What is the best type of martial art/self defense for a pre-teen girl?

Question

I'm a 12 (almost 13) yr old girl, and I want to take a martial art of self defense program for self-defense, fitness, and to help in my acting career because I understand that having a martial art will get you farther in action movies. Also, I don't want to get involved in it as a lifetime thing or as a sport or anything. So my question is this -- what would be best for me?

Answer 1

Go view a handful of dojos, definitely don't sign a contract or give a credit card until you have visited at least three and it is your second visit to one you like.  Tell the instructors what you're looking for.

I would recommend Krav Maga, Judo, or Jiu Jitsu.

Answer 2

Basic self-defense classes will teach you basic moves that do not necessarily fall any of the martial arts categories. I suggest visiting classes if they offer that option so that you can observe if it is a good fit for you.

Answer 3

Hmmm...

I don't think that I would suggest anything!

As a pre-teen:

You don't have the reach,

You don't have the muscle power,

You don't have the mass to put into a punch or a kick,

You don't have the self-control and

You don't have the capacity to really LEARN a martial art.

EDIT:

Your response to my post reinforces my statement:

You don't have the SELF CONTROL.  q.e.d. (which has been demonstrated)

Answer 4

i looked at the rest of your answers, way to complicated cr@p, the best ive looked at is combat hapkido, hapkido, really there easy, practical techniques, the main one for girls it the wrist lock, prevents pervs from holding you while you break there hand

Answer 5

since the main reason you want to take martial arts is stunts or acting I would suggest caporia or wushu. these martial arts tend to lean more twords the acrobatic side of martial arts. truth is they all will probably work to a degree by increasing your technical strikes and increase your corordination. if you have the basics the stunt director wil fill in the rest

Answer 6

Well, you don't want to dedicate yourself to it anyway so what's the point? Take Hollywood Kung Fu or something.

Answer 7

Hapkido

Answer 8

look around for self defense programs specifically for women. you'll get much more out of them than any traditional or sport oriented type curriculum

Answer 9

yes..but if your lookiing for self defense u should try the pressure points that marine core and airforce people use. theyre wonderful ;-)

Answer 10

There are three answers to your question.

A) If you are looking for self defense and fitness with a layer of discipline, try Tang Soo Do or Karate. They were the most demanding for me and they focus on staying alive more than the sport of it.

B) If you want fitness and the showy kicks and stuff you see in movies, Tae Kwon Do is good. It's technically a sport, but it would help you most in acting (though honestly they train you beforehand anyway so you can be at the same speed as others in the film.)

C) If you want one that blends all aspects, try Judo, Hapkido, or Kyuki Do (my current martial art). They are more general.

D) If you especially want self defense and fitness and think you are tough enough, Krav Maga is best, but be forewarned. It's more violent than any martial art I've seen, and doesn't have the aesthetic quality the others do.

I strongly advise you to ask to sit in on a class in their dojo/dojang. The teacher will let you if they're any good, and you can see which one is for you. If you want a general overview of self defense, especially in circumstances ment especially for women, click on the link below. It is truely a unique experience.

http://www.focusma.com/self-defense/inde...

Answer 11

you should take wu sho or similar chinese art it is used alot in movies it keeps you limber and has lots gymnastic style to it they have cute outfits and you would probable in joy it

Answer 12

Young lady I am happy to hear that you want to enter martial arts for self-defense, but there is something that you should know. If you don't entend to keep at it, don't waist your time and money and that of an instructor.                                                                                      Imagine martial arts like anything else you do. Have you taken ballet or know anyone who does? What happens to what you learn in say, six months to a year if you stop doing it? What do you remember or what are you able to do a year later without your conditioning?  The same with martial arts. It is a discipline that will help you for the rest of your life in ALL aspects of your life. It should be both hard work  and enjoyable, not  an ordeal. It will enspire physical confidence as well as self-esteem in many other areas. I recently read a list of actors with martial arts training, Lucy Lu of charlies angels comes to mind. Most of them still train. You see, the training gave them what they need to keep at anything they do. When something helps you, makes you a better person, why abandon it? Do you begin to see what I mean? If so, let me recommend that you find a traditional Okinawan style, such as Shorinryu or my style, Isshinryu. You may also look into the traditional Filipino styles of arnis, kali, or escrima. The Okinawan and Filipino styles complement each other.They are relatively easy to learn for anyone, and since they are made for smaller people, they will work for you. The rule in my class is, if the girls can't do it, I don't teach it. If you ladies can do it, the men can fly with it. (its the strength thing) However, percentage wise, girls seem to learn faster. If you can plan on being serious about this, give it a try. If not, refer to first paragraph. I have taught for 22 years and never looked back. Good luck and best wishes. If you require further information, go to :www.freewebs.com/adamsmartialarts.You may use the phone number or email if you wish to talk further.

Answer 13

Japanese Jiu-jitsu.

Best wishes :)***