Martial arts questions?

Question

well, about two years ago i stopped taking my martial arts lessons after getting my 4th belt..probably like 80% of the students were 12 or younger so no one was really that mature. my master son was 18 though, so i got along with him real good. i just couldnt stand how annoying the class was getting. but over the period of time between when i left and right now, ive been thinking about martial arts a real lot. i want to try other forms though. so should i start my old class up again, or pick up a form that i would like more?

also, what forms would i really like? i want to take the class for the sake of self defense itself, and maybe do some tournaments and whatnot..so i guess for show too. and anyone know of good classes in MA?

Answer 1

This is a question only you can answer.In my 28 years of training I  have studied different styles and systems...and what works for me may not work for you.Also keep in mind ther eis a huge difference between martial arts,and martial sports.in m,y opinion BJJ is an ok system,it is a good ground fighting system...but what if there is more than one attacker?,then it is not so effective.are you tall and skinny,flexable and agile,young or older?,all these factor into what you choose and what will have a maximum usefulness for you.,and do not think it takes only a couple of years to be a 'master",martial arts is a lifetime endeavor,not a passing phase or fad.Good luck in your search

Answer 2

If I were to answer like most of these peopleon here, except for the top contributers and a few others, I would recomend the style I take or what I have seen in the UFC, which is what most people who have never trained automaticly think of. The fact is that almost any martial art will teach you good self defense if taught right .  

However I am not going to tell you that is what you should take though. My advice is:

1) Make a list of all of the schools and classes availible in your area.(that's the problem with people recomending styles, not everything is taught everywhere)

2) Go here www.bulshido.com. They have an excellent list on what to avoid and what to look for in a good school, regardless of style. You could also do a search on here, as there are many good questions and answers about finding a good school.

3) Visit all of the schools/styles that have an interest to you and watch a few classes, and maybe even participate if they have free trial classes.

4) Figure out which school is the best according to the list you have, and the questions you will ask of the instructor, and if it fullfills what you are looking for.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Katana's a smart man

Take Brazilian JU Jitsu. Thats stuff is bad-*** and if you take it with some sort of striking you will be bad ***. It's great stand alone for self defense if you train it that way and even better for sports like MMA.

Answer 4

What katana said...

I would also add:

Look for a teacher who is AT LEAST 30.

Look for a school with separate kids and adult classes.

(Personally, I would prefer a school that doesn't teach anybody under 18.)