Martial Art

Which one is the best to learn?

[NeedScripts]

Hello friends, I am thinking of learning some form of martial art but now am confused between 3 options

1) Hung Gar
2) Wing Chun
3) Aikido

I am kinda learning towards Aikido, but have few friends who would be willing to bet their life that I should take Hung Gar or Jujitsu. I was thinking if you people can provide your input?

Thanks

NeedScripts

[mivox]

Tai Chi or Aikido, IMO. :)

[Nick_W]

Origami

Nick

[TheWhippinpost]

JuJitSu everyday - Most martial arts were born from JuJitSu so you find all manner of ways to kick someones head in. ;¬)

[Nelson]

You got it Whippinpost!

Jiu Jitsu is by far the most complete form in my opinion.

But its even better when the local instructors mesh in different (and sometimes unorthodox) techniques from other arts or even defenses against knives, guns, etc.

Jiu Jitsu is well-rounded and aggressive, but I have seen some instructors mellow it out or concentrate too much on grappling and forgetting about the importance of striking.

[le_gber]

Budo Taijutsu

That's what I'd go for. Combination of 7 schools of martial arts in the tradition of Japanese history.

Leo

[NeedScripts]

I am kinda thinking of Aikido, cuz the school that is in my area is suppose to be *real good* at it. But I still kinda think if Jujitsu, cuz, if I am not wrong, most other martial art are not really good, when you are on ground, but Jujitsu comes in very handy over here.

But the nearest Jujitsu school is like 40 minutes, and am not sure, how fun would be it be driving 80 minutes everyday for a 60 minute class.

NeedScripts

[seth_wilde]

I've been wanting to take Krav Maga, It's supposed to be the best in real world situations.. Not sure if they'll teach regular folks the same stuff they teach military and police though...

[TheWhippinpost]

If you're looking for a more "ground" based martial art then I'd say good ole Judo.

JuJitSu is a good all-rounder dealing with weapon attacks, throws, locks, kicks, punches as well as ground but Judo is more ground-specialised.

Before joining I think it'd be a good idea to ask if they have adult-only classes, if they don't then ask if there's many little kids - I eventually left my club because of the growing number of kids that were running around and generally not taking it seriously.

[NeedScripts]

Honestly I am not looking for any kinda fighting, however, my list visit to Canada had one bad incident and cuz I was with my wife, all I was able to do was, roll up the car windows and tolerate humilation for few seconds and then drive away (was wanting to drive over ther drunk junki). So I believe one experience in enough and from now would like to be at least little more prepared.

NeedScripts

[bcc1234]

I use to practice Aikido in my teens and heard a lot of knowledgeable people with different backgrounds say one thing: Aikido is one of the most sophisticated and powerful matrial arts out there, but it takes forever to master even the basics of it.
So if you want to have some fun and relax then go for it. If you want to be able to kick some ass in the street then try something else. You'll get good at twisting arms really fast, but won't move much far beyond that for the next 10 years or so.

[Hawkgirl]

I think the various martial arts are kind of like religion to most people. :) Hard to argue - everyone has a favorite.

Probably anything you pick and work hard at you'll come to love. I took American Kenpo for several years and really enjoyed it.

[caine]

Aikido is an excellant martial art, culmination of many martial arts. Really good for floor control.
Judo's a good one for floor based brawls.
Then their is Kung-Fu, mental martial art, puts the rest to shame, though to get good at it takes a heck of a lot of time and training.

[tbear]

Hmmmm..... well, before I say anything I must confess to being a black belt instructor for Jiu Jitsu..... :+)
Aikido and judo come from jiu jitsu......
As do most of the japanese arts.....
I tend to walk away rather than kick any body's head in... LOL
With Jiu Jitsu I'm sure you can find a way to walk away with dignity and pride...... well you might have to do a little show too.... LOL
My teachers were the best in England 'Professor Clark' for example.....
At the end of the day it all depends on your putting in, in order to take out.... if you know what I mean.

[mivox]

Then their is Kung-Fu...

Originally, "kung fu" just meant any skill or ability learned over time, through practice.

My mom got caught by that once, when an asian woman she knew invited her to a "meeting" to learn about her "powerful kung fu". About all my mom knew was that I studied Tai Chi at the time, and she mentioned that to the woman... who replied that their "kung fu" was much more powerful.

It turned out to be a religious recruitment meeting. They strongly advised us all not to eat meat, garlic, shallots or onions, among other things... This strict diet combined with specific ritual and meditation practices was the "kung fu" the woman was talking about.

Don't know about it being "more powerful" than Tai Chi, but it sounded like it would probably help someone with bad breath. ;)

[Macguru]

I use to chalenge every martial artists I meet, even insult them. Then I get free massages for as long they can breathe.

[edit_g]

I'll take this off the far eastern flavour a little ways by reccommending capoeira. I've been doing it for a while and if you're looking to get fit while you learn self-defence it is a great choice. Also - it will impress the hell out of people when you show them your skills (keep in mind that to be even vaugely impressive you have to have been doing it a fair while, say, 6 months).

Going to a capoeira class is a bit like doing interval training without the breaks (for two hours) - but you either get fit or you break in two...

[Woz]

Tai Chi as it is defensive. I was told the story when I was taking lessons of the Tai Chi who was challenged by various other Matial Arts Masters and he beat everyone simply by relaxing and doing his normal exercises.

Also, Tai Chi is as much for the mind as the body.

Onya
Woz

[limbo]

Karate is an excellent discipline - one of the most common martial arts and has many different styles. I praticed Wado Ryu for a number of years (I am training again to take it up again this summer). It had an amazing effect on my life.

For Karate with real bite (you have to be tough for this!) try Shotokan. My father is second dan and has suffered many injuries over the years but absolutely swears by it.

<added>

I would also do some background reading on the few choices you might select. There is such a huge variety that a discipline for one would not suit another. The few you have listed have very interesting histories in both China and Japan. Understanding how a martial art was first developed makes learning the art even more rewarding. Happy hunting :)

</added>

[TheWhippinpost]

>> My teachers were the best in England 'Professor Clark' for example..... <<

Hey tbear, I was fortunate enough to live near Jim Papes' School if you remember him - He even had a little bar - Of course, the cops never had to hassle him ;¬)

Woz said:
>> Tai Chi as it is defensive. <<

I think they all teach it as a defensive discipline, I know we certainly were. If a court discovered that you practiced it and initiated the attack, good lick in prison :¬p

[outrun]

If weapons are your thing find a good Jedi School or a Jedi Master, but the prerequisites are high.

[Woz]

>initiated the attack
True. Many years ago a Police friend told of an incident he was incolved in where a persona was question by the Police for a trivial incident, relatively speaking, and found to have a boomerang in his pocket.
Q - Why do you have that?
A - To defend myself.

Person was booked for carrying a concealed weapon.

Onya
Woz

[Monkscuba]

All I know is the original "Ultimate Fighting" champion was a Jiu Jitsu guy, Royce Gracie. People would be on top of him half choking him and still he'd be in control and win the fight. And he wasn't a really big guy either.

I did a bit of Aikido in my youth. It seemed to mostly be about the art of getting out of the way of the attack and redirecting the attackers power. I was also a local sprint champion. I found running like hell to be a good defense.

[JonB]

"run" is the best martial art that to use when there is a fight coming ;)

[lazerzubb]

I find Shak-ate quite useful :)
Then i Go Ogle them :)

Whatever they are using in Hidden dragon crouching tiger movie i would like to learn.

[ncsuk]

I used to do Ju-Jitsu

I think its by far the best all round and it tires you out something chronic, good for the pulonary and respitory system as well as being able to kick some muggers ass.

[Visit Thailand]

You have already learnt one of the best things that martial arts can teach you when you rolled up your windows and took a little abuse.

However having a little knowledge can always be helpful I actually like the art of Karate.

[Skylo]

>>"run" is the best martial art that to use when there is a fight coming ;)

Ahhhh JonB and Monkscuba I see you to are master of art "Run-u-fa"
Maybe after years of training we meet and spar. Haaaaaaaayah!

[Monkscuba]

Monkscuba I see you to are master of art "Run-u-fa"

..used to be. getting fat now. Living in Thailand helps. People don't fight too much. They are said to be "Jai Yen", or cool hearted. Actually, this is true up to a point. Thai's will smile, smile smile, but if you cross a certain line they will deck you with no warning. Many of them know a thing or two about Muay Thai. Knees and elbows a-flying.

So I just try to be Jai Yen myself and not piss anyone off. It's the best policy if you are a foreigner. Wherever you live.

You could say that being nice is a martial art.

[TheWhippinpost]

>> Royce Gracie <<

Ah yes, I remember seeing the video of that fight, he was all over this muscle-clad guy like a chameleon crawling a rock. At the time of the opponents defeat, Gracie was being held upside down by this guy and appeared to be losing but suddenly the opponent suddenly submitted...IIRC, Gracie had broken his wrist, or arm.