I want to start taking Martial Arts, which do you recommend?

Question

I wanted to start taking Martial Arts. I don't know much about the different types but from what I do know Kempo has interested me the most. If your involved with Martial Arts which is your favorite and which would you recommend for me? Btw, I live in west suburbs of Chicago if that helps as far as knowing what types of places would be in my area.

Answer 1

Since you say that Kempo has always interested you I would wholeheartedly advise against taking attending a judo or jujitsu school. After all, there's a reason you were drawn to the hand and foot striking stylings of Karate and not to the wrestling-esque fights of Judo. I personally am a practitioner of the American Kenpo style, which is very similar to Kempo. I don't know how anyone could find Kempo or Kenpo flashy. In my opinion there are no more practical arts. Plus you learn many of the same take downs and submission moves as you would in Judo or Jujitsu anyway.

Answer 2

I would recommend looking in the local yellow pages/ on-line search for a start. Find all the schools close to your house, then look into what style these schools offer, maybe even visit a few you seem interested in. There is no "best style" ,but some schools are better than others. The quality of the instructor will determine the quality of the school. Some schools offer a no commitment trial period.I would agree with kered628, go with your gut. Kempo is a great style, very practical for self defense, and does offer the throws, joint locks(chin na), ground work of a grappling art, the kicks, punches, knees and elbows of a striking art and internal power development for the more experienced practitioner.

Answer 3

If you have a strong interest in Kempo then look into it. Do a web search and check your phone book. If you see a school that interests you ask if you can observe a class. Watch the advanced students...if their technique looks weak and sloppy don't even bother attending (no matter what the style). Regardless of style stay away from signing contracts and ridiculous amounts of money down. The school/art should sell itself and it should be pay as you learn.

Answer 4

I'd go with Jiu-jitsu. Just make sure that you get the No-gi style, which means not wearing a robe type shirt while in a match. It's much more realistic. If you decide to take Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there is a great book to own your opponents. Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed, by Eddie Bravo. Joe rogan does the forward.
Jiu Jitsu is good because it is most realistic. Karate is just flashy. in jiu jitsu, the moves are relatively simple and extremely effective (Arm bar, rear naked choke)

Answer 5

Look for a taekwondo school. Which i am currently enrolled in.
I enjoy attend classes 3 or 4 times a week.

In my taekwondo school, in order to get tested you would have to show the instructor that you are able to do the form. And one step.

I know this week I will earn my 1st black stripe. I have earned 3 out of 6 stripes.

The stripes mean that you learned the form or the basics. I learned all the baics in 2 weeks.

In order to test the student needs to have all 6 stripes. And than go to the work-out date before the test. Which i am planning on going. I have to inorder to test. Its not recommend but it the best thing to do in order to get extra help and get all your questions answered.

I hope that helps you understand about taekwondo and the belt test. BTW here is the belt system for my taekwondo school

White
Yellow stripe
yellow
green stripe
green
blue stripe
blue
red stripe
red
black

Answer 6

i agree with crystal taekwondo is the way to go. it incorporates many moves and teqniques from other martial arts as well as being a firm setted martial art in which you can learn alot from

i have benn doing martial arts for many years some meinb japanese jujitsu judo kemp tkd and ninjutsu and the one i like the most is tkd nuf said

Answer 7

It depends on what you want out of your training. I am a Sensei, my advice to you is to go watch some classes at different schools. Pay close attention to the more experienced students, and ask yourself if that is what you want. Above all ASK QUESTIONS!

Answer 8

BJJ....