Dear Martial Arts guru's,
I am a 25yo male from Belgium, Europe and I registered here to ask for some advice and guidance into the world of martial arts. I have little to no experience in this world, except for a few things. My father has a MA past. He had his own Ju-Jitsu club in his younger years, but quit when I was born (also due to back problems). I've always been curious because alot of the equipment is still lying in his house (mats, weapons, kimonos, belts, punchbags etc).
I've also practiced Karate for a year or so, but that was at a young age and mainly due to a close friend who was a green belt and I wanted to try it. Due to age and other hobbies I did not continue it.
At this moment, I'm not practicing any active sport (I played high level basketball in national leagues but due to work I had to quit after 12 years of playing). I came to the conclusion that martial arts is really suited for me and now, with the spare time and motivation, I decided to take up the challenge and step into this world. I have a few questions tho that I'd love to see answered by experienced people here so in advance, thanks already for any replies.
Excuse me for the long text but I might aswell explain everything so I have to ask it once instead of posting replies with more questions!
What am I looking for in a martial art:
- pleasure
- competition
- intensity
- effectiveness
- discipline
- Something where I can relieve myself from the society's problems, frustrations, personal issues, forget everything and just focus on that one thing for a few hours a few times a week.
- physical training (flexibilty, stamina, endurance,...)
- self defence
- friendship & social aspects
These are my main goals for practicing a martial art.
Which martial arts are currently having my attention:
1° Taekwondo
2° Aikido
3° Ju-Jitsu
4° Krav Maga
- I love TKD because of the attractivity, the intensity, the fighting techniques like the high kicks, the physical training, competition... but I'm not sure it can be counted as a real DEFENSIVE art.
- I like Aikido for the reasons that TKD doesn't have. A real defensive art, alot of self control and the effectiveness of the fighting techniques. Shame its not a real competitive sport.
- I like Ju-Jitsu because I've seen my father's old demo videos and its a pure Defense sport, like bare hands, weapons, all kinds of escape and counter techniques, but same for Aikido, I can't really find alot of intensity and physical training in it, which is what I'm also looking for.
- I like Krav Maga because its the true self defense sport from what I've seen. But It has almost none of the goals I mentioned. It's also hard to even find a club for it over here.
At the moment, and I think it won't change, TKD and Aikido are my favourites but it are two totally different styles and both have interesting things.
Is there any advice you people can give me in choosing? Mostly likely one of the two favourites. I'm also wondering if it's advisable to combine the two. I'm planning to witness and maybe join a free test practice in 2 clubs nearby. From what I've seen on videos I feel that knowledge of execution of both Aikido & Taekwondo might be a perfect combination. tho, I'm only a beginner so if I am motivated enough to continue a style I started with, I can always consider to expand my knowledge and styles. I better shouldn't jump ahead of myself. But from what I've seen, a combination of knowing both styles seems interesting to me.
If you guys have any tips & advice and maybe explain some more about these different styles, I would be very grateful.
Thanks for reading and for any replies
Regards,
Jerry
I am a 25yo male from Belgium, Europe and I registered here to ask for some advice and guidance into the world of martial arts. I have little to no experience in this world, except for a few things. My father has a MA past. He had his own Ju-Jitsu club in his younger years, but quit when I was born (also due to back problems). I've always been curious because alot of the equipment is still lying in his house (mats, weapons, kimonos, belts, punchbags etc).
I've also practiced Karate for a year or so, but that was at a young age and mainly due to a close friend who was a green belt and I wanted to try it. Due to age and other hobbies I did not continue it.
At this moment, I'm not practicing any active sport (I played high level basketball in national leagues but due to work I had to quit after 12 years of playing). I came to the conclusion that martial arts is really suited for me and now, with the spare time and motivation, I decided to take up the challenge and step into this world. I have a few questions tho that I'd love to see answered by experienced people here so in advance, thanks already for any replies.
Excuse me for the long text but I might aswell explain everything so I have to ask it once instead of posting replies with more questions!
What am I looking for in a martial art:
- pleasure
- competition
- intensity
- effectiveness
- discipline
- Something where I can relieve myself from the society's problems, frustrations, personal issues, forget everything and just focus on that one thing for a few hours a few times a week.
- physical training (flexibilty, stamina, endurance,...)
- self defence
- friendship & social aspects
These are my main goals for practicing a martial art.
Which martial arts are currently having my attention:
1° Taekwondo
2° Aikido
3° Ju-Jitsu
4° Krav Maga
- I love TKD because of the attractivity, the intensity, the fighting techniques like the high kicks, the physical training, competition... but I'm not sure it can be counted as a real DEFENSIVE art.
- I like Aikido for the reasons that TKD doesn't have. A real defensive art, alot of self control and the effectiveness of the fighting techniques. Shame its not a real competitive sport.
- I like Ju-Jitsu because I've seen my father's old demo videos and its a pure Defense sport, like bare hands, weapons, all kinds of escape and counter techniques, but same for Aikido, I can't really find alot of intensity and physical training in it, which is what I'm also looking for.
- I like Krav Maga because its the true self defense sport from what I've seen. But It has almost none of the goals I mentioned. It's also hard to even find a club for it over here.
At the moment, and I think it won't change, TKD and Aikido are my favourites but it are two totally different styles and both have interesting things.
Is there any advice you people can give me in choosing? Mostly likely one of the two favourites. I'm also wondering if it's advisable to combine the two. I'm planning to witness and maybe join a free test practice in 2 clubs nearby. From what I've seen on videos I feel that knowledge of execution of both Aikido & Taekwondo might be a perfect combination. tho, I'm only a beginner so if I am motivated enough to continue a style I started with, I can always consider to expand my knowledge and styles. I better shouldn't jump ahead of myself. But from what I've seen, a combination of knowing both styles seems interesting to me.
If you guys have any tips & advice and maybe explain some more about these different styles, I would be very grateful.
Thanks for reading and for any replies
Regards,
Jerry