I want to study a type of martial arts, but where do I start?

Question

I live in Los Angeles and I am very serious about it. The only problem would be time because I would only be able to dedicate three nights to it. I'm a small guy and would want a good defensive martial art. Maybe one that is very close would be nice.

Answer 1

Consider this. Don't enter a martial art, particularly one based on self defense/combat unless you are able to commit yourself fully to the investment. That's right, investment. Martial arts, taught correctly, will help you in every walk of life, for the rest of your life. The time you invest in proper training and practice will enhance everything you do tremendously. Invest in it like it was bonds. The more you put in, the more you get out. I teach Isshinryu karate and Advincula's Combat Escrima. Both are fighting styles. And I also am not a large person.

If I study for two centuries I will never learn all there is to know in my styles. Find someone who has a good reputation, teaches respect and discipline as combat, and really cares that his people can defend themselves in the street. Keep away from MMA and other sport styles. Jackles come in packs these days and getting on the ground with one man lets the others pounce on you. Try more than one school. Look for something that fits your size and stick with it.

Answer 2

There are many places around you can learn from. If time is aproblem, perhaps you can learn online, you can practice anytime and move at your own pace. It's alot cheaper too. But, you don't get that one on one involvement. Good luck.

Answer 3

Need more information.  Where do you live?  How old are you?  How much time can you dedicate, and do you have the money for serious training?  Do you want to learn for exercise?  Defense?  Competition?  Repost the question with more details, you should get some helpful responses.

Answer 4

Peter you live in one of the most abundant cities in the USA.  It is the home of the American Krav Maga body, and you will get three good nights of exercise and self defense.  There is more of everything offered in Los Angeles county than just about anywhere in the world. There are also some schools where the Israeli branch of Krav Maga is taught as well.

Your task is to find an art you will enjoy and commit to, so go look at a few places, see what interests you. Personally I also enjoy Combat SAMBO, here in Massachusetts we have the head of the US Combat SAMBO Association teaching.  He is former KGB, knows his stuff.

I suggest you take advantage of the resource rich area you live in and explore many avenues of interest before settling on one.

Answer 5

That's a question that only you can answer, maybe with a little help of your physician (in determining whether you should practice martial arts at all).

While some people advocate that "my style fits any individual", it is very debatable if any single individual would adapt to any style.

It depends heavily on your objectives, but remember, these may change with time. Many people who begin martial arts training strictly to learn self-defense become quite interested in other aspects as their training progresses.

Now these are general guides - in truth any art can be taught in a manner which promotes any of these things - Taiji masters have competed, some Aikido schools have rigorous workouts associated with the class, etc. The way to find out is to look at three things, only one of which is directly linked to the style.    

- The basics of the style (what does it teach, what is it used for)

- The skill and the teaching style of the teacher

- The purpose and the logistics of the school.

What are you looking for?

For instance, if you are looking for "on the street" self-defense training Taiji or Kendo might not be your first choice. Some choices include eg.

Jujutsu, Hapkido, some Gongfus, Karate, Ken(m)po, Tang Soo Do, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Bujinkan taijutsu, Kali/Escrima/Arnis, Silat.

            

If you are looking for meditation and philosophy Western Boxing is probably a poor choice as well. Some choices:  most Gongfus, Aikido,

Taiji, Kendo/kenjutsu, iaido.

            

If you are looking for a sport and competition, Shaolin Long Fist would probably be a bad choice. Some choices:  Fencing, Karates/Gongfus,

Judo, Boxing, Kendo, Tae Kwon Do, Savate.

            

If you are looking for intense body conditioning and muscle development, Aikido is probably not the style for you. Some choices:

some Okinawan Karates, Judo, some Gongfus, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Capoeira.

Answer 6

it depends what your reasons for doing it...

If you just want to kick *** then i recomend mai thai boxing but if you want to be more spiritual you could do something like ikedo or karate.