Martial Arts as self defense

[rspowers]

I figured there were probably some LEOs and military people who could help me out. So besides carrying your gun, martial arts are another means of self defense. So what are the best martial arts for self defense? What do types do LEOs learn for the street? I do carry, but there are a lot of times I cannot, so I am looking for other ways to protect myself.

thx

[rwilson452]

technically speaking firearms are a martial art. Granted most people don't think if it that way but it is true. Almost any hand to hand skill can be effective. The trick is to find the one that best suits you. Bear in mind that hand to hand skills are only effective when your in range to use those skills. Believe it or not boxing is very effective.

Originally Posted by rspowers

I figured there were probably some LEOs and military people who could help me out. So besides carrying your gun, martial arts are another means of self defense. So what are the best martial arts for self defense? What do types do LEOs learn for the street? I do carry, but there are a lot of times I cannot, so I am looking for other ways to protect myself.

thx

[Seventy4Blazer]

martial arts are only good with the element of surprise...

that said, i think any form that uses lots of close quarters fighting style and throws is suitable.

the Marines teach a lot of throws, counters and locks. all grappling style fighting. it has worked when i needed it at bar fights. i am not a fighter by any means in all honesty, but i dont mind jumping in the middle of one and breaking it up/escorting a person outside. i have used some of the locks to get a person to do what i need. pressure points also greatly help.

maybe someone can add more... but i hope i helped.

[MrUgly]

Gun-Kata and Gun-Fu

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Kata

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_fu

My Wiki is strong today.

[headcase]

I have studied martial arts for years and there is no best martial art. If you are serious about learning, find a school near you that teaches multiple disciplines. A combination of some form of karate, boxing, tae kwon do, jujitsu, and a discipline that aims to kill first. Understand that most of these arts taught in the U.S. today are the sport versions. Find an instructor that understands the practical, street applications of what he/she teaches, and watch a few classes before signing up. Hope that help

"martial arts are only good with the element of surprise..." No disrespect to the Marine, but surprise has very little to do with how effective you are. If you bring martial arts to a gun fight, then, well, you're probably dead. Barring guns though, your mental clarity, speed, force of will, and strength will determine your effectiveness. The Marine Corps martial arts program is very good as part of a well rounded training program, it is included in mine.

[camery]

They say that most fights end up on the ground after a few seconds. Therefore BJJ (Brazilian Ju-Jitsu) always gets recommended. All the MMA guys seem to do that. That style really isn't my cup of tea though. I wrestled a bit in school and while not too similar I feel that I could handle myself ok on the ground. I study Okinawan Karate, it started as a way to get out the house and keep active. I feel after a couple of years of training now that it could be pretty effective. It's really all about applying yourself to whatever style you decide to learn and being the best that you can be.

[4XLT]

tae kwon do is a very good for of defensive martial arts and the use of hopkido, wich is basically learning how to disarm and control you apponent

[crakkajakka15]

kenpo karate

[Seventy4Blazer]

Originally Posted by headcase

"martial arts are only good with the element of surprise..." No disrespect to the Marine, but surprise has very little to do with how effective you are. If you bring martial arts to a gun fight, then, well, you're probably dead. Barring guns though, your mental clarity, speed, force of will, and strength will determine your effectiveness. The Marine Corps martial arts program is very good as part of a well rounded training program, it is included in mine.

ehh, i knew i shoulda worded that different... lol

what i am saying is that if you know something is going to happen and jump right into a stance of one sorts or another that is obvious, then you are less likly to obtain your goal of the one on top with the end result.

i am reminded of the story of the high black belt holding woman who got the crap kicked out of her by a rather large brute. muscle and mass over skill because she announced she was a martial atrist.

could she have lost anyway?!? yup. but she would have stood a much better chance with surprise.

yes, practice makes perfect and it does take skill, discipline and work. in the end it is worth it just to stay in shape also as any form is great exercise.

[Carnes]

What they said above, all good advice. Also, the best martial art will be the one that you enjoy and can practice the most. Daily practice with Who-Flung-Poo will serve you better than an hour a week of some esoteric combat system.