Which Martial art should I go for?

I am looking to start training in a martial art but I don't know which one I should choose. The main reason being to add a new dimension to my fitness regeme but also to look after myself...not just defensive though, I'd like to be trained in offencive techniques too.


I'm 22 years old, 5'10", and I'm quite strong and stocky (I'v been lifting weights for more years than I care to remember!) I'm not very fast or flexible but I guess that would improve with the right training.


I don't want anything too formal- I'm looking for a hobby not something thats going to feel like being in the army!





I'm quite lucky because locally I potentially have access to Ju Jitsu, karate, kung fu, western boxing and Kick boxing.





Which should I go for?

Which Martial art should I go for?
Krav Maga, Capoeira or Keichu-do [a form of karate]. If there aren't any of schools for those styles near to where you live then do karate.
Reply:Karate-do is best for beginners.
Reply:be balanced in your choice make sure you have strike, grapple, ground work and defence ... for you i would recommend tai kwon do but if you want to do more than one then do aikido along with it ... i do 4 ... aikido, mantis kung fu, jiu jitsu (brazilian) and tae kwon do





but out of your locals i'll go for jiu jitsu ... it would suit your strength, with that you only need to be fast enough to grab your opponent the rest is dependant on strength and technique





but if you want flexibility and speed do the kung fu





either should keep you very occupied





hope this was helpful ive altogether done more than 10 different martial arts ... i trained since i was 5 so i know my way around .. e-mail me if you have any further questions
Reply:It depends on two things mate, what you want out of your training, and also on your build/personal preference.





Chinese martial arts (kung fu, etc) generally require a good level of speed, agility and flexibility, a lot of the techniques are very flowing and 'acrobatic', for lack of a better term.





If you concentrate on Japanese martial arts for example, (Judo, Ju Jitsu, Karate, Aikido, etc) Judo and Ju Jitsu may be the best bet for your strong/stocky build.





Judo is basically the highest form of wrestling/grappling (and in my opinion one of the best martial arts for actual defence/combat). It does have a heavy sport aspect, with competitions and the Olympics, etc. But a lot of clubs are good at emphasizing the traditional art over and above this. Emphasis is put on grappling and randori (free fighting) from the start, and not on Kata (which is learned at later levels.)





Ju Jitsu is the art of the Samurai and incorporates elements of Judo, Karate, Aikido and weapons training. Like Judo it has a lot of grappling in (but not as much) and puts in a lot of joint locks, blocks and strikes too.





These are obviously my faves (I have trained in others too) but just try a few out and see what you are suited to.
Reply:Just realize that it takes a very long time to become proficient at any martial art.





Why don't you shop around and visit several or more Dojos, Kwoons, or Dojangs and look at the various styles, philosophies, and price tags.





Judo, Aikido, Kung Fu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do are good styles to look over.





Avoid any type of McDojo. Avoid anyplace where there are kids wearing black belts. Avoid anyplace which guarantees a black belt in a set amount of time.





I really do not like MMA or BJJ, but if its a quality joint then its a good a place to start as any, but I think they teach a bad attitude and MMA or BJJ are not complete systems.





In the meantime while you're making up your mind, go and workout in a boxing club or a wrestling club. Those are excellent fundamental skills for the martial arts.
Reply:So, there are 5 dojos/schools near you, that's excellent! Call them, see if you can watch classes at all of them. Then decide which teacher you like best, and which style looks neatest to you. When you study a martial art you're interested in, you're more likely to stick to it.
Reply:I would suggest Kick Boxing. I have a friend who is a kick boxing instructor and she loves it. So do kick boxing
Reply:one that doesn't suck, oh wait that's none,
Reply:Thai Boxing is the best martial art, it's too strong and too effective, especially in a street fight





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFUoqNVc0...
Reply:I would recommend Muay Thai, the training is very intense and demanding.
Reply:Karate. USSD, (United Studios of Self Defense) sounds perfect for you. You learn both defensive and offensive techniques in all sorts of different positions or situations. It is my passion and hobby. You can have up to 2 private lessons a week with the instructors. They will teach you techniques ect. and the work with you on things you wish to improve. It is a little formal however not all the time. Its a fun training environment and you can get a lot from one lesson.
Reply:Try Zui Ba Xian Quan or Thai-style boxing.
Reply:Well I assume you've done you're research and given the info you've provided I'd say and recommend ..jiu-jitsu .
Reply:I would say boxing because i think it would suit you well, karate, jujutsu, and kung fu are very formal. Kick boxing isnt bad but im just going to assume you would rather use punches than kicks because you arent too flexible
Reply:If you don't want to feel like you are in the Army, then I wouldn't suggest Martial Arts.





Go join an MMA, and be another thug with skills.
Reply:I think Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is a self-defense done with no weapons. Everything is done with hands and feet, no weapons, sticks, etc. Say that you fighting someone and they might shoot you with a gun and your in an empty box. Do a hook kick on him. Karate and most martial arts they use sticks, weapons, etc.





Good Luck =]
Reply:Try them all and find out which one you like best.