What is (in your opinion) the most effective *Chinese* martial Art for self defense?
928094
What is best for me won't necessarily be what is best for you. I like Hung Gar. We train in a complete system that does not require blending other systems, but also does not frown upon it.\n\nI have studied Chinese boxing for over a decade now, but have experience in Korean systems previously to that. I do prefer Chinese systems (otherwise I wouldn't be training in them!), but that isn't to say they are necessarily better than other systems; rather, they are better for me and what I want out of my training.\n\nThe great thing I have found about Chinese boxing is that they are varied and are determined to be suited for a practitioner not just based on desire of training, but also on attitude and even the practitioner's physique. Since I am of average height and have a stalky build, I am very well suited for Hung Gar, which is the system in which I train. I know of people who do Northern Shaolin who are tall and lanky and excel at it. This isn't to say that somebody like me couldn't do just as well in it, but it may require more practice and training to reach a higher level.\n\nAll that being explained, ask yourself what you want out of your training, how long you plan on training, and what techniques may come more naturally for you, otherwise, how much practice you are willing to put in for techniques that do not come naturally for you!\n\nOh, and FYI, "Tai Chi" is merely a philosophy, whereas "Tai Chi Chuan" is an actual martial art. It is practiced slowly since it possesses no basics and since doing it slowly massages the internal organs and has fantastic health benefits. This being the case, many never progress to practicing it at full speed. This is also why many seniors do it. In fact, it is joked that Tai Chi Chuan is China's universal health care! When somebody does do Tai Chi Chuan at full speed, though, it is easy to see why the translation is "Supreme Ultimate Fist". It takes a very long time to attain this level. Most Chinese boxing schools teach Tai Chi Chuan on top of their external martial arts programs.
863397
My favorite is Earth Bending, but then again, I do study Hung Gar.\n\nInterestingly enough, each nation represents a different Chinese martial art: Air - Xing Yi (pronounced "Sheeng Yee"), Water - Tai Chi Chuan, Fire - Northern Shaolin, and again, Earth - Hung Gar. Toph, though, does southern Mantis.
441949
Martial arts is a very personal thing.  Each style and type will appeal to different people.  Obviously you should try out several styles before making a decision.\n\nAs a general rule, Japanese martial arts are very "straight line" and "to the point".  Meaning they attack, attack hard, and don't waste much energy trying to look pretty.\n\nChinese martial arts are less direct, utilizing many circular movements.  Just as effective as Japanese arts, they also give a lot of emphasis to physical training and spiritual development.  \n\nI can't speak much about Korean or Thai martial arts.  But both Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing are very popular arts.\n\nMy favorite Japanese martial art is Aikido.  It is a defensive martial art.  There are no attacking moves.  But if anyone violates your "circle of control" you will easily and quickly toss them on their ear, literally.\n\nMy next favorite Japanese martial art is Judo, particularly the Brazilian flavor. There is an Afro-Brazilian art called Capoeria which is very physical and will keep you in great shape.\n\nMy favorite Chinese martial art is Kung Fu.  There are many types of kung fu, so you'll have to do some online research to find the type that appeals to you.  Wing Chun is a popular style, once studied by Bruce Lee.\n\nMy favorite American martial art is Jujitsu.  This is one of the best martial arts ever invented.  It has a little bit of everything in it - ground work, kicks, throws, punches, you name it.\n\nKempo is an American martial art that is quite popular. It has many elements of similarity with karate and judo.  Throws, striking, kicking, etc.\n\nIf you want to get involved, just find the closest school or dojo and give it a try.  If it doesn't feel right, try another.  You'll quickly find the one that fits you.
1068935
While mostly a matter of opinion, a martial arts style's success is dependent on two major factors: Training, Style-Body compatibility.\n\nThe US Army uses Brazillian Jujitsu, since it relies on ground fighting (IE wrestling on the ground) and has several skeltal locks (bending joints in opposite directions to break them). It is good for all around survival in most unarmed fights.\n\nThe Isreali style, known as Krav Maga, is designed without specific stances, focusing instead on striking points and utilizing your body's natural kenetics to maximize impact against your target. It is likely the easiest, and fastest way to learn unarmed defense.\n\nJeet Kun Do, though very philisophical in nature, is utilizing natural momentum and adaptibility, in concert with timing and mental focus (more so that traditional Kung Fu). This style is amazingly fast and has a great deal of potential, but it takes a very lon time to master and has many 'fake' schools, that lack the full depth in training.\n\nLastly, you have Federated Sambo, this relies a great deal on body strength, as it is a combination of over 200+ forms of cultural wrestling from Russia, used by Spetznaz (Russian Special Forces) it is similar in effect to Brazillian Jujitsu in use of skeletal locks. It is a very brutal form and can devistating in close quarters against an untrained opponent.\n\nSo to answer your question completely, you have several factors to consider in your choice of martial art, the best way to decide is to look at local schools, and sit in on a session or two as an observer (most credible schools have no problems allowing this) and find th estyle that fits your needs and capibilities.\n\nI hope that helps.
515342
The best tool you can use is an AFDB.  So far nobody in the United States has been attacked by a Chinese aircraft while wearing an AFDB.\n\nGet yourself one and be safe.
223903
kung fu wont teach u much on the ground ju jistu help  \nfolksyle,grecko,and freestyle wrestling and braziallan ju jistu is the best
38548
Hopefully you'll find someone more knowledgeable than myself, but in case you don't:  Kung-fu is the most varied and most difficult style to learn, and probably the most successful from an offensive point of view.\n\nAikido is a martial art that relies on flips and twists and might be considered the most successful from a defensive point of view.\n\nTae Kwan Do is basically glorified kick-boxing.  Not very advanced, but a good way to exercise.\n\nThis is the extent of my foolish knowledge.  The ancient masters are probably crying in despair now.
484250
All martial arts, in the wrong hands, are dangerous.  Now, if the question that you are asking is, which is the most effective form of martial arts if used as a tool in defending ones self or others then that is a matter of opinion.  My humble opinion however, is that the Japanese martial art of Bujinkan Taijutsu (also known to many as Ninjutsu) is one of the easiest forms to learn and one of the most effective at taking on multiple attackers both armed and unarmed.
504804
Let me start by defining and exampling martial arts before I answer. Martial Art = The art of war. What makes up a martial art: Percussion (striking), Projection (throwing), Immobilization (joint locks), and Armament (weaponry). Here are some examples of different systems:\n\nKarate: Okinawan. Covers Percussion. Civil Art. Kara- meaning open or empty depending on translation. -te originally meant Chinese Hand but they later changed it to just hand after the Chinese were driven out. Derived from White Crane Kung Fu. Believes in hardening the body against strikes and striking hard is the key.\n\nKung Fu: External Chinese. Most cover percussion, projection, and armament, with a few covering immobilization as well. Usually either martial or civil art. There are SO many systems within the term kung fu that it is hard to describe this system effectively. To say the least the best Kung Fu I have seen was in Dallas, and was translated to the Water-Fire Kung Fu.\n\nAikido / Aiki-jujutsu: Japanese. Covers immobilization with slight touch on projection. Civil Art. Was originally derived from Nihongo Jujutsu or Japanese Jujutsu (honestly I hate that I have to specify WHICH jujutsu compared to Brazilian or American… as if you would get an French taco or Russian sushi). Aikido has sadly become one of the snobbiest “styles” out there and they insist that what they do would work in real combat, although only about 10% of EVERYONE who is involved with that system knows what they’re doing. Though I will admit those that do, can do some beautiful Aiki.\n\nJudo: Japanese. Covers projection. Sport Art. Another derivative of Nihongo Jujutsu. A sport derived from the throwing system used in Japan’s combat. As with all sports, there are certain things that they threw out as “illegal moves” due to their effectiveness therefore making the “style” weaker.\n\nBrazilian: Japanese origin. Covers a portion of Immobilization and Projection. Martial Sport. This “style” was made famous by the Gracie family after they were originally taught by a Japanese man who refused to show them any more than the grappling section of Jujutsu. So they concentrated on the art of ground fighting. Most people that do Brazilian are extremely competitive and aggressive in nature.\n\nTaekwondo: Korean. Percussion. Sport Art. This is a primarily kicking “style” and is considered one of the most famous “styles” in use. Another system that is sport / competition based they rely heavily on flexible and fast legs. Originally a derivative from a certain school of Karate which name eludes me at this moment.\n\nKrav Maga: Israeli. Um… Percussion? Military wannabe. I REALLY don’t suggest this system unless you’re looking for a Billy Blanks on steroids kinda feel. This system was built to teach the foot soldiers of Israel a quick, brutal and less than effective hand-to-hand fighting method in a matter of a week, so seriously, don’t bother.\n\nThose Russian arts: Mainly knife junkies who think they know what they’re doing. More flashy than anything else, don’t fall for the hype.\n\nPilipino: Mostly Stick and knife, and they are not for the faint of heart, although not much art to the system, it seems those whom you can find who actually know what they’re doing are pretty good with a knife and stick but that’s it.\n\nMMA: Mixed martial arts. Probably the worst thing that has ever happened to martial arts besides Krav maga. The concept of mixing martial arts is taking a system that is inferior and mixing it with another inferior system to hopefully make up for the gaps left by the other one. For example: Karate doesn’t have Immobilization, so lets throw in Aikido and Brazilian, and those don’t have projection so lets throw in Judo, and all of those don’t have armament so lets throw in Pilipino. \n\nThere are zillions of others that I’ve missed because in order to catch them all, I’d have to write a book, which is stupid, but here’s the
149088
Here's the BIG question. And however I have another question in return to that one: what do you consider effective? Do you mean martially effective? or effective at clearing your mind or bringing inner peace? Martial Art = The art of war. What makes up a martial art: Percussion (striking), Projection (throwing), Immobilization (joint locks), and Armament (weaponry). Here are some examples of different systems:\n\nKarate: Okinawan. Covers Percussion. Civil Art. Kara- meaning open or empty depending on translation. -te originally meant Chinese Hand but they later changed it to just hand after the Chinese were driven out. Derived from White Crane Kung Fu. Believes in hardening the body against strikes and striking hard is the key.\n\nKung Fu: External Chinese. Most cover percussion, projection, and armament, with a few covering immobilization as well. Usually either martial or civil art. There are SO many systems within the term kung fu that it is hard to describe this system effectively. To say the least the best Kung Fu I have seen was in Dallas, and was translated to the Water-Fire Kung Fu.\n\nAikido / Aiki-jujutsu: Japanese. Covers immobilization with slight touch on projection. Civil Art. Was originally derived from Nihongo Jujutsu or Japanese Jujutsu (honestly I hate that I have to specify WHICH jujutsu compared to Brazilian or American… as if you would get an French taco or Russian sushi). Aikido has sadly become one of the snobbiest “styles” out there and they insist that what they do would work in real combat, although only about 10% of EVERYONE who is involved with that system knows what they’re doing. Though I will admit those that do, can do some beautiful Aiki.\n\nJudo: Japanese. Covers projection. Sport Art. Another derivative of Nihongo Jujutsu. A sport derived from the throwing system used in Japan’s combat. As with all sports, there are certain things that they threw out as “illegal moves” due to their effectiveness therefore making the “style” weaker.\n\nBrazilian: Japanese origin. Covers a portion of Immobilization and Projection. Martial Sport. This “style” was made famous by the Gracie family after they were originally taught by a Japanese man who refused to show them any more than the grappling section of Jujutsu. So they concentrated on the art of ground fighting. Most people that do Brazilian are extremely competitive and aggressive in nature.\n\nTaekwondo: Korean. Percussion. Sport Art. This is a primarily kicking “style” and is considered one of the most famous “styles” in use. Another system that is sport / competition based they rely heavily on flexible and fast legs. Originally a derivative from a certain school of Karate which name eludes me at this moment.\n\nKrav Maga: Israeli. Um… Percussion? Military wannabe. I REALLY don’t suggest this system unless you’re looking for a Billy Blanks on steroids kinda feel. This system was built to teach the foot soldiers of Israel a quick, brutal and less than effective hand-to-hand fighting method in a matter of a week, so seriously, don’t bother.\n\nThose Russian arts: Mainly knife junkies who think they know what they’re doing. More flashy than anything else, don’t fall for the hype.\n\nPilipino: Mostly Stick and knife, and they are not for the faint of heart, although not much art to the system, it seems those whom you can find who actually know what they’re doing are pretty good with a knife and stick but that’s it.\n\nMMA: Mixed martial arts. Probably the worst thing that has ever happened to martial arts besides Krav maga. The concept of mixing martial arts is taking a system that is inferior and mixing it with another inferior system to hopefully make up for the gaps left by the other one. For example: Karate doesn’t have Immobilization, so lets throw in Aikido and Brazilian, and those don’t have projection so lets throw in Judo, and all of those don’t have armament so lets throw in Pilipino. \n\nTh
439439
If you're looking for a self-defense class....these are the things I would look for...and also, warning signs to watch out for.\n\n1- How simplistic are the techniques that are being taught? \n   Rule of thumb: generally when techniques are overly complex, they're overly prone to failure against a non-compliant attacker...heh..{cough} Tae Kwon Do for example...avoid it at all costs.\n\n2- Does the system teach techniques that are universally applicable? i.e. - do they work against strikes, chokes, grabs, weapons and so forth....if they do not, they're too unilaterally minded to be useful.\n\n3- Does the class have a bunch of students wearing white uniforms screaming for no good reason? Do they perform very static, mechanical movements ala 'rock 'em sock 'em robots?'\nIf so....walk away, just walk away.\n\n4- Do they charge outlandish prices for classes, promotions, and 5 million different colored belts?\nIf so....walk away, just walk away.\n\n5- Do they spar w/ big targeted pads on their chest, poofy helmet things, and shin pads?\nIf so....just leave politely.\n\n6- Do they have a few classes you can try out for no cost and/or obligation? \nIf so, use them.\n\n7- Lastly, to they teach evasion and counter/release techniques over standing there and trying to block?\nIf so, that's a good thing...definitely a good thing. Blocking fails more often than not...it's better to just not be there.\n\nArts I would reccomend if you can find them :\n\nJapanese arts : \nBujinkan Budo Taijutsu (under a qualified Hachidan instructor or higher.) \nAlso, certain kinds of Aikido...depends on the mindset of the class, some are great...some do the whole Zen-hippie thing too much.\nKoryu Jujutsu is great as well, Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu are great schools if the instructor can get past "kata mindset" and work on real combat.\nOut of all of them, I'd reccomend the Bujinkan first.\n\nChinese arts : \nChen Tai Chi - looks slow, but teaches principles of balance rarely seen elsewhere...and it's great for iso-kinetic exercise.\nChoy Li Fut (choy lay fut) - great southern striking art...lots of curriculum, but geared toward street fighting.\nHung Ga - southern art that combines strikes, throws, and locks/joint breaking w/ ease. GREAT workout too.\nXingyi-quan : tedious to study, devestating when mastered.\n\nKorean arts : I reccomend none.\n\nMuay Thai : for scrapping, 'nuff said.\n\nAnd also any kind of basic police training for unarmed or handheld weapons training - they teach great release and counter techniques very similar to Bujinkan material (same kind of mindset.)\n\nAlso, the Israeli art of Krav Maga....brutal and nasty.\n\nYou can always e-mail me directly if you want a more detailed answer.\n\npeace, and happy hunting!
870654
kickboxing is effective, yes. those kicks and elbow-and-knee-punches are very explosive and can very painfully disable an untrained fighter.\njujitsu focuses on grappling and submission, best if you're rolling on the pavement. you can disable your opponent without even throwing a punch.\n\nmy preferences, though :\njeet kun do trains you to utilise and maximise any and all of your body parts (plus whatever "tool or weapon" you can get your hands on) in a fighting match. deadly, if i may say. i trained for 4 yrs..\n\ncombat aikido uses your oponent's force against him. it's kinda cool. (ever watched steven seagal? don't mind his poor acting, watch how conserved his movements are, even in tight places) i trained for 9 months.\n\nin my opinion, these two are best for street fights.\n\nof course, jeet kun do includes a philosophical outlook in life. and you may end up wanting to avoid fights instead (rather than possibly killing your opponent). still, your skill is there with you should the need for it really arise.\n\nnevertheless, any form of martial arts training will do you good in any fight.
285284
I am told by those who know that most martial arts are not really designed as self defence systems. Most contain certain archaic moves such as top knot grabs and sword arm blocks.\nYou must also take into account the situation you might find yourself in. I was attacked in the street once and it was very scary I would have to have been very well drilled to be able to utilize any techniques I had learned (which I wasn't)therefore you would need to be a black belt in at least one Martial art and close to black in at least one other to be confident of winning the day unscathed as it were.\nYou must also remember that most attackers / muggers will usually not attack you head on (in case you are a martial arts expert) most "Jump" their victim from behind in order to get them on the floor as quickly as possible.\nTherefore, in order to finally answer your question I would learn one "grappling" martial art Ju Jitsu or Aikido and one "Striking" one Probably Wu Shu or Kung Fu, though the fighting form of Tai Chi is said to be very good.
711130
LOL...  Well I have certainly come a long ways since TKD.  I mean, my "kick you off your horse style" is still quite effective, but I have more to learn.  I actually went back to my old dojang last night.  haven't been doing TKD in a few weeks.  Everyone asked what the hell i was doing since i was one of the best students there (not ego, just fact).  I told them the new styles that I was learning and they were interested.  I waited through class to the end to spar with some of my friends.\n\nI waited through the 45 minute run around cones drill.  The 30 minutes of Tap dance tag (also known as sparing).  And then got the chance to spar with a few of my friends.  They said that any style was ok.  One of them is a boxer so of course, he just boxed.  He was the only one I had real trouble with.  Hard to get in tight on someone to throw em, if your face keeps getting pounded!  Anyway, I made short work of the TkD "studs" (black belts), and eventually got the boxer to the ground.  \n\nIts funny to watch someones eyes as you go to full mount on em and start to Tee-off on their face!  I spoke with my old master, whom I still consider a really great guy.  I gave him ideas on what to do to turn TKD from Crap to Martial.  He has all the knowledge, the dudes a 4th degree from Korea under the best there, and a 4th degree in Hapkido from the same place.  Skill is NOT something he lacks.  But I told him what people thought about TKD and why i left.  He is making changes to get more reality based training and is now open to cross training.  Who knows.  I just might start to train there again if they mix things up.\n\nP.S - Hey nine... if you ever make it out this way dude.... I'd roll with ya any time!
1039011
Some schools do go a little overboard i don't think it has much to do with the art you are learning you will find that the Chinese Japanese and Korean are the most disciplined if it is turning you of i recommend you look for a kickboxing school even Muay Thai  they are allot more relaxed than the other traditional arts.
1177264
I'm mostly interested in Wing Chun Kung Fu, a martial  art developed by a chinese nun during the Ching Dynasty which is very practical and became popular in America after it was discovered that it was the original martial art that Bruce Lee studied before he left China. I haven't really seen any documentaries on this art except for being briefly mentioned in a documentary or two. Also,  there isn't really much info that I've seen on filipino martial arts. They are masters of weapons and knife fighting and it is said that if you train in weapons before you train in unarmed combat, you will posess extreme skill in any martial art. Probably because it takes so much more conditioning to avoid a blow from a weapon than from a fist or a foot. They have arts dedicated to weapons fighting such as Escrima, Kali, and Espada y Daga.
92857
Tang Soo Do is great. It is not all just about fighting. It teaches you alot more. Check out this site to learn more:\nhttp://www.wtsda.com/