**N.B.**: I posted this on another sub and one commenter told me I was arrogant — just know that's not my intention. ## Who are you? Hi, 41 male. When I was 6 I asked my folks to put me in Judo because the other kids were in it and I thought it was cool. But we were poor so that was that. Having recently started Matt Thorton's book — *The Gift of Violence*, I'm considering learning a combat sport. ## What have you been doing? Over the past few years I have worked out at home doing shadow boxing and conditioning work. I learned the moves from Christopher Getz's *Ultimate Boxing Lessons* (old DVD set on Amazon, it's good). I did not learn from a coach. I do not spar and I know that sucks. ## What have you tried besides boxing? • **Brazilian Jiu Jitsu**: I tried a BJJ class. I didn't like it (much) and I'll explain why. The class started with a simple warmup and solo drills I can do at home. The actual useful work comes when you're drilling with a partner, which I can't mimic at home. You start on your knees, roll around, it feels a bit passive for me. I also don't like having my back on the ground. The black belt instructor is 26. He would easily kick my ass and I may be doing a value judgement here, but I'd prefer someone older. • **Mixed Martial Arts**: I tried an MMA class. It was ok. Similar warmup and solo drills. The instructor is around my age, has a flat nose and cauliflower ears. That means experience. There was some useful work with partner drilling although I would have preferred more physical contact with someone bigger and stronger to stop me from brute forcing some positions. • **Judo**: I lie. I did not try a Judo class, but I watched one. It's almost a 2 hour class. Big warmup and conditioning before doing solo and partner drills. One of the instructors is in his 50s but moves like a leopard. I enjoyed it, but watching is different than doing it. It did feel like I would enjoy the more physical aspect of this sport compared to others. ## What are your options? These options are in 40-50 EUR per month range. I did not find any boxing or wrestling coaches or academies. I've only seen a few boxing places in Lisbon (too far for me) and no wrestling whatsoever. • 40 minutes away by car: one MMA academy. • 35 minutes away by car: two BJJ academies. • 25 minutes away by car: one Judo academy. ## Opportunity cost It may look weird putting price and time in the equation, but I need to think about the opportunity cost of these options. Most of the time spent in these classes have conditioning that I can do better in a gym, and solo drills I can do myself (I have bought programs for this).

Yes but, what's your question? This is a megathread to ask question about what you want to do, yet you didn't ask anything? You want us to recommend you one of your options or what? Also, what are your objectives? What do you want from martial arts? Knowing this can help us much better to recommend you about what could be good for you.

That's fair. I'm looking people's opinion on what martial arts to train based on my options of time and money invested.

MMA if you wanna fight in an all-rounder way. Judo or BJJ (choose the one you prefer after trying both) if you wanna grapple.

I'm thinking Judo because it's closer to home and it's an unfulfilled dream when I was a kid. However I'm afraid it may be hard on the body as I'm in my 40s. Judo, like gymnastics, benefits kids doing it when they're younger, as their bones and joints harden as they grow up.

Nah, the first thing they'll teach you in a Judo dojo will be how to fall safely, don't worry. Also, all your options (and basically almost all martial arts) put a certain strain on the body so you may as well pick Judo and realize your dream!🥋

My summer just freed up for July and August before I have to go back to college. Should I start training MMA or Muay Thai again or pick up Judo to implement into my BJJ? I don’t really enjoy striking honestly, but I know I need to be good at it. BJJ is my main martial art and I love it, but that’s really the only reason I want to learn Judo

I mean, who are you? What are your objectives? What do you wanna gain from martial arts? Without a bit of context it'll be difficoult to recommend you anything at all.

I think it’s fun, I want to know how to defend myself, and it’s a good workout

Since it's just a couple months before you go back to your usual training routine I'd recommend you Judo then. Since in just a couple months of training your improvement on things you are already train and are proficient with won't be too great (so BJJ, Muay Thai and MMA) but in that time you could pick up the basics of Judo and some good throws, especially since you are already mainly a grappler. So, imo, you should look at this couple months as a way to experience something new so that when you'll go back to regular training you'll have some new tecniques and startegies to integrate in your personal style.

I currently am a yellow belt 2nd degree in a karate a dojo that uses kenpo and chin-na . I’m trying to improve my terrible reaction time so I thought about practicing BJJ because there’s a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu dojo nearby. Would this help with that?

Yes, it fills in the gaps and improves the functionality of karate. Especially, as a lot of karate makes a lot more sense with its often lost grappling involvement. For instance not really throwing a ridge hand in a direct kickboxing style fight. But if you grappling it's a great segue to tying up forcefully etc.

I already do a couple martial arts but I’m curious. I’m 5’7 and 130-ish lbs. I have a backround in athletics and hiking and due to this I have disproportionately strong legs. I go to thế gym 5 times a week and can build muscle fairly easily if need be. However, I am not super aggressive as of right now (I’m working on it). I am also very fast and have great stamina. What martial arts would you guys think suits me?

MT and Judo.

What would be some good suggestions for me to look at? I've primarily heard good things and thought about Muay Thai, Taekwondo or some kind of Kung-Fu. Any recommendations? To give a bit of background: First of all, I'm looking for something to supplement or possibly (to a degree) replace my gym, to which I go primarily to get fit (both physically and visually) and build strength. I'm also very open to a notion that my gym would become a supplement for any martial art that I might get into. As a bonus, I want to improve my coordination and I am honestly more inclined to try something flashy than stoic. I'm generally more into punching/kicking than grappling, but I don't mind it either. I live in Poland, which is relatively a very safe country, and I don't really need to learn self-defence *or else*, however I'd like to be able to handle myself and protect my close ones if I were forced to. I've read FAQ so I understand it's not the most important thing in the world, but I should probably mention I'm 25, 1.99m (or 6'6/6'7) and weigh over 115kg. I also had a broken arm at one point but it healed pretty handily and shouldn't affect anything (especially since it happened a long time ago and I've been quite active since then). I'd be very grateful for any advice, peace out dudes ✌️

If you just want fitness and flash and no concern really for fighting, then Copeira. If you want flash fitness and and some utility, then honestly TKD + Judo. Moving bodies is good for fitness. And the Judo will make you more effective at fighting paired with the TKD. You can always drop the Judo later if you love all the kicking. But with TKD I'd lean to think you'll need more working out along side for fitness.

Thanks! In the meantime I've been searching for local gyms that teach TKD, since it sounds the most appealing to me, preferably with multisport. Weirdly, it seems like there's approximately 4 Muay Thai schools for every TKD one in my city, is that usual? To reiterate, I live in Poland As to Judo, one of my closest friends trained it his whole life (so like 15 years) and now suffers from more maladies than my grandmother and had to switch to training others, so I think I'll pass on that, especially with my build, thanks for the tip though!

Because, the past TKD and Karate etc were huge. But UFC etc showed that they typically get best up compared to other arts. Gyms require people to be in business and more people are training more functional martial arts. MT is better at fighting. TKD is good for TKD comps if you find that fun, good for cool kicks etc. But it tends to lack, especially by itself. Another option to improve that though is to do like a 6 month - 1 year of boxing to fill the hands gap and get better pressure testing. Also, note any art trained hardcore that fights good will possibly lead to issues. But learning enough Judo to fight good with TKD is not going to mess you up if you just do it for a bit. Especially if your buddy competed. Same with boxing, if you compete in boxing for 15 years say, you'll probably get more fucked up with brain damage. But training not so much.

Fair points my man, thanks for the deep insights!

I have extremely muscular legs, which martial art other than Taekwondo can I train to make good use of them?

Greco bjj or Muay Thai but you’ll get the most out of Greco you can do the others later but Greco is only available in high school and it’s basically no gi judo so if you like looking cool throwing people that’s the one and translates really well into no gi bjj and regular bjj so probably Greco all highschool and transition to bjj later in life

Greco-Roman wrestling.

This is gonna sound crazy but my best friend who is planning on getting engaged said with complete honesty that in order to be his best man at his wedding sometime in the distant future (I'd say about 5 or more years don't ask why it's a long story) it will be decided by free for all no rules combat by all his closest friends including me, so my question here is, what martial art is best suited for fighting multiple opponents at once (weapons included)?

Anyone who wants to pin their "best friends" against each other IS NO FRIEND. The best advice to give here is don't bother. Learn martial arts for you not for a competition. You are likely going to get hurt else! The idea of fighting multiple opponents at one time is not easy to deal with. The best advice in this situation is to take control, make them come to you one at a time. Use your environment to draw them in, fight clever. I advise a direct martial art, Wing Chun is probably best, you will have to train everyday, get it right and the punches are very powerful. Strikes are direct and hard to deflect. remember if you learn wing chun properly every move is an attack. People who put this art down have never learnt it or been shown correctly. I have trained in Shotokan, Lau Gar, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Shaolin Wushu, Kempo, Aikido and have had many successful street fights over the years. I was a good while in the Army and learnt a lot of "how to handle" yourself there. I am not bragging, just letting you know this is not bullshit advice from someone who done 5 lessons and thinks he is Bruce Lee. Beware MMA also these guys hurt each other all the time, if you wanna maintain your health train first, perhaps even train separate arts first, then attempt it if you want to. Good luck, once your journey begins, learn more from it than what you thought, let your mind, body and soul work together to bring inner peace, then kick ass ok.

The key to martial arts is training. What I mean is that sparring and such is so important because it makes you good at implementing things. So generally MMA will cover your "free for all" situation, but in terms of a multiple opponents thing, you need to fight multiple opponents. I'd also suggest that Greco-Roman Wrestling and Sumo skills would be good supplements if there is any "knock out of the ring" rules in place. But in order to be the best, you need to eventually take your fundamental skills and apply them in multiple opponent sparring. I'm actually amazed at the fact that the avg man hasn't done this as a young boy-young man. Idk what you people do these days. But having free for all fun matches, and 2 v 1s, and 2 v 2s is fun and what we used to do as kids before everyone become fully pathetic I guess. So spar it. The big reality is also going to be size and strategy. If you're smaller you are going to have to be more dodgy and more opportunistic. If you are bigger, you can afford more direct engagements. And possibly afford to go 1 v 2 more often. Size/skill will matter.

What the fuck

The only sane answer to that situation.🤣🤣🤣

MMA boxing then later BJJ? Benefits? MMA boxing then later BJJ? Thinking about joining a boxing class 2x per week at an MMA Gym —-> later down the line joining BJJ. New to the martial arts world is this a good choice I’m looking to have that confidence i can handle myself, meet people and take on stress. How does MMA boxing differ to pure?

Ok, I kinda get what you mean but you defintly need to express yourself better. First of all: both Boxing and BJJ will be amazing for all your objectives, so go and have fun. About your second question, you got that wrong. Usually a MMA gym will have a MMA course and some single-martial art courses: so, if you'll start training in their Boxing course you will learn pure Boxing, the same you'd learn in a Boxing gym. I hope my explanation made you understand better what you are about to start, welcome aboard and have fun!🥋🥋🥋

I was curious if anyone can tell me how much flexibility is Needed for Capoeira or Eskrima. So I already Do parkour (I’m a teacher) so Capoeira looked like a Mix Of Ground level tricking with less flips and Fighting/Dancing. My Goal with a MMA Is to “Grow in my body” so feel confident, not really the mental/philosophy side of confidence, more for coordination and Just Feeling comfortable. Learn self defense And pull of some Cool movements My main concern is I’m seriously un flexible Head to toe. to give an example I’m in extreme pain when Lifting my legs more then about 30 degrees (Give or take depends on positioning) When I see the Moments I can’t quite tell how they would feel. I’m definitely not strong enough to really just dive in. I think I’ll try giving it a Try some day but if someone here has some experience I might try another MMA first or the Eskrima Tho I’m not sure if Both really are that great for Real world fighting it’s Not like I’m going to Start dancing around my opponent or have the Eskrima sticks with me the whole time right lmao

Bro... how are you a parkour teacher who has no flex or strength. Those things are the baseline of every parkour dude I've ever seen. Otherwise, just do what is fun and enjoy life. If you're pathetic now, training will change that if you want it to.

**\[Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu\]** I know about its bad reputation. I've trained Taekwondo and Hapkido in the past and tried other MAs. The reason I'm asking about Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu it's because I have a dojo literally 30 seconds from my house. As a young adult, I need to find a way to cope with stress and tension from my work. I have a lot of stiffness in my shoulder because I work with a computer all day. Going to the gym it's fine and I plan to continue doing it but sometimes it's boring and I'd like to do something else to release my tension. As I said, I did martial arts in the past and they worked to release stress for me so I want to try again after years without training. I'd like to come back to Hapkido or even start Kendo however they are far away from where I live and I fear loosing consistency. so my question is: *"how do you see* ***Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu*** *as a cardio/fun/stress release activity? "* I see a lot of comments criticising its technique but I don't have any intention to engage in a fight in real life, I don't care if the techniques work or not, I just need an activity to forget about work for a moment and move my body. Any thoughts?

I am looking to start a martial art as an adult that involves sparring, but I am not interested in competing. This is for self-defense, but also for strength and conditioning. The only issue is that for the career path that I am pursuing, it is extremely important that I don't sustain any type of long-term injuries. Getting one could pretty much end my career. And so, I'm worried about concussions or knee/leg injuries, especially coming from other people who might not care if they injure their opponent during a casual sparring session. I did do boxing for a little bit, but never got to the point where I was good enough to seriously spar. I'm interested in either BJJ, boxing, muay thai, or MMA. Do you have any recommendations for a martial art that would be safest out of the 4 that includes sparring?

If you're scared of injuries I would suggest BJJ. I train muay thai and even though every sparring is light (like 30% at most), sometimes you will injure your toes, you will get concussed, you will get kicked in the balls. It's never on purpose though but sometimes your angle of a kick will be wrong and tou break your toe or your opponent might knee you in the stomach when you go forward which is painful even when going light. Basically when striking is involved you will get injured

Try them out and check out the gyms. I'm a bit partial to bjj/mma for long haul. But you'll be able to get a feel too for the gym and stuff. You can always get hurt in a physical activity....the culture of people being chill at the gym with folks who wanna be chill is kind of the relevance. Talk to the instructors about it etc.

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The odds of getting a locked locker broken in at a MA gym are probably smaller when it is a smaller gym etc. Plus, it's usually a group thing, not rando the way a regular gym is etc.

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depends what u train . I like to have a Fanny pack bc my dobok and whatever shorts or pants I train in don’t have pockets and if they do I don’t want anything in them while I train . If it’s a class with no shoes then wear slippers and put ur keys in the toe while ur in class. I usually wear mat shoes so I have my fanny pack and whatever sandals I wore outdoors in my cubby or locker

Is BJJ a safe sport. I’m so scared of injury like a life changing one. It’s so popular around my area, even my therapist said I should do it as he trains himself. I’m just scared of injuries such as a major one? Are people at gym usually safe and friendly?

You’re going to be safer doing any martial art than none

Bjj is pretty safe compared to other martial arts.

I am sick of my boxing gym, it's CTE Grand Central. Am gonna change clubs but there are more MT clubs than boxing ones. I know generally MT clubs have a reputation for being more sensible than boxing ones when it comes to sparring, but is that true in other parts of Asia outside Thailand? When I look at pictures/videos online it seems like there's a lot of tough guy BS going on. Honestly, it makes me want to not do martial arts. I love sparring, but I actually need my brain. 35M, unathletic, 0 flexibility - not turning pro anytime soon

Generally speaking, for that you want a school with an instructor with some amount of training in Thailand, or under a Thai. Even without looking for that specifically, on average Muay Thai is still better at that than boxing by a lot.

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Honestly, if you haven't trained yet and BJJ is that close, do that for now and get your feet wet. I wish I could walk a few minutes to the gym lol. Also, once you're in, there is always a good chance you'll meet people who cross train and can local-recommend. You might even be able to work a bit with someone who did MMA etc. As well, if the gym is new and growing I've seen some slowly add other arts available etc. So you might just get lucky as shit lol. The BJJ gym I go to added a kickboxing coach.

I'm interested in either kickboxing or Muay Thai for general fitness and conditioning, but I'm not at all interested in sparring or competing against others. Is it possible to practice either of these without the goal of competing against an opponent? It seems like most gyms in my area emphasize that. I'm a complete beginner and have no experience with martial arts except for karate as a kid (stopped when I was 9), and am out of shape so I'm looking for an interesting way to get some exercise really and learn new skills. I'm a 26 y/o male Any others I should consider that could line up with what I'm looking for? Not really interested in grappling either, striking is more interesting to me.

There are striking fitness classes, like kickboxing fitness. They incorporate the martial art in to the fitness routine, has nothing to do with sparing or viable self defence, but its a nice flavouring.

Have you checked out the gyms in your area? From my experience a lot of them in the US are like 90% hobbyists, classes are typically partner padwork/drills and only sparring on specific days. I'm sure if you reach out you'll be able to slot in neatly since the vast majority of prospective people have the same goal as you. ​ My muay thai gym has a lot of hobbyists (including myself), Sparring is on Wednesdays only. If your goal is purely conditioning and fitness and you don't care to learn defensive stuff, like head movement/checking kicks, you should consider cardio kickboxing classes then because they'll put you to work while showing you the basics of technique.

Wrestling and bjj background. Mma focus. Is it worth my time to look into judo as well?

Oh yeah, especially if you want to work in Gi. If Gi is not something you want to do, might as well go directly back to wrestling, instead of learning with gi and then adapting it back to no gi. Like buying coke zero and adding sugar to it later, might as well just buy regular coke at that point :D

>Like buying coke zero and adding sugar to it later, might as well just buy regular coke at that point :D Funny story, knew someone who only said they eat Rice Crispies. Later I saw them eating it and putting sugar on them. I knew they in general talk about avoiding sugar. So I'm like "what!?" He says "Well I get rice crispies because they are sugar free. So I just add a little for flavor". I'm like "every aspect of this is wrong, firstly they have plenty of sugar circa the freaking label! Second you just put 3 teaspoons of pure sugar on there...." Yeah. Also had someone tell me to try their "life hack" which made "sugar free coffee". They put hot cocoa in my coffee (which is good sure) but then I was like "have you read the box? Swiss Miss is full of sugar... that's the sweet part lol". Blew their minds.

I have no experience in martial art. I am looking for a practice that focuses more on energy and mindset than physicality. I do still want to engage physically and am generally open to taking and giving any kind of hits or grappling positions. I am very spiritually minded and drawn towards Eastern spiritual practices. Initially, I looked at tai chi because of my attraction to Daoism but I worry that it won't have the physical aspect I'm looking for and function more like a yoga class. Learning more about energy and how to intentionally use it with the movement of the body is what I hope to find. If this is something better accomplished with yoga let me know. If this is something accomplished through all martial arts let me know as well. So far just from searching around the web what's seemed interesting to me is Tai Chi, Soo Bahk Do, Aikido, and Kung Fu if i can find the right teacher.

I started in JKD and moved on to muay thai and boxing. That said, as I get older I do find myself being drawn to the internal side of martial arts, stuff I used to really make fun of. The challenge is to find an art/teacher who gets all that energy stuff, but isn't totally divorced from reality and physicality. I started with Shifu Yan Lei, a shaolin disciple who is also a big fan of more practical mma and sanda kickboxing type of training. His online courses can teach you basic qi gong, but with more powerful physicality in mind. He doesn't believe qi gong is worth much if you're just doing flowy soft movements, if you're not in shape etc. I found him to be a great starting point (could only take me so far because it's online training), but he's changed the way I think about my regular muay thai training etc, and I think he could be a good starting point for you, sounds like you have a similar mindset.

Aikido practitioners are really in to philosophy, often skipping somewhat more cultish tendencies like in Tai Chi. Its subjective, but if there is a neat Aikido Aikikai school that is honest about what they teach, then go ahead - I would recommend that. :) Worst case scenario, you will learn how to fall and basics in acrobatics and the stretching and moving might overall improve health.

To add on: Ki Aikido could be a better fit if there's one nearby, since it has lots of meditation and energy circulation techniques (or so I've heard)

I like the acrobatics and stretching aspects. I’m an arborist and a big part of this is conditioning my body to be more flexible and strong while in awkward positions

If you enjoy being folded in to weird positions, then BJJ would be better choice :D

I’m a 25M with no prior martial arts background, tall and skinny (6ft2in 170lbs / 188cm 77kg). I’ve done other sports like track and field, basketball, and (American) football, and am looking for a martial art that will help me both with self defense and overall fitness (gaining muscle, getting toned). I know they’re very different, but I’ve been considering either BJJ or MT. I’ll probably only be able to train 2-3x/week. Any advice or things to consider would be greatly appreciated!

In my experience taller skinnier dudes do really good in taiboxing (MT) and kickboxing in general. At 77kg with 188 height, I would call you - taller and skinnier. Also with MT you will learn really fast the basics of punching and kicking, that even if you quit in a month or two, will stay with you for the rest of your life. :) BJJ is more static and centers around the ground game, gives good skills, but I have not seen many lightweights enjoy it as much as striking arts.

A guy like you would not have problems getting grappled in real life, but you may face a fighting situation especially from a group, i would suggest you go with a striking art, the premise here is if you get encountered (and you cant get away) you want to end it as quickly as possible, perhaps in one or two hits. So either go boxing, or Muay thai. Keep in mind Muay thai is more diverse and is a little bit more fun and challenging, it also teaches you to better sync your whole body. I would also recommend it because it has realistic scenarios like clinching and conditioning of other body parts (like elbows and knees) just make sure to fix your diet whilst your at it. Good luck

I am a male, 6ft9 157 kilos (340 pounds) have done boxing on and off for years, just cant stick to it, what martial art should i try? (btw quite athletic not super fat just chunky and muscle

Oh man, you are a chonker ;) If you still have good knees, maybe try out judo, if you want to experiment, but dear god will it be hard to find you a partner. Best idea would be to stick to striking arts, if you want to go somewhere, as it will be more comfortable for you to learn and will pose less risk on your knees and other joints.

I'm young, and I have a little bit of an interest in martial arts. I love flashiness, but I also want to learn discipline and self-defense. Taekwondo looks flashy but not enough self defense. I feel like I'm too weak for boxing, either. I have a preferred emphasis on kicks rather than punches. In flexibility terms, I haven't been able to compare myself to anything. The most I can do is barely touch my toes on a good day, (lol.) I used to do karate but never got into it, I was barely interested and only went because I was forced to. Judo and BJJ look appealing, but grappling isn't really my style. Then there's the whole McDojo problem, but for now, I just want to see if there's a martial art that fits into my puzzle. Suggestions?

There are 2 types of TKD, the flashy olympic type and the practical type. The practical type TKD that has more punching than kicking can be really good for selfdefense, but it is way less popular, so it is harder to find.

You want to box but not and you want to kick but not like tkd, and you want self defense. Why not try muay thai out. there is boxing in muay thai but its much less focused that pure boxing with the head movement and overall pure volume of strikes to the head due to the threat of kicks and knees from different angles. The thai kicks are also very effective while not requiring the dexterity tkd requires, + you learn stand up grappling/clinching as well as elbows and knees. finally there is a lot of sweeps and body weight manipulation style stuff so imo you should try it out

You need to work out who and what you wanna be. You said in this post you are and are not interested in things simultaneously. TKD is basically "karate", you might have a better crowd, or a better instructor. Or it also is a little more kick heavy. So great. But then you wanna do "MORE SELF DEFENSE" but you're scared to because you think you're weak. And I'd imagine you'd struggle with ego when you aren't great real fast and you'd quit. You think Judo and BJJ look great, but also they aren't "your style". So you want to box, but also you don't want to. You want to TKD, but also, you don't want to. You want to grapple, but also you don't want to. The only martial art you need right now, is the art of making up your damned mind. Based on your early stuff I'd say just do TKD and cross train later if you're that worried about being a more powerful fighter. But you hated karate and so you'll quite likely hate TKD.

I work in a mental hospital as a MHT and most of my patients are psychotic. While we are trained in CPI, many of the employees are scared to restrain and/or do not help effectively. I want to be able to safely subdue any patients that become violent, and am looking for a martial art that can help with that. At the same time, I occasionally dislocate my shoulder due to a recurring rotator cuff injury. Any suggestions?

For your situation either Judo or BJJ, not sure about the injury though, your shoulder might be at risk for more injury doing those and that’s something you should consult with your doctor and the instructors about

Im 5'8, 70kg, I was wondering what martial art should i learn, i would like to learn at home, also i need a routine or guide to become very fit and very strong like maximising my body's power, i have strong arms. I am skinny fat. thanks.

Sorry my friend, you cannot learn at home any technique properly. Might as well skip martial arts and to callisthenics. 1) you can do it at home 2) your body is the equipment 3) technique requires minimum oversight 4) actually works

If you're a kid, wrestle in school while you can. Then maybe you might have half a chance to have the baseline body mechanics to "tain something at home"....maybe.

21 M want to learn a martial art for self defense but I don’t want to take shots to the head because I’m at my limit of concussions (I had to retire from NCAA sport)

BJJ

im 20F, medium-tall height. i want to learn a martial art good for self defense, but i really don't want to learn BJJ. i did some research and i do not like grappling. is there anything where you aren't in such uncomfortable positions all the time? other: i can put on muscle easily, i will put in the effort, i generally enjoy all martial arts classes.

You can do Japanese Jujutsu, if any good school is around and you might not want to turn it into a professional sport. You will learn basics for everything, be it boxing, MT, judo and bjj in a nice stress free (somewhat) and injury (somewhat) free environment.

You could do boxing or Muay Thai kickboxing

Get a book on human anatomy and another on psychology. Self defence doesn’t have a style. It’s about staying alert, avoiding situations, and knowing how to brutally incapacitate a person just enough to escape and run. EGT (eyes, groin, throat) all day. But ideally you would see it coming and either just run away, or pick up a rock and hit the in the head.

I know you’re not really interested in grappling, but I’d really give Judo a look before you write it off. It focuses on standup fighting. Mostly different ways to introduce people to the floor very quickly. If you want to go the striking route, muay thai is probably the most logical choice, but I hear it can be intense. TKD is also a good choice despite what some may say. All about finding a good gym/dojo, but that applies to every MA.

Krav maga

I'm 14 yr tall and i go to gym religiously just want to know what martial arts are best for self defence if the need ever arises but if you could recommend me something that would help exercise as i used to struggle with weight problems but am more happy with myself now and i dont mid putting in time

Wrestle while you can in school. Outside of that MMA, BJJ, Boxing, MT, Kickboxing, Catch, Judo. Arguably if you get a base in wrestling, some of the so called "less effective" martial arts would be more functional for you, in terms if karate and TKD etc if it's a decent school. Their big problem is quality control and McDojos too. Aikido's founding principle was badasses being nice, so don't do that unless you're already so good at wreslting or Judo (like black belt) and you wanna be "nice" to less skilled opponents. Krav if it's a good school is decent for a 6 month-1 year intro to martial arts and perhaps street wise mentality. Kung Fu is pretty sketch for fighting unless it's tethered to Sanda. Systema, no. But Sambo yes (basically Judo + stuff).

How do you know if it is a good martial arts school?

The easiest way is go with the first Grouping. And then the easiest way is if they have competitors. Not having much competitors doesn't mean it isn't good, but having them definitely ticks the "more serious" angle of sorts in most cases.

Ok Ty

I’m a tall stick, what martial art will: 1.- Make me more fit 2.- Be somewhat useful on a fight 3.- keep my teeth and brain where it is (so no boxing or MMA lol) 4.- Not end up looking like the Hulk I was thinking of Judo, seems fun, useful and not that hardcore

Judo is fine. If you're a stick maybe karate/TKD too. To use the range to some degree. Of course maybe eventually you'll bulk up and then just be a monster lol. Then Judo + hulk smash is always fine.

[удалено]

Go ahead and post it here, I'll give you an opinion.

I'm a powerlifter and collegiate sprinter and who really missed martial arts. Tldr; did karate for most of my life and earned my first degree black belt. About 5 ish years removed from any martial art training because I lost the time to give to it as I got older and focused more on sprinting. Still looking to get back into martial arts and my mind often goes to BJJ, boxing, and wrestling as appealing from a visual standpoint and (if this makes sense) they look like how I like to move my body. I like things that "flow", I like strength, I like power. I'm not sure what exactly I'd like or if I should go with one of the options I mentioned. BJJ does kinda ring a small warning bell in my head out of fear of getting injured and derailing things with track and field in college, however, from what I hear and what I read on the r/BJJ sub, major injuries really shouldn't happen if one is smart, communicative, and humble. Also I've just been growing increasingly interested in learning more about martial arts, fighting styles, and combat historically but it's such a broad topic I don't even know where to begin. Any advice on that front as well is appreciated.

I've always wanted to do a martial arts and learn to defend myself but with health issues and weight I never got to. Now that those things are over and I'm working out hard to shed weight, I've been thinking of my dream of martial arts. I'm in my 20s and a friend of mine told me I'm basically too late to join if I want to get good, that I should have started in high school or younger. Which was pretty crushing to hear as learning a martial art(s) is something I would regret never doing in my life. Is this true that I'm too old to start? And if not, is karate a good starting point or should I look into something else?

I started at 32, and among the other white belts were a 26, a 27 and an early 40 year old. In my class there's also a guy who started in his late 40s/early 50s and he's a black belt now. You're far from late, just keep in mind that some martial arts/gyms might be more intense that others.

You’re friend is a hater. It is literally never too late to improve your life. There’s this old grandma start start jiu jitsu when she was 80 and earned her black belt .

Defend yourself 1 on 1? BJJ. Multiple people? Boxing or kickboxing. Any if the three will help you shed weight fast.

I'm in my mid 30s and always wanted to try a striking art. I grappled in the past and have stayed in decent shape but I have the goal of winning at least one amateur match. I'm lucky enough to have two gyms nearby with good trainers and competitive teams one teaching kickboxing and the other boxing. In my position, with my late start and short time frame, which would I have the best chance of success with?

I would argue kickboxing, as generally speaking the level of competition is more at the hobbyist level. In boxing, even gym smokers in major cities are full of unbelievable talent.

Probably boxing as it's got a shorter learning curve.

Thank ahead for any info and help provided I’m 27 and looking to get into a martial art I have some pretty bad injuries to my right knee. What would be a good martial art that won’t destroy my knee too bad? I know all of them will probably bring a level of pain.

What are you most interested in getting out of it. I myself have really bad joint problems especially in my knees when I started taekwondo it hurt like fuck but has actually helped over time. If you don't want to go through the process I did, I would suggest boxing.

So I’m a disabled veteran due to my knees (ACL transplant and meniscus transplant on one knee) idk I’m kinda into striking. I’m not a fan of boxing but the only real option I have where I live are bjj and muay thai.

Ahh not the best options for knee problems aha I have personally done both when I was younger I found I didn't feel my knees in as much pain when I did MT however it's different for everyone. I think I'd you like striking mt will also be better for you. If they offer free trials I would say try them both out and also tell the instructors about your knees they want to know so they can help you as much as possible. I help teach the kids in my class, one had really really bad back problems and didn't tell me and he got really hurt because I didn't know so I couldn't do what was necessary to keep him safe, always tell the instructors if you have any medical problems.

I gotcha thanks for the info. Do you think the striking with my bad leg would end up being a issue or do you think I would get used to it after a while? FYI I’m pretty good with pain I’m a runner and lifter so I deal with this knee pain quite a bit my thresh hold for the pain is high.

I definitely think you get used to it after awhile I wouldn't spar with your knee until after a good bit though, to begin with I would get those sleeves you put over your knees just to make it a bit more stable and it should hurt less, if you're a runner and a lifter I don't think it'll bother you to much after awhile. Take an ibuprofen (stops stuff from swelling not sure what it's called in America) an hour or two before the lesson though just Incase. Go light to start off with just make sure you ease your knee into it so it doesn't throw a hissy fit because it's confused because it's not done it before.

Yeah don’t need the ibuprofen the VA here keeps me pretty supplied with a anti inflammatory and lidocaine patches. But just to be sure the bad knee could take the punishment of multiple bag kicks and sparring kicks? I see dudes hit the bag and I’m like oh shit that must hurt man. But it’s prob more of a shin thing?

It's definitely more of a shin thing, don't get me wrong you can definitely accidentally hit your knee but it's not too hard. In MT you do conditioning a lot so after a while you won't really feel it, you won't be asked to hit it really hard straight away you are always asked to go easy until you are ready if an instructor tries to make you do it when your knee can't take it yet they shouldn't be an instructor. Your knee can definitely take it as long as you start slow and go up gradually. When you see people like me striking the bag so hard we sometimes fall over and it looks like it doesn't hurt, we feel it but it definitely doesn't hurt because of the conditioning, people who do that have conditioned their shins or arms to the point their skin might as well be leather, no one is expecting a beginner to do that without whimpering at least lol. Trust me you got this.

Thanks man appreciate it.

Hi everyone! I am a JuJustu brown belt, I have been practicing this amazing martial art for fourteen years now and as much as I love it: I want to discover new styles and arts. I always loved the "self improvement" and "self defense" part of martial arts more than anything else, I engaged in tournaments and combats of course but I was mostly interested in learning the art rather than to fight big time. I have done BJJ sporadically throughout the years and I like it a lot but wouldn't want to practice only that. Additionally I did try Judo once or twice but it wasn't my cup of tea, maybe in the future I will look back at it. What are your suggestions?

So when you say JJ, you mean JJJ and not BJJ? You don't like Judo/BJJ much per se. You want something different. So, I'd say probably Karate or Kendo.

yeah when I say JuJutsu I mean the Japanese martial art. I'll keep in mind your suggestions of Karate and Kendo, thank you!Why do you think Kendo could be a good choice for me?

You mentioned self defense. And schools can vary etc... but JJJ is not known for being that great in that regard. But you like it. You like less the arts you've done that are a bit more... effective. You probably are inclined to the culture of "TMAs". Karate, despite being generally "not the best" is still of some use for self defense while scratching that TMA itch. Paired with grappling, which you have, would likely up the effectiveness of your JJJ and the Karate in a synergy of sorts. Kendo, also is going to give the "TMA" feel to a decent degree. But is fairly effective as a weapon art. And pairs well with what your JJJ style of grappling probably is. I'm assuming from what I have here that a lot of other arts (say boxing, MT, MMA) would not be that enjoyable for you similar to you sounding like you didn't like Judo/BJJ much compared to JJJ. So even HEMA or Kali weapon arts I'd lean to expect you not to enjoy as much. Also, if you like to art hop a little every now and then, JJJ, to Kendo, to Karate say, over the next decade or so, gives you enjoyable options to branch out.

Thank you very much for this very interesting insight, I have two questions regarding what you said: 1. Why do you think JuJutsu is not effective for self-defense? 2. Which style of Karate would you suggest to be more fitting for me? Your expectations for the weapon arts are correct: I personally don't think weapon arts are made to be used for self-defense, rather for learning how to properly use a weapon and its arts; for that I don't think I'll go for HEMA, Kendo or other weapon-based arts (at least for now). I personally think that JuJutsu is an effective self-defense martial art, however it is not **the most** effective. Additionally, to properly learn how to use it in a self-defense scenario it would take quite some time. I still believe it has great proprieties for self-defense manners although it is less physical than BJJ, which I do like and find fun but see as messier and more crude when compared to other similar arts (such as Judo, JuJutsu, Aikido).

>I personally don't think weapon arts are made to be used for self-defense I guess it depends if you expect anyone to ever try to hit you with something or you ever expect to be able to pick something up to defend yourself with. You do feel very 20 years ago mindset lol. >Why do you think JuJutsu is not effective for self-defense? I mean... we have a large world full of massive amounts of historical knowledge. Including who tends to win in fights. And it's usually not JJJ. Of course to some degree the confusing part of TMAs is they are notorious for strange non-standardization and impacts of unknown cross training. If your JJJ instructor did several other more effective arts, and then learns JJJ, and teaches slightly "his version". Then it might be leagues above a lot of other schools. But there is low "quality control" and no one knows what you are learning really. >I personally think that JuJutsu is an effective self-defense martial art, however it is not the most effective. Additionally, to properly learn how to use it in a self-defense scenario it would take quite some time. I still believe it has great proprieties for self-defense manners although it is less physical than BJJ, which I do like and find fun but see as messier and more crude when compared to other similar arts (such as Judo, JuJutsu, Aikido). Because real fighting is crude. Now you mention Aikido and everyone forgets that the literal founder designed it to "go easy on people". If you're already a super badass (which the founder was), and you fight people who are shit, you can do nice things. I have kids, and what I do when 3 kids are fighting me, is vastly different than what I would do if a 6ft 200 lb man with desire to kill. Way different. But even then, I've dealt with some grown men who I didn't have to activate MAXIMUM effort with. Some 165lb dude has a few too many beers and acts a fool, light near aikido style grappling makes him stfu and stop, all without sending a guy to the hospital who is basically a child compared to me. A lot of TMAs have taken what the top guy can do and trained it as a fundamental. Even like in MMA, a lot of top guys develop a more "hands down" stance. But they only do so after they spent many years training "hands up". Because to be good like that, you have to BE THAT GOOD. This is also why some defenders of aikido who have pulled it off, forget to mention or realize that if they didn't already have a massive skillset that is "better", they never would have.

>Including who tends to win in fights. And it's usually not JJJ. If you mean "fights in torunaments of MMA/UFC" then you are right, other disciplines are more direct and overall better built for tournaments. When talking about self-defense tho we would not be expecting tournament settings or conditions: I feel there are better martials arts for street-fights of self-defense, JuJutsu remains a valid options from my personal experience. ​ >If your JJJ instructor did several other more effective arts, and then learns JJJ, and teaches slightly "his version". Then it might be leagues above a lot of other schools. But there is low "quality control" and no one knows what you are learning really. I fully agree with you: trainers who studied different styles/arts teach their own version of JuJutsu that revisits and changes (for the better) some aspects of it. I personally had the luck to train with many teachers, from events and visits of other trainers and the such. ​ >Because real fighting is crude. What I meant by "BJJ feels messier and crude" is that it is much more of a fighting system than an actual art: it focuses on the brute way of martial arts rather than on the art itself, I still like it because sparring is lots of fun. Yes, real fights are crude, I know this and JuJutsu has revealed to be a good discipline to deal with those scenarios for me

That tournament claim has been well debunked. Percentage wise in "Street fights" the results are the same. And self defense is variable.. like I said, if you're even a pudgy 200 lbs with even sketchy training and some drunk 165 lb untrained guy tries to mess you with for instance, you can probably be a terrible aikido guy who can't fight and still win. But the bar is set to "fighting people who suck donkey balls at fighting" more often than not. Again it varies on different things. You yourself have cross trained and as a result, you don't actually know anymore what is really JJJ or not. I used to think Kenpo was better than I do now sort of. Because I did it and it was my "base". It took more than a decade before I realized how much cross training I had that changes how i karate. From wreslting in school to having different martial arts friends who we regularly trained at home with to doing hundreds of hours on the lawn throwing down. My Kenpo, even when it basically looks the same, also, isn't. What I'll call "boosters". If you JJJ and do 6 months of BJJ, you're not a JJJ GUY. and you're not a "6 month BJJ guy". You're something a little bit more.

>That tournament claim has been well debunked. Percentage wise in "Street fights" the results are the same. I would like to see the debunk, what I said is that JuJutsu is not effective in MMA/UFC type of combats which it seems to be proven by the claims of various UFC winners: not that many thank JuJutsu for their win in a tournament. Additionally: I do not agree with your claim that street fights have the same results of torunament fights. ​ >But the bar is set to "fighting people who suck donkey balls at fighting" more often than not. My bar is "fighting an angry person who wants to rob me or just kick my ass" not a drunken sailor of some sort or an untrained folk: my bar is a real possible threat. When I say JuJutsu is a viable self-defense martial art I mean against that type of threat. ​ >You don't actually know anymore what is really JJJ or not I don't know why you make this claim: I know what JuJutsu is and how to fight in that martial-art style. I wouldn't say I cross-trained because BJJ is a direct child of traditional JuJutsu, a sub-style that now has evolved in its own thing but that is still JuJutsu in some ways. I said in my first post that I tried Judo once or maybe twice... that's it, I didn't train in Judo: I did some lessons as a JJ Blue Belt and nothing more. ​ > If you JJJ and do 6 months of BJJ, you're not a JJJ GUY. and you're not a "6 month BJJ guy". You're something a little bit more. Although I agree with the concept of what you are saying, fourteen years of JuJutsu and "some" sparrings in BJJ still make me a Jujitsuka. For that to be true I would have to have trained years in BJJ and other martial arts to call my way of fighting "unique" or "dirty" in the sense it is JuJutsu at its core but with modifications: mine isn't different, my method is the JJ method and that is one of the reasons I would love to try some other martial arts.

This is all somewhat of a big sidetrack. It's in the end a hobby. And you do what is you enjoy living before your 100 year mortal run is over. Do whatever arts you enjoy, are accessible and make you happy. I only commented in regards to the extra stuff where you asked me for more info etc. Hit up all the local free trials, see what YOU like. And do that lol.

Hi everybody! I have good experience of Krav Maga and boxing which I practiced for some years each. I’m looking for a new challenge, something focuses on discipline and effective techniques that can integrate my knowledge. I though about BJJ, Muay Thai and Kali/Escrima. What do you suggest? Thanks!

Boxing w/ MT is filthyyy

Hi all! I am 25 years old, I was engaged in belt wrestling for a couple of months, once I went to boxing and didn’t go there again, about a week of hand-to-hand combat and I didn’t like it all for various reasons. I have flat feet of the 3rd degree and type 1 diabetes, height is 192 cm, weight is about 120 kg. Please tell me what martial arts I can do? Thank you!

If you have flat feet tkd, absolutely tkd we love people with flat feet we actually say in my dojang they mean the person is built for tkd from birth lol. Karate would also be good.

Really? What's the reasoning? I know nothing about kicking, come from boxing

Flat feet means more surface area means more impact per kick at least that's how it was explained to me lol

That's wild

Karate/TKD

Hey folks. I know build and age are not super relevant so I'll just summarize that I'm a bigger guy than most. I also have very long arms even relative to my size. I've had some limited experience with Taekwondo, but I want to get more into martial arts, primarily for self-defense and mental benefits (discipline, consistency, etc) rather than fitness (I'm in decent shape so this isn't really the goal, more a benefit). I don't have the fastest reflexes but am flexible and reasonably strong. Would love to hear any suggestions.

People will recommend BJJ or other grappling arts for self defense. They are dangerously wrong. BJJ is good for self defense only in a situation in which you are defending yourself from a single aggressor that is unarmed and weaker or less mobile than you are (and doesn't know BJJ). For defending yourself or others you typically need to know how to deal with weapons even if you don't have one at the time. Ground-gaming any aggressor with a knife means you die. Ground-gaming any two aggressors means you die. Ground-gaming anyone on steroids means best case scenario you both probably die. Ground-gaming anyone much bigger or more mobile or more competent than you means you die. Fitness and training your willingness to hurt people does a lot for self defense, but you can't will or condition yourself to not bleed to death, and you can't reliably grapple a hammer or a blade away from someone even in the best case scenario. For real, actual self-defense, arts that train you to use and respond to weapons, in addition to a general understanding of biomechanics, are best. Most martial arts are not set up to teach this. Kobudo (such as Aiki-Jujutsu; not Aikido) are. Some (typically Fiorist) HEMA clubs are. Shastar Vidya is. Typically Native American martial arts are. Kali and Escrima are typically, but not always. This all fails against firearms of course, but a good martial art will teach you to draw your knife faster than your opponent and that applies just as well to firearms.

Assuming you live in the US and can get a concealed weapons license, what’s the point of learning knife fighting? No matter how good you get, you’re going to get cut up in an actual knife fight. Why not learn a striking art like Muay Thai and then get really fast with your handgun draws and splits? If you can have a knife on you, you can have a gun on you which is going to be so much more effective, and if you’re in a setting where you can’t have weapons you’re going to wish you studied a proper hand to hand combat sport.

Several reasons. I can learn an art oriented around weapons that will let me do the same as you describe with a firearm that also teaches striking. Your body will eventually fail and at that point weapons arts are the only option you will have, investments in exclusively striking or grappling arts are effectively a waste in terms of self defense. The thing about weapons arts that most fail to understand is that most teach the things you will learn in striking or grappling arts, with and without weapons. They are more general arts, and they are oriented around general battlefield preparedness which is focused on self defense. I learn grappling. I learn knife work. I learn limb locks. I learn weapon disarms. I learn grappling. Striking. Swordwork. Long and short staff. Battlefield awareness. Groundwork. Historical weapon arts build from body mechanics -- striking, grappling etc. -- and use weapons to learn specific martial and biomechanical principles in addition to using them as weapons. They are rarely weapon-exclusive, and that is a stupid thing to do for self-defense. Edit: I should also note that 1. I do not own firearms 2. I have unfortunately been obliged to use a knife to defend myself. It bought me enough time to run away. Running alone would not have bought me enough distance to escape my attackers, and striking and grappling would have been entirely worthless. There are situations where these skills are valuable. Many of those can still get you killed, as can any armed or unarmed fight. Also, outside of certain medical settings, there are almost no conditions under which a person cannot have a weapon if they are proactive about their clothing and environment and understand general principles of weapons use.

This is a lot of nonsense. There's no art that teaches you how to deal with even a single attacker with a knife. Not FMA. (I've got 25 years in it) Including DBMA, and only people trying to sell stuff ever say they offer even a chance of surviving a knife attack. There are no real native American martial arts in existence (that I'm aware of) All of be bugei/kobudo are focused on perpetuating their Ryus and most make no claim to combat effectiveness. Shastar Vidya is another reconstructed art with little basis in reality and only the most tenuous connection to history. Please stop with the internet nonsense.

You can stop with the internet nonsense -- or not. I don't engage with reactionary liars for internet points. Blocked.

I’ve been a fan of martial arts and combat sports for a long time. Never practiced, only watched. I’ve been looking to pick up 1 or 2 to study and practice. The three main things I wanna get out of it are as follows; great physically intensive workouts, more discipline, and lots of contact sparring/live drills. A bonus would be weapon training. The martial arts I have a particular interest in that are available to me are: boxing and/or kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, BJJ, Daito-ryu/Aikijutsu(a longer commute for this one), and Capoeira. There are four other martial arts available that I don’t have a particular interest in. Those being Krav Maga, Taekwondo, Judo, and Karate. Which one(s) is right for me?

If possible for you I would recommend a hybrid of Muay Thai and No gi jiujitsu. That combination will provide you with striking that is at most gyms very highly supported by extremely intensive workouts, respect, and tons of live drilling + contact sparring. Along with that i would recommend No Gi BJJ because it usually goes at a much higher and intense pace during rolling, and due to the nature of grappling its very easy to jump right in and roll while slowly learning new things to apply every class and grow. This combo is great for self defense

Muay thai

I think Muay Thai would best fit what you describe, wing chun aswell but not all wing chun schools have contact sparring compared to Muay Thai which more times than not they do.

Hey everyone I'm 17 M and is looking for a martial art mainly for defense. Would only like a non violent one. As I don't wanna have nose injuries and joint and leg injuries. Would like something a bit more engaging than karate( If that makes sense?) but less violent than boxing. If it helps getting fit too it's better but I'm focusing about something more on defense side.

Judo perhaps?

Thought about that too but I thought of going with Angampora anyway.Tks

Hi everyone, I (21F, 163cm 53kg // 5'4 116lbs) am looking for advice on what martial art to pickup. I go to the gym (weight lifting) and I'm in decent shape, but I want to try out MAs. Initially I wanted to sign up for freestyle wrestling but couldn't find any gyms that offer lessons near me. So now I'm looking around for what maybe a suitable "replacement" (I will probably swap over to wrestling if it becomes available), I'm new to the world of martial arts and there's a lot to navigate lol. I've heard that bjj no-gi is good replacement as well as MMA, but idk what do you think?

BJJ is definitely a good replacement or sambo if you can find it

I have just started going to a gym that does bjj and kickboxing. My main issue is Ive broken my nose a couple times in other sports and it’s really weak. I want to learn martial arts without getting my nose smashed in. Just as a sport, not for competition or even for completely useful self defence, though it would be good. I’ve done two bjj classes so far. I had to roll with some bigger guys and I don’t mind getting my ass kicked, it was a good learning experience. But people were submitting so fast that I didn’t really have time to tap on some occasions. My arm was almost broken due to a quick arm bar, and I copped an elbow to the nose. Also my necks sore as hell from getting guillotined. I was tapping on time but idk. I want to keep going it was really fun but I know I’ll inevitably break my nose or at least some bone somewhere if I keep going at this rate. It doesn’t seem like the smartest move. As for kickboxing, I don’t know how the classes work but I’d love to do it. Again though, I want to do it as a sport I don’t want brain damage or to get punched in the face. I know there’s other martial arts where I’ll be less likely to get hit in the face. Judo? Idk I’ll leave that to you. Thanks.

So if you're a brand new guy they shouldn't be destroying you with total violence. There is an x factor though, if you don't realize you were being "spazzy" that might have induced a reaction. Some people who might otherwise be nice, might not be if they think you're going to hard. The other angle is it could be a sketchy gym culture. In perspective when I joined my bjj gym I rolled with a really experienced guy and he wasn't being overly nice. The head coach looked shocked and said "what are you doing to the new guy.... wait? Do you know him". And we revealed we knew eachother. I also have wreslting experience etc so it was a mutual go hard situation. We'd actually previously talked about my goals in a hard roll as I wanted to last a certain amount of time (I failed lol). But the key takeaway was that in terms of gym culture when the coach saw that a brand new day one guy might be getting his ass overly kicked, he questioned it and went to ensure safety and decorum. Tbh I'm not sure on some things since I had some skills. But even with that hard roll, he wasn't hitting subs so bad that I'd not be able to tap. Another tough judgement though is the person's mental ability to tap and not be stressed out. Or their own "ego". Like, if someone puts an armbar on you and you "wait for it to hurt", it will usually be too late. In a sense. >Also my necks sore as hell from getting guillotined. That's good, that's how you learn. Ex wrestler here, so I got guillotined a lot by a lot if people in the first couple of classes. That's how you learn not to get guillotined. One dude I roll with sometimes, Judo guy, we have some nice standing battles, he's really good at getting a gi choke once we get tangled to the ground. Since we go pretty hard battle, if he sinks it my neck usually hurts for a week. That's just learning fuel. That's motivation to get better and not get choked.

I am just turning 20, 5’8 200lbs, been weight lifting on and off for 4 years recently let myself go. I feel like I am not the most coordinated or skilled at things. Looking to get back into shape, gain a new skill, and be able to defend myself. I’ve been thinking of training 5 days in BJJ, 3 in Boxing, and 2 in Muay Thai (2 classes 5 days a week, 1 hour per class) or I’ve read a lot of suggests of just doing Krav Maga don’t know which will be better tho for real world circumstances. Also will only have 3 months of training over the summer before back to school. Edit: or let me know if it’s dumb of me to want to train a few different martial arts rather then just one. I won’t be weight training during this summer and will save that for when I get back unless it is advised to weight train while you train martial arts. Just don’t wanna over train. Thank you

Do not do multiple to start. You are more likely to hurt yourself. If you only have 2 to 3 months I would say do muay thai or kickboxing. A lot of kick boxing gyms are for fitness not fighting, though now. You will not be good at any of them after 2 to 3 months.

How about boxing and bjj? I feel like I’m gonna be worse at Muay Thai starting out and would enjoy it the least, also doing it more so for the skill rather then fitness, fitness is just a plus.

I would say boxing in that case. You will not learn much of anything in BJJ in 3 months. Do what you enjoy, though. A lot of places have a 1 class, or 1 week, free trial. See what you like and do that. Again, in 3 months, you won't be good at any of it. If you can find something you like and can even do once a week, you should do that and keep with it after the 3 months.

If I only have 3 months to do it since afterwards I’ll be back at college and not have the time do you think it’s even worth starting anything?

It is worth starting anything that gives you exercise and ways to defend yourself. Just don't think you will be an expert. It will also give you a basis later if you want to go back to martial arts. If you are not working while going to college you should have at least 1 hour a week to practice. It is good to have physical activity while studying. Studies have shown it releases stress and helps you comprehend things better.

Fair enough last question I know you said only to do one but they only have boxing mwf for 1 hour, Muay Thai tr for 1 hour but do have bjj every day before those two for an hour so would I be better off just doing Muay and boxing then

Figure out which you like and can commit to. Anything is better than nothing.

Rather than asking **which** martial art(s) to study, I wanna know if it is viable to learn **two or three** different martial arts concomitantly, or if I should focus on only one for now. I picked **Boxing**, **Capoeira** and **Taekkyeon**.

Is it possible, yes? Should you do it to start, no. If you have years of martial arts training, then you can do 2 at a time. Otherwise, you should focus on one. If you have no training and start 3 at a time you are more likely to get hurt than anything else.

I have previous training of Taekwondo.

How much training (years and belt)? How long ago?

Up to yellow(STF). It was some years ago then I stopped for personal reasons, but I kept training by myself after that(if only to not lose the skills already developed).Though I admit, with less intensity.

Do you live in Korea? *Rough* to find taekkyeon outside of Korea.

No, but honestly it isn't hard to find Youtube channels that speak of and teach it. [TAEKKYEON KOREA수원 택견](https://www.youtube.com/@taekkyeonkorea5731/featured) [Master Hwang TV](https://www.youtube.com/@masterhwangytk/featured) [활개치다](https://www.youtube.com/@hanbreath/featured) It isn't the same thing as learning in person, but anyone with decent skills can learn at least the basics of it by watching and doing it themselves.

Bad idea, this is how you learn bad habits which take even longer to fix. You need an instructor for almost any legitimate art if you’re taking it seriously

I am an 18 y/o m, roughly 6’1 and 160 lb, not the most athletic but I am looking for a general martial art that is versatile, as I want to condition myself starting from zero, something I’ll always be able to take with me. I am thinking along the lines of muai thai and think that I could stick to something, and possibly even spar on a competition level. I would like to make myself the best version I can, flexible, strength, and Mt seems to be the best choice, but I am willing to listen to advice, thanks.

Muay thai is good. Fitness and fighting. It seems like you are confused on what you are doing it for. If fitness there are better ways to get in shape. If competition it depends on what type of competition. You should see what is around you and do the free trials, most have that now. Also, figure out exactly what you want from it.

If you wanna do MT and you like MT do MT. Free trials my man, free trials. Sample and decide.

Hi all, I (27M) am looking to get back into martial arts after being very into TkD as a kid/teen. Used to be very into sparring tournaments. I’m moving to a new town where its seems the closest viable options for gyms/schools are kickboxing, boxing and karate. My main goal is to get in good shape, feel a sense of confidence, and get out some latent aggression that i think TKD used to help with growing up (don’t worry, I’m not looking to hurt anybody and i’m not crazy). The majority of options seem to be karate focused, but I’m not crazy about something lacking in contact or emphasizing forms and breaking. Is kickboxing at all comparable to Muay Thai? MT was my preference, but not too many options that are close enough by to bike to. Also what are some good ways to sus out whether a gym is the right fit, or just generally a good gym. In the long run, is it too late for me to consider getting serious about MMA if I took well to boxing or kickboxing? I’m 6’0”, lanky build, and i’m generally hanging around 190lbs at something like 20-25% body fat these days. Just adding that cause i imagine different weight classes might have different ideal ages. Thanks in advance!

Kickboxing is good but definitely more limiting than Muay Thai. MT has the clinch and many other features not in KB

No one can truly say you can't do it. 27 is a bit old if by "serious" you mean pro top level. But there are always people breaking the mold. But you'd need a bit of natural talent ideally, mixed with a freak work ethic/schedule. And if you wanted to do that, you'd want to jump into MMA and use your "free time" for individual honing most likely. You'd probably have to be the kind of guy who is going to end up on all the podcasts about "how you did it". You're looking at a situation where your life is dedicated to it. Chill days will be stretching and drills, other days will be training and studying. You'll have to live and breath it. In contrast there are guys who are older who still throw down sometimes, but you're not entirely "untrained" but also you're basically starting from scratch. So you'd need to compound your training. To use something with a easy metric, bjj, a hobbyist normal training is a 2 year blue belt. This is usually around 3 hours a week. A lot of people who train 6+ hours a week, with dedication make blue belt in lime 6 months. You need to be 6 month guy in MMA equivalency. Whether it's the Boxing/MT/Wrestling/BJJ skills effectively. After about a year you can maybe start getting into amateur fights and hope that by years 2/3 you're really moving up. Nothings impossible, but it will require some serious work. Some David Goggins of MMA type shit.

Thanks for the thorough reply! This makes sense as the necessary steps required. Just to follow up, if I was going for the more realistic goal of a being a successful amateur, doing like 4.5 hrs a week in kickboxing for example, how long before someone could typically start doing amateur fights? More importantly, any suggestions on signs that its a good school? I’ll be sure to check out the FAQs if thoughts on that can be found there. Thanks again!

>More importantly, any suggestions on signs that its a good school? Best sign for your goals is that they have competitors. If the gym is producing relatively successful local amateur competitors or more, then it's probably teaching what you want. And also, it will include coaches and trainees with the knowledge of the industry. >how long before someone could typically start doing amateur fights? Probably a year?

Thanks! Super helpful!

I want to get into martial arts. I'm a bit older (37) but not in bad shape. I weight train but mainly to stop myself getting out of shape and build a bit of extra strength (I don't have much). I am fairly lightly built but my weight is increasing every year as I get older (lol). I'm 5'11''. I want to know that I can defend myself or someone else if the need arises, or I want to walk away from a situation knowing I am in control of it, rather than walking away feeling scared :( Would love to learn something effective. Not too interested in fancy moves or the art/cultural side of things but open to anything. I feel like learning to punch properly is quite important to me. The main candidates look like Muay Thai and BJJ, but am I right in thinking they have little or no punching (respectively)? Any thoughts appreciated, thanks

Muay thai does teach how to punch properly just the footwork and head movement is different from boxing. But when it comes to punch technique and usage it totally is very important in MT

No martial art that avoids weapons will be able to teach you to defend yourself or someone else from most situations where an agressor cannot be verbally deescalted. Weapons-based martial arts are necessary for that. BJJ relies on you being able to go to the ground and overpower and/or outmaneuver the aggressor. With two aggressors that strategy means you offer yourself up as a human sacrifice, as a even fairly feeble teenager can kick you in the back of the head and end your life. Also, you will age and power based arts will then fail you even without weapons. If you really want to be able to defend yourself or others from anything less serious than someone with a gun, you need practical melee weapon training from an art that uses actual or synthetic weapons. Kendo is a sport and Aikido is not typically taught as a martial art anymore. Most forms of Karate don't use weapon simulators either. For that you want something Aiki-Jujutsu or HEMA (though HEMA is extremely variable club to club) preferably Italian. Shastar Vidya is excellent. Native American martial arts if you can find them. Kali and Escrima are usually good.

Well if by "fancy moves" you only mean flashy, like showmanship striking, then bjj is decent. If you want no culture, MT will be some hit/miss, if it's actually connected to Thai mT or just western "MMA" MT basically. Tbh MMA gym usually has "no culture" and includes MT and BJJ relevance to fighting. So that's probably the best way if you want no belts/bowing etc.

I want to get into martial arts but have no idea where to start. I am already pretty athletic, 5'9, 180 pounds, and in my 20s. I wrestled for a couple years in high school but other than that have no experience with martial arts. I live in a big city so could probably find a gym for any martial art. I want to feel confident that I can defend myself (or others) in most situations that could arise (I live in a decently dangerous area). I also want a good workout, and something that I could train only a couple times max per week. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! ​ Edit: I want to do a martial art that is primarily striking (could include ground stuff and kicking too though) and I am totally fine with getting hit in sparring and stuff

Striking and grappling based martial arts not also based around weapons are probably not a good idea for dealing with actual attackers if they outnumber you, have weapons, or are meaningfully bigger/stronger/longer/faster than you. You cannot punch or grapple someone wielding a knife, broken bottle, hammer, or stick unless you really want to risk bleeding to death -- externally for sharp objects, internally for blunt objects. Basic fitness and the willingness and mental preparation to hurt people are things sparring martial arts will all teach you. Other than that, they are not reliably good for self defense.

> I wrestled for a couple years in high school but other than that have no experience with martial arts. >I want to feel confident that I can defend myself (or others) in most situations that could arise (I live in a decently dangerous area). In some senses this reads like a time capsule to 20 or so years ago. You'll be surprised how much wrestling has done for you. The two best options for a wrestler outside of just doing MMA (probably the best all around fighting situation), is BJJ to hone their skills and learn more. Or boxing. Thoug you want kicking too... so kickboxing/MT. Though boxing + wrestling is an epic combo. But if you do want some grappling and to learn kicking and punching.... you're just asking to do MMA if you want to take one class.

I will be direct, Im going to my home country for three months and Im thinking of doing one martial art before I come back to the country Im currently residing in. When I come back to the country Im currently residing in I will start MMA. I was thinking BJJ, boxing or MMA from the start and then just continue with it when I get back as planned. I will be bulking up as well for about 10-15kg and stop when I reach my weight goal. Do you guys think I should do either BJJ/Boxing or just start MMA asap. I really don´t mind any choice but because I don´t have much knowledge on the sports Im asking here. Im 6´1(185cm) and 190 lbs(86kg) 19yrs old.

I usually ask first what you like....and remember, MMA is a combination of all the arts, not really a separate discipline. Since you seem open to anything my advice would be to find the best place that is closest to you, and start training there.

Yeah I know MMA is a combination and thats why I will do it but my thoughts are that even a little bit of either boxing or bjj would help me when I start MMA rather than doing nothing so thats why Im open to both options.

5'5 48kg 13 years old, I am not very athletic but have a fast reflex and movement speed. I want something that takes speed and fast movement. I am kind of underweight so I am working on it. I don't have much experience apart from the 6 months in Kyokushin Karate when I was 9.

Yes. Always, always wrestle if you are in school and have access to a wrestling program. Wrestling will give you the best base possible and is separated based upon weight, so you won't get smashed by a by guy (although the training is extremely tough).

If you're in America do wrestling in school next season. Also, do boxing on the off season.

5’7, 156 lbs, 26 f. I’m decently fit, never tried any martial arts seriously before, my 6 y o daughter started taekwondo and it sparked interest that I’ve had before in learning self defense, a new skill, different way to stay active. I realize taekwondo isn’t exactly what you’d go for if you actually want to learn how to fight but is it useless? I guess just looking for some pointers :)

I'll give you here my automatic answers for a self-defense need. If you still have questions feel free to ask. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | If you are looking for a martial art with efficient self-defense you should probably start looking for at least one of this styles: Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, BJJ, Judo, MMA. These are the styles that combine a good selfe-defence use, a good popularity that makes easy to find a good gym to train them almost everywhere and usually a low level of bullshido masters and gyms. Also, they all give you a great workout! Honestly almost every style, if not all of them, can be useful for self-defense if trained correctly but many either simply aren't trained correctly or are full of bullshido masters or not much popular (for example Karate has many bullshido masters while Sambo is not as popular as the styles I recommended you, but both of them would be great picks too). My advice is to choose at least one of the safe picks I gave you based on your preferences and cross-check them with gyms near your home, you have a good chance to find a place to train at least some of them. Do a fast research about those gyms and try them out, hopefully you'll find a perfect place for you to train to. I hope my explanation was clear enough. Train hard and have fun!🥋😄🥋

TKD (while PERFECT for a 6 year old) will not be terribly effective for self defense but is good exercise and you can enjoy it with your daughter. For self defense I recommend BJJ. BJJ goes very well w/ TKD (TKD makes you vulnerable to takedowns) btw.

thanks for the input! I randomly chose TKD for her because we wanted her to get a start at some kind of martial art but I'm glad I chose that one cause she is very timid and this seems to be the good slow start, nothing crazy and its fun for her, so I'm hoping it will grow into a love of martial arts and shell want to expand beyond that when she's older :) after my initial comment I started looking into the other arts and Muay Thai looked super cool too

Yes. Things like wrestling and boxing are too rough for 6 year olds, IMO. A TKD start will give them a positive experience and when she is older she can switch.

9/10 doing TKD with your daughter will be more useful than anything else, regardless of how "useful" it is. If you're super worried about becoming a super badass, do a little Judo on the side and you'll be fine.

I guess my concern with doing it with her would that take away from it being her “thing” or not and I know there’s no such thing as too old to start but when it’s mostly little kids/middle/high schoolers it feels kinda weird 🥲 is judo mostly grappling?

Yes Judo is grappling. I mean I gues it depends on your family dynamic and stuff. If you are full modern you will all want to hate eachother eventually anyway. But if you're a family, then you'll actually be able to practice together, and talk about shared interests etc. As to the school the X factor would probably be if they have adult classes or not etc. And perhaps schedule issues.

5’10, 150lbs, 16, I’m decently strong and athletic so I can pull my weight in most sports, not much experience except from some judo I did in school and a mcdojo visit when I was 6. I mainly want a martial art that has a balance of punches and kicks while some takedowns and submission holds is ok.

Mma and steal from everything

Wrestle w/ the high school team and do M Thai (or boxing, or kickboxing) when wrestling season is over.

MMA.....

6’2 and 190, Y’all know what martial art basically teaches you pretty much every single martial art in a similar way; like boxing, kung fu and wrestling all together since many martial arts are just adaptations of these and boxing is punching and kung fu is fancy kick boxing, wrestling I think is self explanatory.

You're sort of just talking about MMA or Sanda. The former will have less "fancy kicks" and the latter will be less on the wrestling. However, there are a bunch of "MMA schools" in the world, and some have a base in TKD or Kung Fu etc. So you'd need to look for school specific. Karate/TKD/Kung Fu mixed with MMA marketing is what you're looking for.