I'm having a problem choosing which type of martial arts to take. So far I have found 4 places that seem decent. 2 chinese- Shaolin Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi Chaun, and 2 Japanese- Akido and Shado Kahn (spelling? this is how it sounded)
Everyone I have talked to about this seems to think that thier style is the best for everyone, and all of the orientals I know tell me to take one from thier country.
A little about me- I'm 15, 5'9", 155 pounds, and I consider myself fairly flexible for one who has not taken martial arts. I wrestle and have a low body fat and I play football. I've been an offensive lineman, but since this season I lost about 25-30 pounds of fat and gained some muscle. I'm looking for an interesting martial art that will improve my reflexes, quickness, flexibility, strength, and speed. I will do martial arts in conjunction with wieght lifting. I consider my lower body to be stonger than my upper body, but my legs move slowly. My arms move fairly fast and I have decent reflexes.
Some drawbacks for me-My legs move fairly slowly and this is something I would like to improve. I have Asthma, but deal with it fairly well. I will probally dedicte a large chunk of time to martial arts until July or August when football starts agian.
It is hard for me to give a description of myself to people, and I don't think my descriptions worked very well. I would prefer a dynamic martial art. Large use of pressure points would be a major plus, and weapons training would be something interesting for variation, but not something that must be included. If anyone has any questions to ask me please do, and try to reccomend a style that will fit me. Thanks in advance for your time.
choosing martial arts
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Scott Danziger
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choosing martial arts
Tim,
First welcome to the forums. You picked, I think, the best place to ask your question. There are some awesome "seniors" here. (this does not Necessarily mean old - means they've been practicing and studying for many a year)
I think though it safe for me to say that no one style is better than another. With that said, and before the really true MA's answer your questions, may I suggest the following link: <a href="http://www.pitt.edu/~mcwst18/m-a/r.m-a. ... l">Martial Art FAQ</a>
They have information on many different styles and systems, A 'How To Choose A School' section, and a Newbie guide.
Also, in MY opinion, I'd be wary of anyone that tells you "My style is the best".
Just my kyu sense.
Scott
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Martial Arts Of Long Island
First welcome to the forums. You picked, I think, the best place to ask your question. There are some awesome "seniors" here. (this does not Necessarily mean old - means they've been practicing and studying for many a year)
I think though it safe for me to say that no one style is better than another. With that said, and before the really true MA's answer your questions, may I suggest the following link: <a href="http://www.pitt.edu/~mcwst18/m-a/r.m-a. ... l">Martial Art FAQ</a>
They have information on many different styles and systems, A 'How To Choose A School' section, and a Newbie guide.
Also, in MY opinion, I'd be wary of anyone that tells you "My style is the best".
Just my kyu sense.
Scott
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The Uechi-Ryu.Com Hotlist
Taking Charge - Cable TV & Video Martial Arts Show
Martial Arts Of Long Island
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Shelly King
choosing martial arts
Tim
You did a very good job describing yourself...strengths and weaknesses. What I did not catch was your initial reason for wanting to study. Are you interested in self-defense, the mental side, or just a great workout? Everyone trains for different reasons and they will change over time but, if it's self-defense you'll want a dojo that emphasises realism and practicality. As for styles, it's not so much the style that is important but the quality of instruction. Beware of instructor's who swear their style is the "ultimate best" and that "garauntees" you'll be a black belt before you know it. You've narrowed it down, why not train at each dojo and see for yourself if one of them fits your needs.
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Shelly
You did a very good job describing yourself...strengths and weaknesses. What I did not catch was your initial reason for wanting to study. Are you interested in self-defense, the mental side, or just a great workout? Everyone trains for different reasons and they will change over time but, if it's self-defense you'll want a dojo that emphasises realism and practicality. As for styles, it's not so much the style that is important but the quality of instruction. Beware of instructor's who swear their style is the "ultimate best" and that "garauntees" you'll be a black belt before you know it. You've narrowed it down, why not train at each dojo and see for yourself if one of them fits your needs.
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Shelly
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Tim Ni EnchantR
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choosing martial arts
some clarafication- it is other students at my school who say that thier styles are the best, e.g. I have a korean friend, he says take Tae Kwon Do. I have a chinese friend, he says to take Tai Chi Chaun, and I have a anglo friend who takes japenese martial arts, and he reccomends that.
I want to take martial arts to-Improve flexibility and quickness for a faster sprinting speed in football and greater quickness in wrestling. I also want to take martial arts for the self defence, and possibly to learn moves that could be applied in wrestling. Thanks for the advice
I want to take martial arts to-Improve flexibility and quickness for a faster sprinting speed in football and greater quickness in wrestling. I also want to take martial arts for the self defence, and possibly to learn moves that could be applied in wrestling. Thanks for the advice
choosing martial arts
Tim,
Seems like you're putting a lot of thought into your initial search...
I'm sure you will get lots of good advice - but I'll put in my two cents anyway. Style is much less important in my opinion than the atmosphere of the school and the teaching style of the instructor(s). Visit the school to observe a class at the time (and days) that you are potentially likely to be training there. Take a look at whoever is teaching, and estimate whether his/her teaching style will work for you (this person may or may not be the main instructor at the school - realize that at least at first, you may not be working with the head instructor). Observe the other folks in the class - they will be a big factor in your training. Are they serious enough about their training? Too serious? Basically, you want to feel comfortable wherever you end up training...
After you have checked out some classes at these schools, and you have eliminated some off of your list, then you can move on to stylistic aspects which better suit your body type, or your goals for your training (e.g. self defense, health, self-discipline, etc.). Now that I've written all that, I'll check out Scott's link, which may say exactly the same...
Good luck.
greg
Seems like you're putting a lot of thought into your initial search...
I'm sure you will get lots of good advice - but I'll put in my two cents anyway. Style is much less important in my opinion than the atmosphere of the school and the teaching style of the instructor(s). Visit the school to observe a class at the time (and days) that you are potentially likely to be training there. Take a look at whoever is teaching, and estimate whether his/her teaching style will work for you (this person may or may not be the main instructor at the school - realize that at least at first, you may not be working with the head instructor). Observe the other folks in the class - they will be a big factor in your training. Are they serious enough about their training? Too serious? Basically, you want to feel comfortable wherever you end up training...
After you have checked out some classes at these schools, and you have eliminated some off of your list, then you can move on to stylistic aspects which better suit your body type, or your goals for your training (e.g. self defense, health, self-discipline, etc.). Now that I've written all that, I'll check out Scott's link, which may say exactly the same...
Good luck.
greg
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Tim Ni EnchantR
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choosing martial arts
I'm not going to train at each dojo for several reasons- the shaolin place has a 6 month commitment, I only have until late August until School starts, and I can't handle school, football, homework, and martial arts. I have pretty much elimanited the shado kahn(spelling?) and Tai Chi Chaun, and am now down to Shaolin kung fu and Aikdo, and am leaning towards Shaolin. (I posted on 2 other forums also)
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Evan Pantazi
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choosing martial arts
Sir,
If you only have a few months of training, one thought may be to study an Art that will also help whatever sports you will be involved with after the start of school.
If you are into football, the evasive footwork of Aikido may help. That is not to say Shaolin footwork won't but (after studying both) the Aikido training begins with the foot work, falls and rolls....perfect for football. Shaolin will have you stationary for a while.
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Evan Pantazi
users.erols.com/kyusho
If you only have a few months of training, one thought may be to study an Art that will also help whatever sports you will be involved with after the start of school.
If you are into football, the evasive footwork of Aikido may help. That is not to say Shaolin footwork won't but (after studying both) the Aikido training begins with the foot work, falls and rolls....perfect for football. Shaolin will have you stationary for a while.
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Evan Pantazi
users.erols.com/kyusho
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Gene DeMambro
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choosing martial arts
Hi Tim,
You might even want to see what martial arts clubs the school has, so you can continue practice when school starts and you get settled. Or even, see what MA schools are located in proximity to school, for the same reason.
Gene
You might even want to see what martial arts clubs the school has, so you can continue practice when school starts and you get settled. Or even, see what MA schools are located in proximity to school, for the same reason.
Gene
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Bill Glasheen
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choosing martial arts
I have to agree with Evan here. Given that you want benefits for both football and wrestling, then you want a style that involves grappling and tumbling. Aikido is definitely it. You will start immediately with rolling and falling - something you can use in most traditional sports. Then you will go directly to partner work where grabbing and grappling are the usual course of events.
The only caveat to aikido is that they teach you to do a forward roll over on your knee before getting up on the feet. This is definitely the safest and smoothest thing to do. However if you are running with the ball and want to get as many yards as possible, you often do what you can to avoid touching the knee to the turf. You did mention though that you are an offensive linemen. So...running opportunities are probably few and far between.
A word of caution is in order. You are going to just barely scratch the surface in a few months. Forget learning anything fancy in that period of time. But then you are young. Life will be like a buffet to you until you settle down to only a few things where you can go much deeper.
- Bill
The only caveat to aikido is that they teach you to do a forward roll over on your knee before getting up on the feet. This is definitely the safest and smoothest thing to do. However if you are running with the ball and want to get as many yards as possible, you often do what you can to avoid touching the knee to the turf. You did mention though that you are an offensive linemen. So...running opportunities are probably few and far between.
A word of caution is in order. You are going to just barely scratch the surface in a few months. Forget learning anything fancy in that period of time. But then you are young. Life will be like a buffet to you until you settle down to only a few things where you can go much deeper.
- Bill
choosing martial arts
Tim,you might also look into Judo, if there are any schools in your area. Judo involves lots of energy direction, grappling and rolling.
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sean
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sean
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Tim Ni EnchantR
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choosing martial arts
various things- Judo looks too much like wrestling.
I would really like to take martial arts, but I can only wrestle and play football for 2 more years; I'm not good enough to play in college.
My decision so far(tell me what you think) before wrestling is over I will try out the 3 or 4 Aikido places around here, choose one and then take it for a month. If I don't like it I'll go to Shaolin, but from what I've heard Aikido will help me with football and mostly wrestling. I have no chance at starting at football, but I have a shot at varsity wreslting next year(unless I get some major speed by me senior year). Aikido looks applicable to wrestling, so I should have some neat stuff to try out next year
I would really like to take martial arts, but I can only wrestle and play football for 2 more years; I'm not good enough to play in college.
My decision so far(tell me what you think) before wrestling is over I will try out the 3 or 4 Aikido places around here, choose one and then take it for a month. If I don't like it I'll go to Shaolin, but from what I've heard Aikido will help me with football and mostly wrestling. I have no chance at starting at football, but I have a shot at varsity wreslting next year(unless I get some major speed by me senior year). Aikido looks applicable to wrestling, so I should have some neat stuff to try out next year
choosing martial arts
Tim, I'm a little confused; you say Judo looks too much like wrestling, yet you want it to be applicable to wrestling.
If there's no Judo school near, this is all moot, but if there IS, I'd strongly suggest you look into that. Nothing else you've mentioned will give you as close to wrestling skills as Judo. Also, Judo will give you breakfalling like Aikido will. In addition, MOST Judo schools will give a better physical workout than MOST Aikido schools. But a lot depends on the school - some Judo schools are very sportive, some are basically Ju-Jutsu (less sport, more traditional, and maybe even similar to Aikido).
Also, your wrestling skills will serve you well in Judo, and it's a sport you can play long after you leave high school, assuming you want to keep competing.
Whatever you do, good luck & have fun!
If there's no Judo school near, this is all moot, but if there IS, I'd strongly suggest you look into that. Nothing else you've mentioned will give you as close to wrestling skills as Judo. Also, Judo will give you breakfalling like Aikido will. In addition, MOST Judo schools will give a better physical workout than MOST Aikido schools. But a lot depends on the school - some Judo schools are very sportive, some are basically Ju-Jutsu (less sport, more traditional, and maybe even similar to Aikido).
Also, your wrestling skills will serve you well in Judo, and it's a sport you can play long after you leave high school, assuming you want to keep competing.
Whatever you do, good luck & have fun!
choosing martial arts
Tim:
It's pretty hard to make recommendations about an overall martial style, when it really will come down to the kwoon or dojo and how that is run. In other words, it may be a great style for you, but if the teachers are wrong, well, that won't help much.
If you are indicating that you have checked out these 4 places and they seem OK, then probably Aikido as others have suggested may give you what you are looking for. However, it is a very precise and detailed art and will take a long time to master. Now, while this can be said about most martial arts, I think it can be said particularly about Aikido.
Based on your size, since you are already bigger than the founder of Aikido, O'Sensei Ueshiba, and with your background in grappling/wrestling, you might find it very suitable.
I have to agree with Sean C, though, if you can find a good Judo dojo, it might serve your needs better as a youngster. I still can't tell if you want something entirely different from wrestling, if so, you may want to consider a more stand up version of the martial arts to offer you a greater balance at fighting. As a wrestler, you already should do well if a fight goes to the ground.
Good luck in your quest.
JohnC
It's pretty hard to make recommendations about an overall martial style, when it really will come down to the kwoon or dojo and how that is run. In other words, it may be a great style for you, but if the teachers are wrong, well, that won't help much.
If you are indicating that you have checked out these 4 places and they seem OK, then probably Aikido as others have suggested may give you what you are looking for. However, it is a very precise and detailed art and will take a long time to master. Now, while this can be said about most martial arts, I think it can be said particularly about Aikido.
Based on your size, since you are already bigger than the founder of Aikido, O'Sensei Ueshiba, and with your background in grappling/wrestling, you might find it very suitable.
I have to agree with Sean C, though, if you can find a good Judo dojo, it might serve your needs better as a youngster. I still can't tell if you want something entirely different from wrestling, if so, you may want to consider a more stand up version of the martial arts to offer you a greater balance at fighting. As a wrestler, you already should do well if a fight goes to the ground.
Good luck in your quest.
JohnC
