Martial Arts

[CLC2008]

I would like being taking Martial Arts but I am not sure which type I should choose. There seems to be several, which I've looked into briefly and I am considering one of these three:

 

Kung Fu

Karate

Aikido

 

I'm not looking to get into it just for "self defense", but more so for strength training both physically and mentally (I'm getting older and I am starting to notice that I pull muscles easier, especially in my back - so I don't want anything that's going to land me in the hospital).

 

So my questions are:

 

1.) Which type would be the best for a female

2.) What can I expect to pay on a monthly and/or annual basis (I live in the northeast).

3.) Which is better - private training or group/classes?

 

Thanks.

[Green]

I sugest one of the secret styles of martial arts, like a form of Drunken Boxing called "The Eight-Drunken-Imortals" named after the eight mythological figures that the fighting style emulates.

[CLC2008]

I sugest one of the secret styles of martial arts, like a form of Drunken Boxing called "The Eight-Drunken-Imortals" named after the eight mythological figures that the fighting style emulates.

 

Thanks.

 

Obviously this is new territory for me, and I'm trying to learn about the history of each one. Would you say there is a specific reason you recommend this particular style over the others?

[skydiveaddict]

krav maga. because it's an excellent way to get in shape and teaches practical self defense at the same time

Edited June 5, 2010 by skydiveaddict

[CLC2008]

krav maga. because it's an excellent way to get in shape and teaches practical self defense at the same time

 

I looked this one up. I think it may be rather physical for a female, no? Is it similar to Jujitsu?

[skydiveaddict]

It is unique to any of the martial arts. It is especially good for females, because the whole idea is how to disarm/disable a stronger , bigger attacker, plus it's a fantastic workout

[Green]

Thanks.

 

Obviously this is new territory for me, and I'm trying to learn about the history of each one. Would you say there is a specific reason you recommend this particular style over the others?

 

You may want to look into Hokuto Shinken translated as the Divine Fist of the North Star The martial art's power lies into channeling one's energy in a single blow and striking into the Keiraku Hikō ("Hidden Channeling Points") in the human body (also known as acupressure points, power points, vital points, tsubo, etc.). This causes the victim to explode, be controlled involuntarily or otherwise incapacitated. It can also be used to heal certain physical and psychological wounds, such as restoring a person's voice, eyesight or memories, though the main purpose of Hokuto Shinken is assassination. The average person uses only 30% of their body's potential strength, but those who had mastered Hokuto Shinken can tap into the remaining 70% as well.

[CLC2008]

You may want to look into Hokuto Shinken translated as the Divine Fist of the North Star The martial art's power lies into channeling one's energy in a single blow and striking into the Keiraku Hikō ("Hidden Channeling Points") in the human body (also known as acupressure points, power points, vital points, tsubo, etc.). This causes the victim to explode, be controlled involuntarily or otherwise incapacitated. It can also be used to heal certain physical and psychological wounds, such as restoring a person's voice, eyesight or memories, though the main purpose of Hokuto Shinken is assassination. The average person uses only 30% of their body's potential strength, but those who had mastered Hokuto Shinken can tap into the remaining 70% as well.

 

That's fictional. It sounds wonderful though

[taiko]

The Discovery and History networks had dueling clone TV shows with a MMA fighter and a retired American football player traveling the world to learn about the different martial arts of the national/ethnic groups. Any specific body movement was adopted to defeat the armor/weapons of the local armies so today all this comes down to a my kung fu is greater then your style of kung fu arguement.

 

Training in any style, if it motivates you and is fun for you will work. Be it Japanese/Steven Segal aikido, Okinawan/Chuck Norris karate or Chinese/Jackie Chan kung fu. The teaching stlye of karate with its belt (ranks) system is more military while aikido and kung fu with their history of being maintained by priest and monks is outwardly more spiritual.

 

Don't discount old fashioned western style boxing in your hunt. As the line from Cinderella Man went they fight because if they don't their is no milk for the kids. The financial opportunities bring about a seriousness to the modern training methods that the other martial arts don't. And fitness gyms with boxing style training may be easier to find then their other martial arts cousins.

[ADF]

If you're not interested in self-defense, then almost any MA will give you what you want in terms of exercise and so on. Just pick one who enjoy.

[Green]

The Discovery and History networks had dueling clone TV shows with a MMA fighter and a retired American football player traveling the world to learn about the different martial arts of the national/ethnic groups. Any specific body movement was adopted to defeat the armor/weapons of the local armies so today all this comes down to a my kung fu is greater then your style of kung fu arguement.

 

Training in any style, if it motivates you and is fun for you will work. Be it Japanese/Steven Segal aikido, Okinawan/Chuck Norris karate or Chinese/Jackie Chan kung fu. The teaching stlye of karate with its belt (ranks) system is more military while aikido and kung fu with their history of being maintained by priest and monks is outwardly more spiritual.

 

Don't discount old fashioned western style boxing in your hunt. As the line from Cinderella Man went they fight because if they don't their is no milk for the kids. The financial opportunities bring about a seriousness to the modern training methods that the other martial arts don't. And fitness gyms with boxing style training may be easier to find then their other martial arts cousins.

 

I liked that show. Cinderalla man was good too

[tman666]

If you're not interested in self-defense, then almost any MA will give you what you want in terms of exercise and so on. Just pick one who enjoy.

 

I agree with this.

 

On a side note, don't get suckered into a contract with the instructor. A reputable MA school will charge you (or at least give you an option to) on a monthly basis, as opposed to trying to lock you in for a year. Also, don't buy into "black belt clubs" or anything similar. Karate/TKD schools are known to do this kind of thing. Also, they should let you attend at least one class or lesson for free before charging you. Personally, I would not pay more than 100 dollars a month for any instruction. Boxing and judo classes tend to be much cheaper, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga tend to be more expensive.

 

Be wary of people who try to sell you on "secret" or "ancient" martial arts, MA's based on internal energy (chi), or someone who claims to be any sort of grand master or what not.

 

Regarding Krav Maga, yes, it is very physical, but it will toughen you up, no doubt. It will push you physically and mentally. I would venture to say (as someone who has practiced Krav) that it is more physically based than skill based. That's not to say that it's not a great martial art. It simply means that the techniques tend to be easier to pick up and utilize than a martial art such as Okinawan Karate or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

[CLC2008]

Good info, thanks everyone!

 

On a side note, don't get suckered into a contract with the instructor. A reputable MA school will charge you (or at least give you an option to) on a monthly basis, as opposed to trying to lock you in for a year. Also, don't buy into "black belt clubs" or anything similar. Karate/TKD schools are known to do this kind of thing. Also, they should let you attend at least one class or lesson for free before charging you. Personally, I would not pay more than 100 dollars a month for any instruction. Boxing and judo classes tend to be much cheaper, while Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga tend to be more expensive.

 

This is very helpful. I have no idea what the costs are (or should be) and I want to have a general idea before I go visit the various schools.

 

Within my area, there is mostly Judo and Karate. I haven't found any that offer Krav Maga and only one place that offers Jujitsu. So, I think I am going to narrow it down between Judo and Karate and take a free course like you suggested, to see which one I like better.

 

If anyone else has suggestions and/or experience in these fields, please feel free to comment!

 

Thanks.

[Green]

Good info, thanks everyone!

 

 

 

This is very helpful. I have no idea what the costs are (or should be) and I want to have a general idea before I go visit the various schools.

 

Within my area, there is mostly Judo and Karate. I haven't found any that offer Krav Maga and only one place that offers Jujitsu. So, I think I am going to narrow it down between Judo and Karate and take a free course like you suggested, to see which one I like better.

 

If anyone else has suggestions and/or experience in these fields, please feel free to comment!

 

Thanks.

 

Between Judo and Karate I'd pick the latter. Karate just seems more fun.

[taiko]

Good info, thanks everyone!

 

 

 

This is very helpful. I have no idea what the costs are (or should be) and I want to have a general idea before I go visit the various schools.

 

Within my area, there is mostly Judo and Karate. I haven't found any that offer Krav Maga and only one place that offers Jujitsu. So, I think I am going to narrow it down between Judo and Karate and take a free course like you suggested, to see which one I like better.

 

If anyone else has suggestions and/or experience in these fields, please feel free to comment!

 

Thanks.

Brazilian Jujitsu became popular after the first mixed martial arts champions were specialist in that style and were able to absorb punishment long enough to grapple and use submission holds. The roots of the style is in Judo which in itself is just a refinement of jujitsu, but is also codified into a sport with limits like boxing. With judo think wrestling with different holds and throws.

 

Karate comes in many forms, compared to Judo the emphasis is on punches and kicks. If you don't want to spare in my opinion it is better for fitness training as you can hit bags and not people. It is hard to throw a bag or put a hold on a bag for a grapple style martial art.

 

Krav Maga, literally means close combat. Like the other martial arts it is a product of its time. It was not developed to fight an armored sword wielding samurai, or other armored nobleman thinking about honor like some of the other arts, but rather for the unique situations of the Jewish people. Where one was going into a fight out numbered by Nazis or Arabs who wanted more then your money or to rape you. With that combat mindset the fight is not just sparing but an all out assault to spoil the attack before the enemy who out numbers you can initiate his plan.

[CLC2008]

Brazilian Jujitsu became popular after the first mixed martial arts champions were specialist in that style and were able to absorb punishment long enough to grapple and use submission holds. The roots of the style is in Judo which in itself is just a refinement of jujitsu, but is also codified into a sport with limits like boxing. With judo think wrestling with different holds and throws.

 

Karate comes in many forms, compared to Judo the emphasis is on punches and kicks. If you don't want to spare in my opinion it is better for fitness training as you can hit bags and not people. It is hard to throw a bag or put a hold on a bag for a grapple style martial art.

 

Krav Maga, literally means close combat. Like the other martial arts it is a product of its time. It was not developed to fight an armored sword wielding samurai, or other armored nobleman thinking about honor like some of the other arts, but rather for the unique situations of the Jewish people. Where one was going into a fight out numbered by Nazis or Arabs who wanted more then your money or to rape you. With that combat mindset the fight is not just sparing but an all out assault to spoil the attack before the enemy who out numbers you can initiate his plan.

 

I really don't know now which one I want to do.

 

I watched a couple documentaries on each type and Krav Maga does look pretty awesome. Brazilian Jujitsu seems to entail a lot of grappling on the ground and I can't see myself getting into a situation where I'm on the ground wrestling with someone.

 

It really is going to come down to: (1) what's available in my area; (2) which style fits me best; and (3) cost.

[Shakz]

For a woman, Aikido, definitely. It is about transference of energy and is largely defensive, very strenuous, and ideally suited to the female psyche. Prices and availability vary, but here in Washington State expect to spend at least $1500 annually for private instruction. Group instruction would be about 1/3 less if you can find it.

[CLC2008]

For a woman, Aikido, definitely. It is about transference of energy and is largely defensive, very strenuous, and ideally suited to the female psyche. Prices and availability vary, but here in Washington State expect to spend at least $1500 annually for private instruction. Group instruction would be about 1/3 less if you can find it.

 

Hm. That sounds reasonable cost wise and I def need to transfer my energy . There are a couple Aikido schools in my area too. Def prefer to do private instruction.

[WintersNightTraveler]

I would like being taking Martial Arts but I am not sure which type I should choose. There seems to be several, which I've looked into briefly and I am considering one of these three:

 

Kung Fu

Karate

Aikido

 

I'm not looking to get into it just for "self defense", but more so for strength training both physically and mentally (I'm getting older and I am starting to notice that I pull muscles easier, especially in my back - so I don't want anything that's going to land me in the hospital).

 

So my questions are:

 

1.) Which type would be the best for a female

2.) What can I expect to pay on a monthly and/or annual basis (I live in the northeast).

3.) Which is better - private training or group/classes?

 

Thanks.

 

If your primary goal is fitness I would actually recommend kickboxing over a formal martial art. Some are almost entirely cardio based (like you'll find at a regular gym - not much good in terms of actual fighting or self defense), but there are much better classes where not only is it a great workout but you are actually using bags and pads and learning how to strike, defend and move.

 

For a primary goal of self defense, I would go with krav maga, also a good workout.

 

I don't know enough about the three you list to comment on which is the best. But something like KM or a self defense class is going to probably be more helpful than any of those if you ever actually have to use it in the real world (let's hope not).

 

My KB class is very female friendly, although still majority male. Some KB classes are huge sausagefests though.

 

In the NE you'll probably have to pay at least 100/mo for a good class, and more if you are in a place like manhattan.

 

Private is better of course, but for beginners it's not really necesary, and much more expensive.

 

Good luck!

[reservoirdog1]

I certainly don't claim to be any kind of authority on martial arts, but I can tell you what worked for me.

 

After many years of periodically thinking about taking up martial arts, it crossed my mind again last fall, but I knew nothing about the various forms and had no clue which to try. A friend of mine had been doing Purple Dragon Don Jitsu (based in Trinidad, interestingly enough) for about a year and recommended it, so I gave it a try. It's basically karate with a lot of elements of jiu jitsu, but it's acceptable to call it karate.

 

Best decision I've made, in terms of athletic endeavours, in my entire life. I've never been terribly athletically inclined and exercise is usually something I have to push myself to do and I lose my motivation very easily. But with karate, I actively look forward to my classes (2-3 per week) and feel kind of bummed out if I have to miss one. I sweat like a pig every class and come out of it feeling rejuvenated. It's especially great if I'm stressed out or anxious when I go in -- I get totally swept up with it and leave feeling physically tired, but centred and relaxed. I also appreciate the structure, the linear progression, and even the spoken affirmations (which are a bit cheesy, but they actually add to the experience). As an added benefit, it's helped inspire me to get additional exercise elsewhere so I'll be in better shape for it, and to start eating more healthily and generally taking better care of myself.

 

All of which boils down to this: if you're interested in martial arts, get involved. You'll be glad you did.

Edited June 8, 2010 by reservoirdog1

[asrgal]

I used to do Kung Fu. Absolutley loved it (after the first 2 month...lol)

It was super difficult to get started, I constantly got pushed beyond my strength, but it got easier quickly. Very good mental stuff as well. I learned too not think so much and look at life differently (which us females do, we think and think). I did some rock climbing (indoors) during this preios as well. And I had an amzing body during those times. Great experience, great lessons.

I used to do it in a group, they were doing classes every night and payed $80.- a month. I usually made it 2-3 times.

Wish I still could do it, but I have kids and I am stuck at the hockey ring every night, supporting them not bad either...

 

I am sure they have a trial class at those different places that is free to check it out, or just ask to watch a class and talk to people afterwards.

 

 

Good Luck!

[Enema]

Another vote for Kick Boxing / Muay Thai.

 

Your goal is fitness and these less-formal martial arts don't waste time with silly patterns and forms. You're there to work mister.

[Malenfant]

i used to do karate, so can only comment on that particular martial art.

the style i trained in was shotokan.

It is the 'usual' most well known style.

 

the low stances and kicks tone your bum, thighs and hips like no other form of excercise i've ever done.

at my old gym i also used to do legs bums and tums classes and they didnt come close to the benefits of karate.

 

I didnt take it up for that reason, but found it a very welcome by-product

 

I would say its better to do classes than private training, as you get really good experience from training with more than one person, and most senseis would recommend that.

Its also a great social activity and you'll make friends.

 

I would say do a bit of research, and visit a few clubs before joining up as some clubs are very highly disciplined and regimented, whereas some others are more 'fun'. it all depends on the teacher.

 

i think most type of martial art would offer the same benefits.

Something like kickboxing favours a long limbed body type, whereas i tried karate as I am very short and do not have the 'reach' of taller people. I found it favoured smaller people as they generally move a bit quicker as their limbs are shorter, but thats just generally speaking.

Edited June 10, 2010 by Malenfant

[CLC2008]

Thanks for the help/suggestions everyone. Martial arts has to wait a month or so, from a financial standpoint, but I did take a free course for Kick Boxing so I've got that under my belt and I'll see about the others.

[stoploss11]

Muay Thai and BJJ are hands down the best workouts.