Question for martial arts people

[rossatdi]

I'd quite like to take up some form of martial art. Primarily for physical fitness but self-defence in realistic situations would be a major thing as well. I'm really really not into learning the history of something and not really a believer in spiritual stuff.

I'm not naturally a flexible or agile guy but I am naturally very strong. I was looking for something that might fit me (I'm never going to be able to do flying reverse jump kicks!).

I was actually thinking about straight up amateur boxing but a lot of that is now about rapid hitting for point anyway. I was also thinking about Krav Maga but finding a club is difficult in NW London. I dig the whole mechanically designed fighting style thing.

Suggestions?

 

[Phillosophic]

I would suggest Wing Chun (simple, scientific, good for joints), Muay Thai (keep you physically fit, can implement western boxing training & punches to the style). You saying you are physically strong & not very flexible I would also recommend Judo or Ju-Jitsu in one of it's various forms. Just go to a few classes, watch or take part. Everyone has different tastes, what works for me might not for you.

Whatever you find I hope you enjoy

 

[rossatdi]

Just looking on youtube and wiki Wing Chun looks really cool. I like the whole controlling the other person with simple arm movements and then just going for a weak spot.

I think kicks are over used in most martial arts (short period doing some karate) but the Wing Chun focus on efficiency seems awesome. Actually looks like a useful way of defending yourself from a punch too.

 

[EnzoHonda]

I'll vote for Judo. Yes, it has a lot of sporting elements, but do it for a month and you'll feel safe walking down any street at night (whether you actual are is another matter). Also, good Judo clubs are easy find because of the fact that it is also a sport. So there are lots of people with lots of training.

I will say this though, whatever you pick (and do pick something, you'll love it), there are two things you need to realize: 1. If the class is any good, you will want to quit after your first lesson because your whole body will be sore. Push though this and you will be much happier. 2. Don't judge by appearance. My best instructor was a 5'4" Egyptian woman working out of a multipurpose room at my university. She was awesome.

 

[k019]

Not to steal rossatdi's thunder, I have the same question but instead of being a big guy, Im 5 fot 10 and 125 pounds. Im about as slender of a build as you can get what martial arts should I look toward.

 

[rossatdi]

If the class is any good, you will want to quit after your first lesson because your whole body will be sore.

That would be a reason to go back! I've basically spent the last 6 months with at least one ache or muscle pain, its become pretty natural!

Might think about judo actually. The lack of striking is a turn off though.

 

[rossatdi]

Not to steal rossatdi's thunder, I have the same question but instead of being a big guy, Im 5 fot 10 and 125 pounds. Im about as slender of a build as you can get what martial arts should I look toward.

That's alright! I'm 5'10 and 200 pounds, so no flying spiral kicks for me! I'm actually quite fit (5km runs a few times a week) but just naturally solid. Fortunately people always guess I'm a lot lighter, so I guess I carry it well. (I must be made out of bricks or something).

 

[asagshdkgljhk]

check out this website.
http://www.bullshido.net/

 

[rossatdi]

check out this website.
http://www.bullshido.net/

Manliest site ever. Grrrrr!

 

[cleverlymadeup]

gonna say judo or brazillian jiu jitsu

muay thai is good but it's a lot of hard work

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Similar to the OP, I'm also looking into possibly doing some martial arts however...

I hate discipline and I'm currently about 20 lbs overweight

Primarily I'm looking for something to get me into better shape, any suggestions?

 

[Wicky_42]

Would recommend Wing Chun or Jeet Kun Do (Jeet Kun Do takes a lot of elements from Wing Chun - it's Bruce Lee's 'style') - just taken up Jeet Kun Do after four years of Tae Kwon Do, and it's a lot more practical. Do miss those flying kicks though...

 

[Cid Silverwing]

Jeet Kune Do is a definite winner.

 

[Supernovajake]

Similar to the OP, I'm also looking into possibly doing some martial arts however...

I hate discipline and I'm currently about 20 lbs overweight

Primarily I'm looking for something to get me into better shape, any suggestions?

Depends on what you like the look of. In most martial arts physical strength is not what it is about. Some good ones have already been suggested, just try to choose one you will enjoy.

 

[hamster mk 4]

The physical benifits you get will be proportional to the level of effort you and your instructor put into your training. That being said the best martial arts class I took was a Shodokan Karate class in college. It is a very traditional Okinowan Martial art that stresses good punches and stances over fancy stuff. The instructors I had did the reps with the students including pushups and situps. I found this preferable to the drill seargent approach I have experienced at other schools.

 

[x434343]

Tae Kwon Do is a long one mainly about kicks. I'm a Black Belt in it, but that's about all I can help you with. The Poomse tecniques are, to say the least, pretty awesome.

 

[jasoncyrus]

Shotokan Karate is a good choice, I picked that one up myself for about 5-7 years. Got my first dan...then ran out of money.

But i was a stead 9-10 stone all the way through it, could do the split, had great stamina and had lightning fast roundhouse kicks.

 

[Duck Sandwich]

Similar to the OP, I'm also looking into possibly doing some martial arts however...

I hate discipline and I'm currently about 20 lbs overweight

Primarily I'm looking for something to get me into better shape, any suggestions?

If you're just looking to get into better shape, taking fitness kickboxing classes may be your best bet. The one I take consists almost entirely of (aside from stretches/situps/pushups) 1-minute sessions of punching/kicking/kneeing/elbowing bags/pads, as opposed to learning techniques like spinning backfists and roundhouse kicks.

 

[Kuweekee]

I have to say (and that's mainly because i practice it myself) that Aikido is really a good choice. It doesn't necessarily need the Strength you're talking about, but it's a great workout, and really helps bring balance to yourself.

Aikido is all about being in balance and neutralizing your opponent without hurting yourself or your opponent. That's what i find the most interesting about it, defeating without hurting.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Similar to the OP, I'm also looking into possibly doing some martial arts however...

I hate discipline and I'm currently about 20 lbs overweight

Primarily I'm looking for something to get me into better shape, any suggestions?

Depends on what you like the look of. In most martial arts physical strength is not what it is about. Some good ones have already been suggested, just try to choose one you will enjoy.

Still, I'm curious as to what makes each martial art enjoyable. Though this fitness kickboxing thingy sounds like it might be fun.