Help with reality

[fighter11111]

I'm looking to start a martial art. I've gone to a Muay Thai gym, a karate dojo, and will be attending a kung fu dojo next week. The Muay Thai offered the power and sparring I'd like, but the karate seemed to be deeper. There were so many things to take in ("immovable stances" and things), along with pressure points and locks that would seem to be better in a self defense situation than Muay Thai.

I've also looked into Jujitsu. I haven't attended a dojo yet, but I'm trying to read as much about it as I can.

I realize that it's not the art that makes someone good, but how hard you train. I'm willing to train to the max, but want to be pointed in the right direction. Is Muay Thai the way to go for absolute power, or do I want jujitsu or karate for the locks. I'd hate to train muay thai and then get one hit by some karate guru with a pressure point.

Can anyone give me some advice?

Thanks.

[jubaji]

How old are you?

[fighter11111]

I'm 19 years old.

[fighter11111]

I also know a few heavy duty black belts that have been in traditional martial arts for several years, and have also gone in the ring with boxing. They prefer traditional, but I'm not sure why...

just throwing it out there

[gregimotis]

What do you want; is the question that needs answering.




Of the styles you listed, Muay Thai is by far the fastest road to effective fighting.

[jeff5]

The techniques and training methodology make Muay Thai hard to beat. There are other effective arts out there, but if you want to learn to defend yourself fairly quickly, I'd say Muay Thai is where its at.

[fighter11111]

But what about pressure points and things? Over the long haul (years) would it be beneficial to learn karate?

[gregimotis]

But what about pressure points and things? Over the long haul (years) would it be beneficial to learn karate?

Sure, those things may be useful over the long haul, but a hard right hand delivered to the point of the jaw will do the same thing as some pressure point strike and will be much easier to learn and deliver.

[jubaji]

Any judo places nearby?

[fighter11111]

Thanks guys. Muay Thai makes sense. Quick question on that though. Are you able to fight multiple opponents, or do you square off towards one? I'm not looking to take on a gang, but I've heard things about martial arts training for groups.

I'll look into judo and check the yellow pages. Is judo useful in a fight?

[fighter11111]

How does Judo compare with Jujitsu (japanese or brasillian)?

[jubaji]

I think you're young enough to get started with something like judo that is a bit more physically demanding (rough), that will give you some immediate, practical stopping power on 'da street,' a good enough ground game in a reasonable amount of time, and a great workout.

[jubaji]

Quick question on that though. Are you able to fight multiple opponents, or do you square off towards one? I'm not looking to take on a gang, but I've heard things about martial arts training for groups.

Unless your training involves firearms, anyone who tells you that you will learn how to fight groups is selling you snake oil. Kali or something like that would give you a good shot as well, but either way one against a group is rarely gonna work out well.

[Garland]

I think you're young enough to get started with something like judo that is a bit more physically demanding (rough).

motherfucker's never taken muay thai. Jeezus Ju...walk down to the nearest decent muay thai gym and watch the fighters train. Just sit in on it...who knows...maybe ask to try it out for an evening...might do you some good...would certainly offer you some insight and humility.

[Garland]

Unless your training involves firearms, anyone who tells you that you will learn how to fight groups is selling you snake oil.

every once in a long while we used to do group drills in FIST gear. If anything else it's fun. Team games, or individual games... goals like "getting to the door", or "getting to the weapon first"...etc. Have like, two on one, three on one...or one on one. We even ran drills like they used to do in football; lay on your backs...and in the middle of the room, there would be a selection of ratan sticks or training knives. At the whistle, you could go for the weapons, or try to beat down the opponent etc.

In retrospect...we should've set up chairs and stuff too...
I love shit like that.