Would like to get into a martial art, mainly to learn self defense tactics. There's a BJJ school near me and a Wing Chen (sp) King Fu nearby too. Anyone start a MA as an adult and do you enjoy it?
Karate (several different types)
Aikido
Kickboxing (Muay Thai) and Boxing
And now BJJ.
I started BJJ in my mid 30's. I am now 43 and a Brown Belt. I honestly feel that BJJ is the best one to do and it isn't that close. It is great exercise. Most schools start calss with specific self defense situations before we get into the ground techniques and rolling (sparring). It is one of the few martial arts you can practice at full speed against an opponent. There seems to me much more camaraderie in BJJ than the other martial arts I've been part of.
later I'm still training. Can't recommend it strongly enough. Just be careful if you choose a gym that trains competitive fighters. You do not have to be fresh meat.
I got bored with the traditional martial art after about six years and pursued kickboxing. After a few years of that I started submission grappling. Eventually they all blend together.
And some BJJ at Beta Academy off 14th and Florida Ave NW. Best workout you’ll ever get. And Beta takes the combat seriously so it’s not some strip mall karate class.
I know you’re out in MD but if you are around the city enough I recommend BETA.
Mainly because Most places do not teach it correctly. Never
Mind it’s usually not fought by people who really studied it for years. Also do u actually need to pay someone to teach you how to poke someone in the eyes or kick them in the balls? Safe your cash.
Karate and King Fu are good if you just want to get more flexible, but if you really want self defense not very effective in a real situation
I’m a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even that has a lot of limitations. Training 9 years.
Ill second BJJ and Muy Thai together If you have to actually fight. I started when was 42 so age isn’t an issue. 51 now. Fighting is a Last last last resort. The best self defense is to never have to fight. Or run if you can.
I do one MMA class and one one wrestling class. Also you must train at least 3 times a week to really learn. I go 4-5
Start with what automatically comes naturaly to you.
If you're in a bar, having a good time talking to your wife or friends or whatever, and some belligerent guy starts something with you, what do you do?
He might do something while you're still trying to figure out
why he is bothering you in the first place.
Self defense is instant reaction. It is street.
Think about how you would naturally react, and then answer your own question.
Many martial arts are incredibly effective, if youre going to dedicate your life to learning them. But in the real world, we all have jobs and lives.
Somebody wants to hurt you on the street and you try that fancy wrist lock, good luck.
Think about how you would most naturally react in a real life situation, and start from there.
But definitely learn some form of grappling, never be defenseless
on the ground.
The ceremonial crap like katas and such nonsense the do Krav Maga. It is true self defense. If you like all the flying kicks and spin m9ves with the useless katas then do traditional.
BJJ is great if you like to grapple and don’t mind ending up on the ground. But if you want to learn moves to end the encounter quickly then Krav Maga.
I Taekwondo. I take him every week and have often thought of joining. I am 49. However, I’m a below the knee amputee and taekwondo just seems to have more kicks that I probably can’t do. I’m looking for a discipline that might be more suited for me here in the northern Virginia area. I’ve heard jujitsu might work better. If you want to do it yo should regardless of age. I just started taking guitar lessons again after not playing for about 25 years. It’s never too late if it is something you really want
see what works for you. It's like any sport, your body and its' abilities, comfort level - might favor a certain sport.
It's like a handgun - which one is best, the one you will practice with and be most comfortable with is probably the one you will be most effective with.
What do you want to do in a self-defense situation - for the average person, that may well be, quick immediate incapacitation and escape (e.g., crushing family jewels, eye or throat strike).
RE: Kungfu, "not being good for self-defense, mostly showy - could not disagree more.
Think it was Bruce Lee who said "95% of fighting is conditioning". Doesn't do you any good to become proficient at any martial art only to become winded after 30 seconds of fighting.
A mugger? A bar fight? Armed or unarmed assailant?
One thing is for sure, the last thing you want to do is get overconfident about your ability to handle yourself in a situation. All of the training I’m the world may not equip you to handle certain adversaries in certain situations. Overestimating your ability to handle a situation because you have some training can get you killed.
real boxing teaches a very complete system of combatives; footwork, striking, relaxation, breathing, flexibility, body mechanics, targeting, reading an opponent, offensive and defensive strategy, conditioning, and so on.
good boxing includes an understanding of, using, or dealing with elbow, knee, footstomp, clinch, choke, and push techniques, old school boxing could be quite rough inside the ring and outright deadly outside of it. the proper manner of punching with a closed fist, sans gloves, was taught of course, but many old school guys knew the benefit of a palm slap, finger jab, or a trapping move.
further more, western boxing has a lineage originating in the pragmatic and combat oriented traditions of europe, back to the romans and greeks. that is a fighting lineage as long as any asian martial system. boxing, like all really effective systems, is kept simple enough to be easily learned, complex enough to be adaptable, and capable of being a very enjoyable hobby for most anyone.
Add Wrestling (for grappling skills) and moves from judo/jujutsu, and you have a very effective base for self defense. All the martial arts have value (both Eastern and Western), but the key to all of them is stamina, conditioning, and learning how to hit and be hit, something that old style boxing is excellent for.
Here are a couple of Quora links about Street Defense and Martial arts you might find useful. Most of the people quoted agree that avoidance and being in control is best:
I did it for years. No-nonsense, street oriented skills. First rule, don't get in a situation where you need it. The smallest guy could have a knife in his pocket and be skilled at using it. Then you're screwed. I think every woman should have some basic self defense as well.
BJJ is great but like any ground oriented MA, what are you going to do if you've got your guy in a lock on the ground and his buddy comes from behind and smashes you in the head with a beer bottle?
RE: Krav Maga is not a good self defense art IMO. Â
Mainly because Most places do not teach it correctly. Never
Mind it’s usually not fought by people who really studied it for years. Also do u actually need to pay someone to teach you how to poke someone in the eyes or kick them in the balls? Safe your cash.
Karate and King Fu are good if you just want to get more flexible, but if you really want self defense not very effective in a real situation
I’m a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even that has a lot of limitations. Training 9 years.
Ill second BJJ and Muy Thai together If you have to actually fight. I started when was 42 so age isn’t an issue. 51 now. Fighting is a Last last last resort. The best self defense is to never have to fight. Or run if you can.
I do one MMA class and one one wrestling class. Also you must train at least 3 times a week to really learn. I go 4-5
Good luck
This is excellent advice all the way around. At least I’m of the same mindset.
Another thing I will tell you is, when you first start don’t try and hit as hard, kick as hard and push yourself as hard as you can. You need to start easy and grow into it. Your body isn’t ready for that kind of punishment. I started hard and a trainer finally got me to control myself until I could actually handle it. Good luck with what ever you choose.
I Taekwondo. I take him every week and have often thought of joining. I am 49. However, I’m a below the knee amputee and taekwondo just seems to have more kicks that I probably can’t do. I’m looking for a discipline that might be more suited for me here in the northern Virginia area. I’ve heard jujitsu might work better. If you want to do it yo should regardless of age. I just started taking guitar lessons again after not playing for about 25 years. It’s never too late if it is something you really want
m
BJJ could work. Obviously your limitation will be something to overcome but workable. I would suggest you go to a few Schools in the area. Talk to them. Find a school that is more about the art. Where you like the people. Go a few times. It’s not that one school is better or worse. You need a school for you. My academy has a lot of older professionals.
I’m 52. In Today’s class we had 6 guys over 50. We have a huge age range of course but you don’t need to be in a place that may specialize in MMA As well or competitions. We have one guy who is 62 and another who is 68. Age nor your injury should stop you. I have a lot of
Connections all over the country so wether it’s help you find a place or just to get more info happy to chat more via email FB or whatever
Good luck and Lmk
I've studied a bunch of martial arts through the years Â
Currently I am training in Krav Maga, but my instructor is an ex-Israeli army guy, so the instruction is top notch. I feel that it is some of the best self-defense instruction I have received. Having checked out 3 schools, 2 were great, but one was terrible.
I would recommend thinking through if you are looking to get in shape/more flexible or looking for self-defense and try out a few schools. The instruction quality makes a world of difference.
BJJ is an excellent grappling art and I feel really gets you in shape. Wing Chun is also fun, however, I feel it takes more time to be able to apply it. If you like striking with your hands however, it is a great art.
After trying a few traditional martial arts. Boxing is great fun and a better cardio workout. Obviously I don't go around getting into fights, but if someone decided to throw a punch at me, I might not freak out as badly as I would have 5 years ago.
Aikido
Kickboxing (Muay Thai) and Boxing
And now BJJ.
I started BJJ in my mid 30's. I am now 43 and a Brown Belt. I honestly feel that BJJ is the best one to do and it isn't that close. It is great exercise. Most schools start calss with specific self defense situations before we get into the ground techniques and rolling (sparring). It is one of the few martial arts you can practice at full speed against an opponent. There seems to me much more camaraderie in BJJ than the other martial arts I've been part of.
I got bored with the traditional martial art after about six years and pursued kickboxing. After a few years of that I started submission grappling. Eventually they all blend together.
Over the years I have tried most of the popular forms
I do not think that it makes a difference which style or type you try
More importantly you need to find a good Sensei
There is a difference in how beginners are taught in Karate vs BJ
Brazilian Jujitsu requires a certain amount of physicality. You will learn techniques by actually implementing techniques and roling
Karate is more about learning the techniques and forms through repetition
I know you’re out in MD but if you are around the city enough I recommend BETA.
Mind it’s usually not fought by people who really studied it for years. Also do u actually need to pay someone to teach you how to poke someone in the eyes or kick them in the balls? Safe your cash.
Karate and King Fu are good if you just want to get more flexible, but if you really want self defense not very effective in a real situation
I’m a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even that has a lot of limitations. Training 9 years.
Ill second BJJ and Muy Thai together If you have to actually fight. I started when was 42 so age isn’t an issue. 51 now. Fighting is a Last last last resort. The best self defense is to never have to fight. Or run if you can.
I do one MMA class and one one wrestling class. Also you must train at least 3 times a week to really learn. I go 4-5
Good luck
If you're in a bar, having a good time talking to your wife or friends or whatever, and some belligerent guy starts something with you, what do you do?
He might do something while you're still trying to figure out
why he is bothering you in the first place.
Self defense is instant reaction. It is street.
Think about how you would naturally react, and then answer your own question.
Many martial arts are incredibly effective, if youre going to dedicate your life to learning them. But in the real world, we all have jobs and lives.
Somebody wants to hurt you on the street and you try that fancy wrist lock, good luck.
Think about how you would most naturally react in a real life situation, and start from there.
But definitely learn some form of grappling, never be defenseless
on the ground.
Who is the Master?
BJJ is great if you like to grapple and don’t mind ending up on the ground. But if you want to learn moves to end the encounter quickly then Krav Maga.
It's like a handgun - which one is best, the one you will practice with and be most comfortable with is probably the one you will be most effective with.
What do you want to do in a self-defense situation - for the average person, that may well be, quick immediate incapacitation and escape (e.g., crushing family jewels, eye or throat strike).
RE: Kungfu, "not being good for self-defense, mostly showy - could not disagree more.
One thing is for sure, the last thing you want to do is get overconfident about your ability to handle yourself in a situation. All of the training I’m the world may not equip you to handle certain adversaries in certain situations. Overestimating your ability to handle a situation because you have some training can get you killed.
Boxing for self-defense, is it effective?
From the comments:
good boxing includes an understanding of, using, or dealing with elbow, knee, footstomp, clinch, choke, and push techniques, old school boxing could be quite rough inside the ring and outright deadly outside of it. the proper manner of punching with a closed fist, sans gloves, was taught of course, but many old school guys knew the benefit of a palm slap, finger jab, or a trapping move.
further more, western boxing has a lineage originating in the pragmatic and combat oriented traditions of europe, back to the romans and greeks. that is a fighting lineage as long as any asian martial system. boxing, like all really effective systems, is kept simple enough to be easily learned, complex enough to be adaptable, and capable of being a very enjoyable hobby for most anyone.
Add Wrestling (for grappling skills) and moves from judo/jujutsu, and you have a very effective base for self defense. All the martial arts have value (both Eastern and Western), but the key to all of them is stamina, conditioning, and learning how to hit and be hit, something that old style boxing is excellent for.
Here are a couple of Quora links about Street Defense and Martial arts you might find useful. Most of the people quoted agree that avoidance and being in control is best:
Is regular Boxing still any use for street self-defense now that more people know some MMA and may even be reasonably good at it?
What is it like to be a trained martial artist and have an untrained person on the street want to fight you?
BJJ is great but like any ground oriented MA, what are you going to do if you've got your guy in a lock on the ground and his buddy comes from behind and smashes you in the head with a beer bottle?
Mind it’s usually not fought by people who really studied it for years. Also do u actually need to pay someone to teach you how to poke someone in the eyes or kick them in the balls? Safe your cash.
Karate and King Fu are good if you just want to get more flexible, but if you really want self defense not very effective in a real situation
I’m a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even that has a lot of limitations. Training 9 years.
Ill second BJJ and Muy Thai together If you have to actually fight. I started when was 42 so age isn’t an issue. 51 now. Fighting is a Last last last resort. The best self defense is to never have to fight. Or run if you can.
I do one MMA class and one one wrestling class. Also you must train at least 3 times a week to really learn. I go 4-5
Good luck
This is excellent advice all the way around. At least I’m of the same mindset.
Another thing I will tell you is, when you first start don’t try and hit as hard, kick as hard and push yourself as hard as you can. You need to start easy and grow into it. Your body isn’t ready for that kind of punishment. I started hard and a trainer finally got me to control myself until I could actually handle it. Good luck with what ever you choose.
BJJ could work. Obviously your limitation will be something to overcome but workable. I would suggest you go to a few Schools in the area. Talk to them. Find a school that is more about the art. Where you like the people. Go a few times. It’s not that one school is better or worse. You need a school for you. My academy has a lot of older professionals.
I’m 52. In Today’s class we had 6 guys over 50. We have a huge age range of course but you don’t need to be in a place that may specialize in MMA As well or competitions. We have one guy who is 62 and another who is 68. Age nor your injury should stop you. I have a lot of
Connections all over the country so wether it’s help you find a place or just to get more info happy to chat more via email FB or whatever
Good luck and Lmk
I would recommend thinking through if you are looking to get in shape/more flexible or looking for self-defense and try out a few schools. The instruction quality makes a world of difference.
BJJ is an excellent grappling art and I feel really gets you in shape. Wing Chun is also fun, however, I feel it takes more time to be able to apply it. If you like striking with your hands however, it is a great art.