Didn't want to gum up the BIAC official thread and get n00b all over it. Wanted to get some advice. I am looking to get into... something. Not entirely sure what I want to get out of it. Three things have piqued my interest. This is just based on cursory observation. Please correct me if I am wrong in any of my assumptions.

Judo
I like the whole stand-up grappling thing, but my impression is that a lot of people are into it for competition. I am not really looking to compete.

Aikido
I did a little in college, but my attention span sucked and I got bored. I like the idea of it and how it can be translated to weapon use.

American boxing
traditional striking seems pretty useful. I don't know. I know how to throw a punch, but think it would be interesting learning proper combinations, avoidance, and footwork. Again, seems like a lot of people get into it to compete and that is not something I am interested in. Also, I want to try to avoid all of these "boxing for fitness" places that seem to be rampant. I want boxing, not dance class.

Okay, so I guess ultimately, I would be looking for something practical. Something I can use for self defense.

GO!!!

 

I don't know why you think most people get into it to compete. Most people I know don't compete.

Anyway, it depends on what you value. Me, I don't think any one style is the answer. If you want a complete 'game', you have to train in multiple styles. I'd do Thai boxing or American boxing for the striking and BJJ for the ground. Train takedowns a few times a week at BJJ and you'll be golden for almost any encounter in the street.

 

Yeah, I know. Eventually, I would like to do other things to round out, but time/money constraints prevent me from doing more than one right now.

Thai boxing looks like it might be too much for me. I think I need to work on my balance and foot work before thinking about trying to coordinate my feet leaving the mat for a kick. Plus, ow with the shins and stuff. hahahahhaa.

 

i'd like to recommend ninjitsu.
http://www.youtube.com/chosonninja

its just badass!

 

how about getting into alligator wrestling?

 

Not enough Alligators in CA.

 

That looks like it could get expensive.

 

Id say do like everyone else and train muay thai and then Judo or jiu jitsu or bjj for teh ground.

I also like Krav Maga for strikes, its more fun.

 

I like the idea of Krav Maga, but it seems like it is a lot of theory since you can't really practice a lot of the stuff on your friends and sparring buddies.

I guess I can take a look at Muay Thai...

 

Sure you can, you have the focus mitts and pads that you place over your eyes and genitals respectively for practicing the eye gouges and kicks to the groin.

I learned 4 ways to kick someone in the nuts.

 

oic. Nice!

 

Judo: it's what I'm doing now (to supplement my Muay Thai base), and I can say it really depends on which dojo you go to in terms of competition-orientation. A lot of the CENCO (Central Coast Judo Association) schools are into competition, while the Hokka Yudanshakai (Nor Cal Black Belts' Association) are more about traditional ***-kicking judo. In other words, some schools teach judo as a sport, and others teach it as a martial art. What I can say is this, though: any of those schools will get you mentally and physically tough, plus you'll learn at least a little bit of ground and submission no matter what school you're at in addition to the standing grappling, and most dojos are pretty inexpensive.

Aikido: it takes too long to be effective in it, and even when you are effective in it, there are too many things that the style does not take into consideration IMHO. Further, if you do take it up, I'd suggest finding a "hard style" school like Yoshinkan; they're all about jacking people up and less about spiritual lovey-dovey dancing around crap.

Boxing: cheap, simple, effective. If you want to get good at it, though, just prepared to get hit in the face... A LOT. Plus, you don't have to compete if you don't want to; it's rare for a gym to force you to.

Muay Thai: SUPER effective, SUPER good workout, probably the best stand up in the world. Problems? SUPER expensive, large amounts of SUPER douchebags taking classes and trying to act tough, and LOTS of bullshido schools popping up now since it's the new flavor of the week. Plus, it can be tough on the body if you don't have good gym mates (refer back to my comment about lots of meatheads doing it). If you do choose to do Muay Thai, try to find a school that has a Thai instructor who can back up his credentials, hopefully either a Lumpini or Rajadmnern stadium championship belt (or both).

Might I suggest a style that you haven't considered?
Why not try full contact knockdown karate? Great workout, effective striking, few meatheads, not too expensive, and no need to worry about getting your face rearranged by punches and elbows (just kicks and knees haha). Only problem might be finding a dojo.

Where in the Bay are you located? So I can suggest some dojo's.

 

Ryball's in Elk Grove.

 

If you want to get in shape: Boxing. Going 9 rounds is absolutely brutal for your stamina

If you want to learn how to actually defend yourself: Krav Maga
Yes there are techniques you can't use on your buddies in full-force. But you aren't gonna be able to hit anyone with a spinning back-kick from Muy-Thai and still expect to be friends with them anymore.
All martial arts can be practiced , it's all about control.
The Academy of Self Defense in Santa Clara is an outstanding school that covers Krav, CDT and Ju-Jitsu. It seems like the lead instructor Everest Pepper has taught half of the other instructors in the bay area

 

Subscribed.. Good info. Suggest anything near San Carlos?