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Want to start martial arts, need advice
- Thread starter paridhm
- Start date
normally your best bet is to open the yellow pages look at some of the schools in your area and watch a class, talk to students and talk to the instructor or take a free class.
you could post/pm your city or something like that and maybe someone will know a good instructor in your area.
did you want a style mainly suited for self defense?
you could post/pm your city or something like that and maybe someone will know a good instructor in your area.
did you want a style mainly suited for self defense?
I would suggest a type of Jujutsu, Aikido, Aiki jujitsu. Also tradtionally karate is supposed to be a defensive art. Unlike what most sports oriented schools teach. I do suggest checking out the schools in your area. Ask about affiliations. Check out their affiliations on the web. And even perhaps email the organization head that they belong to, to get some idea what type of instructor that person is. Try to stay away from "Mcdojo's, these are schools that sell belt ranks,and basically have little depth,not really that qualified and are just out for the money. One big sign is if they have "Instructor,Master,etc." on their uniform,If you have to wear it usually you can't walk the walk. Some instructors have just recieved their certificates from so called"paper mills" that just certify people for the money and have not really tested them or know anything about the people who buy the certificates. Buyer beware!!paridhm said:
Yarg!
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brazilian jiu jitsu.
all the other styles suck! and anyone who does them suck! youll be a god with BJJ!
im joking. i do wholey recommend bjj, but shop aroudnt ill you find something youre comfy with. for self defense i HIGHLY recommend krav maga or KALI. kali is a AMAZING for self defense.
all the other styles suck! and anyone who does them suck! youll be a god with BJJ!
im joking. i do wholey recommend bjj, but shop aroudnt ill you find something youre comfy with. for self defense i HIGHLY recommend krav maga or KALI. kali is a AMAZING for self defense.
Djimbe
New member
ask around for Instructors in your area . Post your Location , ask around Etc .
HOWEVER - I wouldnt go by style . You may have the greatest BJJ school in your area , or you may only have a Blue Belt local while you have a WORLD CLASS Shito-Ryu (Or WHATEVER) instructor only a block away thats forgotten more abot fighting than the Blue Belt BJJ guy has even heard about yet . Go where you KNOW youre getting Solid instruction .
What do you mean by this ? do you mean :
1) "I want a style that is good to Defend myself with in the Real World ."
OR do you mean :
2) "I want a system of defensive applications and I want to try to make them work in the real world - no attacking for me !"
if #1 :
look for a system that focuses on retaining your Feet and practices good footwork and realistically teaches you to take a Blow and keep working , yet incorporates Throwing and Standing Grappling techniques . You stay up , they go down , you get away . After you gain Competence round everythign out with a good Ground Game for a year or two and you should be sufficient to deal with anything that is ABLE to be dealt with with your hands and get away .
If #2
Get a Gun , and mayby in 10 years youll be able to defend yourself . Hitting is part of Fighting . being Offensive from the outset can win MOST of your battls for yuo . Learning to take a shot and keep Working is MANDATORY to learning to survive an Assault . If you refuse to hear these truths AND PREPARE FOR THEM then you WIL get into a situation where your Overconfidence will get you beat down .
HOWEVER - I wouldnt go by style . You may have the greatest BJJ school in your area , or you may only have a Blue Belt local while you have a WORLD CLASS Shito-Ryu (Or WHATEVER) instructor only a block away thats forgotten more abot fighting than the Blue Belt BJJ guy has even heard about yet . Go where you KNOW youre getting Solid instruction .
What do you mean by this ? do you mean :
1) "I want a style that is good to Defend myself with in the Real World ."
OR do you mean :
2) "I want a system of defensive applications and I want to try to make them work in the real world - no attacking for me !"
if #1 :
look for a system that focuses on retaining your Feet and practices good footwork and realistically teaches you to take a Blow and keep working , yet incorporates Throwing and Standing Grappling techniques . You stay up , they go down , you get away . After you gain Competence round everythign out with a good Ground Game for a year or two and you should be sufficient to deal with anything that is ABLE to be dealt with with your hands and get away .
If #2
Get a Gun , and mayby in 10 years youll be able to defend yourself . Hitting is part of Fighting . being Offensive from the outset can win MOST of your battls for yuo . Learning to take a shot and keep Working is MANDATORY to learning to survive an Assault . If you refuse to hear these truths AND PREPARE FOR THEM then you WIL get into a situation where your Overconfidence will get you beat down .
Djimbe said:
Don't get me wrong I have no problem defending myself. I prefer option #1. I'm just saying I'm not one of those hot heads who goes looking to hurt someone. I want the mental and physical confidence martial arts can give me. I live in South Carolina so my options are very much limited compared to you bros whom live in big cities. I own a Glock .40 caliber by the way.
There is more in common among the styles of karate than politics allow them to admit. I would advise observing a class and seeing the level of instruction. See if there are children in the classes and how they are handled. Does the school compete and have trophies? Who is the Master that founded the school?
Study begins with self defense. Blocks done properly will really discourage and hurt an agressor.
Study begins with self defense. Blocks done properly will really discourage and hurt an agressor.
delphiOne
New member
There is excellent advice above, good wisdom.
I've been involved in martial arts (many styles) for almost 25 years. What I've learned about them is they all take a time commitment, which is rather obvious. Depending on the style, they take a physical conditioning commitment too. For example, if you ever plan on punching someone, you better have your fists conditioned to withstand that kind of impact.
Fighting training also tends to diminish with disuse so if you want to keep the confidence you mention, expect to keep up with your training for the rest of your life. Martial arts are not like learning to ride a bike. There is a pretty demanding set of physical skills to learn and your body will get rusty at them.
I study aikido currently and while it is a great art, it takes a loooong time to learn because of it's intricacy. Grappling is generally a decent way to go, but has it's limitations too. For example, you are attacked by multiple people (a distinct possibility).
For raw usefulness, I would recommend krav maga, kali, or wing chun kung fu/jeet kune do. Kempo karate isn't bad either. You may have a bit of trouble finding these in your local area, but hunt around - you might be surprised. By the way, any art that uses kicks targeted above the waist is not going to be a viable street art. That stuff is for show and tournaments.
Those who mentioned above that the art is less important than the instructor and the dojo are absolutely right. You can study a great art in a poor dojo and come away with nothing to show for it but a lot of wasted time and an empty pocketbook.
Things to look for in a dojo:
- small class sizes
- experienced instructor who is good at teaching
- competent students (testament to the instructors)
- positive atmosphere dedicated to learning
- openness to what other arts have to offer
- dedication to what you're looking for in a martial art
The last one is important because some schools are good at teaching proficiency, but may not be focused on your interests. For example, tournaments. It doesn't sound like tournaments are what you are interested in and tournament fighting is not very useful on the street. Why spend all that time and money with something you don't really want.
Follow your gut and be wary of dojos or instructors that want you to hook up for long term contracts. Most will let you try a class or two for free to see what they're like.
Good luck!
I've been involved in martial arts (many styles) for almost 25 years. What I've learned about them is they all take a time commitment, which is rather obvious. Depending on the style, they take a physical conditioning commitment too. For example, if you ever plan on punching someone, you better have your fists conditioned to withstand that kind of impact.
Fighting training also tends to diminish with disuse so if you want to keep the confidence you mention, expect to keep up with your training for the rest of your life. Martial arts are not like learning to ride a bike. There is a pretty demanding set of physical skills to learn and your body will get rusty at them.
I study aikido currently and while it is a great art, it takes a loooong time to learn because of it's intricacy. Grappling is generally a decent way to go, but has it's limitations too. For example, you are attacked by multiple people (a distinct possibility).
For raw usefulness, I would recommend krav maga, kali, or wing chun kung fu/jeet kune do. Kempo karate isn't bad either. You may have a bit of trouble finding these in your local area, but hunt around - you might be surprised. By the way, any art that uses kicks targeted above the waist is not going to be a viable street art. That stuff is for show and tournaments.
Those who mentioned above that the art is less important than the instructor and the dojo are absolutely right. You can study a great art in a poor dojo and come away with nothing to show for it but a lot of wasted time and an empty pocketbook.
Things to look for in a dojo:
- small class sizes
- experienced instructor who is good at teaching
- competent students (testament to the instructors)
- positive atmosphere dedicated to learning
- openness to what other arts have to offer
- dedication to what you're looking for in a martial art
The last one is important because some schools are good at teaching proficiency, but may not be focused on your interests. For example, tournaments. It doesn't sound like tournaments are what you are interested in and tournament fighting is not very useful on the street. Why spend all that time and money with something you don't really want.
Follow your gut and be wary of dojos or instructors that want you to hook up for long term contracts. Most will let you try a class or two for free to see what they're like.
Good luck!
if you take your gun out with you in public you better bring a plastic one on the mat and drill with it. make sure you know how to protect your weapon. dont turn your hip with the weapon towards your opponent. you also have to learn to create space and get angles so if necessary you can draw and have a shot.
you could call up some local pd's and ask if they use any local ma guy for self defense classes and check it out.
good luck
you could call up some local pd's and ask if they use any local ma guy for self defense classes and check it out.
good luck
delphiOne
New member
There is a tricky bit of business with using a gun for self defence. I suppose this might be hijacking the thread slightly because paridhm mentioned his interest in a defensive art. Sending someone to the hospital or morgue by using a deadly weapon isn't too defensive.
The main problem with a gun is that these are really your only two options, unless you merely want to use it to intimidate which is an extraordinarily bad idea, by the way.
The fantasy of defending yourself with a firearm is drastically different from the reality. Realistically, if you defend yourself by shooting someone, you WILL end up in court and you WILL be faced with approximately $10K in expenditures and probably a year of legal hassling - and that it is if you are found innocent of any misjudgement!
If it is found that your judgement was off in any way, you could be in very serious trouble. If someone is dead, you can bet there will be someone who wants the person to blame for it. It is a little more lienient in Texas but everywhere else in the US, the legal system seems to protect the criminal more than the victim. Totally backasswards, sadly, but that's the way it is.
This brings up another very interesting statistic: more than 85% of violent crimes are not random street encounters, but happen between people that have met before. Chances are if you are involved in a violent confrontation, it will be with a friend, relative, or someone you know. Do you really want to leave someone you know dead or hospitalized? To me, this is the biggest case for martial arts training. You should be able to neutralize a threat without killing or seriously injuring someone. Through training, you can choose just how much you need to 'illustrate your point' upon an attacker. There are a number arts that you can really put the hurt on someone and not leave so much as a bruise for him to use as evidence.
Now, it's not that I'm against guns. In fact, I've been an eager gun enthusiast since I was a kid and own quite a few. There are times when a gun is exactly the tool for the job, and martial arts won't do squat for you. I'd love the opportunity to carry a gun all the time (it'd be sweet to live in Vermont), but it would be used only as a last resort. I would only bring it out if I felt there was no other option and my life were being threatened. For most situations, it is way more tool than you need - kinda like using a chain saw to cut your steak.
One last thing, you can also get through a metal detector with martial arts training!
The main problem with a gun is that these are really your only two options, unless you merely want to use it to intimidate which is an extraordinarily bad idea, by the way.
The fantasy of defending yourself with a firearm is drastically different from the reality. Realistically, if you defend yourself by shooting someone, you WILL end up in court and you WILL be faced with approximately $10K in expenditures and probably a year of legal hassling - and that it is if you are found innocent of any misjudgement!
If it is found that your judgement was off in any way, you could be in very serious trouble. If someone is dead, you can bet there will be someone who wants the person to blame for it. It is a little more lienient in Texas but everywhere else in the US, the legal system seems to protect the criminal more than the victim. Totally backasswards, sadly, but that's the way it is.
This brings up another very interesting statistic: more than 85% of violent crimes are not random street encounters, but happen between people that have met before. Chances are if you are involved in a violent confrontation, it will be with a friend, relative, or someone you know. Do you really want to leave someone you know dead or hospitalized? To me, this is the biggest case for martial arts training. You should be able to neutralize a threat without killing or seriously injuring someone. Through training, you can choose just how much you need to 'illustrate your point' upon an attacker. There are a number arts that you can really put the hurt on someone and not leave so much as a bruise for him to use as evidence.
Now, it's not that I'm against guns. In fact, I've been an eager gun enthusiast since I was a kid and own quite a few. There are times when a gun is exactly the tool for the job, and martial arts won't do squat for you. I'd love the opportunity to carry a gun all the time (it'd be sweet to live in Vermont), but it would be used only as a last resort. I would only bring it out if I felt there was no other option and my life were being threatened. For most situations, it is way more tool than you need - kinda like using a chain saw to cut your steak.
One last thing, you can also get through a metal detector with martial arts training!
Last edited:
you dont know his background. he could be LE or a bodyguard or someone who NEEDS to have a firearm him 24/7
regardless if you are going to carry a gun you need to know how to protect it first and then also train in fighting with it and without it.
the last thing you want is to lose the weapon.
I have trained a bunch of LE and for them they are most likely to get into an altercation while having a loaded firearm.
regardless if you are going to carry a gun you need to know how to protect it first and then also train in fighting with it and without it.
the last thing you want is to lose the weapon.
I have trained a bunch of LE and for them they are most likely to get into an altercation while having a loaded firearm.
delphiOne said:There is a tricky bit of business with using a gun for self defence. I suppose this might be hijacking the thread slightly because paridhm mentioned his interest in a defensive art. Sending someone to the hospital or morgue by using a deadly weapon isn't too defensive.
The main problem with a gun is that these are really your only two options, unless you merely want to use it to intimidate which is an extraordinarily bad idea, by the way.
The fantasy of defending yourself with a firearm is drastically different from the reality. Realistically, if you defend yourself by shooting someone, you WILL end up in court and you WILL be faced with approximately $10K in expenditures and probably a year of legal hassling - and that it is if you are found innocent of any misjudgement!
If it is found that your judgement was off in any way, you could be in very serious trouble. If someone is dead, you can bet there will be someone who wants the person to blame for it. It is a little more lienient in Texas but everywhere else in the US, the legal system seems to protect the criminal more than the victim. Totally backasswards, sadly, but that's the way it is.
This brings up another very interesting statistic: more than 85% of violent crimes are not random street encounters, but happen between people that have met before. Chances are if you are involved in a violent confrontation, it will be with a friend, relative, or someone you know. Do you really want to leave someone you know dead or hospitalized? To me, this is the biggest case for martial arts training. You should be able to neutralize a threat without killing or seriously injuring someone. Through training, you can choose just how much you need to 'illustrate your point' upon an attacker. There are a number arts that you can really put the hurt on someone and not leave so much as a bruise for him to use as evidence.
Now, it's not that I'm against guns. In fact, I've been an eager gun enthusiast since I was a kid and own quite a few. There are times when a gun is exactly the tool for the job, and martial arts won't do squat for you. I'd love the opportunity to carry a gun all the time (it'd be sweet to live in Vermont), but it would be used only as a last resort. I would only bring it out if I felt there was no other option and my life were being threatened. For most situations, it is way more tool than you need - kinda like using a chain saw to cut your steak.
One last thing, you can also get through a metal detector with martial arts training!
downsouthnewbie
New member
I agree, BJJ is the greatest!!!
Good Luck with that Man!
Good Luck with that Man!
bjj is good but by far it is not the end all for self defense especially for someone who carries a gun
ground work needs to be trained but the amount of time you spend on the mat in most bjj classes (80%+) it does not make it the best sole choice for self defense.
IMO you need basic ground work, good striking and good take downs.
i would prefer NEVER to leave my feet in a self defense situation and in BJJ most of your best weapons are when you are on your back or on the ground where you cant really see all aspects of a self defense situation.
BTW i learned a great deal about striking when i first started BJJ. my instructor was great at closing the distance and getting a clinch or takedown.
I also prefer not to strike in a Self defense situation. my hands are very valuable to me and I also have far more control with takedowns, throws and submissions then i do w/ my strikes.
also do not discount tournament styles for self defense again IMO some of the best styles for self defense are tournament based: boxing, kickboxing, MTB, wrestling, Judo, BJJ all have tournament aspects and most schools teaching these arts focus a great deal of there time prepping for tournaments.
prepping for tournaments does a good job of prepping you for a self defense situation. if you are ready to go out and take on skilled opponents in your style and excecute your moves that they are proficient in defending then odds are that you will not get nervous in a Self Defense situation and most likely your opponent will not be as skilled as your opponents you face in a tournament.
also the sparring in tournament styles is a great way to train or prepare yourself.
ground work needs to be trained but the amount of time you spend on the mat in most bjj classes (80%+) it does not make it the best sole choice for self defense.
IMO you need basic ground work, good striking and good take downs.
i would prefer NEVER to leave my feet in a self defense situation and in BJJ most of your best weapons are when you are on your back or on the ground where you cant really see all aspects of a self defense situation.
BTW i learned a great deal about striking when i first started BJJ. my instructor was great at closing the distance and getting a clinch or takedown.
I also prefer not to strike in a Self defense situation. my hands are very valuable to me and I also have far more control with takedowns, throws and submissions then i do w/ my strikes.
also do not discount tournament styles for self defense again IMO some of the best styles for self defense are tournament based: boxing, kickboxing, MTB, wrestling, Judo, BJJ all have tournament aspects and most schools teaching these arts focus a great deal of there time prepping for tournaments.
prepping for tournaments does a good job of prepping you for a self defense situation. if you are ready to go out and take on skilled opponents in your style and excecute your moves that they are proficient in defending then odds are that you will not get nervous in a Self Defense situation and most likely your opponent will not be as skilled as your opponents you face in a tournament.
also the sparring in tournament styles is a great way to train or prepare yourself.
migcor
New member
Judo, I also agree with you in regards to bjj not being the ultimate in self defense.I'm just more partial to it cause its what I've been training for the last 2.5 years.Just starting to train judo and I enjoy it just as much as bjj.
I think its safe to say that fighters are evolving.Most fighters are training 2 or more arts at the same time.We have seen that you need to be a well rounded fighter,to be effective your feet as well as on the ground.
Being able to strike and you use your hands effectively is a must.I too would prefer to stay on my feet before having to to the ground.
I just think that arts like bjj and judo are arts that you can train in the dojo that are close contact and give you an idea if these moves work.Plus for cardio and building up a sweat they're great.
Judo Tom I agree with what you say and he should definetly take into account.
I think its safe to say that fighters are evolving.Most fighters are training 2 or more arts at the same time.We have seen that you need to be a well rounded fighter,to be effective your feet as well as on the ground.
Being able to strike and you use your hands effectively is a must.I too would prefer to stay on my feet before having to to the ground.
I just think that arts like bjj and judo are arts that you can train in the dojo that are close contact and give you an idea if these moves work.Plus for cardio and building up a sweat they're great.
Judo Tom I agree with what you say and he should definetly take into account.
Yarg! said:
a small swiss army knife?
if someone trys to rob you what are you going to do offer to open a can of corn for him if he'll leave you alone?
mace is iffy to because it tends to hang in the air for a time and you can wind up macing yoruself even if your aim is good
1_more_rep
New member
what about those of us that have taken alot of interest in MMA recently and want to start up a program and stuff but dont have any cash? 
any way for a poor guy to get in on this action? or do i HAVE to lay down money? - i don't have much time either to spend at some dojo or whatever it's called...senior year of HS starts in a week
and i'm smart and take alot of hard classes (not trying to brag...just giving you details) and i have a part-time job and i go to the gym 6x/week...lol...so is there any way to kinda get into MMA with no money n a not very flexible schedule? 
any way for a poor guy to get in on this action? or do i HAVE to lay down money? - i don't have much time either to spend at some dojo or whatever it's called...senior year of HS starts in a week
and i'm smart and take alot of hard classes (not trying to brag...just giving you details) and i have a part-time job and i go to the gym 6x/week...lol...so is there any way to kinda get into MMA with no money n a not very flexible schedule?
Yarg!
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Kane Fan said:
i prefer non lethal approaches. i mean a gun has soo many unforseen reprucussions down the line i dont even know where to begin. the swiss army knife does have you know .. a blade.. say if your ebeing attacked, its better than not having anything. and i say small cuz i would rather cause like a nasty cut or wound rahter than kill a guy and while hes hurt, id run away. it just makes more sense...oh and ive been maced at a party (collateral dmg) and it friggin hurts, but the attacker in that case backed off.
1_more_rep
New member
Kane Fan said:
well i guess i could take out a cardio day or 2 since MMA makes you sweat like hell anyways...but i really dont have much money...if i DID pay for some sessions or something it'd have to be pretty cheap...
does anyone know a good/cheap place to get started with MMA in southern california? (sorry that i keep changing subj. of thread starter's post) feel free to PM me with any info anyone...thanks
how far are you from san jose?
if you are still in HS join a wrestling team
look into judo vs bjj/mma for the price
got talk to some instructors in your area and tell them you are interested but have no cash.
also try getting in touch with a local PAL in your area. a lot of them have boxing/wrestling
another option for your area is trying to get in touch with some military guys (pendleton) and see if you can work out with any of them
$$$ should be the last thing holding someone back in the MA world
when all else fails i would get a cheap heavy bag (or make your own) and a grappling dummy. i would use the net to research and start practicing.
boxing and simple grappling positions are easy to practice on your own.
i would also start training like a fighter not a bb'er meaing O-lifts,sprints/plyo's and more sprints.
hope that helps if you need info on the bag, dummy or things in you area post or PM
if you are still in HS join a wrestling team
look into judo vs bjj/mma for the price
got talk to some instructors in your area and tell them you are interested but have no cash.
also try getting in touch with a local PAL in your area. a lot of them have boxing/wrestling
another option for your area is trying to get in touch with some military guys (pendleton) and see if you can work out with any of them
$$$ should be the last thing holding someone back in the MA world
when all else fails i would get a cheap heavy bag (or make your own) and a grappling dummy. i would use the net to research and start practicing.
boxing and simple grappling positions are easy to practice on your own.
i would also start training like a fighter not a bb'er meaing O-lifts,sprints/plyo's and more sprints.
hope that helps if you need info on the bag, dummy or things in you area post or PM
Kane Fan said:
a small but SHARP and POINTY knife can do a lot of damage very quickly..
marines teach to just cause as much trama in a clos circle near the vitals and arms as fast as possible vs looking to kill in one shot.
ive seen mace drop a 250lb juiced up maniac in a blink of an eye..but ive seen people walk through it like it was a bad fart..
never saw 1 person do JACK ish after being choked out
which is my favorite means of self defense, very quick (1-2 secs) no long term damage, shows you are in complete control, 100% effective
D
dline
Guest
Bujinkan
Judo Tom said:a small but SHARP and POINTY knife can do a lot of damage very quickly..
marines teach to just cause as much trama in a clos circle near the vitals and arms as fast as possible vs looking to kill in one shot.
ive seen mace drop a 250lb juiced up maniac in a blink of an eye..but ive seen people walk through it like it was a bad fart..
never saw 1 person do JACK ish after being choked out
the point isn't that the knife isn't dangerous
it's that it's a small swiss army knife
they don't come in a flick open convigeration as far as I know
when I try to get the blade out on a Swiss Army Knife it usually takes me more then one try cus my finger slips off of the 'grip'
and that's not panicked during a fight
No style sucks....Anyone that tells you otherwise ignore there statements because there as blind as a bat.(this was not meant toward you yarg i seen your jk )
Aikido is a very passive style, its a great option, Hapkido is a good option too..
My style which i teach is Tetsu Shin Ryu its a form of Kempo Karate, it mixes JJ, Aikido, Judo, and tons more it has a vast amount of options for Stand Up, Ground and Submission Fighting...
Try them all out around your area any school that doesnt offer atleast a week free isnt a school you wanna be in.
Good Luck!
)Aikido is a very passive style, its a great option, Hapkido is a good option too..
My style which i teach is Tetsu Shin Ryu its a form of Kempo Karate, it mixes JJ, Aikido, Judo, and tons more it has a vast amount of options for Stand Up, Ground and Submission Fighting...
Try them all out around your area any school that doesnt offer atleast a week free isnt a school you wanna be in.
Good Luck!
