I will start taking Martial arts calsses next week and I am wondering about something.?

Question

I never learned any Martial Arts before, so I am gonna be new to this and I wont know anything. My main reason for Martial Arts is self-defense, so I was wondering about how long would it take me to learn how to defend myself, or like if I get in a fight with somebody who doesn't know martial arts or anything, then how long would it take me if I wanna guarantee to win the fight even if the other guy was strong?

Thanks in advance

I know that this might be a dumb question, but like I said I don't know anything about it, so I am just here to ask and make sure.

The main reason I wanna learn is because of self-defense. The reason I asked about a fight is because my friend was with his girlfriend, then some kind walked up to his girlfriend and kept bothering her and harrasing her, so my friend got mad and fought that guy, but he didn't exactly win it. So I thought to myself I don't wans something like this to happen to me, which made me think about what if a guy wanted to act tough and fight me or held a gun up to me or any weapon. That's why I am trying to learn quick, so that if any of this happend to me then i'll be able to take care of myself.

Answer 1

Congratulations... the first step... everyone who starts any Martial Arts, starts with the Idea of "learning how to fight would be cool"... so good for you... when ppl say "Martial Arts are learning about how not to fight" they have it twisted... you learn how to fight, so that you can more easily avoid them.. but anyway if you only want to learn to be a good fighter fast.. I'd suggest Muay Thai (Probably within 6 months depending on you apptitude, and desire to become better, you will be able to handle yourself again most untrained fighters of the same size)... when people say TKD is no good... I just roll my eyes, after 5+ years of TKD.. the only "street" fight I have been in, in my life.. ended with the first block and counter of a punch I learned as a white belt... But I did practice it for 5+ years... when you get into the so called "traditional" arts, which teach you forms, culture terminology, stances, somewhat ridiculas movements.... it is not that you are learning a "less effective style", but that you take away class time from actual fighting techniques to learn other things (which are important to many, myself included, but it takes more time for the accumilation of fighting techniques to become "instinct").... Also how does the school you go to train... I went to a "mcdojo" (a bad school).. and while I was performing a drill.. the instructor actually said to me.. "not so hard.. this is point karate" what ever that meant.. I dont know.. didn't go back to find out...... which ever art you are studying, keep an open mind... think.. would this really work?, or is it just an exercise in balance and form.. (rainbow block anyone?)... damnit i am writing a book... sorry.... if you want to be an "above average fighter fast" I would suggest MT

Answer 2

With time you'll learn there's a big difference between a fight and self-defense.
There is no need for you to be in a fight outside of a ring or dojo, unless you're in the military.
If you study for a while, the idea of just beating up an untrained person will look stupid to you with time, even if that person is a jerk and a loudmouth. All the martial artists I know have too much self-respect to be involved in that kind of thing.
Also, there are no guarantees in a fight. There are always a number of unknowns.

As for your concern about self-defense, it depends how hard you train and how talented you are, and what you're taking. Some arts are more intuitive while others take more time to develop. In anywhere from six weeks to a year, you'll be able to use some of what you've learned. But being able to use is not the same as having mastered it. It means you're better off than someone who has had no training. Mastery can take 10, 12 years or more. That's why there are not many masters around, because few people have the patience.

Answer 3

Like Bill and some other said, there are no guarantees. I'm a second degree black belt in Kenpo, and have also learned some jujitsu. I began learning for the same reason you did. The same thing happened to some friends of mine. Learning a martial art, whichever style you choose, should give you some confidence that you can handle situations, but not make you overconfident. After eight years of training, I feel confident that I can defend myself, but I don't feel close to invincible. Some people eat, sleep and breathe the martial arts, and some of them could be the bully you fear. So the best thing to do is still avoid the fight. And even if they aren't trained, you could be sucker punched or just caught off guard. So find a school and instructor that you like, make sure you feel that what you're learning will be useful to you in a fight, have some fun, but avoid that fight as best you can.

Answer 4

It's not just for women. It doesn't matter how tall or how short you are to take Wing Chun. The more flexible you are the better, but the style doesn't rely on being flexible. As for speed, I think speed and flexibility go hand in hand. I've enjoyed practicing WC since I was 14 and that was in 1975. I think it's a very good system of martial arts... Some people love it, some hate it. Good luck __ If you have a chance look Ip Man the move, It gives a good sampling of authentic WC in a movie (dramatized) format. It's very entertaining if you don't get anything else out of it.

Answer 5

The best martial art for defending against someone with a gun is track. Also, you can never be guaranteed to win a fight, someone may get a lucky punch, you could pull a muscle, who knows. Find a martial art you enjoy, that helps you get in shape and builds your self confidence. There is no one ideal martial art, hence the spread of mixed martial arts. Try to find a good MMA school and if you really want to do well in a fight, make sure the school you attend has live sparring.

Answer 6

Killer give your self a long time and really stay with it. There's a strange thing about acquiring the skills you have to practice regularly and you acquire it. It doesn't work if you start and and go 110% and expect to cover 1 years worth in 6 months. Also remember it's self defense. It's not about squaring of and accepting some big mouths challenge to fight. It's about saying you don't want to fight and if attacked.

I'm no master but I enjoyed Martial Arts, Orange Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Green Belt in Shotokan Karate, and a Green Belt in Judo.

I bet within 6 months the way you carry yourself will improve and potential bullies may not think about giving you a hard time.

Answer 7

Well lets keep this simple. All people are different. Real life situations are all different. People learn at different speed. Some are natural at it, some aren't. A good instructor will teach you well. But you have to be willing to take it serious. Sport martial arts are not what you really want at this point. Self defense should be simple and easy to use given the situation. You cant honestly expect someone without knowing you or abilities to give you a good answer to"how long should it take".You may very well learn one thing, in your very first class and defend yourself. But lets be real. 4 or 5 classes wont mean your ready to compete in the UFC either.

Answer 8

How long it takes you to learn is up to you. It depends on how dedicated you are to it. If you give yourself 2 - 3 days a week, you should learn something in a month. If you're looking for a "small person's" martial arts, I suggest you take something like Judo or Jujuistu.

Judo would be better because it concentrates more on stand up fighthing. You should cross train in either Kempo, Muay Thai or boxing for striking and defending techinques.

Answer 9

Good motovation for taking some classes - good reason to get you to give it a try.,

Whatever you choose, you have to enjoy the classes, have fun and realize its a lifetime thing your doing, not a 6 month-kick-his-*** kinda thing.

If you start taking one MA and dont like it, give another a try.

BJJ - no punching all on the ground.
TKD - its a sport!
Kickboxing - good choice
Mui Thai - kick *** stuff
boxing - good if you can find a place to train
Krav - best, quickest way to get self defence skills - and get in killer shape.

the rest - can't comment on.


good luck.

Answer 10

Putting a time limit on it is faulty to begin with but anyone with solid 2 years training in any art traditional or otherwise should be able to handle the type of street altercation you describe.
If your instructor is into teaching "mysterious super duper deadly kung fu ninja special forces" crap instead of solid practical skills whether he teaches traditional arts or not you will never be able to defend yourself .