Self-Defense Techniques, which one?

[Deavis]

Hey guys,

I'm hoping that someone who reads this forum might have a recommendation for a good 1st self-defense technique. I'm looking to get the basics for my fiancee and myself . I've been looking around in Austin there are a couple of things offered. The big ones seem to be Krav Maga, Haganah, and then various other martial arts. I'm not interested in becoming a martial arts super star, just trying to get the basics down and then make a better choice about what, if any, specific art to pursue after the basics.

What I've read leads me to believe that either the Krav Maga or Haganah would be good first choices for a general introduction into self-defense. Would it be a mistake to pursue one of those two? Lastly, does anyone have a recommendation for a school in Austin?

Thanks.

 

[DC-Loudsound]

Just a suggestion ....

Look into Kung Fu - San Soo .... solid self-defense techniques. Not too much fancy stuff, or sport oriented training. Just good basic technique that has worked for thousands of years. Look around … there are so many options available to you. San Soo has worked for me in the past, so … I’m a big fan of the art.

 

[jahwarrior]

there are hundred of MA to look into; they all have applicable techniques. i myself ahve studied jujutsu, boxing and aikido. i'm looking to study SE asian MA, like escrima or pentjak silat. SE asian MA are very combat oriented, and normally include a weapons form. the only drawback (in a legal sense) is that they aren't "defensive" arts, thery're more "offensive", in and as such, are inherently more dangerous to your opponent. which, of course, why i want to learn them.

 

[tbtrout]

My all time favorite for beginners and people of smaller stature is Aikido. it concentrates on using your opponents weight and height to your advantage. You can inflict some good debillitating damage while still maintaining a defensive appearence. It is not the end all, but you are looking for opinions.

 

[Richmond]

self defense

I have been studying one style of Japanese karate, ****o-ryu, since 1973.

I also study and teach Japanese sword arts and Okinawan weapons, have studied other styles of Japanese / Okinawan karate, cross train in ju jitsu, escrima, boxing. I train daily, travel extensively with my sensei for training.

IMHO, if what you are looking for is some empty hand ability to supplement your range and options in connection with CCW, traditional martial arts are not the path to go. They will get you there, along with a lot of other benefits, but by far not the most efficient program. A good conditioning program, a training program that integrates mental training and conditioning with some straightforward striking / grappling defense.

 

[Deavis]

Thanks for the input guys. Richmond, you hit the nail pretty much on the head. I am looking for something to go along with the carry training we have already had. I'm looking for something less-lethal to supplement what we have. As I said, I'm not interested in becoming a martial artist, just looking for a good beginning technique to supplement our current force options.

If I like something, certainly I may pursue it but getting our feet wet is more important to me right now. You can't deploy lethal force in many situations, say a fist fight, and I'd rather end that fight quickly with some good technique than the alternative.

 

[mlandman]

1 - The one you will do...schedule...location...etc It takes time and commitment.

2 - Personally, Moy Yat Wing Chung Kung Fu (some times called Ving Tsun Kung Fu). Close fighting, no big kicks, using your opponent's force against them.

3 - boxing school

 

[possum]

Deavis, Please read.
i suggest that you get more into the arena of mma mixed martial arts which is a little bit of various types, so that way you are well rounded, and you have many options if you ever need to use it. i am a level 1 certified in army combatives and can't wait to take level 2 and hope one day to get to the top which is level 3 which is taught only at ft. benning. it has alot to do with brazilian ju-jitsu and is very effective, i have had the oppurtunity to go to many fight houses and several gracie siminars.

as far as mixed martial arts i recomend a little boxing, judo, ju-jitsu and tha will be a good start. not all fights will you stay on your feet, and some times they go to the ground and you really need to know what to do in case that happens, that is where i am in my element and i will take a fight to the grond in a heartbeat. you don't always want to go toe to toe with someone. especially those mamoth guys that pack a heavy punch. i use the judo hip tosses and such to get them down and then lay on the ju-jitsu trainning. it works for me.

 

[blitzen]

+1 on the mixed martial arts approach. Watch the UFC and see what two men do when trying to pound the hell out of each other. It's not kung fu or some other form of wrist slapping. I'd be supprised if there isn't a MMA training center near you given the rise of the sport.

 

[possum]

there is probally even a gracie school around there, check it out!

 

[Deavis]

Thanks possum, I'll look into what MMA is available. My one concern is picking a good school to start with. I'm a little worried about a "machismo" school, but I would venture that most professionals teaching aren't commandos and realize what type of students we want to be, i.e. learn the basics of hand to hand.

 

[Kr4kJ4k]

One thing that bothers me about grappling while carrying is the possibility that an opponent might get an opportunity to reach my carry weapon. Think of all the cops who are shot with their own weapon. What techniques/holds/martial arts should should be avoided while carrying?

 

[theken206]

"One thing that bothers me about grappling while carrying is the possibility that an opponent might get an opportunity to reach my carry weapon. Think of all the cops who are shot with their own weapon. What techniques/holds/martial arts should should be avoided while carrying?"

Well like anything I think it should just be another tool in the box for you. There is no end all martial art or skill set IMO. Being well versed and adaptable is your best advantage IMO.

you fight how you train and vice versa. I would say once you become versed in the intracasies of grappling you will be able to better answer this question your self and will add that to your training.

for instance you could drill takedowns with an opponent trying specificly trying to get ahold of your weapon and to stop you from taking him down, then switch so you can see it from the other side of the fence. You could spar with open fingered gloves and headgear with your partner trying to get ahold of your weapon ECT ECT.

to the origanal poster your in Austin,Texas right??

here is some of the schools around your area and texas in generall.

http://www.txmma.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_op=viewlink&cid=7

For more indepth info and a chance to chat with countless fans, fighters, managers, promoters{used to be alot more pros posted on mma.tv, but with trolls and generall *******ness of people alot have been chased off but alot of big name MMA fighters still post}, and everything in between check out the MMA.tv forums.

 

[theken206]

"I'm a little worried about a "machismo" school, but I would venture that most professionals teaching aren't commandos and realize what type of students we want to be, i.e. learn the basics of hand to hand."

dont worry about that, go in humble with an open mind, a good 'tude and be willing to learn and work hard and you will most likley have found a new passion and hobby.

 

[Soap]

I would look for an MMA school if you really want to learn how to fight.

 

[possum]

here is a link to the gracie academy and a list of some, i don't see one in texas though. i'll keep looking
http://www.gracieacademy.com/locations.html

EDIT: found one. these are the ones in austin!
http://www.txmma.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_op=viewlink&cid=7

 

[REJones]

Karv Maga is a good option. Unlike older arts, Krav Maga was organized in modern times to train people to fight as quickly as possible. Good enough for the IDF is probably good enough for anybody . . . .

 

[JMusic]

Forgive me if this has been said but Richman is dead nuts on. I am a Black Belt in TKO. I have followed this for style of fighting since late 60's early 70. I've had judo, jujitsu, aikido, hopkido, and boxing. Hands down boxing is the sport to become expert in. But it takes a long time. Bottom line is you need to hit someone first with something really hard. If you have not pursued fighting for a while you may be better to learn basic strike techniques along with a good stick or cane course. Believe me you don't want to be rolling around with someone else out on mainstreet. There are better ways to live.

Jim

 

[damyankee]

Nothing is perfect. I train in MMA (Muy thai, Carlson Gracie, Jeff Neal, 10th planet) and it works for me hand vs hand. Weapons are a whole other game and I wouldn't recommend trying to fight unarmed vs. armed.

 

[target1911]

I wil agree with anyone that has leaned towards Ju-Jitsu and even multiple arts. I for one believe in Ju-Jitsu because most all fights go to the ground and most likely you will start on the defence. Brazilian Ju-Jitsu teaches you how not only to fight on the ground but also how to take the upper hand when in a defencive position,ie... on you back with BG on top.
Good Luck

 

[dmuff]

I would think your age and physical fitness, and body size will steer you toward the appropriate martial art. In general all but boxing have much to offer. Boxing is more a sport of fitness and mental strategy than defense. I would rather strike with a baseball bat than my hand.

My preference is toward akido, judo and ju-jitsu.

As you are interested for you and your fiancee this suggests 20-35 years of age, good level of fitness an desire to achieve a basic level of self defense. Assuming this I would recommend akido and judo. Most women and men just can't hit hard enough to do anything with their fist other than fracture their 5th metacarpal (aka the boxer's fracture). Reminds me of the Punisher when he meets the Russian; dropping big guys on their head always works while punching them just raises their adrenaline level.

 

[damyankee]

I have to disagree on a part of the previous statements point. Obviously a lot of people aren't in condition to effectively hit someone with their fist and have maximum effect. But you don't have to be huge (I'm 5'10, 200lbs, 300 lb bench)to be able to drop or permanently dissuade someone. A fist with the right power in the right place 5-10 times can kill. Technique and skill can make up for a whole bunch.

 

[Soap]

If you don't want to break your hand while punching, read "Championship Fighting" by Jack Dempsey. Almost no boxing schools anymore teach you how to properly punch bare-knuckled.

 

[SniperStraz]

Most MMA schools are now more sport oriented and as such I do not advocate learning there. The mix of Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai are great but will take more than a weekend course to be effectively used (just like any other form) As far as Krav Mega goes. Its great, but it is not a "martial art." There's nothing artistic about it and if the instructors present it that way, you're not learning Krav Mega. Krav Mega is a military oriented hand to hand combat skill. It’s not pretty and if done properly is usually devastatingly effective. It was created to be taught to Israeli Special Forces over a period of about a year and a half on average and even then, the SF don't have the entire array of knowledge that Krav Mega has to offer. Still I think it’s a lot more straight-forward than other forms and will probably be the most beneficial as far as disarming and incapacitating. There aren't crazy triple flip kicks and mid-air full splits in Krav Mega. It’s simply a series of different ways to break bones and quickly incapacitate human threats armed or unarmed. It’s not a “lifestyle” and it’s not an “art.” It’s not pretty and it won’t make you look cool. However, if you commit the skills to memory and practice and become efficient, it is a wildly effective technique. If that’s what you’re looking for, Krav Mega is the thing for you.

 

[PaladinX13]

Krav Maga is good, but it's become a little bit of a franchise so, like with anything, there's a risk of some sketchy instructors out there trying to exploit the name-brand.

As I understand it, your goal is not to learn how to fight in sports or as an obsession... such as pursuing MMA or any martial art might. Nothing wrong with it as a hobby, but if your ultimate goal is self-defense alone, you could probably take all the time and money spent doing MMA/BJJ/etc. into a second job that would enable to change your lifestyle (location, security, etc.) such that hand-2-hand combat is a relative non-factor.

If you just want "a few good moves" and Krav Maga is unavailable or too expensive, ask the local PD or police academy and they'll usually be able to set you up with an instructor or a course that can give you a basic toolset (some striking, holds, throws, etc). You can get a LOT of mileage out of a few solid moves in hand 2 hand fighting.