which is best martial art to learn?
451643
this depends entirely on your targets and goals there is no ultimate or best martial art it is important to visit many dojos or clubs and view what is on offer by just vissiting these places not necceserly training with them you will get a look at the different styles and then you will see which is better for you good luck in your training
928094
What is best for me won't necessarily be what is best for you. I like Hung Gar. We train in a complete system that does not require blending other systems, but also does not frown upon it.\n\nI have studied Chinese boxing for over a decade now, but have experience in Korean systems previously to that. I do prefer Chinese systems (otherwise I wouldn't be training in them!), but that isn't to say they are necessarily better than other systems; rather, they are better for me and what I want out of my training.\n\nThe great thing I have found about Chinese boxing is that they are varied and are determined to be suited for a practitioner not just based on desire of training, but also on attitude and even the practitioner's physique. Since I am of average height and have a stalky build, I am very well suited for Hung Gar, which is the system in which I train. I know of people who do Northern Shaolin who are tall and lanky and excel at it. This isn't to say that somebody like me couldn't do just as well in it, but it may require more practice and training to reach a higher level.\n\nAll that being explained, ask yourself what you want out of your training, how long you plan on training, and what techniques may come more naturally for you, otherwise, how much practice you are willing to put in for techniques that do not come naturally for you!\n\nOh, and FYI, "Tai Chi" is merely a philosophy, whereas "Tai Chi Chuan" is an actual martial art. It is practiced slowly since it possesses no basics and since doing it slowly massages the internal organs and has fantastic health benefits. This being the case, many never progress to practicing it at full speed. This is also why many seniors do it. In fact, it is joked that Tai Chi Chuan is China's universal health care! When somebody does do Tai Chi Chuan at full speed, though, it is easy to see why the translation is "Supreme Ultimate Fist". It takes a very long time to attain this level. Most Chinese boxing schools teach Tai Chi Chuan on top of their external martial arts programs.
500981
I take two styles Wing Chung Kune and the Chin Na grappling system. Wing Chung is great for fighing it is mean to maim or kill the attacker. Chin Na is not a martial art it is a system. Both Chin Na and Wing Chung Kune are taught at both the nothern and souther Shaolin temples. I also like the older styles such as from the Hung Gar family (Tiger Crain is an example). I agree with what you said about the circular motion in Kung Fu i belive that Karate is far to ridged and do not belive it would hold up well against an experience Kung Fu practioner.
802835
i'd say brazilian jujitsu
521394
I would say most definitely martial arts.\nIt increases your focus and concentration, it provides a positive release of aggression, it builds character, and it gives kids a chance to be a part of a large group of friends.\n\nBe careful what school you choose. Generally, I would stay away from a school with a contract. I would always stay away from a school that guarantees anything or one that has 10 year old black belts. Part of the training is learning to be patient and learning to earn what you get.\nTalk with the instructor and see how he feels about that. Take a look at his students, if they are spastic child blackbelts, go somewhere else
1092650
If you want to learn to defend yourself, martial arts is one good way; you have many choices in Asia.  Check the phone book or internet for nearest school to you.  All good martial arts schools and teachers will train your body, mind and spirit :\n\n1.  Kalaripayyat (from Kerala state in India)\n2.  Karate Do\n3.  Tae Kwan Do\n4.  Chinese Kung Fu (many varieties and schools)\n5.  Jujitsu\n6.  Judo\n7.  Aikido\n\nIf you want to learn to fight, that's a different thing altogether, and solutions include:\n\n8.  Boxing\n9.  Street-fighting\n10. Thai boxing ('muay thai')\netc
910968
There is no "best" or "most powerful" martial art. There are many good powerful arts. It is the artist, not the art.
1171772
The name of the school won't always reveal what martial art a school teaches or the number of styles they offer. Asking what kind of martial art someone teaches is not a stupid question. There is a styles directory on www.martialartssites.com that will describe many different styles of martial arts to you. www. wikipedia.com is also good.\n\nHere's an old answer of mine that might help:\n\nHere's what I would do:\n\n\n1. Get a sheet of paper and write down exactly what kinds of benefits you wish to obtain from studying karate/martial arts. It's a good idea to know exactly what you want to achieve.\n\n2. Go to www.smartpages.com and look up MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION in you city and state. It will tell you what martial arts are taught in your area and where the schools are located.\n\n3. Once you know what martial arts are offered in your area look up their definitions on the net. Note the similarities and differences between each. A good place to do that is www.wikipedia.com.\n\n4. Visit the schools in your area. Ask for a free class. Make sure you find a Master Instructor who is overseen by a larger governing body.For example: Many Tae Kwon Do schools belong to the World Tae Kwon Do Federation. Verify your instructor's credentials.\n\n\nSome Martial Arts:\n\nTae Kwon Do and Karate will provide you with a great cardiovascular workout. They will also tone you. For the best results go to class around 4-5 days per week and at least 20-30 minutes a day at home to practice your moves.\nKoei Kan and Isshin Ryu are two good styles of karate. You can also look up Kenpo.\n\nKrav Maga, an Israeli style of self defense, is a superb physical workout. Around 4-5 days of Krav with transform your body. I've watched it happen. Fair warning! The workouts are intense! Take a look at Jennifer Lopez in the movie Enough. She's doing Karv Maga.
563740
I would go with a mixed martial arts school.  The ones in my area for instance teach Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jujitsu.  You get to train in stand up and ground game.  Plus most MMA schools train you for actual combat to varying degrees.  \n\nNot just stances and forms that you find in traditional martial arts.  I'm not knocking traditional martial arts, It's just my opinion that their use in real world situations is limited.
520086
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, stuff like that. You'll learn wrist locks, pressure points, submission moves, stuff you'll need to arrest perps!
258118
There are a variety of martial arts forms/systems out there.\nI think you should re-evaluate your reasons for wanting to learn them, your question seems to focus more on feminine movement, whereas the arts are geared more toward pugilism.\nI do not mean to imply that they will not teach you the attributes you have listed, simply that you may feel more comfortable focusing on something else to provide these elements without the effort involved to attain your goals.\nMartial arts have been around for as long as humans have.\nThere are literally hundreds of different branches/styles/systems out there.\nGenerally speaking the arts can be classified as either "hard" or "soft" styles. This refers to the arts methodology and instruction parameters. Hard styles usually involve a more direct forceful approach in there applications. Softer styles are more about learning to redirect/redistribute a particuler "energy" that is being focused, either with or without damage to your opponent. Hard styles often result in injury in their more direct approach.\nTai chi is an excellent soft art that focuses more on the movement and energy associated within a particuler technique as well as fine tuning your mind/body "fortress".\nIf you prefer something that is not geared specifically at the martial arts, maybe you should try something along the lines of dancing/aerobics. There are some really great programs out there for this purpose.\nOne thing to consider is the group factor. You would probably be more apt to "keep up" with the regimen if you had others to "compete" with. Often a solitary workout will lead to isolation and dis-interest in the activity.\nI would personally think that a Modern Dance class would be great to express yourself in and gain all the attributes you are looking for.
427281
Wow, you just opened a can of worms with that question. There's always a big debate about "which is the best style?" and "is there such a thing as a best style?"\n\nI am of the opinion that there is no best style, but some styles are better for certain goals than others. Tae Kwon Do is good for those who want to take up martial arts purely for sport and competition. But I wouldn't pick up TKD if self-defence is your main goal. \nAnd just a note, usually, how you get along with the instructor is much more important than the style. If you plan on taking up any martial art, see what you think of the instructor, and then move on to the following steps (choosing a style, etc.)\n\nEvery style has its benefits, so why not tell us what your goal is, and we could help you out.
223903
kung fu wont teach u much on the ground ju jistu help  \nfolksyle,grecko,and freestyle wrestling and braziallan ju jistu is the best
17601
Assuming you mean martial art, I started taking Aikido at age 36 and would recommend it for your consideration.  It is very low impact in that it involves more throwing and movement and very little kicking and hitting.  I think styles like Aikido are easier on the joints for us "old folks".
1068935
While mostly a matter of opinion, a martial arts style's success is dependent on two major factors: Training, Style-Body compatibility.\n\nThe US Army uses Brazillian Jujitsu, since it relies on ground fighting (IE wrestling on the ground) and has several skeltal locks (bending joints in opposite directions to break them). It is good for all around survival in most unarmed fights.\n\nThe Isreali style, known as Krav Maga, is designed without specific stances, focusing instead on striking points and utilizing your body's natural kenetics to maximize impact against your target. It is likely the easiest, and fastest way to learn unarmed defense.\n\nJeet Kun Do, though very philisophical in nature, is utilizing natural momentum and adaptibility, in concert with timing and mental focus (more so that traditional Kung Fu). This style is amazingly fast and has a great deal of potential, but it takes a very lon time to master and has many 'fake' schools, that lack the full depth in training.\n\nLastly, you have Federated Sambo, this relies a great deal on body strength, as it is a combination of over 200+ forms of cultural wrestling from Russia, used by Spetznaz (Russian Special Forces) it is similar in effect to Brazillian Jujitsu in use of skeletal locks. It is a very brutal form and can devistating in close quarters against an untrained opponent.\n\nSo to answer your question completely, you have several factors to consider in your choice of martial art, the best way to decide is to look at local schools, and sit in on a session or two as an observer (most credible schools have no problems allowing this) and find th estyle that fits your needs and capibilities.\n\nI hope that helps.
676512
while i agree muay thai is a very good art, i don't think any one art by itself is as effective as cross training in various forms. hence mma (mixed martial arts)\n\nin my humble opinion the best combo is muay thai and brazilian ju-jitsu\n\n most ufc, pride fighters train in those two as well as boxing and wrestling
529233
Kendo --- you get to hit people with bamboo swords! Its also challenging and engaging.