I want to learn to fight!!

Question

I think that in the day we live in it is important that people especially girls know how to fight or at least defend them self. But I have no idea where to begin I'm an older teen so I would preferably not be a white belt in karate or tie kwon doe with the little kids. I would be willing to make it my sport and go to practice more then once a week but im really confused on what to do or where to look. should i get a video or something? If anyone has any ideas or tips I would love to hear them!

Answer 1

try karate, today alot of people are white belts and not kids but also adults you  have to start somewhere

Answer 2

you have to find what kinds of things are near you. if all you have is karate then that might be you only choice. but if i were you i would look for kickboxing or krav maga. And sometimes they have classes desgined for women's self defense. Good luck

Answer 3

Shop around for a good school. Most schools separate classes into age compatible groups. You won't be stuck in a class with little kids. Before choosing a school visit and watch a couple classes and see how they interact with the students. Beware of schools that grantee a black belt in a certain time. Beware of long term contracts. Inquire about testing fees. Outrageously high testing fees are the new gimmick some Mcdojos are using now to fleece the unsuspecting student.

I would shop for a good school rather than a particular art. Bets art won't mean a thing if the school sucks.

Be prepared for about three classes a week and to practice some at home on your own.

Another thing to look for is a school that focuses on practical self defense. this is extremely important for a young women these days.  

Answer 4

My daughter is 13, been training with adults in Aikido since she was eleven.  She is 4th kyu now and is known far and wide as "The scary little girl from Portland" because her ukemi is some of the best in the dojo, and she's capable of taking on partners twice her size.

All the boys in her school are afraid of her.

Aikido is good for the ladies, because you aren't being taught punches or techniques that rely on strength.  The dues are very reasonable, and you get to train as much as you want for one low monthy dues fee.

Answer 5

take a womens self defense class and carry pepper spray

Answer 6

muay thai

Answer 7

if you have any martial arts classes around check in to the adult classes.

Karate probably wouldn't be your best bet for street self defense.  Check into Krav maga or possibly sambo, Aikido is good and don't require alot of strength but is difficult to learn. for street self defence stay away from mma only good for in the ring. no videos unless you have a training partner with you you need someone to critique you and to practise with. look up improvised weaponry videos as a just in case thing.

Answer 8

Taekwon-do in the best for self defending ! Also its a very recommended sport for girls!  

Answer 9

Boxing. You can learn to box effectively in two to three months. All the other 'arts' take years of dedication and practice to become effective and even longer to become superiors to a few short months of boxing training.

Don't waste you time with BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, Judo, MMA or any of that c**p. Take two or three months to learn to box and get on with your life.

Answer 10

learn karate

Answer 11

two words brazilian jujitsu

Answer 12

Better to learn how not to fight.

I'd suggest Aikido.

Answer 13

You wouldn't be training with little kids, most martial arts schools have adult classes (as long as 'older teen' means over 16 you should be eligible).  They also usually offer free trial classes and self defense seminars, check out the schools around your area!

Answer 14

It's great to hear about another teen girl getting involved with the martial arts. I love it.

Anyway, depending on the school you go to, most should have their classes divided up. Some might have a children's class and an adult class, so that shouldn't be a problem. My class has everyone combined, but sometimes I don't want to be in class with a bunch of kids under ten.

The martial arts are a great --- I won't call it a sport (some schools may call their art a sport but I'm in the more traditional martial arts category). For some people it is a hobby, but for me it is more of a lifetime commitment. You can make it what you want it to be.

Check your phonebook for schools around your area. If you are unable to find any there, you can always ask around at local community centers/YMCA's. The best sources would be online or word of mouth. Stop by different classes and if possible sit in and watch how class is done and what everything is like. Some styles teach a lot of self defense, and others don't.

Videos can be good, but aren't as useful unless you know that they are apart of your particular style. For example, if you are in a WTF school (World Taekwondo Federation), and you get a video for an ITA (International Taekwondo Alliance) TKD, then that isn't going to help you with the form you're working on or whatever.

I really do like Tim's answer above mine. My TKD instructors always say that we are there to 'learn how to fight so we don't have to'. I think there's great wisdom in that. Knowing how to defend yourself and get get away safely should the time ever arise where you are attacked is a huge benefit.

Good luck!