Any recommendations for martial arts self defence classes.
- Thread starter highpark
- Start date
I wouldn't recommend Judo at age 50. It is very physical on the body being thrown around each class, injuries will happen and at age 50 they will be longer lasting and more common.
BJJ is easier on the body and very effective IF you go to the ground.
Personally I like Muay Thai and imo find it more street effective percentage wise. You will learn how to throw a punch, kick, elbow and knee will proper technique and in time will transition into speed and power. MT is also a great workout which strengthens your core, improves your cardio, strength and coordination. You will get super fit faster then you realize. Also training MT wont take you as long to get decent at it then say BJJ. It can take 2+ years to graduate from white belt to blue and another 2 years to make it to purple. If you train MT within 2 years you will have the basic punches, kicks etc down and your technique will be good. Good enough for you to be able to hold your own if not finish someone off if they were to attack you in a street fight.
BJJ is easier on the body and very effective IF you go to the ground.
Personally I like Muay Thai and imo find it more street effective percentage wise. You will learn how to throw a punch, kick, elbow and knee will proper technique and in time will transition into speed and power. MT is also a great workout which strengthens your core, improves your cardio, strength and coordination. You will get super fit faster then you realize. Also training MT wont take you as long to get decent at it then say BJJ. It can take 2+ years to graduate from white belt to blue and another 2 years to make it to purple. If you train MT within 2 years you will have the basic punches, kicks etc down and your technique will be good. Good enough for you to be able to hold your own if not finish someone off if they were to attack you in a street fight.
Krav maga sounds good. Very practical.
Same for San Shou.
There was something about self-defense on Cracked yesterday, but I don't have the link.
I tried Muay Thai when I was 35, and the workouts were challenging even at that age.
I'm curious about the filipino styles...escrima, arnis, punite, or kali...start out with sticks and work up to open hands.
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edit: http://www.cracked.com/article_16595_6-great-martial-arts-killing-man-with-your-bare-hands.html here's the link. the russian system is called sambo
Same for San Shou.
There was something about self-defense on Cracked yesterday, but I don't have the link.
I tried Muay Thai when I was 35, and the workouts were challenging even at that age.
I'm curious about the filipino styles...escrima, arnis, punite, or kali...start out with sticks and work up to open hands.
.
edit: http://www.cracked.com/article_16595_6-great-martial-arts-killing-man-with-your-bare-hands.html here's the link. the russian system is called sambo
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Have you considered an other type of work out, highpark? Improved cardio can lead to improved hobbying!
Saturday April 5 is the Harry Rosen Spring Run-Off in High Park. It's a hilly course (for Toronto) but if you start now you have enough time to get in shape for it. And if you can swim, consider getting into triathlons. There are 2 that take place in Toronto, including s a fun little "Give-It-A-Tri" at Hanlon's Point in August.
Saturday April 5 is the Harry Rosen Spring Run-Off in High Park. It's a hilly course (for Toronto) but if you start now you have enough time to get in shape for it. And if you can swim, consider getting into triathlons. There are 2 that take place in Toronto, including s a fun little "Give-It-A-Tri" at Hanlon's Point in August.
If he's starting from scratch, I agree with the above. The only martial arts he should consider at 50 is Tai Chi.
When I was studying Judo the class had to run two miles and do a battery of calisthenics before we could train.
When I was studying Judo the class had to run two miles and do a battery of calisthenics before we could train.
I agree tai chi to start at that age
Doesn't mean you have to stop there but you need to be fit and flexible for the others
+1
I would've recommended Judo if the OP was in his 20's or 30's. Judo has a high turnover (not sure about BJJ) you'll see lots of students (young and old) come and go within weeks or a few months, you won't be taught throws and takedowns until you learn how to fall and roll properly etc. and once that happens it gets more physical especially during sparring.
The OP might want to consider MT or look around to see if there are any Taekwondo clubs that offer 'non-competitive' sessions to older folks.
Given his age I would recommend tai chi/kung fu
Just learning the steps in slow motion increased my flexibility
Sure if you are going to complete in the ufc the solid knowledge of bbj is a must but for fitness, some practical applications and his age tai chi hands down.
Just learning the steps in slow motion increased my flexibility
Sure if you are going to complete in the ufc the solid knowledge of bbj is a must but for fitness, some practical applications and his age tai chi hands down.
Keep in mind most martial artists will tell you the best thing is to avoid a fight in the first place
First off, if you're looking for self-defense, do NOT look towards Martial Arts. Very few will teach you the mental skills needed to survive a street confrontation. You can have the best moves in the world, but they will do you no good as you shit a brick when someone has a knife or a gun at your nose.
I studied under Tony Blauer for 3 years. The stuff he teaches is invaluable, and you can find it online.
For the physical aspect, assuming you've let the situation escalate to that, look towards Systema or Krav Maga, make sure they teach conditioning (teaching how to take a hit). Muay Thai is awesome, as are BJJ and Kempo, but you may find them too physically demanding at this stage in your life.
Disclosure: I have been a 9 year Muay Thai practitioner, with 30 years of MA and self-defense training.
I studied under Tony Blauer for 3 years. The stuff he teaches is invaluable, and you can find it online.
For the physical aspect, assuming you've let the situation escalate to that, look towards Systema or Krav Maga, make sure they teach conditioning (teaching how to take a hit). Muay Thai is awesome, as are BJJ and Kempo, but you may find them too physically demanding at this stage in your life.
Disclosure: I have been a 9 year Muay Thai practitioner, with 30 years of MA and self-defense training.
