What method of self defence is the best?

Question

Hello, I am wanting to learn self defence however i dont know what to do, can you help me by telling me your views on the best self defence to learn? thanks

Answer 1

Since fights usually start and end within seconds, you absolutely need muscle memory and automatic reaction.

Choose a form of self-defense that utilize some sort of boxing and/or fencing as these styles specialize in reading your opponent and not flashy moves.

Most of all, choose a form that you feel comfortable learning and utilizes a lot of sparring time. The only way you learn muscle memory, or acting without thinking, is from experience in the ring.

Answer 2

The best method of self defence is differant for everybody. Take you time and try a few out. One might make you feel comfortable. As for these ppl that state their style is the best, as it cannot be truely measured through style against style only in combatant against combatant, this tends to be a false statement. All styles rely on the individual's ability, so find the one YOU feel best at ease with, you might be fast, or powerful, or both, lots of factor determine your technique. Go forth and give some a go and be honest with yourself, afterall your the one your going for.

Answer 3

One that teaches awareness, simple, direct motion over flowery style; and has a good, sensible, open minded instructor.

Too many instructors, no matter what they teach, spend too long thinking and saying that theirs is the only way, 'Hapkido is the best' 'No Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the best' ' No Krav Maga is the best'.

It's like a finger pointing the way to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss the moon in all it's glorious splendour.

Answer 4

Best way to find out is by visiting a few different classes and seeing which best suits and interests you. There is no one all encompassing self defence, most people like to cross train in different arts eg Kung Fu, Karate, Ju Jitsu, Boxing, kickboxing etc. Have a look in your local area and see whats available then pop along to watch a class. Lo xxx

Answer 5

Krav Maga.. it teaches all aspects of self defense. Single/multiple attackers, weapons, chokes, etc. BJJ is good but mainly 1 on 1.. what happens if you have 2 people attacking you? Can't arm bar someone while getting your head stomped in.

It's also a battle tested system used and taught to everyone in the Israli military.

Answer 6

Ed Parker's American Kenpo.

No nonsense straight forward self defense.

Do a google video search for Larry Tatum, Paul Mills, or any of the Senior Students. These guys are awesome.

If I had to do it all over again, that's what I would do.

Answer 7

Style does not matter. The factors that matter are quality and frequency of training. If you do not practice your art daily it WILL fail you in an emergency situation.

Look for a good school, not a good style.
Never sign a contract and never pay for rank testing.
Check out all the schools in your area. Try free classes. Ask to observe their contact drills and sparring.
Choose a school that is clean with respectful people.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

For a real life encounter in the street - Krav Maga.

Its a fighting system, not a sport, like a lot of other martial arts.

No nonsense, no BS, no gi's, no katas, completely practical.

Easy to learn works if your big or small, male or female.

Answer 9

the best method of self defence is stay away from trouble in the first place. failing that i would take up boxing as it toughens your whole body.

Answer 10

I second what hoegaarden-drinker said. If you watch how people fight in the street, you will see that there is almost always no time for fancy high kicking and such like. Hollywood fight scenes are very carefully choreographed. Boxing would be the best way for you to go if you unfortunately have to fight at all.