Sorry for another newbie question, but I have to start somwhere!
I am a 51 year old male who, due to career and family responsibilities over the past few years, has let himself get somewhat out of shape. I am a former competitive amateur bodybuilder who just recently has started to lift a bit again and intensify my bike regimen for increased stamina and wind.
I am looking to start a martial arts program but am not sure what style I shoud pursue. Back in my younger days there wasn't much choice aside from Karate and Judo! I am 5' 7" and 215 lb. Styles with high kicks and lots of katas never appleaed to me. In my college college days last century I took jiu jitsu for two years and enjoyed it. Many years ago I trained with with the originator of Bojuka for a year or so before he moved.
I was thinking about Gracie Jiu Jitsu since (being a former high school wrestler), I tend to like grappling and rolling around. I happen to have a Gracie school very close to my job location as well. A frieind of mine is a black belt in Aikido and of course recommends that style. I like jiu jitsu overall but wish it involved more standing techniques as well as those for multiple opponents and weapons defense. While defense is not a high priority, any useable techniques would be a bonus. Krav Maga looks interesting but there are no schools close to me. BTW, I have no interest in MMA competition!
I have two questions:
1) Any other recommendations of styles for this old fireplug? (I can tolerate some pain!).
2) Any recommendatuons for schools/instructors in the NE Ohio area near the east side of Cleveland (Lake, Geauga, and Eastern Cuyahoga counties?
Thanks in advance!
I am a 51 year old male who, due to career and family responsibilities over the past few years, has let himself get somewhat out of shape. I am a former competitive amateur bodybuilder who just recently has started to lift a bit again and intensify my bike regimen for increased stamina and wind.
I am looking to start a martial arts program but am not sure what style I shoud pursue. Back in my younger days there wasn't much choice aside from Karate and Judo! I am 5' 7" and 215 lb. Styles with high kicks and lots of katas never appleaed to me. In my college college days last century I took jiu jitsu for two years and enjoyed it. Many years ago I trained with with the originator of Bojuka for a year or so before he moved.
I was thinking about Gracie Jiu Jitsu since (being a former high school wrestler), I tend to like grappling and rolling around. I happen to have a Gracie school very close to my job location as well. A frieind of mine is a black belt in Aikido and of course recommends that style. I like jiu jitsu overall but wish it involved more standing techniques as well as those for multiple opponents and weapons defense. While defense is not a high priority, any useable techniques would be a bonus. Krav Maga looks interesting but there are no schools close to me. BTW, I have no interest in MMA competition!
I have two questions:
1) Any other recommendations of styles for this old fireplug? (I can tolerate some pain!).
2) Any recommendatuons for schools/instructors in the NE Ohio area near the east side of Cleveland (Lake, Geauga, and Eastern Cuyahoga counties?
Thanks in advance!