The Big Martial Arts Thread

[R6_kid:Me]

Ok so i'm looking at getting into martial arts. Im rather large (6ft 2, 97kg) and not particularly flexible at the moment. What are known as the better or more popular arts to learn?

I'm thinking more towards subduing/pacifist type martial arts (but not tai chi) as opposed to killing type martial arts... but i do need to learn how to fight because im way to pussy at the moment.

So what kinds of martial arts are you into, how long have been practising it and what is the background behind your particular string of martial arts?

(lets try and keep this out of PD)

[JimO]

you could try pushing people over and sitting on them.... im a blue belt at Karate

[Colapop]

I've been looking into it too. I'm currently a member at a std. gym but it has no challenges for me so I found this place. Although it's no help to you there are places up that way that you can go to.
There are usually other martials arts that share the same dojo.

[SwanTiger]

I'm thinking more towards subduing/pacifist type martial arts

Akido.

I belive there are classes in the Albany and Glenfield/Birkenhead area.

Personally I would suggest Boxing, it is the only practical fighting style and has been around the longest. A good trainer will break you down and build you up with a good mentality and instictive abilities you'll carry for life.

[Darryboy]

Have a look at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

It's a form of submission grappling. No striking and it's quite easy to pick up.

-edit- But it's not really good if there's more than one of them.

[justsomeguy]

Akido.

I belive there are classes in the Albany and Glenfield/Birkenhead area.

Personally I would suggest Boxing, it is the only practical fighting style and has been around the longest. A good trainer will break you down and build you up with a good mentality and instictive abilities you'll carry for life.

I agree.

However I'd recommend competition kickboxing. You become really fit, you have a goal to train for and you have to remain sharp.

The classes are also not filled with 12 year olds who's mummy's think they should get some exercise. This is one of the best ever places to train IMHO http://www.balmoralleegar.com/


For pure self defence ninjutsu is arguably the best art out there. I'm sorry I don't have any contacts. Drunken Monkey does though, so you could ask him.

[Gwinch]

I haven't practised any martial arts apart from Tae Kwon Do (complete waste of time if you want my opinion) so otherwise I'm a bit of an armchair intellectual on the subject.

Thought if you really want my opinion then I'd recommend either Jiu Jitsu or Wing Chun Kung Fu.

The former being more of the art of tumbling your opponent and then subduing them in a form of hold and failing that, nasty strikes or chops to the throat and other sensitive areas. Quite ideal for the larger man. Infact, one of the world masters is a man who weighs close to 300 pounds. Absolutely astouding to watch him fly with the grace that he has.

The latter on the other hand, I'd still suggest for your size and frame. A bit more traditional in terms of relying on punches and kicks but instead of raw power you'll be more concerned with balance, posture and being relaxed. You may be concerned that most of the strikes are potentially very harmful but at least the martial art stresses non-confrontation.

Oh well, that's my little bit. Pick it apart if you want.

[justsomeguy]

Have a look at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

It's a form of submission grappling. No striking and it's quite easy to pick up.

-edit- But it's not really good if there's more than one of them.

Yeah - but training twice or thrice a week getting "really close" to sweaty guys is rather.

[zeocen]

Just shop around and find what you like, not what someone suggests you'll like.. Only you know what will work for you. You just have to be cautious of all the McDojo's around and maybe do some background checks if you're in it for long term.

Also, you could learn every art in the world but it wouldn't mean jack if you're not fit.. so I would start there. There's no martial art better than "Run Fu" :P

[Kornholio]

Me, my house and contents and bike are protected by Mossberg...none of that Hoo-flung-dung

If not around the house just release 'the Mongrel' in ya

[Darkman]

I did Japanese Karate from when I was 9. Semi and full contact. Good sport if you want to get fit and flexible. If you want to learn how to fight I recon you have to do something like kickboxing or some full contact sport like that Brazilian extreme stuff.Something to harden you up. Cause no matter how good you get, there is some guy out there that will give you one in the face and you need to be able to withstand a punch or two. I’m doing Kung fu at the moment, when I’m not to lazy. Good if you want to learn how to use weapons and get real flexible.

[justsomeguy]

Also, you could learn every art in the world but it wouldn't mean jack if you're not fit.. so I would start there. There's no martial art better than "Run Fu" :P

Hahahaha, that's so true.

In 99.99% cases running away is the best option.

Besides it's not how good your techniques are - it's how crazy your heart is.

There are cases where it took 6 cops -and be honest most NZ cops are big fellas who know what they're doing - to overcome a crazy little kid high on P.

If you're serious about self defense - find a good Ninjutsu school and within 3 years of consistent 2-3 times a week training you will be able to sort out your arse from your ass.

[boomer]

Me, my house and contents and bike are protected by Mossberg...none of that Hoo-flung-dung

If not around the house just release 'the Mongrel' in ya

HHEHEHE.. i prefer the 'english football yob' art.... two arms make a windmill... 2 legs make for good ground work and a set of keys finish's off the most resiliant assailant; and no matter how small or large you are, screaming like a banshee either scares the crap out of someone or has them bemused long enough for you to strike first

Here

[Darkman]

Besides it's not how good your techniques are - it's how crazy your heart is.

This is true..but all heart and no skill also doesnt mean crap.

[*sic]

as said shop around for what you are into personally.

people think martial arts are something for anyone to be competant, not true.

how many people try to be doctors and fail?.. Its either for you (ie you have the ability to be good) or its not and move on.

9 years training and teaching so far for me and very few people i have encountered are ever really good at what they do.

find something that you personally like and enjoy training in, find a teacher who you can ask "why" to and they dont become offended or say "thats how its always been" it shows they dont know why they are doing something and will not know the meaning, reason, mechanics, physics behind it, making it useless to you.

Best point to remember if you move into a traditional art and not a full fighting sport ie kickboxing. Always ask why. Martial arts is not magic, it is refinement of movement, movement can be broken down into body mechanics.

Anyone who says they have some force or power is a crook or has not thought about what they are doing..

If you move in the direction of a full contact sport art... train under a champ, or a coach that trains champs.


enough ramble.

im ghost.