I'd Like To Start Learning an MA... - JP Fitness Forums

Keith S. · 06-13-2006, 11:08 PM

I would love to start learning an MA, but need some help in finding exactly what I should start with. I have a very limited background of training, as I have only trained in Tai Kwon Do for a short time when I was about 8 years old. I was thinking about learning either Wing Chun or Jujitsu. I would liek to get some input on:

1. What is a good style for a beginner such as myself?

2. Does anyone know any good schools in NYC?

If there's any other input you'd like to add feel free. Thanks.

Irishdazza · 06-14-2006, 01:23 AM

Keith...my normal advice on this choice is...you don't have a choice - you need to check out the schools in your area and pick the one with the best instructor cause the good ones are so rare! But I'm guessing in NY you'll be spoilt for choice!

Find an art that has well structured beginners classes - not one where they delegate 100% of Newbie training to middle level students (you should get some classes from less experienced practicioners, they have to learn too, but not all of them!).

You should find one that does realistic sparring fairly early in the curriculum ( choreographed sparring is fine for building co-ordination and confidence but is extremely limited apart from that). A healthy competition side is very useful both for the fitness and motivation aspects of the learning process.

A well rounded art is a good idea....This needn't really have to be a MMA program...most traditional styles when taught correctly contain a variety of techniques - unfortunately in poorer schools they are relaged to pretty forms wothout correct emphasis on applications - I have met "Black belts" who actually think parts of kata are done to look pretty! Bunkai is the key word in Japanese arts.

It goes without saying that they should have proper insurance and certification from the relevant goverment bodies.

So, bearing those points - check out the styles that interest you first - it should be entirely possible to find an excellent school for either or both in your area.

kuri · 06-14-2006, 06:37 PM

Wing Chun is primarily a close range striking art. Jiu-jitsu is a grappling art.

Are you interested in striking styles, grappling systems, or some combination of both?

Whatever the art I'm positive NYC has a good teacher of it.

ko67 · 06-16-2006, 11:19 PM

A good MMA school will get you some serious fighting skills is a short period of time, if that is your goal. You would also be able to compete in local fights.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a little more technical, and will take a little longer to get good at. Sport Jiu Jitsu is increasing in popularity, so it is also good is you want to compete.

Muy Thai if you want to do some standup fighting.

It really depends on what you want to gain from your training.

AF-Temp · 06-19-2006, 05:22 PM

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been debating pretty heavily about restarting martial arts. Right now I'm bouncing between muay thai, regular boxing, and some mma style jujitsu. All look pretty interesting. I'm after some basic skill sreally, and hopefully a lot of conditioning.

goldwave84 · 06-22-2006, 10:22 AM

I would say muai thai, because it is partical, relatively easy to pick up and goes a long way. My master once told me that muai thai is superior to ground fighting because it allows you to fight more than one person at a time. Works well for "real world" fighting. If you are into sanctioned fights, then a MMA school is yr best bet. Sorry, can't give you any info on schools in NY, as I am in Malaysia.

Keith S. · 06-22-2006, 07:23 PM

Thanks, but I'm putting my search for an MA school on hold for a while, while I deal with some family issues. But any continued input would be helpful.

karky · 06-24-2006, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldwave84

I would say muai thai, because it is partical, relatively easy to pick up and goes a long way. My master once told me that muai thai is superior to ground fighting because it allows you to fight more than one person at a time. Works well for "real world" fighting. If you are into sanctioned fights, then a MMA school is yr best bet. Sorry, can't give you any info on schools in NY, as I am in Malaysia.

If you are going to fight more than one person at a time, ground skills can come in handy, if you fight lots of people, chanses are, one of them will get you in a clinch and maybe to the ground, if you want to be prepared for real world fights, your best shot is MMA, both grappling and striking.
thats just my 2 cents.

kuri · 06-24-2006, 06:41 PM

Multiple attackers? Work on sprint intervals.

A stickfighting teacher once told me if your hanging out in places where you need stick skills then you should take a look at your lifestyle.

Same goes for arguing about if MT or MMA is better for multiple opponents, unless your a bouncer or special forces member

goldwave84 · 06-24-2006, 10:03 PM

Kuri, i agree.

Cynic · 06-25-2006, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishdazza

Keith...my normal advice on this choice is...you don't have a choice - you need to check out the schools in your area and pick the one with the best instructor cause the good ones are so rare! But I'm guessing in NY you'll be spoilt for choice!

How does one determine a good instructor? On reviews? Awards? The size of the ad in the yellow pages?

Cynic · 06-25-2006, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuri

Wing Chun is primarily a close range striking art. Jiu-jitsu is a grappling art.

What's the methodolgy of Shao Lin?

Irishdazza · 06-25-2006, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynic

How does one determine a good instructor? On reviews? Awards? The size of the ad in the yellow pages?

Look for smiling students before a class and a look of serious concentration as soon as the class begins - zero horseplay. An atmosphere of total mutual respect.

A good instructor will have absolute confidence and a look perfect self posession.

Beginers will be shown a whole technique but critcised for only one error at at a time till they can correct it.

There'll be practical applications shown for even the most basic techniques. And variations shown.

And yes...the club will have a decent sport record, although that may not include the instructor, it will be in depth, through various belt, weight and age categories. Not just one big tough guy with a lot of trophies.

In other words...leg work....go to the classes and watch. Ask to see both a beginners class and an intermediate one. A good instructor has nothing to hide and will be glad to see you care that much about the quality of the club.