Hello! Wanted to say hi as well as ask for some advice...

[jread]

Hello everyone!

I have decided to return to martial arts after about 7 years away from it. I've just now gotten everything situated to where I'll be able to start training again. I'm back in great shape (after being in horrible shape for about 4 years or so) and have the time/money to get involved.

My previous experience was in Tae Kwon Do where I made my way up to 1st Degree Blackbelt. My instructor taught us the old-school way, with lots of sparring and less rules than you usually see now. I loved sparring because it's what really "teaches" you to apply what you learn in class. Unfortunately, my instructor passed away from cancer shortly after I got my blackbelt, I couldn't find another school that I liked, ended up moving to another city a year later, so on and so forth.

Now I'm ready to get back into it and was wondering if you guys could give me a little advice:

I live in Austin, Texas and there is quite a selection of schools to choose from around here. I have looked around, talked to people, etc., and I've narrowed it down to three schools. They are all MMA schools but the styles they teach vary a little. Which one would you go with?

1. Kickboxing/Vale Tudo/Free-Style Wrestling/Stick and Knife Fighting

2. Muay Thai/Jeet Kune Do/Kali Silat

3. Muay Thai/Jeet Kune Do/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu


What combo sounds the most well-rounded to you? I do have to admit that I'd love to learn Muay Thai as I come from a "standup-style" background, but I also am eager to learn grappling as I haven't had much previous training in this area.


Thanks

[darrianation]

Honestly I like all of them especially 1 & 3. But I would go with the one that:
1) Fits closest to your goals. (Self-defense, competition, interests like weapons/grappling, conditioning/strengthening, and etc).
2) The one with better and proven instructors.
3) Over all enjoyability.

Other things to take into consideration (like it or not) Costs, proximity, like ability of your instructors, and etc .Check them all out. Talk to instructors and students; see how positive and motivated they are. Go and watch sessions and take up any offers for a free complimentary tours/class.

Anyway sounds like you have some good choices there in Austin, good luck with your decision and welcome.

[moogong]

Personally, I like the Muay Thai/Jeet Kune Do/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. You get a really good striking and grappeling program with a cool set of concepts behing them. You can always add stick fighthing later.
Good luck!