What would be the best fighting art to learn?

Question

Okay, first off, I'm a girl.. doesnt change much ..hopefully :P Hum, I'm 16 and would like to learn a form of fighting/martial arts/whatever you want to call it, because I've had to drop playing team sports lately, and learning martial arts is kinda enchanting isnt it? I'm pretty strong.. physically and mentally, and I used to do Tae Kwon Do when I was younger.

I was considering kick boxing, but asian forms of fighting are amazing. I've gone through other peoples questions and have considered different styles, and I know theres no best one. But, I would prefer one that didnt focus on ground or grappling techniques - mostly kicking and fist work, staff and stick work would be good too. I'm not like a 3698 pound anime crazed chick that wants to learn quick martial arts haha! I'm interested in stealth, combat, movement and grace. I'm pretty fit and would work on flexibility if it was needed.

There are so many different types of dojos and martial arts centres around Sydney that all teach different types, so I should be able to find one okay, I've looked them up on the yellow pages.

So far I've considered Bujinkan but I've heard it's like watered down ninjutsu, and some other ones that I cant remember.

So yeah.. your opinion? No training is too grueling, I've been through 9 years of hard endurance and circuit training in the pouring rain while being smacked with hockey sticks and scraping my knees on the sand turf xD

Answer 1

I do Choy Li Fut. I've studied for three years and it's a very effective system. I have actually used it to put attackers down with not a whole lot of effort. We're part of the Plum Blossom Federation, but I'm not sure how many actual Choy Li Fut studios that entails.

http://www.plumblossom.net/ChoyLiFut/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choy_Li_Fut

Answer 2

you can try krav maga.its an all roundered self defence martial art.Muay Thai is also good.

Answer 3

See what martial arts are in your area, visit a class, check out the teacher and teaching style. Look at the senior students in the class- their movement, focus, and ability as that is what the teacher/school produces.  

Answer 4

Sambo is cool! But try to learn basic boxing and a jujitsu! It would be better if you took wing chun and judo! Find a good friend and practice some moves at www.lockflow.com!

Answer 5

Hmmm Firstly being baised I'd recommend Japanese jiu-jitsu which includes ( kobudo) weapons art, if that does'nt appeal then wing chun or a grueling karate or thai boxing club.

Just my humble opinion ,Best wishes :)***

Answer 6

Pencak Silat is very much stealth and finesse and Krav maga would be your straight beat somebody down.

Answer 7

Field Hockey, eh?

Look around and find out what is available in your area.

Sit in on some classes and pick the one that appeals to you the most.

That is the one that you will be most likely to stick with long enough to gain a level of proficiency.

I am a stick person myself!

Savate is probably your best bet for a combination of kick boxing and stick work (La Canne.)

Answer 8

Uh, Bujinkan is NOT watered down Ninjutsu. If breaking someone's arm and shoving it into their lungs is watered down then I want to know how bad it was before. It is real, combat effective, deadly Ninjutsu. I assure you that you won't find another martial art that's as deadly. It also has grappling and ground fighting techniques that make BJJ look like Tai Chi.

E-mail me if you have any questions about Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.

Answer 9

go to a bar in boston with a yankees hat on. often. you are sure to get into a fight. and no joke, fighting on the street, will get your reflexes quick and your punching power strong. if you are not down to do that then you should try muay thai. ive been doing it for about 5 years now. it is quite useful.

Answer 10

I agree with Trevor, I loved studying Krav Maga.  While there is grappling involved, the training here in the States is well-rounded.  In three years, I learned stick fighting, knife, gun defenses, and of course we practiced fist work & kicks just about every class.  Not a lot of grace... it's a martial art which is much more martial than art, but it is designed to quickly teach lessons applicable to combat.

Answer 11

Consider studying the most popular one.  That way, it will be easier to find lessons, the lessons will be less expensive, and you will find more people sharing your interest.

Look at the  long term.  The best fitness program is the one you stay with for the rest of your life.

Answer 12

i would recommend hung gar. it covers all three ranges kicking punching and grappling. and has many other benefits