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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
Or was this about a spoon? :)
Ive read up a lot on it, but unfortunately never had the chance to take lessons. Seems pretty interesting. :)
Scott
Many guys including my dad like to box. If you are looking to get into some dirty fighting and winning get some training in Escrima and Marine Corps LINE training. They will teach you to handle yourself and most importantly situation awareness. You could always learn pistol craft too.
What ever you do have fun.
As a newbie, the best way to tell is to find a school with as many higher ranking students ( > 4 or 5 years experience) who's attitude you like. Generally, this is a good indication that the teacher is good. Avoid anything that feels "cultish" or commercial. Also, make sure it is convenient to your location as that will keep you traingin.
If they give away a "free uniform" when you sign up, don't.
In most marshall arts you learn from fellow students as much as the sensei. Good teachers bring good students.
Regards,
Brent
Not true, see previous msg's; 23 & 30. The competition referred to is exactly as you described; no rules, multi-discipline.
martial artists have little or no chance in real fights against even moderately talented wrestler/ground fighters...
Ahem... ;) Let's not go there. I've spent enough time around fighting geeks of various types (wrestling, 'american' kickboxing, various asian fighting styles, etc., etc.) to know that argument will be about as productive as, "So, what's your opinion of the US President right now, anyway?" heheheh
To each their own discipline, eh?
;)
Regards,
Brent
you'll notice that he no longer shows up in contemporary matches where the guys are 250+ pounds and have actual fighting experience
Ultimate Fighting competitions are, IMO, an utterly false way to judge the efficacy of a real-world fighting style. In real life, anyone with any sense will avoid the 250 pound guy with the black belt. In real life, the first thing to do is avoid the fight. The second thing to do, if a fight cannot be avoided, is to find the quickest way to convince the other person to stop it and go away, and prevent yourself from getting hurt.
In real life (IMNSHO), a martial art's purpose should be to teach you discipline, improve your health and fitness, and give you the confidence that comes with knowing you can take care of yourself.
That's what I like about Tai Chi... As a small-boned woman who sits in front of a computer keyboard all day, I am a bit lacking in muscle mass/strength. ;) With an art like Aikido or Tai Chi, the opponents' own size, speed and strength are redirected to be used against them (if you're good enough to pull it off... not making any claims about myself, that's for sure!). It gives the "little guy" (or gal) a good chance to hold their own well enough to drive off an attack, even if kicking the opponent's @ss isn't possible.
hulk hogan can beat all martial arts masters
li's gong fu is real.
i have been following him for over 20 years.
he is good.
I have done tons of fights when I was in the school, but that is very different then in real life. Also, it sounds wonderful to avoid fights at all cause, but things don't always work out the way we want - especially when you are only 5'5", have a wife who is prettier then goddess and when you love to travel.
After doing some research, I actually found a institute within the city limits that teaches Jujitsu and from what I have seen, it seems pretty good - I plan to go there today evening for first trial session, and few more trial sessions and I will be able to decide if this person is as good as he says.
P.S.. what got me thinking about Jujitsu was the story of Royce Gracie (a actually saw a movie clip and interview online), he seems pretty short guy and was able to take care of himself against trained people. I don't plan to do Jujitsu in the ring, but just in real life only if required :)
NeedScripts
<--outta here
Honestly, you need to spar and face an attack at full speed to see what it is like to keep your head. Look at the UFC matches, boxers, thai kickboxers, jujitsu and wrestling usually win or a cross mix of those. You start bending joints in weird ways and it is all over.
I once learned this cool move that breaks the wrist, elbow, and dislocates the shoulder all at once...
With an art like Aikido or Tai Chi, the opponents' own size, speed and strength are redirected to be used against them (if you're good enough to pull it off... not making any claims about myself, that's for sure!)
It is very tough to pull off unless you can get an attacker off balance. Alot of judo stuff doesn't work too well unless you have the strength and balance to manipulate weight.
Tai Chi shouldn't be underestimated. I studied Wang style, including swords. The moves are actually killing moves but that isn't generally apparent as 1) the slower you can move through the form with discipline, the better control you express over your muscles and breathing and 2) you don't spar, but your teacher can show you how the moves connect to which parts of the body (on an opponent). "Push Hands" is something you could do with your wife and helps in learning how to anticipate another's moves and how to respond. But I'd guess for what you stated you wanted, Tai Chi is probably not the best first fit. Also, I think most masters I know would discourage you from learning Tai Chi if you enter into it with the intention to use these moves beyond daily self-health.
Sounds like you need an art that will involve sparring, has more cardio, builds confidence, and also builds your other senses and responses (beyond sight). Any of the 3 you mentioned will serve you; if you have friends who are passionate, and if they are passionate about the instructor or master, I would sit in on the classes and then decide.
Keep us posted on what you decide!
It is very tough to pull off unless you can get an attacker off balance.
But, IRL, most opponents (especially the kinds of jerks who pick fights with a guy out with his wife...) won't be expecting trained opposition, so that may be all the edge you need to get them "off balance" physically and mentally. Add that to the fact that a large number of men who pick fights with strangers are inebriated, and that makes the balance thing a little wobblier on their part... hehe.
But I've also heard great things about Jujitsu. Used to work with a guy who'd studied with Gracie, and he had nothing but great things to say about it. Whatever you're most comfortable using will be the method you use best... and a big part of what you're comfortable with is who teaches it.
Also, I think most masters I know would discourage you from learning Tai Chi if you enter into it with the intention to use these moves beyond daily self-health.
You only need two rules in street fighting:
1.) Hit first and hit HARD.
2.) If there are more than one in the party of antagonizers, hit the BIGGEST one first and hit HARD.
Most street fights are not choreographed affairs, they are usually over less than 60 seconds, the one who hits first wins 99% of the time.
The easiest, and most effective self defense system that I've seen is Krav Maga. It is a system that was originally developed in Israel for the IDF. It is extremely popular with U.S. law enforcement agencies because it doesn't take a long time to become proficent.
I would also add any Brazillian flavor of Jiu-Jitsu. Krav incorporates much of the grappling techniques, but the more comfortable you are on the ground, the better.
The only thing about this guy is, he is little more expensive when compared to most others - but I guess if I wanna learn some quality stuff I might have to pay for it too... :)
well I will keep you guys posted with the final update.
NeedScripts
I have been studying martial arts, of various types since I was six (just turned 36). I have learned nothing, but I have never attacked anyone in my life.
Miles question is very important. Why?
I am not trying to be beligerent, but your answer, NeedScripts, that you want to defend your family doesn't sound right to me. Get a gun, and get a conceal license. That would be a very effective defence, cost less, and doesn't require you practice at least two hours each day for the rest of your life.
Grasshopper might want to think about why grasshopper really want to learn martial arts...;)
Get a gun, and get a conceal license.
NEVER get a gun if you are not really prepared to use it and to wound or even kill people. There is nothing more dangerous than holding a gun but not being mentally ready to shoot. The guy in front of you might have one too and be less inhibited (i.e. drunk, on drugs,...). Best way to get yourself killed.
Gun might seem like a easier way, but learning martial art I am developing a talent within myself that will not only allow me to defend and protect my family & myself against society's dirt and along with learning martial art has its own benefits.
NeedScripts
If you have the protector mind set these things will come natural if you dont then you will have to hone them. Carrying a gun is a great burden knowing you can if need be defend your family against the dreggs of society.
Sinner_G has a good point. If you pull it be prepaired to use it in the manner in which it was designed, to take life to preserve you and your loved ones.
"just does not seem fair to be carrying a gun everywhere you go." Its not fair its a duty to protect your family. When I wake up it goes on when I go to bed it goes off my belt. Ask yourself a few questions why do you carry a spare tire? Just in case. When did Noah build the ark? Before the flood. Carrying a gun does not make you Rambo or some physco who will shoot up a bunch of kids or coworkers its so you can protect against those who would.
If you dont trust yourself dont get one. If you do then get one. In the end you will have to decide that you can take another mans life. Take all he owns and all he is ever going to have. If you are not prepaired to do it then learn a martial arts. If you do then get a good gun and learn to use it well. Be careful guns tend to multiply.
Krava Maga is a very effective way to go. It is used by the IDF. I currently train with a guy who teaches knife fighting to the IDF once a year. Sticky me if you want more info.
My point: Watch yourself, Daniel-son
...I am thinking of learning some form of martial art...
You can 'learn a martial art' or you could 'learn a martial art and learn about yourself'. Fly to Beijing and go by train to Zhengzhou then catch a bus to Shaolin. Seek out Master Shi Heng Jun who is a warrior monk of the Shaolin Temple. Do everything he says for as long as it takes. You will need about $6k for every year you are there even though you will live a very primitive life style.
If you can think of reasons not to go, this is normal but if these reasons stop you going then it is not for you anyway.
If you can stand on your hands for 15 minutes without moving it will help at the interview.
Good luck.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I am Canadian and don't like to think things like that happen here, but they do.
Realize that there are lots of reasons driving away was the best option. I was a Medic in the reserves for five years. Punch a guy in the mouth and cut your hand, then think of all the nasty things you can get from that. Not worth it at all. Even if you don't aim for the mouth, he can move, accidents happen. Really not worth it.
From my police friends, hit a guy and scratch yourself on his needle, then think of all the nasty things you can get from that. Really not worth it.
I bet after five years of training and having the ability to do significant damage that you would still drive away if possible, only with a different attitude. You want the capability ONLY for when you can't drive away.
Regards,
Shane
[edit] Still can't spell, or type, or boht.[/edit]
[humor]inserted above intentionally :) [/humor]
[edited by: Shane at 10:57 pm (utc) on June 6, 2003]
After a few mths of JuJitSu I remember thinking how I *couldn't* get angry in similar situs any more - It took me a while to realise that it was the martial art that was responsible; it gave me a channel to vent my energies but also gave me more confidence which meant I was less scared...and as we know, we only turn violent when we're scared.
