Choosing the correct Martial Art

Approaching Martial Arts can be quite intimidating for someone very new to martial arts culture. Everyone claims that their system is best, some systems are more popular than others at times and not to mention everyone in the gym is more advanced than someone walking in the door for the first time. Do not be intimidated by the trophies and high level belts when inquiring about your means of defending yourself. I'm going to give you several tools to help you choose what is appropriate for you.

The key is to look for a system that incorporates a bit of everything. What do I mean? I mean you want to find a system that incorporates the following: Stand up (free movement), Clinch (standing grappling), Ground fighting. It is of vital importance that any system you choose offer all three situations, if the instructor is not prepared to demonstrate the effectiveness of their particular style in an area where they are not known for proficiency take your money elsewhere.

For example my primary discipline is Kung-fu so it would be very easy for me to show a new person all the benefits I have in the standing/free movement phase. Anyone teaching a standing style should also have knowledge of how to fight in the clinch and on the ground as well. So lets say I show you how effective Kung-fu is in the clinch but I do NOT have knowledge of ground fighting. I would not be a very well-rounded instructor and you would be well within your rights to politely excuse yourself and continue your search.

Another example would be considering ground fighting (Jujitsu). While extremely effective on the ground, not all fights will go to the ground. There are gyms that will tell you otherwise do not believe it, it's simply a cop-out against teaching standing technique. Most ground fighting gyms should be experienced in the clinch phase being a lot of clinching happens before a takedown. (Takedown: rapidly being thrown from standing/clinch to ground fighting stage, respectfully) However if they can't show fundamentals in standing walk away.

The same goes for any system that teaches fighting in the clinch for example wrestling. A good wrestler will be able to show you how to fight in the clinch, but may not necessarily have the talent for ground or stand up. While wrestling is closely related to ground fighting there are things that wrestlers do that can get one in trouble with someone trained to break bones on the ground or whom is taught to choke. Such technique will get wrestlers disqualified in competition and isn't necessarily taught at high school and college levels.

Ask the following questions of the instructor or guide: How is your system in the standing phase? Do you train in the clinch phase? How is your system as far as ground fighting? Do you have a definitive belt ranking system?

While it is possible to be taught in a system that only uses black and white belts the new students morale will quickly diminish after fighting several high end white belts whom he/she can't determine their ability at an initial glance. The belt system was incorporated into martial arts to prevent injury and allow those who were new to train with other new students whereas more experienced students could challenge themselves by training with those closer to their own abilities. I would not recommend a two belt system simply because it is harder to gauge your performance level. I also do not recommend systems that just give away belts. In my own estimation any black belt should be able to compete with any other blackbelt. That being said if you have a 1st degree black belt that is 11 years old fighting a 21 year old 1st degree black belt SOMEONE needs to be a genius otherwise they are wearing a belt they do not deserve.

Most systems are only going to be expert level in only one phase but if they are versed in the basics of the other two while having an expert level in one you are probably safe. If all else ask where they obtained their belt status, they should easily be able to refer you to their instructor or be able to obtain recommendations from those whom they trained with. For example Master so and so in Tennessee, military trained or trained with Joe Smith who is a Black Belt in whatever, while providing conatct info.

The main thing is that the system be effective and not put you in a posture that will leave you open to attack because it looks pretty.

A quick reference for Stand up systems: Kung-fu, Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Boxing, Jinenkan,

Quick refernce for Clinch System: Boxing, Wrestling, Akido, Jujitsu, Jinenkan, Jeet Kune Do, Judo

Quick reference for Ground Systems: Jujitsu, Akido, Judo, Jinenkan

Good luck with your search, training and discipline. Remember to have fun.

Torrey M. Trimble (8th degree Black Belt Jeet Kune do, Tae Kwon Do, Akikai Akido, White Belt Brazilian Jujitsu)