Martial arts

[GreenGrass]

just finished doin my exams at uni and getting back into shape, about to start at the gym to do some weight training after a 7 month gap ..

anyway im thinkin about taking up some martial arts as well to get me fit and active again, not too sure which one to choose though. I really wanna learn something worth while if ive ever have to defend myself, learn weak points, inflict as much pain as possible with min effort (without driving over them in the car ) that kind of thing.

Any ideas?

 

[panthro]

Have a read of the OCUK martial arts thread

It depends what you are after really. Are you more interested in the striking element, the grappling element, or a combination of the 2? I think you should have a look round your local area to see what clubs are available.

As far as fitness is concerned, then as most people know, I will recommend Taekwon-do. As for effectiveness is defense....tkd is limited in its defensive technique as it is mainly and offensive art. It will keep you very fit though if you train hard. There is a wealth of other arts that will benefit you. I think Jiujutsu is a good starting point as an effective art form. I personally train in The Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) as well as tkd and others. KFM is an extremely effective and direct method of self defence which incorporates many different skills such as strikes, grappling, defensive counter techniques, takedowns, submission, etc.

 

[MookJong]

Don't forget boxing, an often overlooked Western Martial Art.

I'v been training in Wing Chun Kung Fu for 6 years, but it's not fitness specific.

TKD, Ju-Jitsu, Boxing or Thai Kickboxing are your best bets for fitness.