style to choose

[cbraves85]

In my area, the major martial arts schools are tkd, karate, and some kung fu. I already have experience in tkd and im currently studying hung ga kung fu. Im thinking of stopping my kung fu training for I am becoming bored of the repetition and wondering what style of the three is most effective in street fighting/self defence but also contains some competition ie. kickboxing. Is tkd effective in street fighting? Is karate effective in the streets?

[Kwan Jang]

-It's less about styles or systems than it is about how good the training is and what the instructors can bring out in you. I've known some schools that taught systems that are usually considered less street worthy by most, who were amazing fighters both in the ring and in combat. I've also known some from the systems that were the "flavor of the month" for being the "deadliest fighting arts known to man", that were less than impressive and you hoped these people would never have to protect themselves because unless they were attacked by a three year old, it just wasn't going to happen. My advise is watch a few classes of the advanced students from each school. See what level these people are on.

[kurapica]

good advice

[Justin]

i agree good advice

[TheBorderer]

Originally posted by Kwan Jang
-It's less about styles or systems than it is about how good the training is and what the instructors can bring out in you.

Yep I agree there, and as I've seen on various other questions like this, where it's been said the practioner of the art which determines it's effectiveness and other such thing as mental attitude. As I've seen the others say, sometimes its better in a street situation to just 'leg it' than put yourself in a situation where you may end up dead! (Have a look at the topic multiple attackers (http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4180)) Also, I'd say regardless of this aspect, enjoyment of the art is a thing to consider? Are you enjoying hung ga kung fu? If so I'd say that was a good reason to continue with it and get good, maybe even cross train a little in TKD or Karate (or both!). Hope that helps.

[tai-gip]

I think as well that it all comes down to you what you take in how much practice you do and realy what you want to get out of a specific style eg Bruce Lee would have been good still if he had just boxed it just wouldnt have looked as good in movies though ...
Also i think the best thing to do if street fighting is your main concern is to take some Kickboxing or Mau Thai classes as they have straight forward repetitions that will teach you basic movement and form while incresing you flexability and cofidance then take these basics to your chosen style where you can train for the art it is knowing you are ok street fight wise.....but in reality to more you learn the more you realise you dont know hence getting into a fight becomes the least wanted option
ps i can run pretty fast and for some time to

[deCadena]

boring = same old repetitions? well that's the only way to perfect certain moves and be a great combatant. people of old have done their repetitive boring stuff and some of them even became legends now.

[Mr CUTTHROAT]

I agree with the muay thai, for good kicks and general standup.
Judo is good for the takedown. But when it is all said and done, brazilian jiu jitsu is the way to go!!!