A good martial art?

[LucidFlanders]

I was wondering what a good martial arts would be in your guys perspective. First off i dont wanna kick peoples butts, nor am i the type to even try it or wanna try it, i just wanna maybe look into something and maybe find some videos on youtube or google video learning this. I was told i should get into Tai Chi because it's slow and perfect for me to get into because i'm well...slow and all. This may sound weird but i feel pretty uncomfortable when i actually do punch at something unless im goofing off, and kick at things but maybe this will help or something. I'm looking to get into it for non fighting purposes but soemthing to maybe learn and like, wont eb able to do everything as i have had major knee surgery and my knee never healed right.

[Man of Shred]

well if you want to be a good fighter. go for Jeet kune do or Wing Chun Kung fu. If you wanna be able to throw people and break arms go jiu-jitsu, judo or aikido. For Flashy Martial arts, I'd go with Muay Thai. Wushu Chang quan or a few other Wushu styles.. Or if you want show off 70's retro Kung fu, learn Tiger and Crane. search for each style on youtube. look at a few vids and then decide what you want to learn. If you are in a big City many of these styles will be available. If no schools are available order a few instruction DVD's and join a gym to keep fit. I personally Have The Tiger and crane DVD. a beginning Wing Chun DVD. And i just ordered a Wushu Chang quan DVD. Most of these DVD's you will find in english. With Wushu DVD's you will have to get an imported DVD, but make sure it is an All region DVD eitherwise it won't play on your DVD player. Again go to youtube. There are many advertisement videos with websites where you can order DVD's or find classes etc. hope this helps

[LucidFlanders]

I don't wanna get into it to hurt or beat people up, i'm a lover not a fighter i just wanna learn something and maybe i'll like it enough to keep trying. My reflexes are real slow and so is my reaction time. Looking for a basic non high fightint style and slow enough that i can keep up.

[Oneironaut Zero]

I would say go for either Judo, Aikido or Tai-Chi. With Judo, you focus mostly on throws and manipulation of the other person's body-weight and momentum. It is more a "gracefully and effectively defensive" style than anything else, as far as I know (But Amethyst Star could probably tell more about it than I could ). The same goes with Aikido. You don't have to worry too much about punching, kicking, or even jumping around and making flashy moves. It is about countering the other persons momentum and using your own subtle movements to their disadvantage. Jiu-Jutsu (another alternative) can be a pretty extreme art, but inasmuch as being a really effective locking/grappling/limb-breaking discipline. It is not focused so much on speed, or even power, but effective locks and knowledge of how the body can/cannot bend. Jiu-Jutsu is what you use if you want to win a fight by getting them to submit before breaking a limb or knocking them unconscious, without the use of strikes like punches and kicks. Tai-Chi, on the other hand, is much less of a "martial art" than it is an exercise. It is something used to (as far as my knowledge goes) develop focus and fluidity. It would not be very useful in "fighting someone," but is very good in helping you become more grounded and balanced.

[Replicon]

I don't wanna get into it to hurt or beat people up, i'm a lover not a fighter i just wanna learn something and maybe i'll like it enough to keep trying. My reflexes are real slow and so is my reaction time. Looking for a basic non high fightint style and slow enough that i can keep up. It's not just the art, but also the school and the kinds of people said school attracts. No matter the art, your reflexes will be put to the test, your body will be conditioned somewhat, and you'll learn cool stuff. It comes down to what you seek from it. You say you don't want to beat people up, which is great. But since you're looking at martial arts and not yoga, I figure you still want to learn to defend yourself. I think something like Hapkido (or most other grappling styles) might be perfect for you. But like I said, once you've selected an overall style, the quality of the particular school you pick is far more important than the specific art (e.g. If I decide I want a grapply, throwy, defensive, "use your opponent's momentum to put him down effortlessly" style, and decide I'm most interested in Aikido, I'll still pick a good Hapkido school over an Aikido McDojo - and be careful, because most schools out there are McDojos).

[Spartiate]

OK, I'm an avid Taekwon-Do practitioner myself, and I believe that it is the best martial art for learning how to strike. I'm sorry to say though that your knee issues will seriously limit your choices, one of the tough parts about striking martial arts (Taekwon-Do, Karate, kickboxing...) is that they are extremely hard on the joints and such. Tai-Chi isn't really a martial art, it's more like yoga, I mean it's REALLY slow (it even managed to bore my 86 year old grandmother). I would recommend it for relaxation and stuff, but not as a martial art. The martial art that I think would suit you best is Aikido. Aikido is purely defensive, there is no striking (instead, you learn how to defend yourself from strikes), you learn to use your oponents energy against him. Aikido is the thing when you see some 90 year old japanese man flipping people in the air like they were rag dolls, it's quite impressive when mastered, plus it's probably the most effective martial art for self-defense. One thing I really like about Aikido is that they put a lot of emphasis in the art of martial arts, it's very much a way of life. One thing to remember is that the school makes all the difference, so make sure you're comfortable before committing yourself, some more commercial oriented schools can really suck up all the fun. Anyways, good luck !

[LucidFlanders]

Thanks guys, and sorry about your cat Spartiate.

[ninja9578]

A style called Bagwa would be another alternative to Tai Chi. It's a neh gung martial art (inner power.) Capararo (spelling?) would be another one that that isn't heavy into fighting. It's a combination of dancing and martial arts. I think any martial art can be peaceful if you want it to be, it's just how you interpret the moves. Some of my students are mixed martial artists who love to fight and some are young girls who do it for exercise.

[CryoDragoon]

Yes, you indeed seem like an Aikido-guy... I practice it myself too, and indeed: It'll probably fit you very much. It doesn't have offensive strikes (you might have to create an opening for a technique every once in a while with a strike, though, it's called an 'atemi'), and is purely defensive, as it constantly focuses on executing techniques FROM attacks (you do not grab someone and throw him, instead you let HIM come to you, after which he'll then try to hit or grab you, and THEN you throw him or lock him). And the best thing is: You know those videos in which someone throws people around like they're ragdolls? You think it's bogus? Well: It really works. Though it might take you a while to get comfortable with it, you too will be throwing people around in no time, and locking them up. And if they don't roll, fall, or if they DO resist, then they'll be spending a few months in a cast, as you've probably broke something (when you've done the technique right, that is). Aikido uses the opponents energy, the opponents attacks, and the mechanics of the body (joints, momentum, balance, the 'centreline') to lock or throw him. You do not use any force at all, as you'll learn to use your 'centre' to execute techniques (which is, essentially, nothing more than having a good position (i.e. 'standing correctly, grounded, and rigid'), using your bodyweight, and using your entire body to push that guy over, in stead of just the muscles in your arms). If you learn how to use your centre correctly, you won't win an arm-wrestling match, but you'll be as solid and unmovable like a mountain when standing. And not only do you learn how to throw and lock people, you'll also learn 'Ukemi', how to 'receive' a technique. This teaches you to be as flexible as you can (of course, you will have to test the technique sometimes and add resistance, but most of the time, you'll MAKE yourself the ragdoll, in order to flow with the movements of your opponent, to ensure the least possible damage is done (in the worst-case scenario)), how to roll and fall correctly, and how to be alert at all times (there might just be an opportunity to escape from his lock or grapple or throw, or there might be a fist headed towards your head, you'll never really know.. And that's what you'll learn). Aside from technical stuff, you'll also, indeed, learn the ART... The history, its philosophy, even bits and pieces from sword, dagger, and staff-fighting arts incorporated in Aikido in order to understand the techniques you're learning in even their most basic and variated forms. So, to cut a long story short: You're an Aikido-guy, go look at a school, participate a few times, and if you feel comfortable with both the art and the school, go try it a bit longer... You won't regret it. Aikido: THE coolest martial art...

[Amethyst Star]

Yes, you indeed seem like an Aikido-guy... *cough* Or Judo.

[CryoDragoon]

*cough* Yes, he could very well be a Judo guy... I've participated in 5 Judo lessons myself, and I, PERSONALLY, am more attracted to Aikido. I think it has a more "relaxed", "easy going" atmosphere. I think Judo feels more... "agressive/offensive" to me, somehow... But that's just me... So: I'm not saying Aikido is better than Judo, or any other martial art, I'm just saying I, personally, find it cooler than any other one. Therefore you should try, when you're in doubt, more martial arts before choosing one, as you might indeed be interrested in Judo too. I certainly recommend trying it at least once, as it is fun to do anyway. Just try stuff out, you'll find your own 'style' eventually... Just know that the style I think is right for you is Aikido.. You sounded a lot like me, so... But Judo might be very appropriate for you too... So: Good luck in your search, mate, and keep us informed... Tell us when you've found a good martial art and school... Peace! And cheers to AmethistStar too! ^^ -CD

[Amethyst Star]

I understand, Cryo I've only done Judo, so obviously I'm a little partial. Aikido does seem more relaxed as far as the practices go. I've seen a few clips of practices and there seems to be more individual practice in Aikido as far as forms go, whereas with Judo it's practiced a lot more with a partner. It partly depends, too, on the dojo. Sometimes you have a go-get-em kind of teacher who focuses more on the actual practice, and sometimes you'll have a more relaxed teacher who takes more time to explain the forms/techniques and/or the history of the sport and the principles, etc. I'd find somewhere, Flanders, where you feel comfortable learning. Sure, it takes some time getting used to a martial art, but if you find a good place to study and practice, you'll have a lot of fun, whichever martial art you choose *hugs Cryo*

[Umbrasquall]

Oneironaut gave some really good suggestions. I'm a fan of Aikido and Tai-Chi, even though I don't practice them, they are very interesting to study. Just go look them up, there are videos in many websites for all styles of martial art.

[Idec Sdawkminn]

I had a boss who is a 3rd degree black belt in Kajukenbo. Anytime you change your mind and want to hurt someone, look into this. Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpo, and kung fu. This martial art uses hard, fast strikes to vital points all over the body, takedowns involving high impact throwdowns and many joint and limb breaking techniques-usually as follow-ups to takedowns. There are also many blocks from attacks such as punches and defences and disarmament of offensive weapons. With this art it is possible to inflict as many as twenty one hits in the space of three seconds. During exhibitions etc. the demonstrator will often have an assistant who will have the strikes and grappling techiques performed on them usually involving injuries.

[LucidFlanders]

I had a boss who is a 3rd degree black belt in Kajukenbo. Anytime you change your mind and want to hurt someone, look into this. Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpo, and kung fu. This martial art uses hard, fast strikes to vital points all over the body, takedowns involving high impact throwdowns and many joint and limb breaking techniques-usually as follow-ups to takedowns. There are also many blocks from attacks such as punches and defences and disarmament of offensive weapons. With this art it is possible to inflict as many as twenty one hits in the space of three seconds. During exhibitions etc. the demonstrator will often have an assistant who will have the strikes and grappling techiques performed on them usually involving injuries. God damn that's fast....

[Replicon]

Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines karate, judo, jujutsu, kenpo, and kung fu. This martial art uses hard, fast strikes to vital points all over the body, takedowns involving high impact throwdowns and many joint and limb breaking techniques-usually as follow-ups to takedowns. There are also many blocks from attacks such as punches and defences and disarmament of offensive weapons. With this art it is possible to inflict as many as twenty one hits in the space of three seconds. During exhibitions etc. the demonstrator will often have an assistant who will have the strikes and grappling techiques performed on them usually involving injuries. I got curious about this (especially the 21 hits in 3 seconds bit), and looked it up on wikipedia. To my dismay, you basically copied the paragraph. I'm very curious as to what the art itself has to do with the "21 hits in 3 seconds" statistic. I bet it's more like "one guy who happened to be studying this art achieved that", but I bet there are plenty of kung fu masters who can do it too. I'm not trying to knock it, but that 21/3 statistic stands out of that otherwise decent description. I do wonder where it comes from... the wikipedia page does have a major lack of citations.

[Idec Sdawkminn]

I think it was because the way the martial art is performed, each hit is designed in such a way as to setup for the next hit. He was explaining it to me once and said that your first attack gets you closer and allows you to make the next one, getting you closer, and so on. Here are 2 pretty good videos. http://youtube.com/watch?v=YwokQyhzqKo http://youtube.com/watch?v=1y2Hsothgrc I also have a book that talks about different fighting styles. Here they are: Karate Karate is retarded. It's basically aerobics with pajamas. If you want to be a real ninja you don't have to take it. Most people who join karate only do it because their parents make them. It's basically for people who need an attitude adjustment--that's all. Karate's basic moves are breaking wood; some kicks; up, up, down, down, left right, left right, B, A, select, start; and other stuff--I can't remember right now. Yoga A lot of kids in my neighborhood say that yoga doesn't have anything to do with ninjas, but that's a bunch of bull crap! I mean, these are the same kids that think a lady's period is when the lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina. Like I'm really going to believe them about yoga! Yoga is the most effective fighting style ever. If you stretch hard enough, you probably don't have to fight anybody. One time, I did the splits without warning and some people started running. It's awesome. The main move is the splits. Pressure Points Sometimes if a ninja is relaxing and doesn't feel like getting all sweaty, they'll use pressure points on an enemy. Pressure points are one of the coolest ways to gently beat somebody's ass. You could just be sitting there, relaxing and watching TV, pretending you're not going to completely beat the crap out of somebody and then WHAM! you softly touch their wrist and they go to sleep forever! It's like you've got so much power that you don't need to waste energy on someone you hate. One of the greatest pressure points ever is the touch of death. I mean, can you believe that ninjas can kill a person without cutting or strangling them? It almost doesn't make sense. Almost. With just a simple caress, a ninja could end a human life. And it doesn't happen right away--so no one will ever figure out who did it. Here's what happens. A ninja touches the back of some dude's head. Then the back of the head sends a signal to the stomach. Then the stomach sends a signal to the liver. And then, finally, the liver tells the heart something. And the guy dies! So if somebody says to you, "Hello Sir (or Madam), would you like me to rub the back of your head?" You should probably say, "No," or "No thank you," because they might be a ninja, completely willing to kill you, but just too tired to get all crazy about it. Menopause Menopause is pretty powerful and gives someone a mustache. If you know anybody who uses this style, you should probably just stay upstairs. The main moves are slapping with rolled up magazines, screaming power, single- or double-handed spanking, and hot flashes. Meditation Some people ask me how ninjas can be harmonious with nature when they're constantly kicking people in the nuts. Well, they just can--so don't worry about it. They meditate and think about what they've done. During meditation, ninjas will spend hours away from TV and friends. This is when they learn about themselves, mainly reflecting on deep questions like, "Why can't you act normal and stop embarrassing your mother and me?" and, "Why can't you stop acting like a fucking retard?" And, after they're done, they're allowed to come back downstairs and watch TV. Judo Judo is pretty lame. It's basically a self-defense style. So when you have tournaments, there's never a winner, because nobody ever makes the first move. The main moves are not doing anything and waiting. It's stupid.

[ClouD]

I'm gonna go with Aikido. It's more of a combat art, rather than tai chi, which is more peaceful art. I'm not a super lover of judo. Then again i do some Aikido, so im kind of biased. Though, I also do Tae Kwon Do, and i can kinda say that a good Tae Kwon Do artist will pwn a good Aikido artist, as Aikido relies on wrist movements, and TKD relies on leg movements. So, since your not looking for combat go for Aikido; i do both because the two together are almost unbreakable in combat, and look FUC*ing beautiful together.

[ClouD]

I think it was because the way the martial art is performed, each hit is designed in such a way as to setup for the next hit. He was explaining it to me once and said that your first attack gets you closer and allows you to make the next one, getting you closer, and so on. Here are 2 pretty good videos. http://youtube.com/watch?v=YwokQyhzqKo http://youtube.com/watch?v=1y2Hsothgrc I also have a book that talks about different fighting styles. Here they are: Karate Karate is retarded. It's basically aerobics with pajamas. If you want to be a real ninja you don't have to take it. Most people who join karate only do it because their parents make them. It's basically for people who need an attitude adjustment--that's all. Karate's basic moves are breaking wood; some kicks; up, up, down, down, left right, left right, B, A, select, start; and other stuff--I can't remember right now. Yoga A lot of kids in my neighborhood say that yoga doesn't have anything to do with ninjas, but that's a bunch of bull crap! I mean, these are the same kids that think a lady's period is when the lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina. Like I'm really going to believe them about yoga! Yoga is the most effective fighting style ever. If you stretch hard enough, you probably don't have to fight anybody. One time, I did the splits without warning and some people started running. It's awesome. The main move is the splits. Pressure Points Sometimes if a ninja is relaxing and doesn't feel like getting all sweaty, they'll use pressure points on an enemy. Pressure points are one of the coolest ways to gently beat somebody's ass. You could just be sitting there, relaxing and watching TV, pretending you're not going to completely beat the crap out of somebody and then WHAM! you softly touch their wrist and they go to sleep forever! It's like you've got so much power that you don't need to waste energy on someone you hate. One of the greatest pressure points ever is the touch of death. I mean, can you believe that ninjas can kill a person without cutting or strangling them? It almost doesn't make sense. Almost. With just a simple caress, a ninja could end a human life. And it doesn't happen right away--so no one will ever figure out who did it. Here's what happens. A ninja touches the back of some dude's head. Then the back of the head sends a signal to the stomach. Then the stomach sends a signal to the liver. And then, finally, the liver tells the heart something. And the guy dies! So if somebody says to you, "Hello Sir (or Madam), would you like me to rub the back of your head?" You should probably say, "No," or "No thank you," because they might be a ninja, completely willing to kill you, but just too tired to get all crazy about it. Menopause Menopause is pretty powerful and gives someone a mustache. If you know anybody who uses this style, you should probably just stay upstairs. The main moves are slapping with rolled up magazines, screaming power, single- or double-handed spanking, and hot flashes. Meditation Some people ask me how ninjas can be harmonious with nature when they're constantly kicking people in the nuts. Well, they just can--so don't worry about it. They meditate and think about what they've done. During meditation, ninjas will spend hours away from TV and friends. This is when they learn about themselves, mainly reflecting on deep questions like, "Why can't you act normal and stop embarrassing your mother and me?" and, "Why can't you stop acting like a fucking retard?" And, after they're done, they're allowed to come back downstairs and watch TV. Judo Judo is pretty lame. It's basically a self-defense style. So when you have tournaments, there's never a winner, because nobody ever makes the first move. The main moves are not doing anything and waiting. It's stupid. Its interesting, though i don't see any defense against attacks at high speed, i see fast attacks, but not fast defense, in most martial arts, your reflexes are dramactically enhanced. i understand that that martial art is all about speed, but there are thousands out there. I'm not so sure, if MA has become just about self-defense, because i still practise it as both and art and SD. Its beautiful to feel energetic, and spar refreshingly.

[CryoDragoon]

Hmmm... Aikido relies on the wrist? That's different from what I learn... To clear stuff up: Aikido relies on creating unbalance in an opponent, while standing very balanced, grounded and strong yourself, and then using this unbalance to throw someone, or to pin him/her into a lock... Now because most attacks are strikes with the hand, you'll of course mostly learn techniques designed to counter these, and among those are wrist locks. But to say Aikido relies on the wrist... That's just crazy... I'll say one thing: Irimi nage... A very nice, versatile technique that does not, in any way, have anything to do with the wrist... Now lets just make this clear: I know nothing about Tae Kwon Do except for the fact that it uses kicks alot. So... that being said... Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you kick, you move a leg OFF the floor, therefore creating an opening for easy unbalancing (you'd for example only have to "lengthen" the attack when a front or back kick is used, or only grab and pull the leg to create unbalance... Or just avoid the leg and use the body.. It's probably not that easy... But still: Just my two cents... Peace! -CD

[Replicon]

I also train in TKD, and want to be clear that anyone worth their salt would never use the fancy high-kicking we do in TKD in a streetfight. But the hip movements and kicking strength/speed you develop could be extremely useful for low kicks and knee stuff. But TKD alone is more for getting into shape and competing than self-defense. Still, any good TKD school will add a self-defense component, but obviously, it will be nowhere near as good as someone who studies HKD. I've trained with some HKD grandmasters, and they are frakking amazing.

[KuRoSaKi]

Capalara I believe it is called.

[CryoDragoon]

I think you mean Capoeira...

[KuRoSaKi]

I think you mean Capoeira... That may be it.

[Xaqaria]

That may be it. Brazilian Brake dance fighting. Those guys can jump clean to next week.