I thought you were into the performing arts?

 

I thought I'd be able to help here, but turns out Peter covered it pretty well... actually a lot better than I would have.

- Jeremy (jnn4v)

 

Now he has no knees. but he does have a gun

 

That's the main reason why I can't compete anymore. When I got both of my knees replaced from my motorcycle accident, it kind of hampered the competitive skills needed to stay on the U.S. National Team and to compete competitively in BJJ. But if it came down to it, I do remember all the skills taught back in the day to defend myself. Not to mention the gun does help too. Or as a wise man once said "Chicks dig guys that have skills. Like bow hunting skills or numchuck skills."

 

Damn Peter, you have all those great skillz and no girlfriend??

Dude, thanks so much for a great explaination. I really don't know if I'll get into a martial arts class right now. I didn't realize there are so many things to consider. I'm really just looking to improve my health, self defense skills would be an added benefit.

I might look for another form of exercise. I just got back into racquetball after a long absense, that's also a great stress reliever.

Thanks again Peter and I'll make sure I don't piss you off so you won't have to get Muay Thai on my ass.

Warren

 

Just like in any hobby or extracurricular activity, it can be relatively involved. Everyone wants the most for their money, but in terms of physical exercise you want to see results. Just like in your line of work, you need the skills to produce shows, and you go to great lengths and invest a lot of time and money to compete in your career. You do the same with any martial art training, because it is an investment in yourself.

 

I would stay far away from the Gold's gym "kickboxing" classes. I work out there and the techniques they "teach" are so frigging flawed that it would be laughable if it was not so pathetic. It is probably fine if you are looking for a light arobic workout and some light muscle toning work.

BJJ and MTKB are probably the best forms that lend themselfs to everyday defense and Krav M will get a beginner up to speed on how to stay alive in a street fight. But these are also extremely demanding styles (BJJ and MTKB) and not really all that great for a casual beginner just looking to get into shape.

Something like Akido might be a bit easier to get involved in or if you want a harder, more aggresive style you could try traditional Okinawan style karate (eg Shorin ryu).

These would get you in shape and provide some assistence if you ever need to defend yourself. As for schools, I have not practiced in over a decade so I can't comment on what is good now. I will say that the quality of a school is perhaps more important that what style the school uses and school quality can range form truly terrible (not that uncommon) to excellent (a lot harder to find).