A NEW MARTIAL ART..

I am going to start a new Martial
art that I have always wanted to
try...Escrima.

I get asked alot about different
martial arts and which one to
choose for self defense.

One logical approach would
be by analyzing which martial
arts dominate sports such as MMA.
Usually it is kickboxing, boxing and
Brazilian Jui Jitsu.

However, there are still some issues
with this approach. MMA does not
represent real fights. It is close,
but there are still rules in place.

You only fight one person in a
closed ring, no weapons,
soft gloves and a referee.

Having said that, there are
not many sports that are closer
to a real fight than MMA.

Generally, boxing would be
a good start for the average
male. It will help you
develop great footwork,
stamina, learn to evade
and land some nice,
strong and quick punches.

For even more challenge
you can then try kickboxing
or Muay Thai.

Elbow punches and knee kicks can
be very powerful and effective in
close range. However, kickboxing
and Muay Thai are extremely demanding.

Are you up for it?

Brazilian Jui Jitsu is really good
for ground work. Some basic
knowledge in this martial art
will help you keep your head
cool once on the ground.

Brazilian Jui Jitsu moves are
effective to drive your opponent
into submission. However, the
biggest problem is the fact that
BJJ only really works against a single,
unarmed opponent on the ground.

So there you have it. By getting
some skills in the aforementioned
martial arts and arming yourself
with common sense you
should be able to handle
yourself in a fight.

Stay away from martial arts
where you don't actually engage
in real sparring on regular basis.

The main thing to remember is,
that although Martial arts help you in
a street confrontation, there not
the be all and end all of good
self defence.