What type of martial art or self-defence would be suitable for a youth?

Question

What type of martial art or self-defence would be suitable for a youth?

Answer 1

tae kwon do is very energetic and fun

Answer 2

I know this will sound like I'm a Jujitsu or Judo freak, but for self defense I would suggest one of the arts I mentioned in the begining of my answer. I think any martial art can be effective, but for the simple reason of the rolling or live drills. If your child isn't dead set on a belt then I would even suggest a good MMA school. I took Taekwondo when I was younger and went through the kata and had to do certain things before even given a chance to spar. My school at the time didn't do point sparring which I had no interest in because you don't get stopped after every hit in a self defense situation. I the the live drills are more intense with the grappling arts. It will give you a more realistic feel of what a really resisting person will feel like. So if (god forbid) it ever happens they would have a more realistic idea of what to expect. Also, if there is a safety problem in your area I would say find a Self Defense class that teaches techniques that are designed to let you get away from an attacker that is trying to seriously hurt or even kill you. I don't have any Krav Maga around my area so I have to live under the something is better than nothing mentallity. I'm in Brazilian Jujitsu and rolling is something new to me, but I like that if I can pull it off in the school that I have a better chance of pulling it off on a resisting person since the people sparring with you are trying to escape and do something to you also.

Answer 3

the army

Answer 4

taekwondo i think would be great

Answer 5

Any one that appeals to you!!

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.

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: Jujutsu, Hapkido, some Gongfus, Karate, Ken(m)po, Baguazhang, Tang Soo Do, Muay Thai, Tae-Kwon-Do, Ninjutsu, Kali/Escrima/Arnis, Silat, or Xingyiquan.

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, or Iaido.

If you are looking for a sport and competition, Shao-Lin Long Fist would probably be a bad choice.

Some choices: Fencing, some Karates/Gongfus, Judo, Boxing, Kendo, Tae-Kwon-Do, Savate, or Shuaijiao.

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.