Expert: Colin Wee - 8/4/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am currently trying to decide on which type of martial arts is right for my objectives. What I want from martial arts training is this: Primarily self defense. I am 24 years old and although completely non-violent, I am completely aware of the dangers in this world. I want to know that if I am ever attacked, no matter the size of the attacker, I can put him down effectively and swiftly.  The Main two styles i am conidering are Jujitsu or Kenpo/Kempo. I am looking for a class without all the frills and glitz. I also dont want to be training next to a little boy or an elderly woman ,if that makes since. Can u please inform me of the best fighting style i should pursue in order to reach my self defense goals. Also if u know of a better style I should consider, please let me know.
         Thank you very much!
         Joey

ANSWER: You seem to be quite well-informed, but I've got to make sure to tell you that self defense isn't without its risks - meaning you may learn some skills that would go toward putting "him down effectively and swiftly," but don't expect to do it without breaking a sweat.

Anyway, let see. You want a martial art to suit your temperament, your age, and your practical nature.

Jujitsu classes. There are a varying range of what is considered jujutsu these days. The most common and trendiest of them all, Brazilian Jujutsu - which doesn't refer to any hair removal, may not be as complete a martial art as needed in a self defence situation. It is the rare class that will teach a traditional jujutsu program YET have the wherewithal to also include practical self defence skills. Look for it and hold on to it!

Kempo - certainly a good and varied martial art. You need to look for an instructor who will teach you the depths of it yet will teach you how to effectively use it. Training will be tough though, so you're going to sweat through it before you reap any benefits. This may not be a style that will suit if you aren't particularly strong, big or fit.

Let me know more and what other options you're looking at. A lot of it depends on what's close to you.

Colin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Colin,

You hit the nail on the head when u said "A lot of it depends on what's close to you." I have searched for trainers in my area and as far as Jujitsu goes, there arent any. The closest Kempo instructor is about 115 miles away. I live in Alabama, and the two major styles around here are Taekwondo and Yoshukai. I have descovered that Yoshukai was actually created in Alabama by a man who moved here from Asia. All of that being said I am considering Yoshukai. As far as being big stature or physically strong, I am about 5'9 and 165 soaking wet so, most would consider me small. I really dont think Taekwondo would be of interest to me, but Yoshukai, possibly. Have you heard much of Yoshukai or is it not that big of a fighting style?

Answer
Yeah ... proximity is really important, especially if you're going to stick with something/anything for more than a year.

Yoshukai? Anyone can name their art anything, so I don't know what it is or what's its base. If you want me to guess, I'll have to say it's a shotokan karate variant. Not too bad to start there, if it is...

Good luck.

Colin