I want to start taking some type of martial arts...?

Question

I am 22 and in pretty good shape, what is a good beginners Martial Arts type program? Muay Tai looks cool but also pretty advanced... i don't want to actually fight in tourney's or anything, just for self defense and to get in shape.

Answer 1

Dude, do you realize how many billions of answers your gonna get?

All of them telling you something different.

Try BJJ.

Answer 2

No, don't listen to Mr. Bo Jangles! ....take Tae Kwon Do.

Eh, he's right. You'll get a billion answers and all of them will say something different. Not surprisingly, they will recommend the style they are taking.

This is something that you really have to decide for yourself. It's late and I'm too tired to type it all out now. So here's a few links that oughta help.

First, decide what you want out of the martial arts. (You've already said you want self-defense and physical fitness, so that's covered.)
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/four_focuses.html

Second, see what's available in your area. No point in setting your heart on Tai Chi if the nearest school is 200 miles away.

Research the martial arts you're interested in. Find out more about them. Books like "The Idiot's Guide to Martial Arts" ought to help. Also, looking them up on Youtube will give you a better idea of what techniques they incorporate.

Research the schools in your area to see if they offer what you're looking for. Ask about their prices, schedules, teaching methods, etc. Visit the school, talk to the instructor, and see if you can watch classes. After you've checked out the schools, you can compare them and decide which one's best for you.

For more detailed information, try http://martialarts.about.com/od/choosingaschool/ht/howtoschool.htm.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Jiu Jitsu. It s the most complete and specially the most effective type of martial art out there. They train you to be a Master on the floor, which is where all street fights end up anyway. It's techniques teach you how to warn your opponent with the use of locks, giving them the option to tapout as opposed to hurting them right off the bat. Of corse, you can hurt your opponent really bad or even kill him if you want to. If you know Jui Jitsu there's no way you can lose a fight unless, of corse, you're fighting another Jui Jitsu guy.
Gracie ui Jitsu is the best style. It is Brazilian and they do have several gyms around the country based on that style.
I hope this helps

Answer 4

I study a standing form of jujitsu called yoshin ryu. It is strictly self defense. There are no offensive moves in this style. Strictly ways to respond to real-life attacks. Unfortunately it is a very old and traditional form and is not widely taught. You may not be lucky enough to have someone teaching it in your area. If you are, it would probably meet your requirement for a "philosophy" as well. It is similar to aikido in many ways but is based on small circles instead of large circles, which I think makes it easier to learn and become effective at. Aikido can be a very effective art but it takes a long time to get to that point. There are other forms of standing jujitsu which may meet you requirements as well. Look in your area. I would stay away from ground grappling forms of jujitsu if you are strictly looking for self defense. If you end up on the ground with someone in a self defense situation you are in a very bad position. If there is more than one attacker, the others can be kicking you in the head while you are on the ground. The idea of self defense is do damage quickly and get away. You want to stay on your feet. Listening to you, it sounds like you may also want to look into hapkido. It is steeped in self defense and has a lot of soft techniques, but also blends in some strikes, and would certainly be more energetic than tai chi.

Answer 5

Keichu Do's good.It's a self-defense based martial art,also known
as Cajun Karate.Tournaments are optional,but you will have to
spar and grapple in class.(Grappling is like wrestling,with judo).
And you will get to learn some Judo throws,so if you're afraid of
being thrown,don't try it.But Keichu Do is a great martial art and it
will help you get in better shape if you practice.
P.S. If you try Keichu, if you learn any stretches,practice them at
home every day.If you are taught anything in class,when you go
home practice it.And make sure that you practice every day.

Answer 6

Muy Tai is very strong martial arts, for advanced students. I took 10 classes and it is intense. I recommend you do that later in your karate career :)

but more seriously, Kenpo is a great form to start with. It's self defense, with moral. The 10+ years I took taught me valuable life lessons. It's a great experience, you'd like it. Kenpo means "With open hands", which means you just use your hands/feet, No weapons (you use them later, don't worry).

Hope it helps.

Answer 7

Yeah, muay thai is a decent choice. BJJ would be good too. Just visit some places (usually the 1st lesson is free) until you find a club with a good atmoshere.

Answer 8

I would look for a krav maga or Hanagah(f.i.g.h.t) school, try www.fight2survive.com for more info & locations. I'm taking it now, I'm 47 years old, and I love it, no B.S just plain self defense.