Which Style Is The Best One For Me?

StarryEyedLass · 14th April 2004, 02:14 PM

Hi everyone! This is my first post. I've decided to ask you, O seasoned practitioners of the martial arts, which style is the best one for me? I have recently decided that I'd like to take some martial arts classes even though I've never even set foot inside of a dojo.

But there are so many styles that I don't know where to begin! I want to study a formal style that teaches me how to be graceful and quick, and how to use weapons such as a sword or daggers or... anything, really.

I want something that teaches you how to perform flips and throws and other gymnastic-type things, and also offensive combat. I'd like to get a good workout while doing all this!

If it matters, I am a sixteen year old girl who is pretty average in every way. I weigh about 120 and I'm 5'5... I don't excersize unless you count what my school forces me to do in gym class, but I'm still in shape. I think.

Anyway, will you give me the names of some styles that offer these things? And if you don't mind would you to give me an example or two of what you've learned from the style you guys (and girls) study? Thanks in advance!

**Bleda** · 14th April 2004, 03:33 PM

If you are looking for gymnastics than you probably won't find much help on this forum since it seems we stick more to the traditional styles which don't involve flips and jumps and such since they are pretty worthless in combat. If you want to learn a weapon that is fluid and graceful though i would recommend the naginata as its probably one of the most beautiful weapons when done well.

**mystic_kendoka** · 14th April 2004, 05:19 PM

chinese wushu (not sure if this is part of kung fu or not...)
anyway, its the stuff that shaolin ppl do, i did it for a month...
its mainly hand/feet fightin but there is some sword/spear/other more insane weapons (ive seen a wooden flail once... very painful to fight against)

**Hai_hai** · 15th April 2004, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by StarryEyedLass

Hi everyone! This is my first post. I've decided to ask you, O seasoned practitioners of the martial arts, which style is the best one for me? I have recently decided that I'd like to take some martial arts classes even though I've never even set foot inside of a dojo.

But there are so many styles that I don't know where to begin! I want to study a formal style that teaches me how to be graceful and quick, and how to use weapons such as a sword or daggers or... anything, really.

I want something that teaches you how to perform flips and throws and other gymnastic-type things, and also offensive combat. I'd like to get a good workout while doing all this!

If it matters, I am a sixteen year old girl who is pretty average in every way. I weigh about 120 and I'm 5'5... I don't excersize unless you count what my school forces me to do in gym class, but I'm still in shape. I think.

Anyway, will you give me the names of some styles that offer these things? And if you don't mind would you to give me an example or two of what you've learned from the style you guys (and girls) study? Thanks in advance!

Jogging-do

**not-I** · 15th April 2004, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by StarryEyedLass

But there are so many styles that I don't know where to begin! I want to study a formal style that teaches me how to be graceful and quick, and how to use weapons such as a sword or daggers or... anything, really.

I want something that teaches you how to perform flips and throws and other gymnastic-type things, and also offensive combat. I'd like to get a good workout while doing all this!

Hi Lass,

Sounds like you want to be the next Uma Thurman

But seriously, just get as much info as you can from the net, see what catches your eye (try here: http://www.martialarts.org/styles/index.html), and then start looking for a dojo. Then you can ask here or better in www.e-budo.com to find out if it's a serious one, and not a fraud or mcdojo.
We don't use daggers or do flips and throws in Kendo, but it is a very graceful and quick art, and you would definately get a lot of exercise.

As Mystic mentioned, Wu Shu might be what you're looking for. It is a general term for Chinese martial arts, including Kung Fu and Tai Chi (look under "Chinese styles" in the first link). You can also get some basic info about Kendo under "Japanese styles".

Good luck!

**taiwnezboi** · 15th April 2004, 03:11 AM

what you described is definitely Wushu

basically a performance martial art.. jumping around and doing flips.. they also teach you how to use a bunch of weapons

**[Kensei 剣の聖者]** · 15th April 2004, 03:20 AM

wu shu kwan. anything to do with kung fu,

**tantadi** · 15th April 2004, 04:12 AM

Or taido, if you can find it where you live. Or capoiera.

**Jerry Wellbrock** · 15th April 2004, 04:27 AM

StarryEyedLass, Indeed you are! Oh the dreams of youth. I personally would recommend a school that offers kendo, iaido, and perhaps jodo. That should cover most of your wishes except for the acrobatics. Who am I but an old man who doesn't jump much anymore!

**npk9** · 15th April 2004, 04:48 AM

Okay, here's the run down on Kung-fu and wu-shu since many people here don't have that kind of experience. If you're seriously into the acrobatics then application (more fighting oriented) then go with wu-shu. Wu-shu forms are the most acrobatic. Stay away from anything that says free-style because it has very little practicality behind it even though some of the moves really look cool. Traditional kung-fu has all the weapons of wu-shu and more. But with kung-fu its more practical then flashy. It really all depends on what you're looking for. What area do you live around - I can recommend a few good schools to you if you're interested.

**mystic_kendoka** · 15th April 2004, 04:17 PM

Matorikkusu-jutsu
Art of the Matrix

i bet something similar exists...

StarryEyedLass · 16th April 2004, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Several people mentioned Wushu so I'll go find info about that one first. I haven't been to the movies since LOTR last year, so I haven't been influenced by Uma Therman. Manga is the thing that made me want to do this. Of course I know that no one can do some of the things that superhuman manga characters do during battle scenes, but I'd like to try this anyway.

Thanks for the links, not-I! Many places claim to have the most experienced teachers and promise to make you a master in no time, so it's good to know that I can find out about different dojos here or by using the links you supplied.

npk9, I'm in San Diego and recommendations would be great!

I've heard of Kendo and Iaido before! They are supposed to be two of the most formal styles, right? Being a starry eyed lass is usually very fun and entertaining, but occasionally wild mood swings get involved and make it a lot less fun.

Thanks again.

**npk9** · 19th April 2004, 09:47 PM

Hi Starry,

Here's the link to a directory of wu shu schools which are affiliated w/the US Wu Shu Federation. http://www.usawkf.org/home.htm - I'm not famaliar w/the west coast whatsoever so this will probably be the best bet but as far as recommendations. Find the schools that are in your area and then visit them watch a class and take a few. Some of them will let you take on class for free. Go to more then one school because its all compulsory - which means that they all teach the same form because its regulated by the federation. SO the only difference would be the teaching style, price, distance from home, type of students. Sorry I couldn't be too much of help but if you have any other questions just let me know!

jonjayjaca · 20th April 2004, 12:26 AM

hi there,

whatever you wish to do, to have a good outcome is simply to start from a strong foundation.

choose an art that prepares for what you are aiming for. You have to stretch not just your muscles and nerves, but might as well your mind and spirit...then anything you want to have will come naturally.

Kendo is not all physical, it's mental and spiritual. You may also try Aikido. Perhaps, taekwondo.

goodluck,

jay

StarryEyedLass · 20th April 2004, 11:32 AM

I found a dojo! It's called the JING Institute of Chinese Martial Arts and it's certified by the CWA and the USA Wushu KungFu Federation. The instructors are seriously talented, especially Qiu DongXing who has been training since he was six years old. One student is a professional acrobatic performer while some of their students are training for the Olympics! And luckily enough, I can afford the classes! Now all I have to do is head down there and have a look around.