Looking for the Right Style

[Fanatic]

Hi,

What is the best martial art suitable for my preferences and individual situation?

I weigh about 175 and I am 5'10 or 5'11 and 18 years of age. I would describe myself as in okay shape as I used to play soccer. Just this past summer I ran a mile daily and I have also done weight training a few times in my life.
I live in the Ottawa (Canada) area and have the following arts to choose from Aikido, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kendo, kung fu, Taekwondo, tai chi, and Thai boxing.

I want to learn an art that is practical for self-defense, will increase body fitness, increase endurance and flexibility as well as be enjoyable to learn.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Any suggestions for schools in my area would be greatly appreciated. (The fear of the McDojo persists)

[thiaboxr2]

There is a couple McDojo posts you can look at and they are very helpfull. Nobody ever wants to train in them but many schools do hold aspects of a McDojo.

All the arts you listed are all very good styles to train in. I would first suggest at least trying a few classes of each style to find out what best suit you. (most schools have a free trial program ranging from 1 free class up to a week long.)

I can only speak for Jiu-jitsu and Thia boxing. Personally these 2 styles are great for me. Endurance levels, flexability and strenght have all been greatly increased since my training began.

All other styles are definitally worth looking into. They are all great in their own right. It's hard to say what MAY be right for you. Do some background search on the styles and the instructors if possible just to get an idea of what to expect.

Sometimes having a good instructor is just as important as the 'right' style for you. Talk to the students, watch a few classes if possible. Then decide later which is right for you.:)

[pknox]

Excellent info thiaboxr2.

Welcome aboard, Fanatic -- don't get too hung up in the "which style" argument. Just try to find the best school (for you) in your area - one that you think you'll have fun at, fits into your schedule (so you'll actually go), and that you can afford. If you did some research and found out Sambo was the best art for you, but there weren't any Sambo schools for over 1000 miles, it wouldn't make sense to move, considering you haven't even seen any of the training. Visit each place, talk to each instructor, and pick wherever you feel comfortable. After you've been at it a while, you may find that you'd rather be doing something different. That's OK too. There are no blood oaths in the MA anymore (except for a few places ;)). As for the things you are looking for, any good school should be able to give you that. See what each instructor has to say about his/her art, and see what grabs you. Make sure to keep us updated!

Good luck in your search. If you have any questions about the specific styles, or any questions after you visit the schools, please feel free to ask!

[Thomas]

If you get a chance, check out Theiren JuJitsu, they have a school downtown. I have done some training with them at seminars and worked with a few of their masters and instructors. They are top-notch... interesting, respectful, practical, serious, and fun (if you are a serious martial artist).

By the way, after you get training and get into the feel for it... contact me if you want to come down to our school and train a bit (as a guest or more)... we're about an hour and a half from Ottawa ion the New York State side. Good luck!

[Jonny Chee]

Hmmmmm. If I had my time again and had all those choices I would go with Muay Thai and Ju-jitsu (providing the schools were good).

[sholo86]

Originally posted by Fanatic

What is the best martial art suitable for my preferences and individual situation?
I live in the Ottawa (Canada) area and have the following arts to choose from Aikido, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kendo, kung fu, Taekwondo, tai chi, and Thai boxing.

2) I want to learn an art that is practical for self-defense, will increase body fitness, increase endurance and flexibility as well as be enjoyable to learn.

[/B]

1) We can suggest what we think is best for you, but ONLY you can tell which art is really best suited for you. You're lucky to have all these resources/ schools at your disposal. Visit and talk to the teachers (watch out for the McDojo), talk to students, get references, and watch how they do their training. Take advantage of trail memberships and decide which art fits you better. You can always cross-train down the road if you don't feel comfortable with the art you choose now.

2) All these arts teach you self-defense, increase your endurance and flexibility, and I'm sure you'll enjoy learning it.

Kung Fu is where I feel comfortable and still do. Took other MA before kung fu, but these lasted only for a short while. They did not suit my personality.

Goodluck in your search. Again, watch out for McDojos.

[Freeform]

Hi Fanatic

I'd say for fitness purposes Thai Boxing and Judo are your best bet and prehaps Jiu Jitsu. this are also the three I'd recommend for SD purposes.
But alot of schools/clubs don't fit the stereotypes so the best thing to do would be take in a few classes and find your niche.

Good Luck

Colin

[gojuman]

I lived in Ottawa for a year one summer. I changed the guard on Parliment Hill.
Anyway, I enjoy my style not just because of the skills, but because the liniage is very strong to the founder. I believe that this is important. This site of Okinawan Gojuryu looks good to me and if you check it out let me know if you like it.
http://home.achilles.net/~pchan/gtka.html
what ever you do have fun.

[saikyou]

Originally posted by Freeform
Hi Fanatic

I'd say for fitness purposes Thai Boxing and Judo are your best bet and prehaps Jiu Jitsu. this are also the three I'd recommend for SD purposes.
But alot of schools/clubs don't fit the stereotypes so the best thing to do would be take in a few classes and find your niche.

Good Luck

Colin

i agree. you may also try aikido. its also good for SD purposes.

[#1 Stutta]

I can speak for Taekwondo b/c its similar to my style (Tang Soo Do). Taekwondo will give you great flexibility as it focuses on kicks -- extremely high ones. Ive heard that Taekwondo is more competitional-focused then on traditions. So it should be a lot of fun if you're competitive:)