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Recommend me a martial art for self defense?
- Thread starter mr stroke
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lol trust me there aint going to be a life or death struggle if i get my hands on someone. i roll with strong mother fuckers every week. but like other people have been saying in this thread if you are fighting more than one person its probably not going to go well for one guy no matter what they know, but its better to be prepared with something. the only danger i know of is my shirt is going to get dirty
so your aim is choking him out/make him loose conciousness? (i am not trying to discredit you here, i just want a answer to my question. especially since youre teamates figth with the same rules as you do)
You get punched/bitten while rolling?
BJJ is legit but I would prefer to stay standing up myself. Of course, if the guy takes you down, easy win.
i have never been in a street fight but i doubt i would even have to do that. once they realize they cant do anything they probably will stop trying to fight. i mean i would choke someone out if they are really trying to harm me or bite me or something
Actually it doesn't take 30 seconds to choke someone, especially untrained.
wow, just read up on wiki, 8-10 seconds really is fast :O
Force should always be the last option. Back down, keep your cool and let him talk. Just don't get provocated. Only if there is no other way to get around you should resort to physical contact. If there is a weapon involved, always be careful and don't play the hero.
Otherwise I can recommend to learn some simple street fightin' on top of whatever you end up learning. There are no rules, so make use of below-waist-punches and use your elbow and knees (very effective, in particular the latter). As soon as they touch you, you have the right to defend yourself with any means necessary. Once he pushes you, throw him a fast, clean and direct sucker punch. He'll never see it commin. Again, only if you're sure the encounter would end in a fight anyway. The biggest, and most simple tip anyone can learn to improve their fighting ability immediately, is to punch STRAIGHT. Don't ever throw haymakers and roundhouse punches. I've trained Wing Tsun up to student grade 6, and that was basically the first thing that I learned and that shit got me out of trouble clean, when I was almost mugged in the subway. Another time I just got by, by talking: (paraphrasing) "You know that I will defend myself and even if I should lose, I'll hit you a few times. Are you sure that's worth it?" The situation de-escalated afterwards. If you run into drunks, simply ignoring them works often or if they get really aggressive, using with calm words to talk some sense into them. If you dare them with calling the police, they usually go away. That works pretty often, so always bring the cop-card.
One time when 4-5 all-talks tried to gang up on me and a friend (who pussied out hard despite the fact that they were like 12+ years old [tho we were like only 16-17 too]) I simply stood my ground. When one tried to push me he tripped and fell down lol. Afterwards he was so embarrassed that he took his friends and just went away. That said, I'm pretty bulked up (191cm / 6 25foot at around 100kg / 220lbs) so people usually rather avoid me.
Situations in real life are never be the same as when you have a sparing match. You get a huge adrenaline rush and have to act on your instincts. You'll hear your heart beating in your ears and feel night invincible. I recommend to get a solid basis - that's all you really need. In a real fight you have no need nor time for "fancy tricks" and "advanced technics". Kickboxing is really the most effective and straight forward form of self-defense. Learn how to throw a punch, learn how to evade / defend against punches (that's the most you'll encounter in a typical street brawl) and learn how to make use of your knee and a few basic kicks. You're settled. If you want more, learn the basics of ground fighting so you can keep your cool if you land on the ground.
Otherwise I can recommend to learn some simple street fightin' on top of whatever you end up learning. There are no rules, so make use of below-waist-punches and use your elbow and knees (very effective, in particular the latter). As soon as they touch you, you have the right to defend yourself with any means necessary. Once he pushes you, throw him a fast, clean and direct sucker punch. He'll never see it commin. Again, only if you're sure the encounter would end in a fight anyway. The biggest, and most simple tip anyone can learn to improve their fighting ability immediately, is to punch STRAIGHT. Don't ever throw haymakers and roundhouse punches. I've trained Wing Tsun up to student grade 6, and that was basically the first thing that I learned and that shit got me out of trouble clean, when I was almost mugged in the subway. Another time I just got by, by talking: (paraphrasing) "You know that I will defend myself and even if I should lose, I'll hit you a few times. Are you sure that's worth it?" The situation de-escalated afterwards. If you run into drunks, simply ignoring them works often or if they get really aggressive, using with calm words to talk some sense into them. If you dare them with calling the police, they usually go away. That works pretty often, so always bring the cop-card.
One time when 4-5 all-talks tried to gang up on me and a friend (who pussied out hard despite the fact that they were like 12+ years old [tho we were like only 16-17 too]) I simply stood my ground. When one tried to push me he tripped and fell down lol. Afterwards he was so embarrassed that he took his friends and just went away. That said, I'm pretty bulked up (191cm / 6 25foot at around 100kg / 220lbs) so people usually rather avoid me.
Situations in real life are never be the same as when you have a sparing match. You get a huge adrenaline rush and have to act on your instincts. You'll hear your heart beating in your ears and feel night invincible. I recommend to get a solid basis - that's all you really need. In a real fight you have no need nor time for "fancy tricks" and "advanced technics". Kickboxing is really the most effective and straight forward form of self-defense. Learn how to throw a punch, learn how to evade / defend against punches (that's the most you'll encounter in a typical street brawl) and learn how to make use of your knee and a few basic kicks. You're settled. If you want more, learn the basics of ground fighting so you can keep your cool if you land on the ground.
Brazilian Jui-jitsu, but make sure its Gracie Jui-jitsu. Other styles tend to veer towards sports and competition and may not even teach you stand up. Gjj is definitely more self defense oriented.
But hell, even sport Bjj is better than the Karate and Kung fu stuff out there that teaches you slap boxing and dance routines.
As for the rest;
Boxing is good for standup, hand techniques, and multiple attackers. Nothing wrong with knowing how to use your hands.
Aikido is straight BS. Don't even bother with it.
Japanese Jujutsu is good only for pretending to be a samurai warrior. Brazilian style or Judo is way better for self defense.
Karate is really watered down these days. Unfortunately if you learn it, you're going to learn a lot of worthless techniques. In the end, you're going to end up looking like a sloppy kickboxer;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx8SSRtPzEA
So, boxing and Gjj is the way to go. If you can only do one, do Gjj.
But hell, even sport Bjj is better than the Karate and Kung fu stuff out there that teaches you slap boxing and dance routines.
As for the rest;
Boxing is good for standup, hand techniques, and multiple attackers. Nothing wrong with knowing how to use your hands.
Aikido is straight BS. Don't even bother with it.
Japanese Jujutsu is good only for pretending to be a samurai warrior. Brazilian style or Judo is way better for self defense.
Karate is really watered down these days. Unfortunately if you learn it, you're going to learn a lot of worthless techniques. In the end, you're going to end up looking like a sloppy kickboxer;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx8SSRtPzEA
So, boxing and Gjj is the way to go. If you can only do one, do Gjj.
The martial art has to suite your physique physically and mentally. Not one style is best at self defense.
I have tried karv Maga , MT , Judo, boxing for free lessons before finally deciding what would work best for me.
I am skinny guy. Going in MA where striking and strength was involved as major component would put in disadvantage .
I picked BJJ. And I have been loving it . It's been amazing year and half experience . I can't believe a same little me can choke or make a guy tap out in pain who are 100 lbs bigger than me.
BJJ suite my style and takes advantage of my physique.
I recommend take some free lesson. Do some research on academy .
I also value tangible . Your peers and teaching discipline . Creating real life fighting experience in practices
I have tried karv Maga , MT , Judo, boxing for free lessons before finally deciding what would work best for me.
I am skinny guy. Going in MA where striking and strength was involved as major component would put in disadvantage .
I picked BJJ. And I have been loving it . It's been amazing year and half experience . I can't believe a same little me can choke or make a guy tap out in pain who are 100 lbs bigger than me.
BJJ suite my style and takes advantage of my physique.
I recommend take some free lesson. Do some research on academy .
I also value tangible . Your peers and teaching discipline . Creating real life fighting experience in practices
What makes you say this?
Anyway, as for OP, my recommendation is to go to pretty much any place that isn't a mcdojo. If you're just going for something that's relatively straightforward and teaches you some stuff you'd be able to use really quickly boxing and/or kickboxing should be decent enough for standing, and probably get BJJ or something for groundfighting. I imagine that'd be sufficient enough to put you way above the majority of peeps you'll get into a streetfight with.
The basis behind the entire system is nonsense. You're not going to be catching punches and putting people into wristlocks. It just isn't going to happen. Aikido looks great when people demonstrate it, but when someone is trying to punch you in the face, or tackle you to the ground Aikido is worthless, and will probably get you into the hospital.
The only applicable use I've seen of Aikido is police using it on suspects who have already been subdued. I have yet to see anyone pull off Steven Segal-level shit on someone who really wants to beat them down.
This includes Steven Segal himself btw.
I can agree that for most people it probably really wouldn't be terribly effective in a streetfight due to the sheer difficulty of it, and to make it useful in a streetfight you'd need a hell of a lot of experience with perfect technique. To say that it's bullshit however seems a little off since it really just utilizes principles of human anatomy mixed with some basic physics 1 concepts. Yknow, things that are rooted in fact.
The techniques definitely work, they just may not be practical for most folk in the majority of applications.
If you don't want to get too involved a few boxing lessons from someone who knows the game will give you some skills to better handle yourself.
People say JJ but in my opinion unless youre higher tier then getting on the ground or up close and personal in street fights isn't the best solution.
Edit: also your best form of self-defence is your tongue. A lot of times just confidently backing down and being reasonable will get you out of confrontations.
People say JJ but in my opinion unless youre higher tier then getting on the ground or up close and personal in street fights isn't the best solution.
Edit: also your best form of self-defence is your tongue. A lot of times just confidently backing down and being reasonable will get you out of confrontations.
Name something legit, then.
Muay Thai, boxing
If they definitely work, why aren't they in MMA or other NHB contests? Why hasn't an Aikidoka appeared that can catch punches and flip someone onto their head, or put them into a standing armbar to make them tap out?
I know people say that MMA or NHB shouldn't be the standard in which to judge the effectiveness of a MA, but it really is. Boxers, Bjj stylists, wrestlers, MT stylists, etc. fuck up people in the ring/octagon, and they fuck up people on the streets too.
Wiktor
Member
Krav maga, but you would need to find really good club for it work, one that constantly trains actual combat, not just in gyms, but also in city settings
If not or you want something more than basic self defense then boxing.
In reality in regular fights all those fancy techniques don't mean a jack. You just need to learn how to hit hard and how to take a punch. Boxing is perfect for that.
If not or you want something more than basic self defense then boxing.
In reality in regular fights all those fancy techniques don't mean a jack. You just need to learn how to hit hard and how to take a punch. Boxing is perfect for that.
Wiktor
Member
Yeah, the problems start when you fight more than one guy. MMA is heavily focused on ground combat. You go to a ground in a street brawl you're a dead. There's pretty much nothing stupidier you can do.
Personally I train BJJ & Muay Thai. As some others have mentioned the most important thing is finding an instructor that is focused on the street application- especially if you choose BJJ. A lot of gyms are focused on the sport side of the art which leaves a tonne of space & distance to get hit.
krav maga works on anderson silva. you cant believe how many times he's been stopped due to getting kicked in the balls
Which is nonsense. MMA and Bjj teaches you how to protect yourself IF the fight goes to the ground. However, it also teaches you how to fight on your feet as well. People forget that what makes Bjj so strong as a style is that its practitioners are in positions of dominance while on their back. So while in other arts getting knocked onto your back is a death sentence, you still have a fighting chance with Bjj.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXQBBWPhBI8
Krav Maga is the Ninjutsu craze for the 21st century.
CountBlack
Member
i am confused now, when i mentioned krav mega i was reffering to
Systema
a friend of mine did it and it seemed rather effective.
I've practiced Taekwondo and judo for many years and I can safely say judo would be way more practical in a real fight.
The 2 martial arts complement each other though and there are definitely a few Taekwondo moves (ITF) that would be very practical in a real fight.
Any real fights I've seen though quickly end up in grappling on the ground, where judo should shine with all it's chokes and locks
The 2 martial arts complement each other though and there are definitely a few Taekwondo moves (ITF) that would be very practical in a real fight.
Any real fights I've seen though quickly end up in grappling on the ground, where judo should shine with all it's chokes and locks
the things about that and krav maga is its just this weird unproven situational things. its effective because you are letting him do it to you. sure your friend may come up to you and put a pressure point on your hand but do you really think it would work in the real world? or if a guy comes up to your back with a gun? i aint fucking with no one with a gun. its so stupid and can probably get someone really hurt.
umop_3pisdn
Member
I find the only martial arts that really interest me on a personal level are the Internal/Taoist-y ones (taijiquan, baguazhang, hsing yi, etc) because they double as qigong practice. I don't see myself ever getting into fights, and on a purely idealistic level developing the skill to fight seems like cultivating an attitude towards violence to me, so developing skill in harming others seems problematic... though those three I mentioned all have martial applications, so idk lol.
Silat.
My friend has been taking lessons for about 6 years now, and sometimes has me try and come at him with his training knife.
It's fun getting my ass beat lol
ComputerMKII
Banned
Don't get into fights or run.
If you really must get into fights, learn to receive hits. Getting hit is quite shocking when you're not used to it so whatever martial arts training you have, you may not even be able to apply it.
If you really must get into fights, learn to receive hits. Getting hit is quite shocking when you're not used to it so whatever martial arts training you have, you may not even be able to apply it.
thoughthorizon
Member
Judo is actually awesome for self defence and also great for fitness and fun too!
BJJ is okay too no matter what crap people spout about "but it's no good against multiple attackers", though judo keeps you more mobile and on your feet.
Avoid japanese jujutsu unless you can find somewhere which practices realistic "live" training methods (I've done Japanese Jujutsu in a koryu style for nearly 10 years and wouldn't recommend it for pure self defence instruction at all), same goes with aikido.
Any art where you punch people in the face a lot is going to mess your hands up in the real world (go look at the emergency department statistics if you don't believe me - lots of nasty hand injuries from strikes to the face).
Krav Maga does a lot of stress training, which is good, but judo would still be my go-to art.
BJJ is okay too no matter what crap people spout about "but it's no good against multiple attackers", though judo keeps you more mobile and on your feet.
Avoid japanese jujutsu unless you can find somewhere which practices realistic "live" training methods (I've done Japanese Jujutsu in a koryu style for nearly 10 years and wouldn't recommend it for pure self defence instruction at all), same goes with aikido.
Any art where you punch people in the face a lot is going to mess your hands up in the real world (go look at the emergency department statistics if you don't believe me - lots of nasty hand injuries from strikes to the face).
Krav Maga does a lot of stress training, which is good, but judo would still be my go-to art.
Yep. Ice hockey have probably taught me more useful stuff for a real fight than my kickboxing. I can take a beating pretty well.
Being able to run a marathon helps.
My tactics if I would get into a fight. Well obviously give them my wallet if they want that. I aint getting beat up over money I will get back from insurance.
If they just want to kick my ass then run.
If I can't run. Kick and punch then try to run. One hard kick to the leg of the opponent should make the running away easier.
My best defense so far is being 189 cm long (6 feet 2.4 inches). That too seem to make people think twice before attacking me. Been some close calls where me standing up have been enough.
captainraincoat
Banned
Clearly u know nothing about it.....out of all the martial arts I have done over the last 12 years I'd say krav would be my number one choice if I was unarmed and facing an attacker or multiple attackers with weapons in a street fight.
Real fights people don't wait their turn and in most cases you don't have a chance to get in a correct fighting position or use a string of moves to take someone down...Once the adrenalin kicks in most people lose their fine motor skills ...krav puts you in those positions and gives you some very basic forms that can be used take someone down or put them permantly down.
The quality of the dojo and teacher will make or break your experience with this training..The place where I train has an ex israli special forces soldier and a kyoshi who has trained in krav and other disciplines for over 50 years.
Dont watch YouTube ballet videos of this.....get into a dojo and try it
PastorOfMuppets
Banned
For the record, I'm a jiu jitsu brown belt. I also have a blue belt in judo and have three years of wrestling under my belt. Striking wise, I've done a year of savate, 18 months of Muay Thai and a couple months of boxing. I'd like to do more but I work in a very public job so I can't be coming into work with black eyes cuts on my face.
If you're going up against multiple opponents, you're fucked. It's kind of insane for anyone to suggest that you shouldn't do a martial art because it sucks vs 2 or more opponents. It's just not bio mechanically possible for you to train to effectively take on multiple attackers. At that point, it's really a game of luck. That being said, from a theory craft perspective, boxing IMO would be the best art to learn to defensively deal with multiple attackers in an open area. Boxing's footwork combined with how great the jab is at keeping an opponent at a distance will teach keep people at bay until you can effectively get away. Don't believe me? Here. That's all just basic jabs, effective footwork and head movement.
Secondly, doing as many martial arts as I have, I have learned one thing. The vast, vast, vast majority of the population has no fucking clue how to fight. It's pretty funny to me to see street fights break outside night clubs and bars because there's so much terrible technique. So with that said, in a 1v1 situation almost any martial art will fuck people up. If you're taking martial arts only for the purposes of self defense, you can pretty much stop after two years max and be able to fuck up 95% of the population. As long as the art allows for full contact sparring and the instructors don't preach any bullshit, it's good. Judo, certain forms of karate, boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ, taekwondo, kickboxing, wrestling etc. Any of those things will be sufficient.
Thirdly, anyone who tells you that eye pokes, groin shots shit like that is required is an idiot. It's actually very difficult to hit specific areas like that in a full speed fight. The idea that some guy who trains MMA or boxing or whatever doesn't know how to deal with eye pokes because they're not taught in those sports is complete horseshit. Eyepokes are not the ultimate end all be all technique.
If you're going up against multiple opponents, you're fucked. It's kind of insane for anyone to suggest that you shouldn't do a martial art because it sucks vs 2 or more opponents. It's just not bio mechanically possible for you to train to effectively take on multiple attackers. At that point, it's really a game of luck. That being said, from a theory craft perspective, boxing IMO would be the best art to learn to defensively deal with multiple attackers in an open area. Boxing's footwork combined with how great the jab is at keeping an opponent at a distance will teach keep people at bay until you can effectively get away. Don't believe me? Here. That's all just basic jabs, effective footwork and head movement.
Secondly, doing as many martial arts as I have, I have learned one thing. The vast, vast, vast majority of the population has no fucking clue how to fight. It's pretty funny to me to see street fights break outside night clubs and bars because there's so much terrible technique. So with that said, in a 1v1 situation almost any martial art will fuck people up. If you're taking martial arts only for the purposes of self defense, you can pretty much stop after two years max and be able to fuck up 95% of the population. As long as the art allows for full contact sparring and the instructors don't preach any bullshit, it's good. Judo, certain forms of karate, boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ, taekwondo, kickboxing, wrestling etc. Any of those things will be sufficient.
Thirdly, anyone who tells you that eye pokes, groin shots shit like that is required is an idiot. It's actually very difficult to hit specific areas like that in a full speed fight. The idea that some guy who trains MMA or boxing or whatever doesn't know how to deal with eye pokes because they're not taught in those sports is complete horseshit. Eyepokes are not the ultimate end all be all technique.
Custard Trout
Member
I do Krav Maga, on the low level syllabus you have to learn how to disengage an threatening situation, and to my knowledge it's the only system that has that as a mandatory to move up a grade. And on pretty much all grades, including the first grade you do multiple opponents.
I did Karate for awhile, which was useless in real situations, as was Tae Kwon Do.
If you join a Krav Maga club:
Join either a KMG, IKMF or Krav Core one
Make sure they do heavy sparring, because that'll teach you how to actually take a proper hit and throw one, and prepare you mentally.
If you can't find a Krav Club near you try Muay Thai, MMA or BJJ.
I did Karate for awhile, which was useless in real situations, as was Tae Kwon Do.
If you join a Krav Maga club:
Join either a KMG, IKMF or Krav Core one
Make sure they do heavy sparring, because that'll teach you how to actually take a proper hit and throw one, and prepare you mentally.
If you can't find a Krav Club near you try Muay Thai, MMA or BJJ.
MMA:
You train against a resisting opponent from day one, you get used to being hit (if it's a decent gym you will spare if you wish) and dealing with adrenaline, you won't freak out if you end up on your back. Also: conditioning.
All the techniques in the world won't help if you get get an adrenaline dump and freeze up, you get tagged and flinch / turtle up or haven't got the gas in the tank.
Oh and avoid fights like the plague, most people who go looking for them are either really good at it or carry a weapon. People on drugs often can't feel a thing and can do a lot of damage.
Source: did door work in my youth.,
You train against a resisting opponent from day one, you get used to being hit (if it's a decent gym you will spare if you wish) and dealing with adrenaline, you won't freak out if you end up on your back. Also: conditioning.
All the techniques in the world won't help if you get get an adrenaline dump and freeze up, you get tagged and flinch / turtle up or haven't got the gas in the tank.
Oh and avoid fights like the plague, most people who go looking for them are either really good at it or carry a weapon. People on drugs often can't feel a thing and can do a lot of damage.
Source: did door work in my youth.,
ComputerMKII
Banned
That's pretty fucking long
okay and what exactly would you do with multiple attackers? have you done this before live on the street? have these techniques been proven effective? if these techniques are so effective why dont ANY professional mma fighters and athletes use any of these techniques? does krav maga just take things from other martial arts and sell it as its own thing?
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