How to know which art is right for me

Question

I've trained in a couple (bujinkan, judo) and looked at a couple more but i never got the feeling that i could actually defend myself if i needed to. but anytime you ask what's the best (especially on the internet) all you get is you art sucks my art could kill all you *******. I'm totally lost

Answer 1

Honestly, Just go what you feel could help you with self defence!. Personally i would go with Judo as i have trained for a couple of years and it tells you most of what you need to know. If you dont feel like the martial art you are doing isnt helping, start doing boxing or kickboxing.

Answer 2

If you're interested in self-defense, then train with someone who teaches real-world fighting skills.  

I trained with parole officers for a few years, and took Krav Ma Ga lessons from some Israeli toughs.  These guys knew how to fight.  There was no artistry in it.  But, I did learn how to improvise weapons, fight multiple attackers, fight on the ground, use environment to my advantage, spot & exploit physical weaknesses in my opponent.

I practiced karate for some time, didn't learn much brutality, but developed excellent form, balance, reflexes, discipline, & control.  Also, I got used to getting hit, which cannot be overestimated.

Answer 3

I can understand being lost, especially if you look for answers here. Did you know honestly that many of the people who answer these type's of questions, about what style, do not even train? There knowledge of the martial arts is limited to what they see in the UFC and in movies, or on the shows fight quest and human weapon. I laugh because you never heard much about Kyokushin karate, which is an excellent style, but you never saw much about it until it was on human weapon. Suddenly everyone on here is saying that it is  "the" karate style LMAO.

The fact is that recently there have been several quizes, about basic techniques that a fairly new person should t least be able to answer. The funny thing is that the same people always seem to answer. In any typical what style question you will get many answers, yet almost none of these people will answer a question about actual technique, which to me seems funny.

I do agree with the person above who stated that it sounded like you didn't have instructors who could inspire you or motivate you. A good instructor is one of if not the main factor in how you do.

Go to bullshido.com where they have a list of what to look for and what to avoid in a school. Check out all the schools in your area using this list. Rather then worrying about style choose the best instructor and the best school, unless you think there is no way you could possibly like the style. In the end a style is just a tool, what matters is how well you are taught to use that tool.  

Answer 4

It could be that your just not sure how to react in a fight and you can't really know until you are in one, but i have noticed that the martial arts you mentioned are grappling type martial arts try striking arts like muay thai,boxing, or kung fu.

Answer 5

I can understand where you're coming from: your teachers didnt inspire you. Instead of looking for "magical" arts, look for a good teacher- the style doesnt matter. All martial arts can teach you how to defend yourself, provided you apply the princples correctly. You need a good teacher, one who loves his/her art, & can pass their enthusiasm to you.

As to how to find a good teacher, ask around, talk to people, take a few free classes, & no matter what you do, DONT sign a contract- a good teacher will make you want to return for practice, without having to entangle you in contracts.

Answer 6

Stick to your art & absorb as much as you can. Compete in order to gauge your mental & technical capacity. People will always try discredit you accomplishments, but persevere anyway. There is no discipline that is unbeatable...winning is all about confidence (accomplishments under your belt).

-respect