardio wise as well). But try to go in with at least some foundation of 'ok' cardio.

So yeah, check out the gym, see if you like their style of teaching. I don't really recommend martial arts such as Taekwondo or Karate...I think the former mentioned are going to serve you better.

GL and come back to us when you decide!