Know any martial arts that focuses on counterattacks and techniques instead of speed and strength.?

Question

I have heard that knowing martial arts that focus mostly on speed and strength fade and diminish as someone ages. I have just started out and have not learned any techniques yet, but if this is true, would learning techniques that create a lot of focused power that can smash bones be a waste of time if I cannot use them in my 50's? Or should I just continue to practice karate and kickboxing? Also, if I ever have to face someone who is bigger, stronger, or faster than me, what kind of martial arts should I practice? I hear that Lotus Self Defense is pretty powerful. What should I do as a novice martial artist?

Answer 1

i would have to say go take jiu-jitsu and when you get older take aikido , but kickboxing is kicka** though

Answer 2

In theory, all martial arts focus on counter attacks. That's why they call it self defense and not self offense. Like it or not, speed and strength are going to come into play. A counter attack is a reaction to an attack. If you can't react fast enough, it doesn't matter what technique you use. Power is a product of speed and strength. You can break it down to a mathematical equation. A stronger guy can afford to be slower and a really fast guy doesn't have to be as strong, but the total power generated is going to determine the outcome.

I believe what you are referring to are called the 'soft' styles. Soft styles, such as the variations of Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Aikido, etc. focus on speed and agility. Aikido practitioners don't move a lot, but if you watch them, they do move quickly and efficiently. Hard styles like Tae Kwon Do and Muay Thai focus on hard strikes.

There are styles that utilize both like Hapkido, which uses joint locks and throws combined with hard strikes.

Oh, and do not be fooled by watching all those old people doing Tai Chi. Although they move slowly, it requires a great deal of flexibility and muscle control. Try it one time, you will be amazed at how you feel afterwords.

Answer 3

Kajukenbo is based on defending yourself, or counterattacks. If you read the history it was developed as a means to defend yourself on the street because at the time the crime was very high in the area.

It has many martial arts components: Ka - Karate, Ju- Judo, Jujitsu, Ken- Kenpo, and Bo- Chinese Boxing.

My friend who is 40 yrs old, recommends this.

Answer 4

A lot of martial arts focus on speed rather than just power because after you gain speed, power comes in time. What would be a more effective weapon? One swing with a baseball bat or 100 bee stings?

Answer 5

San Soo, but it has speed and strength as well. Alot of focus on Leverages and Presure points which are great all your life. Look up San Soo and or Jimi H. Woo you will be impressed.
Also check out Krackskullz.com it is growing slowly.....

Answer 6

How about Tai Chi?

When you get to the phase of Tai Chi that most people associate with martial arts (push hands,) it isn't so much counterattacks as deflecting and redirecting your opponant's attack.

Do a search on "internal martial arts."

Answer 7

it depends how much effort you want to put in,and how far you want to go.freestyle karate is a good place to start.it's a good well rounded style.throw in a bit of muay thai,a good ground/gappling style add some brains and you should be able to handle most situations.no matter what your age.the most importart is the brains.which seems to be lacking in a lot of ppl these days.unfotunately you can't teach common sense.if you want to be a well rounded ma you have to broaden your horizons.if you only do one style you will always be vulnerable.

Answer 8

God... never, /ever/ do aikido for self defence. Those videos with all the opponent compliance look great, but could never be pulled off in real life. That's why they let each other be thrown in Aikido. It's not real self defence.

If youi want to learn something with leverage and efficient use of body mechanics that will last for a long period of time and you can pull off on stronger/faster opponents, then do judo or BJJ.

obviously, attributes matter, but with good leverage and technique, a judoka or a bjj player can and consistently have beaten people many times their physical superior.

youtube it. video proof is the only real proof.

Answer 9

Do a engine search oon the art of kenpo karate or check out kenpo demos on youtube.com (77)

Answer 10

people are not telling you the MAIN thing!!
if you start martialarts now when your fifty you should be stronger faster and have more power ..i know a 80 year old that can kick AS*~!!!!!

Shorin Ryu
Goju Ryu
Isshin Ryu
Aikido
Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu

Answer 11

You may want to look into Kajukenbo, cha 3 kenpo, or american kenpo.

They are all good styles and can be used by any age group.