Obligatory thread asking for help, advice and such

[Noob]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could possibly help me out a with few things regarding MA training. I'm a complete beginner aged 25 and my only real experiance is either movies or video games (and when I was younger a number of Star Wars Kid esc episodes).

I'm looking to start learning a Martial Art but feel confused by the sheer number of types/styles etc. Also I'm not in "great" physical shape - more a kinda soft and flabby shape. Anyway I'm looking for something that won't be too physically demanding - but am aware that any style will demand some physical exertion (probably more than I am used to now) but would rather avoid something too strenuos too soon - sorta build up to it thing.

I've had a look at what is local to me, the main styles available are Tae Kwon Do, Choi Kwang Do, Karate, Kwai Judo Bu, Ta'i Chi Chuan, although if anyone knows of any other classes in my area (Hatfield, St. Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Barnet (North London)- about the furthest I could travel in the UK) and can reccomend them it would be appreciated.

Anyway if any of you have experiance with any of the arts near to me, or know of one I might not know about, or can reccomend a school/teacher then please help a poor Noob out.

[Thomas]

Not sure about your specific area, but I always recommend going around to the local schools and observing and/or trying them out for a few classes (usually free). Join the one with the atmosphere and instructors that feel the most comfortable.

As far as style, any style can be effective. If you work hard and train hard... hopefully you will see good results.

I personally train in WTF Taekwondo, which I like for the fast kicking and striking and the forms (poomsae). I also train in ICHF (Combat) Hapkido which I love for the self defence appplications and the opportunities for cross training. I like them both myself.

[Noob]

Thanks for the advice, I'm planning on doing that when I can (been busy) and also asking a few people I know if they have any information - pretty new to the area I'm living in.

Again to me the style isn't that important I'm not looking to learn a Martial Art to become a fighting machine or anything like that, more to tone up my body and get some physical conditioning, that and it looks like it might be fun.

I've been thinking about TaeKwonDo - mostly because of the leg work, and I think my neighbour is a current practitioner - handy for both a lift and company.

But to be honest the style isn't that important to me, I'm more concerned with finding a good class, with good teachers.

Having read online about some bad experiances (mcdojo's) etc, and being a naturally suspicious person I was wondering/hoping if anybody had any advice about teachers (or links to threads with advice about teachers) or knew of good teachers working in my area regardless of the style.

[Thomas]

Try a search at this site for "mcdojo" and you'll see a bunch of topics about what to avoid and such... good luck!

[YODA]

Go everywhere you can

Try everything you can

Do what makes you happy

[pgm316]

Why is the good advice so simple!

[Noob]

Thanks for your help, I've made some calls to friends about anyone they might know, have a few others to call also. Also found some good advice on avoiding McDojo's (Signs, Questions to ask etc.). Again thanks for all your help.

[mild7]

actually it is pretty hard to find out if a place is a mcdojo or not, even if you know what q's to ask etc.

Yoda gave the best advice. You have to try out different schools. Otherwise you don't know what you like. A good school won't force you to join up on the spot and should give introductory lessons. If a school says, no, you must join before you can practice with us(no intro lesson) then it shows cultish behaviour, and is best to be avoided.

[Noob]

Thanks, more good advice. I spoke with my father who plans on asking a friend of his for some advice with regards to this (Friend was a pretty good martial artist back in his day), while he might not know anyone directly in a style I'd like to learn, he might know who to ask.

I know that my question is probably the one your all sick of seeing, and would again thank anyone who answered and of course the people who wrote all the other informative posts I read today.