what is the best martial arts for me to learn?

[jobber-d]

I am 16 years old and am looking for a suitable martial arts. I am mainly looking for a martial art that is useful in real-life situations, so i can defend myself siginificantly. My first choice was Krav Maga, but unfortunately there are no schools that teach that in my vicinity. I have heard positive things about many styles, such as Uechi-Ryu Karate, or TIger style Kung Fu, etc. etc. Im not looking for anything flashy and "cool", or anything that trains me to spar in tournaments. What would you people suggest me to take? Preferably the school would teach me basic self defense techniques in 10 months or less, although it is not a necessity. Thank you for your time

[Qkfx]

ok

BJJ, or Okinawan Crane-Fu

[Szczepankiewicz]

Is it me or are there a lot of trolls out asking questions "Which is the best Martial Art?"

F

[Biker]

How does one post asking a question count as a troll? Not everybody has the time and money to study more than one martial art.

[Szczepankiewicz]

You are correct sir, one question a troll does not make.

In the past couple of days there has been several. Maybe, just maybe someone is trying to spark some lively conversations.

Or maybe they are just genuinely interested in information. Who is to say?

[jobber-d]

I know lots of people ask "what's the best martial arts" when really its like asking "whats the best type of food". Its all a matter of preference, style, and needs. Which is why i put "whats the best martial arts FOR ME". wasn't really expecting one definitive answer. Let me specify my needs a bit. Im not really looking for grappling or throwing moves (like judo, or wrestling), or any high flying kicks. It would be great if the art could teach me the basics of these things, but it should focus mainly on fast strikes with your hand and low kicks

[Lacrymosa]

Shaq-Fu

He's won two NBA Championships with that style. Hands down!

It's an easy system to learn, too!

Step 1: Be Shaq.
Step 2: Refer to step 1.

[KenJeet]

If you are looking for a fast hand strike system combined with low kicks you should look no further than Ed Parker's American Kenpo or Jun Fan Gung Fu/Jeet Kune Do Concepts. Now, that being said, if you are looking for a system that has a list of self defense techniques for different situation, I would then go with Ed Parker's American Kenpo. I train in both systems and would be happy to answer any other questions you may have on either one.

[jobber-d]

hmmm.....

from what you said, kenpo sounded like a good martial arts style for me, so I did a little more research on it and found it was just what i was looking for. What do the rest of you feel about Kenpo? is it the right style for me?

[JaredExtreme]

I was thinking about the whole self denfense thing and I realized that when I was in Okinawan Karate about a year ago (brown belt), I could probably defend myself much better than now. But, I think if I were to fight a clone of myself a year ago in a SPORT vale tudo situation, I would win. I guess what I'm trying to say is that most Karate is good at teaching a certain self-defense "mindset" by stressing short, simple, techniques. Most of the lessons I was taught were, for example "Block, punch, elbow, sweep, RUN AWAY". Those techniques are good, but there's not much "What If?". What if the guy slips the punch? What if he ends up sweeping you? What if the fight takes more than 10 seconds? Etc. So go ahead and learn Karate. Despite what people say, it's not so bad. But, I would also definetly look into a grappling art of some kind to defend yourself from us BJJ muggers who love beating lil Karateka's up. hehe

[SweepEm]

There are many factors to take into account when choosing a martial arts to learn.
First off, if you live in a big city, there will be many schools to chosse from, but if you live in a small town, the selection will be limited.
Secondly, you might read a description of a certain martial art but the teacher will make a big difference in whether or not you will learn and acertain your goals.
Visit a lot of schools and see the teacher instructing a class, ask the students what they expect to learn and how long they've been training.
ask, ask, ask

don't assume anything.

The bottom line is find a school you will have fun at.
This sounds a bit stupid but if you have fun, it will inspire you to come to class and learn and look forward to the next class. There are many that go to schools just because it's "cool" to train there, but that lasts only so far.

[DanInNeckaha]

choosing art

Sweep em is right, it depends a lot on where you live. I live in Omaha, NE. The last three schools I have attended closed down. One other school I was considering also closed. Things are rather limitted here, especially if you are out of the loop on who is teaching or training outside of a regualar school.

I would find out what options you have locally and go to the schools to watch classes and gather general info on fees, class times, etc. Do some homework on your own about the art and if possible the school. Then make a decision. Be careful about signing any contracts.

[Nthman]

On a related note, was driving to work today and saw two Somalian guys duking it out in the middle of the street! When I got there one guy was swinging at the other guy with decent punches but the other guy was evading them just by backing up....not sure what my point is with this..oh here it is, "go with what works for you and do what you enjoy because you will be more likely to stick with it"

[Water Dragon]

Jobber-D
Take a look at Southern Mantis. Do a Yahoo search under Chow Gar

[likuid]

you might want to check out the deadly art of Dim Sum...it has been combat tested by the legendary warrior General Tso