Can someone help me decide on a martial art to take?

Question

I am in college and want to take a martial art for self defense as well as getting back in shape. I am leaning toward a martial art that is not completely hard nor completely soft. I am not wanting to train for the UFC and I am not too big on using weapons. There are some styles around here I have looked into, but I was wanting some input on them, others, etc... The ones around here are Uechi Ryu, Kenpo, and Hapkido. If I should take two at the same time to get the hard and soft effects then I could do that too. Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes someone can.

and that someone is me:

Don't pick anything with a terribly long history, ie taekwondo, karate, kung fu etc. because they tend to only use strikes and when the aggressor breaks the distance you're officially assfucked :)

don't pick overly complex arts, they have too much flash, very little fire. pick simple and effective:

Striking:

Muay Thai, Burmese Boxing, kickboxing, because these give good results  without a shitload of dedication, and with shitloads of determination it dons excellent fight skill. Muay Thai is the best i find.

Grappling:

don't pick asian grappling arts, except judo, because they all lack the most important component of fight training, live sparring.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, bjj is amazing, it relies so little on weight and strength that even the small weak ones can defend themselves with it, and the strong ones are unstoppable.

i take bjj and occasionally thai, i'm planning on starting serious thai training come june 2009.  

Answer 2

Most beggining martial artists start on a art that is understandable and does not require previus knowledge. In my years, I would say that the best starting martial art is Taekwando.

A) It will get your upper/lower muscles in shape.

B) It is not as complicated as kendo or ninjutsu.

C) It will noticeably improve your flexibility.

D) It will greatly aid you in self defence if needed.

If taekwando does not sound right for you, you could try an american martial art. They tend to be less orginized and leathal, but easier to learn. You could take on wrestling, or boxing classes; if you wherent up for a big challenge.

Answer 3

Kenpo karate is not exactly hard but definently in your face attitude

Aikido is not exactly soft but is great for self defense and choosing your moves off of your oponents attacks

Answer 4

My advice would be to visit different schools and observe for yourself.  Schools might come from the same style, but the quality of teaching can vary.  You know what you want, and how much your body can take.  Use common sense when talking with the teacher about prices; try to get a feel of whether or not they run a McDojo (a name for a chain of dojos that really don't teach anything important, just hop around a lot and yell).  Check to see if the students respect their teacher, and the way they treat each other.

Answer 5

Lima Lama one of the strongest personal defense systems.

Also i've never seen a Jiu Jutsu user lose to a user of a different martial arts user.

Answer 6

taekwondo, does everything and very good excersize

Answer 7

Hapkido.  

Answer 8

Actually a lot of stupid answers for the most part except for Rose W and ksnake10. I think people fail to realize that just because they like a style doesn't mean it's availible everywhere.

Any of the styles you mentioned are excellent styles if taught and trained corrretcly. I am not sure about hapkido in thsi respect, but I know that both Kempo and Uechi-ryu are a blending of hard and soft.

My advice is to go to www.bullshido.com, where they have an excellent list of what to look for in a school and what to avoid. then check out and watch a few classes at each school, and base your descision on the school with the best instruction, that trains right, and is of the most interest to you.

Edit for byongac- If you are so well versed in BJJ and Muay thai why haven't you answerd any of the quizes that Judomofo, Tao J, or Mito Sensei have asked on here? Since you feel so free to trash other arts, lets see how much you actually know.

Answer 9

lol so many people want to get into UFC and if you dont want to do a completely hard style you probably will never get in.

just train in what ever is close, has a good instructor and is affordable.

Answer 10

Kenpo seems to be one of the best martial arts styles that blends both the hard and soft aspects of the martial arts. The softer elements of Kenpo come from the Chinese styles that Kenpo draws from, whereas the harder aspects of the style come from Kenpo's Japanese lineage.  

Answer 11

Capoiera is a great form of martial arts that is not completely hard nor completely soft either. It originated in Brazil, and it is a form of martial arts that was meant to be disguised as a dance in older times. In my opinion, it is an AWESOME workout. It gives you the ability to kick butt, and make it look cool. I highly suggest it. I've been doing it myself for a little over a year, and I LOVE it. Hopefully, you can find it in your area. Good luck!

Answer 12

chi gong

atleast i think it sounds like that

check this out, this guy can do amazing things with that martial art

http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm...

Answer 13

jiujitsu is fun and it works in real life fights

Answer 14

I would say kedo it is a mild form of judo and it won't take as big of a strain on your body.

Answer 15

Martial Arts. It has dy jitsu