should i go to a muay thai/bjj or a wing chun/eskrima school?

Question

i dont wanna be billy badass, just want to learn effective self defense.

Answer 1

First of all, if you are interested in self-defense and self-defense only, then a martial arts school is not for you. You need to find a self-defense program.

However, if you want to learn self-defense while studying martial arts, I would suggest the wing chun/eskrima school.

Muay Thai and BJJ, while very effective systems, are geared for competition, and rely a lot on muscle and speed. They aren't geared specifically for self-defense. Whereas wing chun is a traditional (or more established) art that was designed for smaller people to overcome a larger opponent. In addition, wing chun is a soft style, so it would not be as hard on your body as Muay Thai or BJJ.
I've never heard of eskrima, so I can't tell you anything about it.

Now, don't get me wrong- I would not want to tussle with a Muay Thai or BJJ expert. But, like I said, those martial arts are geared for competition-- or, in another word, fighting.

Many people confuse fighting with physical self-defense. Those two are *not* the same thing. Fighting is when two people willingly engage in a physical altercation. Rules vary, but the point is to win. Outside of a competition context, (read: street fighting) it's illegal.

Self-defense is removing yourself from a dangerous situation by whatever means necessary. This includes non-physical means as well, such as talking your way out of a confrontation. The priority in self-defense is your personal safety.
There are a lot of issues regarding self-defense, such as legal stipulations, psychological repurcussions, prevention, awareness, etc., etc., that martial arts alone cannot address.

That's why I said that if you are interested in self-defense and self-defense only, you should find a good self-defense course- one that relies overwhelmingly on non-physical solutions.

Answer 2

If you're looking to get into competitions like MMA, Muay Thai and BJJ will work. For street defense, Wing Chun. Muay Thai is effective for competition because all of it's moves are legal, as with most of BJJ. Wing Chun is best for the streets because it effectively counteracts weapons like knives through arm trapping without smashing the attacker's skull in like Muay Thai or making you vulnerable if there's other people around like BJJ.

Answer 3

You can't go any more effective than a muay thai/bjj combo.

Muay thai is arguably the most effective stand-up martial art.

BJJ has proven time and time again to be one of the best grappling martial arts.

Answer 4

I say Muay Thai/BJJ. That's an excellent combination of stand up and ground skills and BOTH are very efficient

Answer 5

Forget Muay Thai, that isn't effective in a streetfight, infact you are liable to get your butt kicked in front of your girlfriend. NO striking art is good for streetfights.

You need to learn boxing, to be an effective fighter. In the case the fight goes to the ground, you need to learn wrestling or Jiu Jitsu.

I am sick of people using Martial Arts as a weapon, it is for self defense and inner peace.

MMA tarnishes the Arts, and is nothing more than a Bloodsport.

MMA message board: http://www.collegeboardz.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=55

Answer 6

Actually I wouldn't do either. If I were really serious, and I am, I would take Target Focus Training. The only thing they teach is what absolutely works every time on the street. You won't learn this stuff in any "martial arts" school.

Answer 7

Of those, I'd choose Wing Chun. It has deep rooted philosophy, centuries of proven effectiveness, and true masters.

Answer 8

Who says you have to try only one. I prefer BJJ but I know how to use it. You have to do all to learn what works for you.

Answer 9

wing chun / eskrima, excellent self defense !!!

Answer 10

try ninjutsu. you can put your opponent to the ground with out ever having to fight through simple throws wrist locks and many other techniques, however if you need to fight there's plenty of badass kicks and punches in ninjutsu.