how much martial arts in this world. which do you prefer to learn or have learned??

Answer 1

I started with the Japanese based styles of Judo and Karate as that was available in Hawaii at the time. Part of my family was born in Japan and only immigrated just before I was born.

When I started migrating back and forth between parents to the mainland I started wrestling in Iowa, which is pretty much a grappling state. I continued this routine until college where I joined a Free-style Karate club on campus. That was the beginning of Mixed or United Martial Arts for me.

Next, I started Kung Fu as the first opportunity. They had a genuine Wah Lum temple very near the university. I very quickly joined the Dragon form of Wah Lum where we did all sorts of psychological training. (Blind folds, feet and hand bound by rope, etc. Some readers will surely know the exercises I am referring to.)

Then I competed in my first full contact fighting event in 1985. I joined the boxing/kickboxing school that my opponent trained at with Sensei Mike Bell, 7 time PKA champ. My MMA record was 12-8 at that time.

After seeing Royce Gracie in UFC- The Beginning, I found a BJJ teacher where I studied for two years in his garage. Joint locks were taught in both Judo and Karate in the schools on Hawaii, but I mostly learned a guard and how to fight on my back which went against everything I had learned in wrestling.

Qi Gong came next with a visiting professor to the University of Hawaii. It is a circular movement style with focused breathing that looks very much like Tai Chi. I practice some form of this art daily, just like bathing, eating, and shaving. This year I began Arnis de Mano here in the Philippines where I am a beginner student again. We just returned from Macau/Hong Kong from a Reality Combat tourney where I wore a back brace under the uniform they supplied to win two consecutive matches, by triangle choke, and arm-bar respectively. This was my first match since being diagnosed with MS, 10 years ago, so I am still very excited about it.

I have already practiced this morning for one hour and will practice another hour tonight. I enjoy martial arts for the health benefits, the skill development, always something new to learn, and even the social aspect. I met my wife at a related seminar in Bangkok, Thailand.

I prefer using only what force is absolutely needed and am constantly looking to master the art of needing almost no force of my own to resist or overcome an opponent. The name of a style and the rank of a person makes no difference to me. I am only interested in what we can share together.

Answer 2

I do Wing Chun kung fu. It's one of the original five systems that survived the burning of the Shaolin Temple in 1674 (the others being Tai Chi, Pa Qua, Hsing I, and Bak Mei) and one of only two styles on the planet that were developed by a woman (not including much more recent "styles", of which there are probably thousands). It was developed by a nun called Ng Mui and first taught to an orphan girl called Wind Chun. It is based on very direct movement with speed, skill and sophistication. It requires no strength, but structure, relaxation and sensitivity. Those who try to use force get whipped pretty quick!! Sounds good so far.... Thing is, it takes a long time to get good (at anything really). You can learn basic techniques in a self-defence course but it takes a lot longer to be able to pull them off in reality. As people have said, it depends what you're after. If you want to learn something that'll help you in quick self defence or for sport then one of the other styles mentioned would probably be better. If you're interested in getting seriously good over a period of years then perhaps Wing Chun. It's not a sport and there are no rules, it's about removing the person in front of you - anything that works is acceptable. It's a matter of learning what works, in reality. Someone mentioned the most important thing - its not the style, its the teacher. Doesn't matter how good a person is at their style - if they can't (or won't) communicate with the students then they're no good to anyone. It's a good idea to look around different places to see what classes would suit you, and don't be afraid to travel to a class that's worthwhile.

Answer 3

I prefer Aikido for several reasons. In Aikido we learn that the enemy is ourselves. It is similar to Judo, except that judo is a sport fighting style, and so they removed a lot of the dangerous things for competition. Aikido still has the dangerous things.

There are no belts in Aikido. We are all white belts until we are ready to start practicing Aikido (generally after 5-8 years of preparation), then we wear the Hakama. There are also no competitions.

I get to train with all levels. I have been in classes where I have trained with beginners who have been to less than five classes, and moments later trained with a Sandan who has been training for 20 years. I learn from both.

The style takes a lot to master. You are not honing innate reflexes, but untraining your instincts. Instead of opposing your attacker, you blend with him, and by so doing, take his balance.

When I first started Aikido, it seemed like more than a year before things started to click with me. Because Aikido doesn't yeild results immediately, the kind of people who want to learn martial arts to beat people up get frustrated quickly and quit. Aikidoists are the most friendly group of people you're ever likely to meet.

There is no corruption in Aikido. All aikido dojos who trace their lineage to the world Aikido headquarters are non-profit organizations. You cannot buy-a-belt like I see in so many other martial arts.

It feels good when a Sandan instructor chooses me for a demonstration and throws me as hard as he can, and I've learned how to fall well enough that i can take it easily -- especially when Sensei and the other instructors are all in the class.

No matter how good I get, I am still a beginner.

Answer 4

I am learning Aikido just now and I must say I do love it! I would also like to learn Karate, Brazilian JuJitsu and Tae Kwon Do at some point, but I will wait just now to focus on one martial art.

Answer 5

for coordination: chinese marital arts ie shao lin styles etc...also for lots of seemingly useless moves which increase physical awareness

for hard oncoming power: japanese karate like styles. great for knocking out someone or a piece of wood

for standing and ground a style of judo is good, but a bit sporty, for more conatct go to braz JJ or just normal JJ. aikido is also nice as it keeps a little more spirit and softness.

for soft flowing energy chinese tai chi or ba gua are nice

for spirituality and etiquette in todays society, definately a japanese sword art ie, kendo or iaido

for fighting skills I believe muay thai or a philo style would win in the streets

i would like to learn a bit of capoeira too and would guess it would fit with judo/JJ quite well.

my close friend believes a combination of judo, wrestling(graeco) and kick boxing will complete a person. they will know how to defend, play and hit/be hit. he studies all three plus many more chinese styles.

however, much respect to ryan white "For those who have already answered, there is no better, only different." couldn't have said it better.

Answer 6

There are hundreds of martial arts out there. People make their own additions to old styles and call them something new. But by far Muay Thai is the best. You have more "weapons" to use. You utilize knees, elbows, kicks and punches. But then again whats a good stand up game without a good ground game?

Answer 7

Ive learned japanese karate, chinese kung fu and tai chi.

I prefer kung fu and tai chi by far.

Soon i intend to also learn capoeira as i think it would be very fun and i already like to try parkour style gymnastic tricks. i can do hand springs and a few hand stand push ups : )

I wouldnt mind learning ju-jitsu or judo as well, though there is only so much time in one lifetime : )

For those who have already answered, there is no better, only different.

Answer 8

I've learned Isshinryu Karate in the past. I'd be interested in learning Judo and Fencing.

Answer 9

Aikido. Steven Seagal baby!

Answer 10

There are probably a few thousand styles if you include all the styles that have branched off, substyles and such. Kajukenbo.