Post: #26

(11-13-2013 10:43 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  I can also tell you that to advance to the upper levels of Krav Maga, you must fight not only other Krav Maga instructors but also instructors from other martial arts disciplines. The testing can last for several days and involves full-on full-contact fighting.

No, it doesn't.

However, Krauser's already addressed such objections in a reply to such a comment on his blog. Think he sums it up pretty well:

"I think all you Krav Maga nuts miss the point of Dead/Alive. When you teach deadly techniques with weapons you simply cannot practice with the regularity and intensity to become genuinely good at those techniques. You also don't get a genuine experimental environment where techniques are refined or thrown out. There's no way at all that the top Krav Maga guys are as good at their art as the top judoka / boxers / wrestlers etc are at theirs. I've seen a few Krav Maga classes and coaches and my experience has been they teach it like ninjutsu / aikido. Just a bunch of skinny gammas doing three-step sparring and awarding themselves pointless belts. No actual fighting or pressure testing. It's a Paper Dragons Club.

The other thing with KM is it teaches you to fight guys with no skill, with one guy in the role of dumb attacker and the other as skilled defender. This is a classical martial arts conceit, just like the slow-motion-right-hand-puncher you get in aikido. Alive martial arts have two equal combatants striving to win. Now, I'll grant that some KM guys somewhere will gear-up and have-to with vim and gusto. Those guys will do ok. And comparing that training regime to not training at all, I'd pick the former. Might as well have some weapones trainer. I'd still pick a good judoka or boxer over them in a bar fight. Perhaps KM isn't worthless, its above Dim Mak and Wing-Chun, but its 2nd tier compared to the truly alive arts. And BTW "scary" means nothing. Knocking someone out with a right hand on the jaw renders them utterly defenseless. If you're truly sadistic you can still gouge their eyes out and stamp on their bollocks afterwards, rather than trying to do it when they are still an active threat.

This is the kind of Krav Maga instruction I've seen. Totally bullshit. Attacker does ridiculous telegraphed moved and then just stands there to receive a barrage of sloppy unfocused weak blows before falling over obediently".

Post: #27

(11-13-2013 12:10 PM)RedPillMind Wrote:  

(11-13-2013 10:43 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  I can also tell you that to advance to the upper levels of Krav Maga, you must fight not only other Krav Maga instructors but also instructors from other martial arts disciplines. The testing can last for several days and involves full-on full-contact fighting.

No, it doesn't.

I just told you that it does. Not sure what your problem is. Calling someone a liar without any proof is no way to start out on a forum.

You should try to learn from those with actual knowledge, not revel in ignorance. This forum is all about self-improvement as real men. That involves graciously accepting that you might be wrong.

This Krauser guy lumped together Krav Maga, Karate, Ninjutsu, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do. I do not know about the others, but I do know about Krav Maga.

Of course, I am talking about true Krav Maga instruction with its headquarters in Israel, not just some Karate dojo that hung up a "Krav Maga" shingle to attract additional business. Quality of instruction is highly dependent on whether a real Krav Maga program is offered.

Post: #28

(11-13-2013 12:42 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  I just told you that it does. Not sure what your problem is. Calling someone a liar without any proof is no way to start out on a forum.

You should try to learn from those with actual knowledge, not revel in ignorance. This forum is all about self-improvement as real men. That involves graciously accepting that you might be wrong.

I'm not new to this forum, been lurking for years, only recently registered. I'm very familiar with all posters and all concepts discussed here. I have graciously considered that I might be wrong and come to the conclusion that I am not. Simple as that. So that being said, I disagree with your assertion that it includes "full contact" fighting.

KM is a system of training that emphasizes defense by attacking the most vulnerable parts of the body (throat, eyes) etc. By it's nature, there is no training that actually engages in such defense. Every training session would end with a bunch of new dead or severely disabled trainees for that day. So your assertion that it is full contact, or to put it another way, "non-compliant" (ie. Alive, which is what our inital disagreement was based upon) is false. There is compliance. You simply can't practice gouging someone's eyes out in any meaningful way that has real world application. All you are doing in that scenario is training how to stop gouging someone's eyes out at precisely the point you should be.

It's nonsense. Perhaps not the choreographed full compliance nonsense of some of the more hilariously useless martial arts, but certainly well short of such a discipline as something like BJJ, where you have opponents in full on 100% non-compliance mode. Sure, there is compliance towards the end but it doesn't impact the training. For example, if you have your oppenent in an arm-bar or traingle choke, at that point it makes no sense to go the last 5% and snap their arm in two. This situation is NOT the same as the compliance needed DURING the actual combat you must have in KM in order to not suffer some crippling injuries to one or both fighters.

Also, unrelated, but you speak about "this Krauser guy" as if he's just some random blogger. The guy is quite possibly the best PUA (i know i hate that expresion too but what can you do) in the world. Certainly top 5. I think Roosh and many of the posters here would agree. Not that that has anything to do with him being any kind of authority on martial arts, i just thought it was funny how you spoke of him as if he was just some random dude I linked to. It amused me.
Anyway, try not to take my disagreement personally. I simply think you are very much mistaken about your assertion that KM is full contact and even at the highest level of training, "non-compliant". It's just simply not true.

Post: #29

Here's another hilarious video.





If you can honestly watch that and tell me there's no compliance involved I don't know what to tell you. It's not even close to 2 guys going 100%. It's practically choreographed. Its real world application is therefore impossible to determine. It is a flawed training system. Not useless or without merit (be careful, i never said that). But it is certainly not Alive so therefore, fundamentally flawed.

Talking about BJJ here but Joe Rogan sums up the 100% effort part of a real martial art:

Post: #30

(11-13-2013 02:01 PM)RedPillMind Wrote:  

(11-13-2013 12:42 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  I just told you that it does. Not sure what your problem is. Calling someone a liar without any proof is no way to start out on a forum.

You should try to learn from those with actual knowledge, not revel in ignorance. This forum is all about self-improvement as real men. That involves graciously accepting that you might be wrong.

I'm not new to this forum, been lurking for years, only recently registered. I'm very familiar with all posters and all concepts discussed here. I have graciously considered that I might be wrong and come to the conclusion that I am not. Simple as that. So that being said, I disagree with your assertion that it includes "full contact" fighting.

You are missing the entire point. I am not making an assertion. I have practiced Krav Maga. As such, I am making a statement of fact from personal experience. So, I am either telling the truth or I am a liar. There is no in-between.

Obviously, the full-on full-contact fighting aspect of Krav Maga does not include strikes to the eyes, throat, groin, or sides of the knees. Not intentionally anyhow. I have certainly taken my fair share by accident.

Those videos are nonsensical. Any full-on full-contact fighting would, at minimum, include wrist wraps, gloves, and mouth guards (and usually head gear) -- just as you would wear in a boxing ring. I myself bought a custom made mouth guard.

What you posted are demonstrations of technique. If you cannot tell the difference between full-on full-contact fighting and demonstrations of technique, then you should not post as if you have any degree of knowledge in the matter.

I found this forum because of its international travel aspect. I could care less who else is offering PUA advice. All I am saying is that this Krauser guy, like you, knows absolutely nothing about Krav Maga. In your case, you also seem unwilling to learn. Why argue about something outside your experience?

Post: #31

(11-13-2013 02:36 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Obviously, the full-on full-contact fighting aspect of Krav Maga does not include strikes to the eyes, throat, groin, or sides of the knees. Not intentionally anyhow. I have certainly taken my fair share by accident.

Dude how do you not get this? You are the one completely missing the point here.

Krav Maga is about disabling your opponent as quickly and effectively as possible. I'm sorry, but there is no training (unless of course you have seriously injured people you have trained with or been injured yourself) where it is possible to do this. You cannot go at 100% intensity in a training situation if your goal is to be maximally effective. Ever. End of story.

(11-13-2013 02:36 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  What you posted are demonstrations of technique. If you cannot tell the difference between full-on full-contact fighting and demonstrations of technique, then you should not post as if you have any degree of knowledge in the matter.

I'm well aware they are demonstrations of technique. But when that technique is dependant on compliance its efficacy is compromised. ie. flawed. Do you understand? You simply never get a chance to practice technique at maximum capacity in any form of Krav Maga training.

Post: #32

(11-13-2013 02:45 PM)RedPillMind Wrote:  You simply never get a chance to practice technique at maximum capacity in any form of Krav Maga training.

I feel like I am in a Monte Python skit, fighting a blind man with no arms who thinks that he is winning.

You are going to have a hard life, my friend. I am done here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4

Post: #33

(11-13-2013 04:16 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  

(11-13-2013 02:45 PM)RedPillMind Wrote:  You simply never get a chance to practice technique at maximum capacity in any form of Krav Maga training.

I feel like I am in a Monte Python skit, fighting a blind man with no arms who thinks that he is winning.

You are going to have a hard life, my friend. I am done here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4

Me too.

Post: #34

Glad y'all cut it out. Thanks for acting like gentleman.

Post: #35

KM was founded in the 50s or 60s right? Despite all of this unverified 'combat testing' in the streets and the numerous Israeli-Arab conflicts, we know for certain that KM has produced zero notable MMA fighters.

You're going to defend KM by saying that 'its only for deadly combat and too dangerous for sport fighting'. Yet Sambo and Jiu Jitsu are both martial arts with military origins and well represented in MMA competition.

Quote: how do you seriously compete in a discipline when you routinely use strikes to the eyes, neck, groin, and side of the knees?

MMA competition allows attacks to all of these area except the groin.

Quote:I can also tell you that to advance to the upper levels of Krav Maga, you must fight not only other Krav Maga instructors but also instructors from other martial arts disciplines. The testing can last for several days and involves full-on full-contact fighting. In fact, I met a very skilled instructor who actually broke a leg during testing for the next level of advancement.

Hold on. So KM instructors can't use all of their techniques because its too dangerous for their opponents, but in order to advance in rank they have to fight using all of their techniques...

Quote:Of course, I am talking about true Krav Maga instruction with its headquarters in Israel, not just some Karate dojo that hung up a "Krav Maga" shingle to attract additional business. Quality of instruction is highly dependent on whether a real Krav Maga program is offered.

This excuse is identical to one used by other styles that Krauser mentioned.
"It's not real Kung Fu, the real stuff you have to go to the Shaolin Temple"
"It's not real Ninjitsu, the real stuff is taught only in secret forests in Japan"

But you don't have to travel to any exotic foreign locations to learn effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, etc...

Quote: Regarding the very few women who advance to the upper levels (most women lose interest for top level advancement) they would kick the asses of 99.9% of the men on this forum -- even those who have advanced training in the non-lethal martial arts.

Have you actually sparred with these wonder women? Where are the videos? Why aren't they out trading leather for big payouts and the pride of their nation?

Post: #36

(11-13-2013 08:57 PM)PoosyWrecker Wrote:  KM was founded in the 50s or 60s right? Despite all of this unverified 'combat testing' in the streets and the numerous Israeli-Arab conflicts, we know for certain that KM has produced zero notable MMA fighters.

You're going to defend KM by saying that 'its only for deadly combat and too dangerous for sport fighting'. Yet Sambo and Jiu Jitsu are both martial arts with military origins and well represented in MMA competition.

Quote: how do you seriously compete in a discipline when you routinely use strikes to the eyes, neck, groin, and side of the knees?

MMA competition allows attacks to all of these area except the groin.

Quote:I can also tell you that to advance to the upper levels of Krav Maga, you must fight not only other Krav Maga instructors but also instructors from other martial arts disciplines. The testing can last for several days and involves full-on full-contact fighting. In fact, I met a very skilled instructor who actually broke a leg during testing for the next level of advancement.

Hold on. So KM instructors can't use all of their techniques because its too dangerous for their opponents, but in order to advance in rank they have to fight using all of their techniques...

Quote:Of course, I am talking about true Krav Maga instruction with its headquarters in Israel, not just some Karate dojo that hung up a "Krav Maga" shingle to attract additional business. Quality of instruction is highly dependent on whether a real Krav Maga program is offered.

This excuse is identical to one used by other styles that Krauser mentioned.
"It's not real Kung Fu, the real stuff you have to go to the Shaolin Temple"
"It's not real Ninjitsu, the real stuff is taught only in secret forests in Japan"

But you don't have to travel to any exotic foreign locations to learn effective Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Muay Thai, etc...

Quote: Regarding the very few women who advance to the upper levels (most women lose interest for top level advancement) they would kick the asses of 99.9% of the men on this forum -- even those who have advanced training in the non-lethal martial arts.

Have you actually sparred with these wonder women? Where are the videos? Why aren't they out trading leather for big payouts and the pride of their nation?

If you cannot read and understand the English language, do not expect me to reply. Just because a Krav Maga school has its headquarters in Israel, does not mean that it does not have 100 satellite schools in the U.S. and several thousand around the world.

"MMA competition allows attacks to all of these area except the groin." Seriously? Finger strikes to the eyes and throat are allowed in MMA? I suggest that you go back and re-read what I wrote, rather than making erroneous assumptions based on poor reading comprehension.

Post: #37

Gentlemen, please! This thread is about "martial arts and yoga". Krav Maga is a "self defense system", not a "martial art".

Post: #38

I do yoga. I get free classes at college as part of my student union dues. I've done it twice now, today and last week, for an hour. Since it's slower paced than a workout, it's a lot easier on your body, so I recommend it to anyone who's trying to transition out of a sedentary lifestyle. Those breathing exercises might sound like dumb pseudoscience to some, but I think it really helps-after yoga, I feel perfectly content with the world, as though nothing can rattle me. This feeling radiates through my whole body. Do it long enough and be dedicated enough and you can get into great shape too. Great for inner game, and for overall well being.

It helps I live in Vancouver, the yoga capital of North America. Lululemon was born here, and there are plenty of women here with the bodies to rock yoga pants. Another fun fact-in my class, I'm the only guy there.

Post: #39

Krav Maga = blue pill.

Quote:Never tested? I assume that he means because the object of the martial art is self-defense and not competition. First, they are tested everyday in the Israeli military and on the often deadly streets of Israel. Second, how do you seriously compete in a discipline when you routinely use strikes to the eyes, neck, groin, and side of the knees? How would you know the real winner with the half-measures necessary for competition?

I LOL'ed at "often deadly streets of Israel." You've been reading too much ad copy. Excluding bombs (which even Krav practitioners don't claim they can defend against) Israel is much less dangerous than a favela in Brazil or American inner city.

You never heard of the Gracie Challenge. Lots of guys tried doing exotic, killer techniques that are too deadly for competition.

Failed.

Shit might work against an untrained chump, but it's not going to work against someone who has training or even has had a few street fights.

Post: #40

(11-13-2013 10:43 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Regarding the very few women who advance to the upper levels (most women lose interest for top level advancement) they would kick the asses of 99.9% of the men on this forum -- even those who have advanced training in the non-lethal martial arts.

That's pretty funny. You know there are multiple combat vets on this site, right? And people who have been in a lot of dirty street fights, and people who have fought in a ring/cage?

I will make the claim that there is no (not one, zero, zip) female Krav Maga competitor who could kick my ass. Or reaper23's. Or Fisto's. Or el mech's. Or Aliblaha's.

I would even put up $10,000 of my own money. But we have to film it and I get the rights to post the video on YouTube to show what a fraud Krav is.

Can you set this up?

Do you have some sort of business relationship with Krav? If so, please disclose that so we know where you are coming from, because you are saying a lot of incredible things.

Post: #41

(11-15-2013 06:13 PM)MikeCF Wrote:  Krav Maga = blue pill.

Quote:Never tested? I assume that he means because the object of the martial art is self-defense and not competition. First, they are tested everyday in the Israeli military and on the often deadly streets of Israel. Second, how do you seriously compete in a discipline when you routinely use strikes to the eyes, neck, groin, and side of the knees? How would you know the real winner with the half-measures necessary for competition?

I LOL'ed at "often deadly streets of Israel." You've been reading too much ad copy. Excluding bombs (which even Krav practitioners don't claim they can defend against) Israel is much less dangerous than a favela in Brazil or American inner city.

You never heard of the Gracie Challenge. Lots of guys tried doing exotic, killer techniques that are too deadly for competition.

Failed.

Shit might work against an untrained chump, but it's not going to work against someone who has training or even has had a few street fights.

I specifically stated that I was talking about the use of Krav Maga in the Israeli Military in Israel, which includes the occupied territories (that are in a perpetual state of hostility). I am not talking about downtown Tel Aviv or the shore.

Krav Maga incorporates combatives from many martial arts disciplines, including boxing strikes and knee and elbow strikes from Muay Thai. So stating that Krav Maga does not work as a self-defense system means that no martial arts system work. That is a rediculous assertion.

The Gracie challenge and BJJ has nothing to do with a real life survival situation where a second attacker is kicking in your skull, while you are stupidly on the ground fighting his buddy.

Krav Maga always factors in the real life possibility of multiple attackers. If you are on the ground in a real fight, your primary objective is to get off the ground as quickly as possible. Survival is not a sport. That is why you cannot compare Krav Maga to a one-on-one MMA match. How many MMA fighters would survive an attack by multiple attackers of equal skill in real life? In the cage, in half of all matches a fighter cannot even win against a single opponent. That can equal death on the street.

There is a great deal of ignorance here about Krav Maga. Every combative has three elements: (1) immediate defense, (2) simultaneous counter-attack, and (3) a safe retreat. Retreat is such a core element of every Krav Maga combative that students will snicker when another student forgets and, instead, stands his ground. Running from the cage is not a criteria for an MMA fight. So such comparisons are completely idiotic. In Krav Maga, a win means escape and survival.

If two BJJ goons attack a single Krav Maga guy on the street, the Krav Maga gets on his feet and inflicts enough damage to run away. He survives, which means that he wins. It is really that simple. Arguing about irrelevant stuff from a state of ignorance is very red pill.

Post: #42

(11-15-2013 06:48 PM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  There is a great deal of ignorance here about Krav Maga.

Quite the opposite.

I am a lifelong martial artist. I have a black belt (7 years training) in Tae Kwon Do, a Judo brown belt, several years of no-gi BJJ training. I have boxed in a ring and fought MMA.

I have been in well over 100 street fights and know very well what one can and cannot do against multiple attackers. I have split people eye's open, fucked up their knees with push kicks, and been knocked out unconscious after someone jumped out from behind a car with a pair of brass knuckles.

I am the opposite of ignorant. I am well educated and experienced enough to see through the the bullshit.

Krav Maga = bullshit.

Post: #43

(11-15-2013 06:19 PM)MikeCF Wrote:  

(11-13-2013 10:43 AM)Tail Gunner Wrote:  Regarding the very few women who advance to the upper levels (most women lose interest for top level advancement) they would kick the asses of 99.9% of the men on this forum -- even those who have advanced training in the non-lethal martial arts.

That's pretty funny. You know there are multiple combat vets on this site, right? And people who have been in a lot of dirty street fights, and people who have fought in a ring/cage?

I will make the claim that there is no (not one, zero, zip) female Krav Maga competitor who could kick my ass. Or reaper23's. Or Fisto's. Or el mech's. Or Aliblaha's.

I would even put up $10,000 of my own money. But we have to film it and I get the rights to post the video on YouTube to show what a fraud Krav is.

Can you set this up?

Do you have some sort of business relationship with Krav? If so, please disclose that so we know where you are coming from, because you are saying a lot of incredible things.

I have no business relationship with Krav Maga. I said that "the very few women who advance to the upper levels (most women lose interest for top level advancement) they would kick the asses of 99.9% of the men on this forum." What is so hard to believe? Most guys do not know how to fight. Obviously, if a man and women have equal levels of experience, then the (stronger) man will win. So, you fall within the 0.01% with your fighting expertise. I will take your word on it. That does not invalidate my point.

I have already addressed the woman issue. So what else am I saying that is so "incredible"? I am hardly stating anything controversial.

Post: #44

Ok. Where's the videos of these wonder women?

Post: #45

I've been a yoga practitioner since about 1997. Been practicing qi gong, on a daily basis, for longer. I credit both as playing a part in my overall OUTSTANDING health and general youthful appearance.
No girl has EVER guessed anything higher than 27 (usualy 22 - 24) when I tell them to guess my age. I'm 38.
There are several yoga asanas (postures) that have been shown to increase testosterone. I've distilled my yoga practice to these few asanas.

Of all the Asian martial arts I've practiced, I still practice certain Tai Chi Chuan form for its health benefits. YES, Tai Chi Chuan (supreme Ultimate Fist) was originally a martial art based on acupuncture/acupressure meridian strikes (Dim Mak).

For neutralizing a sociopathic aggressor as quickly as possible, my favorite martial arts are Target-Focus Training, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, & Krav Maga.

There's also Gun-Fu (I prefer Glock 22 .40 cal Style) to help keep you pretty healthy :-P

Post: #46

(11-25-2013 04:41 PM)Mon Wrote:  There are several yoga asanas (postures) that have been shown to increase testosterone. I've distilled my yoga practice to these few asanas.

Can you tell what kind of asanas you are refering to?

Post: #47

(12-02-2013 05:17 PM)starmaze Wrote:  

(11-25-2013 04:41 PM)Mon Wrote:  There are several yoga asanas (postures) that have been shown to increase testosterone. I've distilled my yoga practice to these few asanas.

Can you tell what kind of asanas you are refering to?

One of the primary asanas that has been shown to increase testosterone is the Cobra. In a Russian study, there was, on average a 16% increase in testosterone. One chick's testosterone increased by 55%. They simply drew blood before & after holding this one posture (about 5 minutes apart).
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023....28#page-1

In Stress and its Management by Yoga Katil Udupa summarized his research which shows that the practice of specific yoga asanas lowered stress hormones while increasing testosterone.
He added postures, month by month. The postures used in his research were:
The Cobra
The Spinal Twist
The Wheel
Full Lotus
The Plow
The Locust
The Bow
The Shoulder Stand
The Headstand (which I don't recommend due to this posture being linked to far too many injuries)

Specific pranayamas (breathing exercises) used in this study were:
Bhastrika
Ujjayi (Victorious Breath)

Testosterone rose, on average, 57%. This was over a six-month period.

Post: #48

Thinking I was going to contribute to this thread...

Plenty of people do Krav @ 100%. Amateurs? No way (unless it's a whack gym). I've done it suited up in Spartan gear. It's fun if you're winning in a 1 on 1 situation, but 2 on 1 @ 100% isn't something I get excited about.

Yoga alone or as supplementary training for practicing any martial art is great. You can't go wrong with Yoga, ever. If you're not overweight, you could do yoga, pull ups, push ups, hindu squarts and be in supreme shape.

For getting into excellent shape, it's a matter of your commitment on a few levels:

How frequently are training in 1 week?
How much recovery time are you giving yourself?
What kind of shape are you trying to get into? This matters when you're picking an art and a dojo/gym.

Those--and others--all factor into the results you get, physically and mentally. Figure out what you want to get out of it, then chunk down the options. How close it? Way easier when you've got a close place, as opposed to going halfway across town.

I think too many people get caught up on what to take/what's "the best" and most never end up trying anything. It's what works for you, your body, and your mind, not what you want to tell your buddies. Try out a gym or two, DO NOT sign any contracts unless you're sure it's the spot for you. See what works, ignore the armchair experts.

For me, I've loved "grappling" since I was a child. Wrestling, then BJJ and Judo. There's a primal satisfaction that comes with grappling that I never found in striking arts. Very similar to eating and damaging some strange.

BJJ schools with a GOOD wrestling class are where it's at, in my opinion. Up until very recently, I was doing catch wrestling (different from amateur wrestling) 2-3 nights per week, but it's very hard on your neck and consistency is an issue for classes that hard. Most amateur wrestling classes will have attendance issues too unless it's the flagship class @ that gym, great instructor or not.

Wrestling will get you in better shape than anything, assuming you have regular bodies to toss around. Again, consistency is the key. I don't view wrestling as more difficult than BJJ for a number of reasons, but for the average Joe coming in off the street, BJJ will be easier to get into and initially, it's not as physically demanding. I've seen "tough guys" crumble after continually getting taken down. BJJ does the same, but a 220 lb dude taking you down 30 times sucks a lot more than being submitted if you're not in shape. Possibility of injury is a bit higher for wrestling when you're just starting out too (same goes for Judo).

I'm 28 and in good shape, but not interested in semi-regular neck injuries (lots of neck cranks and spine locks in catch) and as a result, BJJ is what I'm doing now. Amazing workout, but I also enjoy BJJ on a different level than wrestling and get a bit more spiritual fulfillment after hard jj sparring.

Judo is excellent and will also get you in great shape and eventually, your grip strength will be insanely beast. Some guys can't handle being thrown to the mats consistently, even after learning how to fall. Plenty of older gents do it though, so don't let that discourage you.

Any kind of striking will get you into excellent shape. I prefer kick boxing simply because all the time I spent grappling results in me eventually getting out of a trad boxing stance and back into a grappling/more square stance. I don't do that much sparring anymore because, well, I don't enjoy getting punched in the face that much these days.

TKD, Muay Thai, harder Karate styles, boxing...all of those are great. Anyone that tells you Karate or TKD don't work hasn't sparred with good Karate or TKD guys. They can take your head off just as easy as the rest.

Unfortunately, discussing martial arts usually results on people getting cunty and saying my style over your style. The important thing is to just do it/try it. No matter what, you'll likely have fun, even if you don't love the gym and go somewhere else.

Best of luck in your journey.

Post: #49

(12-03-2013 08:28 PM)Alpha Mind Wrote:  TKD, Muay Thai, harder Karate styles, boxing...all of those are great. Anyone that tells you Karate or TKD don't work hasn't sparred with good Karate or TKD guys. They can take your head off just as easy as the rest.

Unfortunately, discussing martial arts usually results on people getting cunty and saying my style over your style. The important thing is to just do it/try it. No matter what, you'll likely have fun, even if you don't love the gym and go somewhere else.

Best of luck in your journey.

+1 for speaking harsh truths, proven completely by half this thread.

Post: #50

Took my first private class with a black belt from Gracie jj... I love it. I can see why some of you are so high on bjj for self defense, for staying in shape, and for sport.