A question for anyone in to martial arts or self-defence?

Question

Well, 2 questions actually- hope you don't feel cheated. The first is, which martial art would (in your opinion) best suit me? I am a smaller, leaner guy (about 5' 10", 160lbs or 12 stones). I used to box for a short while before the club had to shut down, and I was always a bit of a brawler on the rugby pitch. Which of the martial arts would best suit and up-close-and-personal brawling style, as opposed to lots of high kicks and gymnasticically orientated movement?

Also, a question of experience: have you ever witnessed (or been invoved in) a fight where 1 person is up against 4 or so opponents? In your experience if the guy on his own flors one opponent (no weapons involved), do the other 3 tend to bottle out, Hollywood style, or do they just get even more aggressive and all pile in for the kill?

Thanks guys! Serious answers noly please!

PS a friend recommened something called 'Krav Maga' (I think) to me- would this worthwhile pursuing? All I know is it's Israeli!

Please excuse my awful spelling

Answer 1

Judo to your first question as you seem to have good center of balance and would help you in rugby it teaches to use another persons moves against you against them and since 95% of fights end up on the ground it would be best to be on top. 2nd question Both have been in this sitiuation a few times and had it both ways you never know.

Answer 2

Everyone on here takes the "high road" when talking to someone interested in learning Martial Arts... yes a gun is best for self defense... and you shouldn't learn Martial Arts to learn how to fight.... but all the people that are taking the "high road" got into Martial Arts for those reasons... they wanted to know how to defend themselves and or wanted to know how to fight... Honestly any Martial Art would be great for you, and you will find many other positive benefits that you weren't even looking for... if your fear of a man 2 or 3 times your size finding you in a dark alley is what motivates you, passive isn't going to help you... attacking may or may not.... there are many types of Martial Arts out there (and the quality of the schools varies widely within each)... All i can suggest is that you do some research in your area and find the best fit for you.... Your comfort level with the instructor and the atmosphere is far more important than the style they teach... don't sign a contract with anyone, i don't care how good of a salesman they are.... you have the right to change your mind and say hey "this isn't for me", wish you the best of luck, the hardest part is showing up...

Answer 3

My advice is to go for either Jiu Jitsu or Akido, both of these use an oponents strength against him therefore you don't need to be big. Speed and skill are far more important. Both these disciplines use, kicks and punches at long and short range they have a lot of grapple moves as well as throws and ground locks. I think of the two I would choose Jiu Jitsu (personal preference)it's a very comprehensive form of martial art and I believe that anyone can become seriously good at defending themselves. It's also great for flexibility and stamina.
I've taught this art to 15 year oldsand 60 year olds so there is something for everyone.
As for your second question it totally depends on the people and the situation, I've personally seen it happen both ways. You have to be careful here and judge the mood and situation, me, so long as they wern't armed I am pretty sure I could take out two before the other either ran or attacked and I'm a 50 year old woman....hope this helps

Answer 4

Krav Maga is the official self defence system of the Israeli Defence Forces, and has been taught to hundreds of law enforcement agencies and thousands of civilians
in the United States.

Krav Maga is a simple, effective self
defence system that emphasises instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios.

Basically if your into street fighting then this is for you. You train to use everyday object around you to fight with and the techniques are really easy. But with all martial arts its all about repetition so the moves become instinctive.

Answer 5

I recommend this family self defence program that teaches how to win and dominate a violent situation on the street or in your home http://www.downloadita.it/r/rd.asp?gid=423
Have a nice day

Answer 6

for question 1: Look into judo. Most of the throws used in judo require you to be in close contact with your opponent, either holding them with both hands, or in full body contact. If you're used to being up close and personal, this might suit you.

Answer 7

check out wing chun

Answer 8

try ninjutsu, it covers most things.