Recommend me a Martial Art

[Riknos]

So I know these threads have been done to death, and I have used the search to read them all.. but I want recommendations for something that is right for me

Basically, I like the whole philosophy and attitude behind some of the far eastern martial arts. I am also a big fan of anything Japanese or Chinese, so something of an east Asian origin would be preferable. I'm basically after something I can get into as a hobby that is interesting and fun, whilst also being good at keeping my physical fitness and stamina up. I'm not interested in beating people up on the street.

Weapons would be nice also. I quite like the idea of flinging a staff around

I've looked into Karate, but don't feel it's my thing, also considering Taekwondo or Ju-jitsu. My friend who does kick boxing (which I have no interest in) suggested I do Aikido, as I'm not very powerfully built

Something that has gradings would be nice too, as it gives me something to work towards / to push myself to.

Suggestions welcome, ta

[Animal]

You've described pretty much every martial art!

Why not try a few different classes and pick the one you like the best? Most decent schools will let you have a free first lesson with no hard feelings if you decide their style is not for you...

[Gorilla Boy]

Judo, provides useful techniques and non of the ponsey bullst most of the other martial arts require.

Ps. In japanese it means the gentle way, which in my experience is a joke

[pacman1]

Always thought Krav Maga looked a bit of a wheeze.

[Big Worm 1]

If you want something traditional and involving weapons, have you considered Kung Fu? There are plenty of different styles. Maybe try a few different classes and see which suits you.

[Riknos]

Big Worm 1 said:

If you want something traditional and involving weapons, have you considered Kung Fu? There are plenty of different styles. Maybe try a few different classes and see which suits you.

There is a Kung Fu place near me that does a lot of stave work, I have looked into them. Seems a bit too casual though, and they don't have grading which I feel I need to help motivate me in the long run.

[RemainAllHoof]

As above, definitely get to a few different classes and have a look. If you fancy mucking about with weapons, you may see more advanced students practising their thing. Or a big weapons rack at the back of the hall. It's definitely good fun and can be a great way of working out especially if you learn to use the heavier weapons like the kwan dao

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pn2drwoE98

or the 9 ring broadsword

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEpWIriLNBk

Took me ages to find videos with people not using bladed weapons that flap like the blade's made of Kitkat wrappers. As for why, DYOR.

[Jgtv]

Animal said:

Why not try a few different classes and pick the one you like the best? Most decent schools will let you have a free first lesson with no hard feelings if you decide their style is not for you...

This is the way forward, you might find that some of the local schools are better than others.
For example there is a amazing BJJ School in Camberley, but its not exactly local to you, and a few very good MMA schools in Reading, although those will be more about the fittness & fighting aspect than the art itself. Give them all a try and see which if any you enjoy most.

[Raify]

There are 2 important things to remember when choosing a martial art:

1. You're not going to want to travel far to the class
2. The teacher / class is more important than the style

My advise would be to investigate all the classes within sensible travelling distance and observe the classes. A good class will stand out, even if you know nothing about the martial art.

[Riknos]

Raify said:

There are 2 important things to remember when choosing a martial art:

1. You're not going to want to travel far to the class
2. The teacher / class is more important than the style

My advise would be to investigate all the classes within sensible travelling distance and observe the classes. A good class will stand out, even if you know nothing about the martial art.

Point 1 is a definite consideration. Especially due to cost
Point 2 is something I had not thought would make such a big deal, but I will need to invest some time it seems in checking out all the local classes.

Many thanks for the input all.

[RemainAllHoof]

True about the teacher/class. Some teachers have just scared me in the past whilst others you can't wait to go back and the school is a nice place to hang out.

[swiftpete]

Sounds like jiu jitsu/ ninpo taijutsu are probably the sort of thing you're after. Just make sure you have a decent teacher. If he can do his thing, have some fun and doesn't demand respect from everyone then you're on the right lines.
If you can spar or grapple with the instructor and he can easily control you and put you where he wants without hurting you while you're trying your best, then that's a good sign.
Good luck, have fun!