What martial art would you recommend for me?

Question

I've been wanted to get back into martial arts for a while now, but I'm having trouble deciding on a style. I did Kenpo years ago, but I'm not sure if I want to do that again or not. I would rather focus more on striking than grappling, something where speed and agility count for more than strength, and maybe have some weapons training. I've considered Kung Fu and TKD, but I'd rather stick with the Japanese styles if I can. I'm also looking into Aikido, even though its mostly grappling. So what would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I would recommend Aikido. Most programs also teach Kendo along with it since many of the techniques are based on the "sword grip" and have some parallels with Kendo and the importance of timing, generating power and maintaining your balance while disrupting that of your opponent's.

Answer 2

A good well rounded style would be freestyle Karate.You will learn stand up,ground,grappling and weapons.What a lot of people don't understand is that freestyle Karate is about practical street defence not who can kick the highest or punch a pad the hardest.It's definitely not a sport martial art like TKD or BJJ.The motto of my style is the best of everything in progression.Basically that means we don't care where the technique comes from we improve it and integrate it into our style while still maintaining tradition as do most freestyle Karate's.
The hardest thing is finding a good experienced instructor.I would recommend Bushi Kai or Zen Do Kai, but if your not in Australia or New Zealand you may have some difficulty finding some one who teaches these styles.These styles also usually have separate classes available to everyone in Muay Thai and BJJ/Submission/Shoot wrestling.If you can't find one of these i would suggest Kempo or Enshin or another freestyle Karate.
http://www.zendokai.com.au/countries2/USA/index.htm

Answer 3

Aikido is great for defense, but the "gentle way" may not be best for you.
Kung Fu always looked fun to me, someday I hope to learn some of it.
Tai Kwan Do while looking flashy has some serious balance and pacing issues - so I'd avoid it. But something is better than nothing so if you like it have fun.
Karate is basic and pretty balanced but doesn't really have any huge thrills - I took it for a number of years. It was reasonably fun and I feel more protected for having done it.

Answer 4

From what you've described, you may be interested in Jiu-Jitsu, or perhaps Yoshinkan Aikido - Yoshinkan is a bit harder than the other styles; some schools actually include strikes as part of the curriculum

Answer 5

Take aikido. It uses enemy's strenght and weight to overcome him. It takes grace, coordination and ability to concentrate on multiple actions, wich most girls have. A good master of aikido can only be mached bu exelent boxser or sumo wrestler. You could be nearly invincible.

Answer 6

You might be interested in The Old Okinawa Style which our founders developed and began in 618-906 AD. Some great Japan traditional Karate are, Shito-Ryu, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Kyukoshin. Please read our history at http://www.genbu-kai.com/history.html, ENJOY and GOOD LUCK. The Karate Styles above are excellent self defense courses and great stiking techniques, and traditional.

Answer 7

i recommend Muay Thai, a thai martial arts that is implemented on striking with knees, elbows, legs, and hands. I know many girls who do muay Thai and are extremely tough! but i also recommend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because i would understand that girls don't usually get into brawls with other guys, and BJJ is perfect if someone got you in a bad position.

Answer 8

if your a girl, do brazilian jiujitsu. If you get caught in a situation where you need to defend yourself, the last thing you want to do is strike with a guy. In rape prevention classes more and more instructors are no longer teaching women to strike but to do submission holds, to close the distance. BJJ is a proven fighting system. It isn't a martial art, it was created as a self defence system and in my opinion, it is the best.

Answer 9

As a Kenpo expert I would now try Aikido.

Good luck.

Answer 10

Shotokan is the most popular Japanese striking style.