Martial Art designed for self defense?

Question

Hi, I have trained in Tae Kwon Do for multiple years and i'm finding that i've really learned a lot, but a lot of what i learn is useless in the streets or in a real life situation. I know a few takedowns and arm-bars but not much. Sure- I could definitely handle myself in a street fight against virtually anyone, but i'd love to learn more, and something more practical would be great. Also- a lot of fights end on the ground and that's important. I'm looking for something next to lethal. Joint breaks, and heavy damage are important. I'm not asking to be a hyper-fighter or Jason Bourne, but temporarily disabling is the degree of damage that i'm looking for.

I've heard that Kali, Wing Chun, and Krav Maga are all good for that.

Anything else?

are those good?

any books/dvds you would recommend?

thanks,

mersonix

Answer 1

Self-Defense: Look into Korean Hapkido - strikes, throws, distractions, joint locks, pain compliance, some ground fighting, basic weapon fighting and defense - complete art with less military and sport focus.

Street Fighting: Jeet Kune Do Concepts first choice as it will probably contain more ground fighting and Original Jeet Kune Do as well.

Weapons defense, fighting and brutal: Any Philipino or Indonesian or Southeast Asian type art such as Kali, Silat, Kun Tau, Eskrima, Arnis - though some stress weapons over empty hand.

Krav Maga and Systema are both more militaristic type arts, but very effective, Krav Maga in particular is quick to learn.

But, my true choice is Hapkido.  Especially since you are already familiar with some of the terminology and language and the kicks you learn in Taekwondo will bridge well.  You'll just learn more of a focus on circular techniques and takedowns.  The principles are to strike, take down and submit.  In Taekwondo, everytime you have "self-defense" in the class it is similar to a Hapkido class but without the circular principle, drills and perfecting the technique!  Good luck!

Answer 2

I was going to respond to this, but I see that katana and the hapkido guy has done a very good job of responding

Answer 3

http://www.knucklepit.com/mixed-martial-...

read it. in full. no skipping anything. no coming back later.

then

read it again. in full. no skipping anything

then you should have a better idea =)

cheers

r.

Answer 4

Wing Chun, and Krav Maga  or jkd

Answer 5

My question is are you going to believe a statistic mad up by the Gracies who invented BJJ basicly about al fights going to the ground, or are you going to use commen sense?

Most people who advocate studying BJJ have no clue that there is a huge difference between a street fight, which is about ego, and self defense which is about survival. Most of the poeple that advocate this do not even study it, it is just one of the more popular styles in the ufc so it must be the best.

They would also have you beleive that anyone who attacks you without waring on the street is a world class grappler and BJJ is your only hope, never mind the fact if there is more then one attacker your screwed while you are rolling around on the ground, or if your attacker has a knife and knows how to use it. Get close and you get cut up.

Which is more likely to happen for self defense: Are you going to be attacked by a world class grappler, or are you more likely to be held up by more then one person, or one with a weapon? not saying BJJ is not excellent, just that unlike what most BJJ people will admit, it does have weaknesses when it is not fighting in the ring, or a one on one street fight. Do you want to try and submit a mugger or two muggers? not saying it is not effective but it is not the only thing all the BJJ nuts would have you beleive.

better to be good at a few arm bars and throws, and know them well, along with your striking. Any of the styles you mentioned are good, provide dyou have a good instructor.

Answer 6

Go with Krav. It's practical, simple, and brutal self-defense. It refers to itself as 'tactical self defense system' for a reason. There is no 'art' about it. It will get you out of stressful situations.

I would recommend that you find another person to train with you. Many of the defenses will require a partner, i.e. chokes, ground fighting, etc.

Answer 7

Krav Maga and Brazilian Jujitsu.  Especially Krav Maga.  Jason Bourne uses it, and so does James Bond in Casino Royale.

Answer 8

You're right about Kali, Wing Chun, and Krav Maga being practical, effiective styles for self defense. To apply locks and chokes to stop an aggressive attacker, I recommend that you study a grappling style like Brazilain Jiu Jitsu or Sambo. If you're not sure which style to take you can go to your public library's web site and order 'Human Weapon' Series 1. There are all kinds of fighting styles there and there may a school near you that teaches one of them.

Answer 9

Do you want to street fight?  Go to the UFC?  Become a bouncer? Join the police academy?  

Each of these uses have different requirements in what is needed, required or even allowed.  So decide how you want to use your skill and then maybe you will know more in what direction to proceed.  The path travels in many directions.

Answer 10

brazilian jiu jitsu was made as a self defense by carlos and helio gracie.  There are no theories, it works.  It teaches , throws, takedowns, joint locks, and chokes.  Look at mma fighters, when it comes to submissions the vast majority train in jiu jitsu.  If your looking for some dvd's check out bas rutten.  I do agree with the other poster, their is a difference between self defense and a street fight.  Some martial art schools teach "mma" which combines alot of the arts.  If not try to cross train in kickboxing and jiujitsu

Answer 11

There's CQB (Close Quarters Battle) which is the same system used by the New Zealand SAS.

Check our www.toddgroup.com

Answer 12

vee arnis jitsu