Martial Arts

[Telvanni_guard]

I was thinking of learning a Martial Art. For no other reason than to fill my spare time (if and when it pops up) and maybe to stay fit.

I'd like to attempt to learn one that plays to my strengths, for no other reason than if I do get attacked, I'd feel better doing something I was already okay at then something I was terrible at to become decent.

In my own opinion of myself I am decent at:

Mobility.
Most punches.
Low kicks. Others I find myself straining.
Ground submissions.
Grapples.

More or less I'm looking for a Martial Art emphasising getting in close and grabbing with either take-downs. And a good punching stand-up.

Pankration I've heard of, but don't know if it's still taught or where I could learn it.

I'd point out that I'm about 5'7 and weigh in at about 170, because I'm not sure if that would be a factor or not.

[SethSquall]

Re: Martial Arts

I think Ju-jutsu would be good for you. I think im right in saying Ju-jutsu studies a lot of hand to hand grappling which leads into using other peoples weight and height against then. Like they come at you, you flip them over into a submission or something. I think that would suite your stature and weight. Plus I guess you have to be fast in order to counter these attacks. You sound a little like me in the sense of being small but quick. If strength isn't your strong point I think this Martial Art is for you as it relies on using others strength against them.

I think this style is good for you becuase you say you are good for the following,

In my own opinion of myself I am decent at:

Mobility.
Low kicks. Others I find myself straining.
Ground submissions.
Grapples.

Mobility - I guess you should need to be dextrous in order to counter etc.
Lowkicks - Good for tripping people I guess?
Ground submissions - I think after countering you would apply submission holds.
Grapples - I think Ju-jutsu study grapples, counters and both at the same time.

Long story short, I think you should look into Ju-jutsu. In my opinion I quite like Ju-jutsu because its quite a placid and non aggressive art. Its like, "I don't want to fight you, but if you try anything your going down". Well you could always be aggressive with it but it's not really an offensive style.

[Snuffles1012]

Re: Martial Arts

I've taught myself to fight and fight well, i have an older brother whos in highschool and on the football team and some ppl refer to him as the guy who looks like he's on steroids. (i'll be in highschool next year) and have taken him down.
Most people think me of a nerd, but i do have cool friends and other things that defend me. Most of my classmates don't know it but I'm stronger than all of them. So, what i do is I tackle,throw,trip,or do the classic arm behind the back, when people annoy me. I don't get in trouble, because i didn't actually hurt them. So i recomend ju-jutsu, but you'll probably want to know how to throw a good punch too.

[Reach]

Re: Martial Arts

Looks like you might want to learn Judo then. It was developed from jujitsu, and it more specifically dealing with grappling and submitting the opponent.


Weight tends not to matter much in most styles. You'd be surprised, my uncle takes Judo and I've learned from him, but he's like 250 pounds (of muscle) and his teacher was like 140 pounds and could beat him easily.

Weight doesn't matter mostly because speed is more important, and you can take down anyone of any size with the correct technique. I was surprised, after learning a bit, how easy it was to take down someone nearly twice your size.

Assuming this person twice your size isn't a martial artist...you'd be in trouble then but, most people that start fights arn't trained.

[Tokzic]

Re: Martial Arts

I've taken a couple martial arts, it sounds like jiu jitsu would be your bag. It's not so much a blow-dealing (punches kicks etc.) style, but more a wrestling and submission sort of thing. People call it "street wrestling" a lot because it's extremely effective in reality and hella fun just to spar with your friends.

You learn:

a) takedowns (to put your opponent in position for (b))
b) holds (which let you get into position for (c))
c) submissions (This is a light term for "ways to choke your opponent to death, break and/or dislocate bones")
d) how to avoid (a), (b), and (c).

It relates to what you want rather well. Dexterity is EXTREMELY useful in a spar, as that's what you'll need to get the guy before they get you. You'll need some physical strength if you're going to compete, but it's not essential for everyday sparring - if someone gets you in a hold you are unfamilliar with, chances are all you'll be able to do is sit there like a bag of meat if you can't muscle your way out, and this will completely throw favor away from you in a match. It is definitely a close-up art, and grappling and submissions are not just involved - they are what it revolves around. Outside of the dojo, if you fight a guy that doesn't know jiu jitsu, if you can get him in a hold before he incapacitates you, he can't do anything about it and you've won. Even if you never use it, it's great exercise.

So yeah, go jiu jitsu. I had a blast doing it, I wish I still could.

[xCavemaNx]

Re: Martial Arts

Or Karate has alot to do with punches to and les about the legs so that could be a good thing, or be like my dad and do karate, kungfu, and 24 other Martial arts.

[Telvanni_guard]

Re: Martial Arts

Karate deals more with leg extensions along with punching, and most grapples in Karate are designed to set the opponent up for another attack.

I'll read into a bit of both Judo and Jujitsu. Leaning more toward the Judo side. Thanks for the recommendations.

[MonkeyFoo]

Re: Martial Arts

I take kung fu and ju jitsu, and I teach kung fu. From what you say, yeah it seems like ju jitsu plays most to your strengths. From what I've done of judo, it doesn't seem as fun or as useful as ju jitsu. I also feel like I get a better workout from ju jitsu because when I actually grapple with someone, I need to use a lot more power than I do in kung fu. So I actually build muscle, which is a benefit I like. Though if you actually want to learn how to defend yourself, definitely go for kung fu.

[dancefloorkilla]

Re: Martial Arts

Actually Hapkido or Tae kwon do because both can keep you very fit and give you incredable speed and stamina and reaction time . they also deal with alot of grapples well hapkido does so yea either one of those would be good for you.

[evilbutterfly]

Re: Martial Arts

If only more than like 3 people worldwide taught drunken boxing. ;___;

[dancefloorkilla]

Re: Martial Arts

Watch this video and you will see why you should do hapkido .

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0yZihj8Fi98&mode=related&search=

[tsugomaru]

Re: Martial Arts

It is an ancient Chinese art,
everybody knew their part.

~Tsugomaru