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mullstamaniac said
on 11/8/2009 Sites like this do not give enough information. Read books by real martial artists, and sit in on classes. No martial art is superior, there are just different styles, and different tastes. Depending what you want out of your martial art, and realistically if you will be able to perform the techniques. Don't choose based on a website.
bkcpisme said
on 12/11/2008 and also, Aikido is not, as you put it, a "grappling style."
bkcpisme said
on 12/11/2008 FYI, Kung Fu and Wushu are not synonymous.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 I have been in the martial arts for months now and what I have heard from some of the tips on this website are based totally on presumptions that have been obtained from the movies. Karate for example literally means "empty hand," and in karate, weapons are not taught. Although in some karate classes Yamashe Ryu Kobudo is taught, which for those of you who don't know Japanese it is a weapons style.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 A great fighter does not necessarily make a great teacher. Some martial artists who reach the high ranks, or are champion fighters, open their own schools to make money like any other business venture. But the skill and talent of this person doesn't automatically make them a great teacher. Visit the school and ask if it is OK to observe a class or two. Is the Sifu (or Sensei) conveying his instruction to the students well? Are the students smiling and satisfied when they learn something? Does the school appear to be a center of friendship? Or is the master just screaming at everyone? Does he make the class warm up for 30 minutes in a 45 minute class? Do the students look tired, beaten, and confused when class is over? Does the master look disinterested - like he is just going through the same old routine? Is the sparring safe?
A good school should be a place where you learn a valuable skill as well as nurture new friendships.
Anonymous said
on 7/20/2006 Before you start any martial art you must be willing to commit. If you don't you will not get all the benefits you can. There are some forms which will not help you in some situations. An example is when we learn self-defense in my Tae Kwon Do class, we've never gone over anything we could use if we are pinned to the ground. Basically do your homework before you get into it. It will really help.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 In the Dojo, observe whatever rules apply. But in a real, possibly life threatening fight, do not disdain using simple, effective, dirty techniques, such as strikes to the groin or eyes.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 To quote an old saying "There are no superior Martial Arts, just superior fighters." Regardless of what you train in (style, system, etc.), it is how you train, how your senses develop and what you do, that will make the difference in surviving a real combative situation. No Martial Art is superior, but realizing that training effectively will create your ability to defend is a superior lesson.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Knowing what you want will help you choose a style. Fitness and discipline. TKD or Karate are great. Real life self defense. You need ground fighting techniques, like grappling.
Anonymous said
on 5/22/2007 Although certain martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu look nice with the high kicking and screaming, these forms of fighting won't bring you victory in a street confrontation. I have tried many different martial arts, and I find these to be the most effective:
Krav Maga (Israeli commando martial art),
Systema (Russian warrior martial art),
Jeet Kun Do (Created by Bruce Lee), the Filipino martial arts, and Kenpo Karate (shown in the movie "The Perfect Weapon").
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that utilizes kicks and sweeps, grappling and acrobatics. Its main focus is on style and skill. It's usually performed to live music, and it serves as the basis for breakdancing.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Hapkido, Kuk Sool Won, and Hwa Rang Do are Korean martial arts that are similar to both Tae Kwon Do and Jujitsu. They are both hard and soft.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When you join a martial arts school you are actually hiring an instructor to teach you or your children. Interview all instructors and ask for references before making any financial commitment.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Sit in on a class or two (most instructors will allow this). Watch how an instructor relates to his or her students and vice/versa. If RESPECT is present, it will show.