Which form of martial arts is the best to learn?

I'm thinking about taking up a martial arts program, but I want to know exactly which type to take up (Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, etc...). I want to take something up which will help me with A) Self Defense; and B) Self discipline. I suppose the biggest factor would be A.





Thanks.

Which form of martial arts is the best to learn?
karate and as you become fit judo and/or ju jitsu is just awesome!


Either of these will teach you to defend yourself immediately.


karate in particular emphasizes self discipline.


Tae-Kwon-Do is the commonist type of karate taught in the US. Kung Fu is also one type of karate.





Bruce Lee does karate. Hitting, punching and kicking.


So does chuck Norris.





ju-jitsu involves using pressure points on your opponents body to control him. You do not have to move much. but it is harder to practice alone so requires more classes.
Reply:any martial art should teach you to protect yourself immediately. kung fu is not a type of karate. Report It

Reply:whatever chuck norris knows
Reply:Judo, and Jo-jitsu The things bruce lee knows
Reply:i am currently a black belt in karate, and trust me karate teaches u everything from ju-jitsu, tae-kwon-do, judo, arnis, and also weapons. so i would take a karate dojo over only 1 certain kind anyday!!
Reply:There is no "best" system in the martial arts. If there were a superior system, then everyone would be studying it, and you would not have the diversity you have in the martial arts. All styles have their strengths and weaknesses, and it is really a matter of how you incorporate the training into your life.





One thing you might do is to look for a styles that's as all-inclusive as possible on the techniques (e.g. teaching strikes, throws, and grappling). Of course, remember that an actual situation of self-defense is a lot more intense than what they teach in the school, so the school should teach as realistic a program as possible, and this should adequately prepare you.











I liked your focus on self-discipline in conjunction with the self-defense taught. To me, a good school will encourage self-discipline as you develop your skills. This teaches students to use their skills more responsibly, in the event that they have to use them.
Reply:I agree that there is no "best" style, only one that best fits your body, personality, and goals. The best thing to do is go to many different schools in your area and observe a class. Watch how other students treat each other and how the teacher treats each student. Are the students allowed to ask questions? Does the teacher explain the principles behind the moves and philosophy?





As a correction to an earlier answer: The earliest form of martial arts is Kung Fu (which means "hard work"- this term does not only apply to martial arts) and Karate is one of the many styles, in this case a Japanese style. Bruce Lee studied a Chinese style of Kung Fu called Wing Tsun for a while, but soon left traditional study to develop his own style called Jeet Kun Do.





Regardless of the history or lineage, it is important to find a teacher who teaches respect and compassion. People do not fight on the street like they do in the movies, one needs to know the principles in order to adapt to changing situations. The style does not make a good fighter, only a person who understands and practices the principles behind the style can become a great fighter.
Reply:If self defence is your true aim then the majority of "traditional" martial art schools wont be of much use.





You need to find a group that a) keeps things simple b) pressure tests skills in adrenaline filled scenarios and c) teaches the psychological skills both of avoidance and conflict.





In the Uk I'd recommend Geoff Thompson but in the Us...sorry.





I have over 20 years experience in traditional martial arts and combat oriented ones and experience in the street and in close protection. There are a few karate dojos that now have begun to teach the original stuff from old Okinawa- practical as it was meant to be- but they are few and far between still.





Good luck
Reply:the best martial art for you, may be different than the best martial art for someone else. the style that is easiest depends on body type, size, flexibility, natural inclination, reflexes, et cetera. you should also be concerned with what school to attend, because a art that might be right for you must also have an instructor that you can learn from in a safe, non hostile environment. people have different teaching styles, and different methods of teaching, and some schools are more harsh or strict with students than you may want. self defense comes not from a martial arts school but from an proper attitude, okay with some skills from some area of combat. martial arts can teach you to defend yourself or others, but it is not easy for most people, and you must consider after you learn how to defend yourself; when will you choose to do so. you should also learn when you can legally defend, and how not to look like a victim so that you do not attract trouble. all that being said, any school of martial arts can help you develop what you want, and if someday you seek more than just what that school has to offer consider other martial arts, because you never know what someone will try to use on you, so be prepared. good luck.
Reply:1. Jiu Jitsu - It kills.


2. Kickboxing - It does a lot of damage.


3. Judo - Throwing is fun.





Mix that 3 you can beat Lou Ferrigno hand to hand.
Reply:as a correction to earlier notes, kung fu is not the earliest martial art. kung fun actually came from Bodhidarma in India. And the oldest writings pertaining to martial arts are in Egypt, within the pyramids.





The style you learn doesn't matter. It is who is teaching you. I would rather learn from someone with a less popular style, but with a life time of experience than from joe blackbelt with only 4years experience in karate and no street fighting background.





a great instructor will know how to use the same techniques against grapplers, kickers, punchers, or weapons.