Martial Arts (Muay Thai?)

Soldie

Hello guys and girls,

I've recently decided that I'd like to learn a martial art. I want to learn one for fitness and (effective) self-defence purposes, I'm not particularly interested in the competitive aspect. Over the past few days I've been doing some research about different types of martial arts. One which stuck out for me was Muay Thai, as it seemed to be a bit more physically demanding than others, in other words - an effective way to get fit. I also got the impression that it would be more viable and effective in a real-life self-defence situation, compared to some of the traditional martial arts that I read about. Aside from that, it just seemed more interesting to me than the others. I realise that I've touched on a highly debatable and touchy subject, but this isn't intended to be a 'which martial art is best?' thread. I welcome any objective opinions on which martial art is advisable, bearing in mind the reason I wish to learn it - effective and viable self-defence, and fitness.

For what it's worth, I'm 22 years old and I live in south-central Dublin, in case anyone wishes to suggest a gym or club, I'd prefer something nearby, naturally.

Thanks, I look forward to some interesting replies!

ch252

Brazilian jiu-jitsu or mma, very good for fitness and very effective for self-defence, try http://www.sbgireland.com/ .

yomchi

it just seemed more interesting to me than the others

right there is the reason you should MT a try

easyontheeye

www.chupasart.com

/Andy\

I recommend Aikido.













*Runs away laughing*

al_g

I recommend shotokan karate it is superior to muay thai at an advanced level.

Nothingcompares

superior at what?

al_g

Nothingcompares wrote:

superior at what?

superior at self defense what else?

Khannie

Soldie: You said you lived in south central. How central? If the answer is "very" then check out bridgestone in the city centre. If the answer is "not very" check out chupasart or warriors for Muay Thai.

al_g wrote:

I recommend shotokan karate it is superior to muay thai at an advanced level.

Hahahaha.

Troll-tastic.

FiannaGym.com

Physically demanding, but not muay thai, gyms in South-Central that I know of are;

Spartan MMA in Firhouse

and

Fianna Gym in Sandyford (on the Luas line).

But, as I said, they aint no Muay Thai!

Good luck with it,

Peace

silat liam

Hi
There silat classes in Firhouse or Walkinstown(200 metersfrom LUAS) You more than welome to give it a try. Its a blend of grappling / striking and weapon training.

Liam

Soldie

Khannie wrote:

Soldie: You said you lived in south central. How central?

I live in Rathfarnham.

For what it's worth, I'm not in the best of shape at the moment, so when I said physically demanding I didn't mean something for a guy who is running from Malin Head to Mizen Head everyday! I just meant something a little more tough than others, since when I am in shape I feel like I can cope quite well.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far!

Khannie

Rathfarnham eh? Not sure how far away the warriors gym is from you. Can someone else confirm location for it? They have a fight night on out in Dalkey at the end of the month.

Chupasart is out near tallaght (technically over the border into Kildare). A reasonable drive, but Paddy's good.

Soldie wrote:

For what it's worth, I'm not in the best of shape at the moment, so when I said physically demanding I didn't mean something for a guy who is running from Malin Head to Mizen Head everyday!

I was an absolute disaster when I started (about 9 months ago now). Overweight and unfit. I've lost just over a stone since then and am pretty fit now. I highly recommend Muay Thai for what you want.

You might also consider MMA at the Fianna gym which is reasonably close to you. MMA is usually a mix of Muay Thai and BJJ (i.e. striking and grapling). I've never actually done it, so I'm not sure what class structure is like, etc. But it would definitely be good for effective self defence.

Roper

Khannie wrote:

Paddy's GOD.

Ah now I wouldn't go that far Khannie.

Soldie

I can get into the city centre pretty quickly and easily (20 mins). Getting out to Dalkey or Kildare would take a lot longer. I'm only five minutes away from Terenure, so I'm not a million miles from town.

Khannie

Roper wrote:

Ah now I wouldn't go that far Khannie.

Haha. Me either.

yomchi

Soldie wrote:

I can get into the city centre pretty quickly and easily (20 mins). Getting out to Dalkey or Kildare would take a lot longer. I'm only five minutes away from Terenure, so I'm not a million miles from town.

Throw your eye into this place

http://www.inta.ie/terenure/

Taekwon-Do ITF is physically demanding and a great sport to be involved in.

Colm_OReilly

Soldie,

I run a club in Firhouse, so not too far away from you. It's no muay thai, it's submission wrestling/MMA. If you'd like you're more than welcome to pop out Wednesday or Monday at 7.30.

You can check out some of our competition vids, techniques etc on www.spartanmma.com - it will give you a good feel for what we do.

If you're interested in Muay Thai and have own transportation definitely travel out to Paddy Clint in Chupasart. He coached me in Muary Thai for a bit, all those years ago

Colm

Thaiking

16 or 16A bus to O'Connell St, a few stops on the Luas and a 5 minute walk to Bridgestone..Amen

Kevinly_

al_g wrote:

superior at self defense what else?

I'd have to disagree with you completely. I would consider Thai Boxing, regardless of where you train it, to be a very good complement to self-defence training as well as great for fitness. The training in Shotokan clubs tend to be useless for self-defence.