how do i find which martial that suits me best?

Question

i want to spend my life learning and teaching martial arts but i dont know which one or combination (2 or 3) would suit me best. i know there are many many martial arts, but i dont know what all of them are like. i just want to train in one or two that fit me the best. i need a list of basic definitions of major martial arts, their focuses and where to look for their dojos. (preferably in an english or japanese speaking country.)

Answer 1

I wouldn't underestimate western boxing and wrestling. They both have a lot to offer.

It's possible to write entire books on all the martial arts out there. (In fact, it's been done quite a few times before.) So I'll give you my generalized take on the whole deal:

On one end of the spectrum, you've got your very traditional martial arts with the special uniforms, all the moves in the native language, and tons of forms and unique moves. Some of these schools are the kind that talk about spiritual aspects like chi.

Then you've got your sport-oriented martial arts, like MMA and Braziallian Jiu-Jutsu. These are all the guys who want to be in the UFC.

Then you have your "reality-based" martial arts, sometimes also known as "combatives". These are focused just on self-defense and these are the kind taught to police and military as well as concerned citizens who don't have time for a lifetime of martial arts. You could say these are the "quick and dirty" of the martial arts world.

Now there's another comparison between the striking arts and the grappling arts. A good example would be Thai Kickboxing or Karate versus Judo or Tai Chi. Some arts contain elements of both.

The ultimate factor, though, will be the schools around where you live. If there's no kendo dojo anywhere nearby, it's going to be awfully hard to learn kendo. Meanwhile, that kickboxing school around the corner starts to look like a good option.

Answer 2

You do not look for a style. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of different styles. If you look for a style you are likely to find that it is not near you anyway. You look for a truly qualified instructor that is more interested in teaching his students skills than in promoting them. Any school that sells belt contracts should be avoided. Also any school that has children black belts or tells you that you can be a certain belt level in X amount of time. The sad but simple truth is that there are many instructors teaching martial arts. BUT very few of them are really well trained. I have witnessed this since 1967. Unfortunately over the years the number of good instructors compared to the number of instructors out there gets worse every day. That is simply due to many instructors that are more interested in making money that teaching good martial arts. Best of Luck finding a good school!

Answer 3

I have lived in a major city for a good chunk of my adult life and I have never seen schools for half of the suggestions listed here. Don't confuse yourself by looking for Shaolin Boxing, Goshi-Jutsu or CHA 3 Kenpo. Because chances are, you would not be living anywhere near this school.

First, look at what is in close proximity to where you live then use Wikipedia, or something like it, to get you the definitions and philosophy of the styles. Then go visit these schools. The teacher(s) are the most important ingredient in this whole thing. And finally stop asking for life advice on Yahoo Answers. You are gonna get alot of people who will feed you horrible/incorrect advice. For example Hapkido is NOT grappling, Tai Chi is in theory a self defense technique but not a good fighting style (so many people on here push it as viable self defense, it is good for old people to do in parks).

When looking for a good school the teacher is everything. You could be taught "The Greatest Style In The World" from a horrible teacher, and then where would you be? Find a good school, no matter what it is. Find a good teacher, no matter what they teach.

PS you will have to pay money and probally pay for rank testing. It's just how it is. MA instructors have bills too.

Answer 4

That's a bit vague. Are we talking about a weapons-based art, or unarmed? Japanese or Chinese? I can't speak for Chinese martial arts at all nor much of Japanese weapons-based arts. I study Aikido, which is primarily an unarmed martial art, although sword & staff are included in its curriculum. Aikido, like Judo, is essentially the modern evolution of the various Jujutsu styles of feudal Japan.

My personal opinion is that Judo and/or Aikido are excellent "base" martial arts to study. They are both comprehensive unarmed martial arts systems around which you can "add" techniques from other martial arts. Most people who wish to study MMA or just learn multiple arts usually go with Judo.

A good place to start investigating Judo is here: http://www.judoinfo.com/

Hope this helps a little.

Answer 5

Tai Chi
a Chinese system of physical exercises designed especially for self-defense and meditation.
Taekwondo
The art of kicking and punching/taekwondo is a combination of combat technique, self-defense, sport, exercise, entertainment, and philosophy.
Karate
a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent.
Kenpo
a style of martial arts characterized by the use of quick moves in rapid-fire succession intended to overwhelm an opponent.
Isshin-ryu
it emphasizes strength through speed and accuracy.
Goshin Jutsu
a style of empty handed and armed fighting. This style integrates many other styles, including Jujitsu, Judo, Aki-do, and many others.

These are just a few, it really depends on what you're looking for, and what you think is most suited for your purpoises. As for dojos, thats a hard one to answer, not knowing what state you live in, or even what country.

Answer 6

well I do Taekwondo which has a lot of kicks involved in it, it would be good for you if you have or want to work on your balance and coordination and not so much fighting. We do sparr but its not a main part of it. mainly things are focused on kicks and different self defensive moves like blocks and such. For every belt you are given a form which is a combination of all different kicks and blocks and "moves" from your belt level. you also learn new kicks and board breaking techniques with each belt level. Anyways hope this helped you get a better idea of Taekwondo good luck!

Answer 7

Here is a brief sumary.

Striking: Tae Kwon Do. Karate, Shaolin boxing
Good: Can handle multiple attackers, can engage at long range, enables you to be pro active when necessary.
Not so good: Ground, hard to control an attacker without inflicting serious injury.

Grappling: Hapkido, Judo, etc.
Good: effective in close, good on the ground, can control an attacker without inflicting serious injury.
Not so Good: Not good at long range, you must wait for the attacker to make the 1st move. Not effective against multiple attackers.

you have to decide on what you want from MA & what best suits your temperment & physiology.

Answer 8

I've been doing karate for 4 years. Basically karate translates to "open hand" and is all about using your own body as a weapon.
Look up GKR, they have heaps of dojos and theres no initial sign up fees, so u can just go do one lesson and see what its like!

Answer 9

Do yourself a favor. Find a good school, not a good style.
Look for a clean school with respectful people.
Never sign a contract and never pay for rank testing.
Ask to view a class and their sparring practices.

Answer 10

i would say to do 2 one for the mind and one for the body.
the mind would be tai chi for me and the body would either be:
thai kickboxing, boxing (not martial arts as such but very demanding), kung fu (style dependent on what sort of person u are eg attacker, counter attack defend etc).