The Easiest Martial Art to Learn for Self-Defense

[dlgoff]

How about Krav Maga?

It's the official self defense and fight system of the Israeli Defense Forces. My daughters Tae Kwon Do instructors (both 6th Dan Black Belts) became certified to instruct this type of system recently.

BTW My daughter is only 13yo but I wouldn't want to mess with her.

Regards

 

[Chrono]

If you want further help I suggest you got to http://www.budoseek.net/vbulletin/index.php . They got guys there that have been doing martial arts for at least 20 years. They can help you.

 

[Mike H]

Edit: I have a question for anyone that's studying Judo or Ju Jit Su. How effective is it in a real life situation? Isn't it tough to grabble with someone and throw them when they are throwing punches at you? I saw it during the Olympics and it looks tough.

Speaking from personal experience (for better or worse), it's not nearly as hard as it may seem. Of course, pulling off one of those really impressive looking competition throws that scores you an immediate win in the Olympics is probably not common, but one of the more ordinary looking throws or takedowns will work quite well for putting someone on the ground. The important things to remember are your defensive skills - blocking, parrying, footwork, controlling the distance, and your grips/tie ups - and how to best unbalance your opponent. Of course, one can evade and parry until your striking opponent automatically falls into a clinch position - after all, even skilled strikers like boxers and kickboxers will tie up on occasion in a match.

I've heard good and bad things about Krav Maga, which I'm figuring is a sign which suggests it's one of those things where it's really dependent on the instructor. So if the instructor is good, I'm sure that his or her instruction in the style is good.

Personally, I tend to think that perhaps the most important thing to remember that one needs to train realistically with resisting opponents on a regular basis. The grappling arts (judo, Brazilian jiujitsu, etc.) are excellent examples, as are boxing and kickboxing, not to mention other arts like kyokushinkai karate and the Filipino martial arts which incorporate sparring with weapons.

 

[tribdog]

that's what I need. weapons that are really sharp and that I can spin around and throw.

 

[Gonzolo]

Ju-jitso sounds cool to me,but how about just judo.
I know all of the above mentioned techniques have some judo in it, however they are hard to learn(I'm not that quickest on the brain you know ).

A ju-jitsu master called Kano created Judo by eliminating the techniques that were dangerous, so Judo is more of a civilized, crafted sport with rules, although someone who has practiced awhile will feel confident on the streets. All of it's techniques can basically be divided in three categories : throws, locks and chokes. Examples of what I call "dangerous techniques" are hits, knee locks, shoulder locks, and anything that risks permanent injury. Not all martial arts have judo in it (Karate and Tae-Kwon-Do have no common techniques with Judo at all).

On the other hand, ju-jitsu's only rule is efficiency (except for competitions of course). Each school has its preferred set of techniques, which will include ways to either avoid, control, or bring down an attacker as efficiently as possible using any movement a human body can do. Anything that brings the other down is allowed (this includes many classical no-no's).

Even though any martial art takes time to learn, it should also be fun to do. Doesn't cost more than any other hobby (20-100$/month?). One session (1h30) a week at first, then 2 or more as you get to higher levels. Hand-to-hand has the advantage that you may not have time to pull out a sword or a machine gun from your pocket when suddenly attacked. It should also help speed up the mind. Nothing to lose by trying, most clubs will let you watch, or maybe tryout a first session free of charge.

 

[Chrono]

All of it's techniques can basically be divided in three categories : throws, locks and chokes. Examples of what I call "dangerous techniques" are hits, knee locks, shoulder locks, and anything that risks permanent injury. Not all martial arts have judo in it (Karate and Tae-Kwon-Do have no common techniques with Judo at all).

Aikido is a lot like that, also, but I don't think it has as much groundfighting as Judo.

 

[tribdog]

I wanted to see how hard a black belt could kick, so asked my boss to kick me. He said no. He wasn't good enough to kick me without breaking something

 

[Gonzolo]

Aikido is a lot like that, also, but I don't think it has as much groundfighting as Judo.

Aikido doesn't have any groundfighting at all as far as I know, it would be hard with the special pants they wear. It emphasizes wrist locks and twists, which would be dangerous in competition (there is no competition in this art). When an opponent flips in Aikido, it's often because he has to jump to save his own wrist.

Many moves are apparently inspired from swordfighting, especially manually disarming a sworded opponent (thus the pants, traditionnally used to hide leg movement in a sword fight). It is not very practical by itself, although if an Aikidoka manages to grab a wrist, his opponent becomes hopeless. There is no competition in Aikido, but it places much importance on a spiritual side, perhaps a remnant, or prelude, to respecting live blades. A jujitsu master called Usheiba created the art about the same time Kano made Judo.

 

[Chrono]

Aikido doesn't have any groundfighting at all as far as I know, it would be hard with the special pants they wear. It emphasizes wrist locks and twists, which would be dangerous in competition (there is no competition in this art). When an opponent flips in Aikido, it's often because he has to jump to save his own wrist.

Many moves are apparently inspired from swordfighting, especially manually disarming a sworded opponent (thus the pants, traditionnally used to hide leg movement in a sword fight). It is not very practical by itself, although if an Aikidoka manages to grab a wrist, his opponent becomes hopeless. There is no competition in Aikido, but it places much importance on a spiritual side, perhaps a remnant, or prelude, to respecting live blades. A jujitsu master called Usheiba created the art about the same time Kano made Judo.

Well, I don't know about entirely not having groundfighting. When I took it we would apply a wrist lock on our partner when we took them to the ground. I'm not exactly sure if that's considered groundfighting, though.

Not only was O Sensei proficient in jujitsu, he also took swordsmanship and even spear fighting, which, as you said, many moves were derived from. Also bear in mind that he himself came up with many aikido techniques.

 

[Gonzolo]

True that it often ends on the ground, but I don't think it ever continues there, the winner is at most knealing at the end of a movement, with complete control. I base what I say on the 3 months I did and about 30, 15-second videos from Aikido masters I found on the 'net. On the other hand, Wrestling, Judo and JuJitsu actually have techniques where you start lying on your back, front, all four, or kneeling.

 

[Chrono]

True that it often ends on the ground, but I don't think it ever continues there, the winner is at most knealing at the end of a movement, with complete control. I base what I say on the 3 months I did and about 30, 15-second videos from Aikido masters I found on the 'net. On the other hand, Wrestling, Judo and JuJitsu actually have techniques where you start lying on your back, front, all four, or kneeling.

Yeah, it's a very good chance that in aikido the fight ends once the attacker is on the ground in a wrist lock and can think of nothing but the pain. BJJ and the like are mostly what do you do when you both just happen to be on the ground or when the attacker actually takes you down.

 

[the number 42]

I wanted to see how hard a black belt could kick, so asked my boss to kick me. He said no. He wasn't good enough to kick me without breaking something

My advice is to avoid styles that 1/ rely a lot on high kicks, that you can only do if you keep up a regular stretching routine (I'm thinking here of Tai Kwon Do, with respect to those who practice it), or 2/ styles like tribdog's boss, where you can only defend yourself by putting someone in hospital. Busting people's balls is okay only when metaphorical.

Styles where you at least have the option of stopping an attacker - which, let's face it, is usually just some drunken idiot who is as good as gold on 99% of occasions - are also far more impressive to onlookers, and sound better in court.

 

[Chrono]

My advice is to avoid styles that 1/ rely a lot on high kicks, that you can only do if you keep up a regular stretching routine (I'm thinking here of Tai Kwon Do, with respect to those who practice it)

They, at least the good ones, that is, let you kick above the waist so you can get the flexibility and such. However, they advice you continuously that you only do so unless you're 500% you're going to hit the target with power. Otherwise, you hit below the waist.

 

[KingNothing]

I don't see anyone whose mentioned shootfighting yet. Shootfighting is defined as a mixture of a ground style and non-ground style, only formed together in such a way that it transitions well. Usually kickboxing is considered to be one of the best standing strategies, but on the ground it really suffers, which is why a lot of expert kickboxers end up training in shootfighting, usually with jujitsu as a ground style.

www.sherdog.com is a great site to learn and see different styles. As you can see, taekwondo and karate and some of the other 'common' styles really aren't that great. I've seen blackbelts in karate get their arses handed to them by a 'free-style' street punk.

Also, high kicks are more effective with perfect aim than amazing power. If you land one right, it's devastating, no matter how weak it is (to some extent, of course).

 

[Chrono]

I don't see anyone whose mentioned shootfighting yet. Shootfighting is defined as a mixture of a ground style and non-ground style, only formed together in such a way that it transitions well. Usually kickboxing is considered to be one of the best standing strategies, but on the ground it really suffers, which is why a lot of expert kickboxers end up training in shootfighting, usually with jujitsu as a ground style.

I went to a tournament not long ago and saw some kickboxers fight and I almost fought one myself. I tell, I'm damn glad I didn't. The guy I did fight, who wasn't a kickboxer, nearly killed me.

 

[the number 42]

The spirit of the fighter might well be the most important thing i.e. more important than style, skill, experience, numbers, even weaponry.

 

[Chrono]

The spirit of the fighter might well be the most important thing i.e. more important than style, skill, experience, numbers, even weaponry.

How true that is.

 

[FredGarvin]

"...which is the easiest of them to have some ability to defend myself?"

If you're asking that question, you're not the kind of person who would be willing to put in the time and work to become proficient in any art.

 

[Evo]

"...which is the easiest of them to have some ability to defend myself?"

If you're asking that question, you're not the kind of person who would be willing to put in the time and work to become proficient in any art.

I disagree. You can become proficient in a simple type of self defense. The surest way to failure is to set unrealistic goals.

 

[Gonzolo]

He didn't ask to "become proficient", he asked for "some ability to defend" himself.

And this is for everyone. While Judo is a sport, and Aikido is an art, Jujitsu is like cooking, swimming and first aid, as it is basic survival. A considerable proportion of students have no interest in winning contests, they just don't want to get mugged, raped or have to carry a machine gun.

 

[Gokul43201]

There are people that swear by silat, and claim that it is very adaptable to real life situations.

 

[Astronuc]

The spirit of the fighter might well be the most important thing i.e. more important than style, skill, experience, numbers, even weaponry.

I have seen 'spirited' individuals who were put down fast by those who were more skilled.

If one wishes to pursue a martial art, one should commit to more than a little effort (at least 3 hrs/week in class, with 2-3 hrs outside, i.e. homework). One learns discipline, skills (including speed and agility) and endurance.

One instructor I know teaches a form of Kempo with a variety of self-defense techniques. He is ex-Marine and teaches techniques he taught as a Marine.

Besides, it is good exercise - good for body - and good for mind.

 

[jdstokes]

I think I'm a little late to this thread but I thought I'd throw in my two cents anyway. For what it's worth, I used to practice tae kwan do when I was much younger; this art is mainly aimed at increasing strength and flexibility through repetitive punching and high kicks. However, in terms of actual confrontations, these moves are essentially useless.

Currently I practice the Japanase style of ninjutsu, which combines unarmed combat very similar to jujutsu, with weapons training in the katana (Japanese sword) and various other fighting instruments. I think this art is very useful for self defence due to the many different locks and pressure point attacks in the unarmed component. Apart from the obvious coolness, the sword is also great for increasing arm strength .

Ultimately, if you simply want to learn to kick someone's arse, then you shouldn't be practicing martial arts at all. Ninjutsu is great, however for anyone wishing have a fun time working out whilst learning to defend themselves using one of the oldest and most traditional styles.

 

[Entropy]

Last kid I heard brag about his martial arts got his face bashed into a locker by yours truly (I'm not proud of it, I was a lot more.. aggressive back then, but not anymore though). He had been training for a few years, not sure what belt he was. Wonder if he asked for his money back? The fact is that if you don't train hard everyday for a significant portion of your life the odds of you taking on someone whos reasonably bigger than you isn't very good, unless he just plain sucks at fighting.

And if you're looking to protect yourself from a bully, don't count on it. Chances are you're not just being picked on by one person but one person and his buddies. No kid is going to learn enough martial arts to protect himself from a number of people that are probably stronger than him to begin with.

I'm sure there are plenty of little kirate people a lot smaller than me that could smack me around. But they probably train 24/7 and have been doing so for years.

If you really want to protect yourself there is a simple thing you can do and it's a lot cheaper than martial art's classes. Go to the store and buy a taser. Someone trys something, zap'em! It's not just effective, but fun! Especially if they wet themselves.. heheh...

 

[the number 42]

No kid is going to learn enough martial arts to protect himself from a number of people that are probably stronger than him to begin with.

Oh YEAH? Bet you wouldn't say that to the Karate Kid.
http://www.fast-rewind.com/kkid/

 

[FredGarvin]

I forgot about this thread...

Cue: Step on top of soapbox:

I disagree. You can become proficient in a simple type of self defense. The surest way to failure is to set unrealistic goals.

And this is based on what experience? I've had more than a few years teaching two different martial arts and I have seen my fair share of students come and go.

The reason I said what I said was touched on by Entropy. Of course, I don't agree with the tazer comment, but there were some very valid points. If a person asks something along the lines of "how can I do this fast and easy" they are not going get any real long term benefit from the 6 weeks or so they are going to train. We all know the phrase "know enough to make yourself dangerous." That's exactly what happens with 90% of the people that "study." They know exactly enough to get themselves seriously hurt due to overconfidence. People are going to throw out all different forms and styles and say they are the best or most practical. That has been going on since the inception of martial arts.

The fact of the matter is is that a self defense instinct has to be just that, an instinct, an automatic reaction, done without thinking. It takes a long time and a lot of training to get to that level. Add on to the situation the huge stress involved, the mind and body do not do well at completing complicated tasks and movements. They must be basic and easy.

That being said, I think someone said it before...take up a basic boxing class. Learn how to move a bit and throw a couple of basic punches and get some exercise. Forget the kicks, the holds the throws and the pins. After that, learn how to not let yourself get into a position where you need to defend yourself. If you want to study an art to further develop over time, that's fantastic. I highly recommend it. I can't imagine my life without my training.

Stepping off soapbox.

 

[Evo]

I forgot about this thread...

Cue: Step on top of soapbox:

"...which is the easiest of them to have some ability to defend myself?"

originally posted by FredGarvin - If you're asking that question, you're not the kind of person who would be willing to put in the time and work to become proficient in any art.

I disagree. You can become proficient in a simple type of self defense. The surest way to failure is to set unrealistic goals.

Originally posted by FredGarvin - And this is based on what experience? I've had more than a few years teaching two different martial arts and I have seen my fair share of students come and go.

The fact that you made a statement that simply wasn't true. Are you going to say that someone can't become proficient in a simple type of self defense? You can become proficient in whatever you wish, it does not only have to be something difficult. The person only wanted "some ability to defend myself", he wasn't asking to become a black belt in five easy lessons. Your response was rather arrogant, IMHO.

 

[klusener]

i don't know if you would find instructors for this martial art in the US, but it is called Kalarippayattu and found in Kerala, India.. it is the most complete martial art yet, because it teaches emty hand fighting, weapons fighting- swords, sticks, etc., yoga, medicine (some of the moves actually have healing powers)...

but i forgot the name, but there is this one move, it takes a few seconds to do, and the other person is dead, Gokul, you said you were from Chennai, maybe you have seen the movie Indian, in which Kamal Hassan acted, in the first scene, that is how he kills the guy who works for the British..

Edit: Another fact that might impress you, there are different styles in this Indian martial art, out of which the most difficult, dangerous, and yet the best style is Kathinayoga, only a few people have ever been capable of mastering it, that's why it is almost extinct now, there was a great master in recent times, called Kumaran Asan, he died when he was 98 years old. Here comes the most amazing part, one week before his death he could throw people weighing 90 kilograms some 10 feet away.. think about that, and he was 98 years old... if you go to some countries, you would find people older than 80 in hospitals suffering from diseases.. but this guy seriously was crazy good at this, unbelievably good...

 

[Chrono]

i don't know if you would find instructors for this martial art in the US, but it is called Kalarippayattu and found in Kerala, India.

Why do I have the feeling that that's not a martial art? I'll do some research on it.

 

[klusener]

go ahead search for it, the first result itself says martial arts in its title..