I want to learn self defense, whats the best approach?

Question

I would like to learn self defense for two reasons. One so I know how to defend myself if I'm in a bad situation and secondly so I can stay in good shape, practicing some of the moves, strikes and kicks.

I don't want to go through all the formality of typical Martial Arts, with bowing and belts and such, though I am quite respectful of the Sport and those who Practice it. I just want to know if there is a non Martial Art method I can take to learning and than practicing good Self Defense?

Also is there much value to trying to learn any of this on my own simply by viewing dvd's, which there seem to be many out on the market on this topic?

Answer 1

It's always a good thing to know how to properly defend yourself, so first, props to you for expressing interest.

I started in traditional martial arts like Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido, and I can understand that the formality of traditional styles is not for everyone. Kickboxing, boxing or mma is good if you wanna train without all the belts and stuff.

But keep in mind, that with the lack of formality comes a lack of discipline, and you'll find a bunch of punks in gyms that show no respect. Also, training in an environment like that has good things, but it can get boring after a while because you can feel like you're not going anywhere (that's one of the upsides of belt systems: it gives a goal to work for and look forward to, and it gives you a little way of measuring your progress). So in the end its your decision.

If you just want a no-holds barred self defense system try Krav Maga, where you'll learn self defense and combative techniques from day one. There are belts, but you don't have to wear them if you don't want to, and you don't have to wear a uniform either. I go to class in sneakers, basketball shorts and a t-shirt. I haven't been doing it for relatively long but I learn more and get better after every class.

And keep in mind that martial arts, like anything else, can't be learned just by reading books or watching videos, those sources are meant as a supplement to actual training under a certified instructor or coach. The only way to learn how to fight is to fight, simple as that.

Answer 2

I would recommend Krav Maga. Whilst all Martial Arts can be equally as effective to each other, Krav is different in that it was put together out of aspects of many different Martial Arts and then taught/refined by the systems founder Imi-Side-Or to the Israeli Defense Forces, then after this it was taught to the general public. It does have grades, but they are discrete and they are used to measure progress. It is hugely street effective and really gets you very fit. Check out Youtube for a videos of it.

After Krav Maga, I would recommend Jeet-Kune-Do - the art Bruce Lee coined. Like Krav it is created from aspects of other arts and it does not have belts, but phases to measure progress. It is very street effective, however it does have its fair share of forms and set sparring drills. Again check out youtube or the net for info.

I think DVDs are good, but only as an accompliment if you are doing an existing art.  

Answer 3

Maybe a reality-based self-defense course would be a good start--especially if they focus on dealing with the "fight or flight" response that causes alot of people to freeze up when attacked.

DVDs don't have much value for learning techniques. Live instruction is alot better. Doesn't mean there's nothing you can learn from DVDs, though. (for example, learning where attacks might occur, tips for avoiding/de-escelating confrontations before they become fights, etc)

Answer 4

i really doubt dvd's would help... they are usually pritty basic but pritty cool.. if you are considering it Paul Vunak has some awesome videos..

.. i reccomend you join a gym that teaches more than one discipline.. i belong to a gym that teaches muay thai, jiu jitsu, and "mma".. the jiu jitsu is no gi..  the gyms in my area range in price... getting on the mat and grappling with someone is truly an invaluable... if you are still in high school i suggest you try wrestling..

Answer 5

Sometimes community center's have classes, one time the Tyra show had an episode on it, you could try youtube, I'm doing the same thing and I started martial arts and I hate how strict it is, I just get too tense, I wish I had taken kick boxing which is another good version of self dense, no formality and more ocntact so it' like actuall fighting rather than a "sport"

Answer 6

Tae Kwon Do

im a black belt

i doubt those dvds will work, i think your best bet is classes.

Answer 7

Japanese Jiu-jitsu.

Best wishes :)***

Answer 8

Boxing, don't take Tai Kwon Do whatever you do

Answer 9

You don't have to go the route of martial arts, just taking a basic self-defense class is enough. You can learn basic moves and then most classes will let you practice at the end. In the course I took, the instructor and local police officers dressed in protective gear and they attacked us so we had to fight back. These types of classes will give you enough basic moves and the confidence to apply them.

We had the local police department come and do one at our church, or check local community centers. The police department may have information for you on ones in your area.

Answer 10

you must have hands on training to be successful. other than boxing the other self defence techniques are considered martial arts. ( unless you buy a gun ) go to the ymca and ask about self defense classes ? seriously , the things you say you want to learn and reasons for it are best described as martial arts training. you need the discipline of the formal setting to learn it and it is taught like that for a reason. if you could learn from DVD's we all would be masters ( lots of martial arts movies ).

Answer 11

aikido :D