martial art schools

[peckinpah]

Sup guys,
I was wondering you opinion on something. I'm 17 and interested in learning martial arts and it's various forms. So would you guys recomend martial art school's are the best options? Or some sort of private "tutoring" method. I was wondering for those who have went to Martial art schools. How was the experiance? Was it enjoyable? I know it's also a decent way to get into shape.
Thx for your your time,
Rob

 

[Aikilove]

It depends on what they teach in these MA schools.
If it's sports and winning matches your after, these schools would probably be ok.
However, if it's understanding budo and being ready to study hard in a style that will give you many valuable tools then I would recomend finding a school that focus on a single MA. Aikido, karate, kung fu (there are a couple), iaido (the way to draw a sword) comes to mind. There are others of curse that will be just as good.

You just need to find out what exactly is your main goal. Fitness, winning trophies, looking cool, having fun, learning traditional budo, doing push ups, training every day, training once a week, going a path that will never end. Today in most western countries you can find whatever suits you. Sometimes you need to pay little more and commute a little, but that is a small price to pay to train in something that will last you a lifetime.

/J

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

Like Aikilove stated, it would depend on what you want out of the art itself. If your into competition, Judo, Tae Kwon Do or Sport Karate come to mind. If you want self defense applications, well, then Jujutsu, Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Aikido, Hapkido and Kung Fu would serve this need very well. I would imagine that in your home town area there would be a lot of martial art schools. You just need to be careful when slecting.

I would say go to the schools and observe classes. Then talk to the instructor (or vice versa). Make sure that the instructor dos not have dillusions of greatness and that he/she tells you their style is superior and will save you on the street. But look deep into the art and see if it is something that would suit your needs. Every art has something to offer it is up to the individual to pull that out for themselves.

 

[Littledragon]

If you are focused on just self-defense these are the styles I reccomned:

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Jeet Kune Do
Muay Thai
Kyukoshin Karate
Aiki-kai Aikido



For sport:
Judo
Sport Karate
Tae Kwon Do
Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

Only one comment on that Little, Gracies brought Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil and refined it for there needs, and thus anyone studying Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu is studying the Gracie methods. Look at the Machado's, they weer students under the Gracies. So it would be fair to say that Brazillian Jiu-jitsu IS Gracie Jiu-jitsu. Just need to clarify this for our friend who is looking for an art.

 

[Littledragon]

Only one comment on that Little, Gracies brought Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil and refined it for there needs, and thus anyone studying Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu is studying the Gracie methods. Look at the Machado's, they weer students under the Gracies. So it would be fair to say that Brazillian Jiu-jitsu IS Gracie Jiu-jitsu. Just need to clarify this for our friend who is looking for an art.

I said Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

I know you said Gracie Jui-Jitsu, what I said is that all Brazillian Jui-Jitsu IS Gracie Jui-Jitsu. That is what I have read and also what I have learned. I did study Gracie Jui-Jitsu for a short time.

 

[Amos Stevens]

And you can look up dojos in your area by doing a search:

http://www.aikiweb.com/search/

 

[yudansha]

Drop in on the class and ask permission from the instructor to sit in and watch...

... you shouldn't be refused and it shouldn't cost you anything...

Basically, I agree with the advice others here gave you.
Don't go by what your friends tell you or what's more 'popular' where you are, but rather for what suits your needs the most and what you can see yourself enjoying and continuing.

Martial arts teach you discipline very well. If you commit yourself, you'll get a great satisfaction whether right away or in the long run. What you choose may even become a way of life to you.

Don't give up, and good luck with your decision.

 

[Littledragon]

I know you said Gracie Jui-Jitsu, what I said is that all Brazillian Jui-Jitsu IS Gracie Jui-Jitsu. That is what I have read and also what I have learned. I did study Gracie Jui-Jitsu for a short time.

Yup I know.

I am going to train with Rickson in a couple weeks.