Self defense > Fitness

Posted: 10/14/2008 12:24:40 PM EDT

I have always wanted to take a self defense class and I was wanting some input on what would be the best type? I am 38 in pretty good shape. Just looking for something that would be challenging and useful and I would like to be able to defend myself against a weapon if I was not carrying one myself.

Posted: 10/14/2008 1:44:54 PM EDT

[#1]

Krav maga all the way. It teaches true and natural self defense hand to hand and against weapons.

Posted: 10/15/2008 11:10:58 AM EDT

[#2]

I hate to seem cocky and quote myself, but I posted this in another thread recently. It's not so much about selecting a particular "style" but more about selecting the right school for you. Yes an effective style is very important, but the "best" style with a poor instructor isn't going to be good for you.

I am a little pressed for time right now, but I will check back later with some thoughts on various styles. But definitely pursue training, it seems intimidating getting started, but it will be one of the most rewarding things in your life if you can get in a good environment. On the other hand, some people don't stick with it because of bad experiences early on in their training. These are some things that I think will avoid that if you consider them.

I agree, if you are in an area with more than one dojo, visit as many as possible before making your decision. To me it is a decision similar to buying a house, car, or taking a new job. Not to frighten you, but it's not one to take lightly. Just research, make an informed decision, and don't allow yourself to be rushed or pressured into it.

Almost all will offer you at least 1 free introductory class. Take as many as you can. Don't base on style as much as the overall feeling you get when visiting. These are some things I would recommend looking for in whatever style you choose:

1. See how the instructor treats the students and interacts with them. An instructor can be respected by the students without being abusive or mean towards them. I have seen and heard some things about martial arts instructors that have done some pretty wrong things towards students and trying to pass it off as "discipline" or making them "tough" etc. Avoid that at all costs. Yes it will likely be demanding physically, but there are lines not to be crossed. Is the instructor patient and helpful with newer students or students that seem to need additional guidance. Very important, in case you need extra help starting out.

2. Make a list of questions you would like to ask, if you have to sign a contract, how long, how much per month, if there is a "processing" or "sign up" fee (can be expensive), uniforms, belt testing fees, equipment. One place here has a "processing fee", then makes you buy all your uniforms and equipment there, at higher prices than you would get online, etc, then pay for promotions or "belt tests". Sure, they have to make a buck, but you have the right to know about any policies like that. Ask the instructor where they trained, how long they have been training, who they studied under, if they still continue to learn, etc. Anyone with real credentials will be more than happy to answer that. There is a lot of pride in long term study and achievement. If they get weird about it, thank them for their time and move on. I'm proud as hell where I trained, and I'd tell anyone that asked me, and offer them to call and verify it with my former instructor.

3. See how the students interact with each other. It's a good sign when senior or more experienced students are helpful towards others, and not using them as punching bags. Get a feel for how you think you would fit in (like make sure it's not a bunch of kids, nothing wrong with kids training, but I think adults will get the most from training with other adults).

4. Make sure it looks like a safe training environment. I went to one place that had a big office carpet over a bunch of old cardboard boxes for a mat. The walls were paneling, no padding and no real space between the training mat and the walls. I wondered how many people crashed into the walls and got hurt. You'll want to see a good mat in good shape, and that everything looks clean. MSRA/staph has been a lot more common the last few years. I'm not saying to be a snob about places, but you do need to make sure you will be safe and healthy during training.

Posted: 10/15/2008 11:23:54 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
I hate to seem cocky and quote myself, but I posted this in another thread recently. It's not so much about selecting a particular "style" but more about selecting the right school for you. Yes an effective style is very important, but the "best" style with a poor instructor isn't going to be good for you.

I am a little pressed for time right now, but I will check back later with some thoughts on various styles. But definitely pursue training, it seems intimidating getting started, but it will be one of the most rewarding things in your life if you can get in a good environment. On the other hand, some people don't stick with it because of bad experiences early on in their training. These are some things that I think will avoid that if you consider them.

I agree, if you are in an area with more than one dojo, visit as many as possible before making your decision. To me it is a decision similar to buying a house, car, or taking a new job. Not to frighten you, but it's not one to take lightly. Just research, make an informed decision, and don't allow yourself to be rushed or pressured into it.

Almost all will offer you at least 1 free introductory class. Take as many as you can. Don't base on style as much as the overall feeling you get when visiting. These are some things I would recommend looking for in whatever style you choose:

1. See how the instructor treats the students and interacts with them. An instructor can be respected by the students without being abusive or mean towards them. I have seen and heard some things about martial arts instructors that have done some pretty wrong things towards students and trying to pass it off as "discipline" or making them "tough" etc. Avoid that at all costs. Yes it will likely be demanding physically, but there are lines not to be crossed. Is the instructor patient and helpful with newer students or students that seem to need additional guidance. Very important, in case you need extra help starting out.

2. Make a list of questions you would like to ask, if you have to sign a contract, how long, how much per month, if there is a "processing" or "sign up" fee (can be expensive), uniforms, belt testing fees, equipment. One place here has a "processing fee", then makes you buy all your uniforms and equipment there, at higher prices than you would get online, etc, then pay for promotions or "belt tests". Sure, they have to make a buck, but you have the right to know about any policies like that. Ask the instructor where they trained, how long they have been training, who they studied under, if they still continue to learn, etc. Anyone with real credentials will be more than happy to answer that. There is a lot of pride in long term study and achievement. If they get weird about it, thank them for their time and move on. I'm proud as hell where I trained, and I'd tell anyone that asked me, and offer them to call and verify it with my former instructor.

3. See how the students interact with each other. It's a good sign when senior or more experienced students are helpful towards others, and not using them as punching bags. Get a feel for how you think you would fit in (like make sure it's not a bunch of kids, nothing wrong with kids training, but I think adults will get the most from training with other adults).

4. Make sure it looks like a safe training environment. I went to one place that had a big office carpet over a bunch of old cardboard boxes for a mat. The walls were paneling, no padding and no real space between the training mat and the walls. I wondered how many people crashed into the walls and got hurt. You'll want to see a good mat in good shape, and that everything looks clean. MSRA/staph has been a lot more common the last few years. I'm not saying to be a snob about places, but you do need to make sure you will be safe and healthy during training.

great reply, 100% right.

2 little things i would add:

The instructor should hold a cert from world recognized organization. This will help you immensely if you move or visit another town, state, country and would like to take a class.

don't discount the shabby places, take everything into account, the 2 best places i ever studied had no AC, well used gear and great martial arts.

Posted: 10/15/2008 2:03:08 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:

2 little things i would add:

The instructor should hold a cert from world recognized organization. This will help you immensely if you move or visit another town, state, country and would like to take a class.

don't discount the shabby places, take everything into account, the 2 best places i ever studied had no AC, well used gear and great martial arts.

I agree, very good points. About the training enviornments, the best time I ever had training was when I started with Pat Miletich in 1999 before the UFC really took off like it has now. He just had some wrestling mats on the floor of a racquetball court at a local fitness center (he did pad the walls). But it was the time of my life. My only concern about a training environment is the number of really nasty staph infections that I've been hearing about over the last few years. I think that's more of a concern in grappling styles, it's very important that the mats are kept clean.

Posted: 10/15/2008 2:22:09 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
I have always wanted to take a self defense class and I was wanting some input on what would be the best type? I am 38 in pretty good shape. Just looking for something that would be challenging and useful and I would like to be able to defend myself against a weapon if I was not carrying one myself.

Have you seen any styles so far that appeal to you? Like what made you want to pursue training, is it watching the UFC's, Bruce Lee movies, etc? An MMA practice is run a lot differently that a traditional Karate or Tae Kwon Do session. The traditional styles are a lot more regimented, with the uniforms, bowing, and belts. They have the belt ranking system which is good for people to feel the sense of accomplishment.

MMA gyms I have been in are similar to a wrestling practice. They are less structured, and many people that train are competitive fighters. There's not the ranking system, so basically your sense of accomplishment is, you notice yourself doing better against guys that you couldn't keep up with when you started. Or the accomplishment in training for a fight and competing. But there's not as much, "I earned a black belt" ways to mark your progress.

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