Trying to find a good martial art to begin in

spinninggumby · Purple Belt

This might kind of be a long shot but try finding a credible school in your area that teaches Shaolin kung fu or a related Chinese martial art. Many types or disciplines of Chinese art incorporate everything from grappling and weapons to strikes and forms. The emphasis is usually based on practical application and health and well-being rather than demonstration or aesthetic purposes (except for modern wushu). Some styles such as Wing Chun, however, may be effective but not as broad or encompassing. You won't find yourself limited although generally kung fu takes more practice and training to become efficient when compared to other arts like say Muay Thai. Nevertheless, there is much rich culture and deepness in the multiple facets of Shaolin kung fu and other related practices

The many recommendations and advice posted in reply to this thread is also pretty good so far,

hehehe

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'Conviction is a luxury for those on the sidelines'

William Parcher, 'A BEAUTIFUL MIND'

Ti-Kwon-Leap · Blue Belt

Get online to your local library and do a search for a martial arts. There should be an encyclopedia of martial arts or something similar. Your first step should be to educate yourself about each art so that you can make an informed decision. It really will be worth the effort.

People tend to convert people to whatever art they are taking at the time. Also, they put down other arts that they really know little about.
Step 1. learn about the different disciplines.
Step 2. Go to the prospective school and observe the classes being taught.
Step 3. Make an informed decision!

Good luck!

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Ti-Kwon-Leap
"Annoying the ignorant since 1961"

Eye of the Tiger · Purple Belt

Kickboxing might be good for you since I know a lot of girls are know taking it up and its more of a sport thasn self defence but its very practical. But I would suggest like everyone else look up martial arts that you like and try to narrow them down to the ones that you think you would enjoy and then try them all out if you cant make your mind up. You will be the better fighter to the one you arew suited to. Remember that if there isnt one martial art thats better than any over one otherwise everyone would be doing that one.

Its not the Martial Art its the Martial artist.

Bretty101 · Green Belt

Lau gar · Blue Belt

kung fu rules

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blue belt Lau Gar Kung fu
"know your enemy"

Eye of the Tiger · Purple Belt

I dont think that Thai Boxing is suitable for a girl, more kickboxing. Actually definately kickboxing. Its fun, safe and you learn a very practiacal means of defending your selves, you increase your stamina, muscular endurance, technique, power and strengh. Yes definately kickboxing is for you.

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Kickboxer and Wado ryu Karate SAMA Organisation
Former black belt ECKA Karate
From England
14 years old

[ This Message was edited by: Eye of the Tiger on 2002-06-16 15:25 ]

shuriken_girl · Yellow Belt

Crosstraining would be awesome...karate for a basis and to start learning to fight quickly, and kung fu to get really skilled once I advance. That would be ideal, but I'd also crosstrain in either muay thai, ninjutsu or kenpo, if I could only find a school for one of them.

Unfortunately though, I live in a somewhat isolated part of Maui (small island) and my parents aren't willing to drive me too far. This really limits my options.

But thankfully I found two great karate schools. One at the YMCA that I checked out with two great instructors and another smaller dojo I have yet to see but have heard good things about. Now I can take karate for sure!!
*does happy dance*

ahem...anyways, these two karate schools, tae kwon do, judo, and aikido are the only available arts I could find in the yellow pages and the bulletin board of the martial arts supply store. So karate was the only real fighting striking art there.

But I haven't given up hope that there might be a low-profile school or someplace I simply haven't found yet. Especially since I live in a Chinese community. (I'm not Chinese though)

So do you think maybe there's a place I haven't found yet? Or have any ideas where to look?
I just want to be sure of what's out there before I make my descision...looking at only two karate schools isn't quite satisfying. How do I know there's not something completely different I'd rather take instead? Who knows...

I guess I just have an insatiable (sp?) curiosity...but nevertheless, I'm very happy to have found such great karate dojos.

searcher · Blue Belt

The decision will ultimately be yours but I suggest that you go to several schools and watch class. Don't go off of a first impression, go there several times. If they get annoied at you forget about them and go to a different school. Find an instructor that you can get along with and that you think you can learn from. Make sure you will be able to challange yourself and that the system is one that interests you. No two people will like the same styles, find one for YOU!!!!

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