Combat sports - whats right for me?

irishpacker

I've noticed a few martial arts people on these threads, so I figure you're the right guys to ask about this seen as non of my friends do a combat sport.

I want to learn a combat sport (martial arts etc) but you shall have to forgive my ignorance as I don't fully understand the difference between the many forms of martial arts. (Judo, Jujitsu, kung fu..) I'm a little lost to be honest. I want to take up a form of martial arts that would best suit my physical attributes and would be of the best use for me (Self Defence etc) I also plan on joining the army in 1/2 years, if that influences your advice at all?

I am 5'10 (178cm), 88.5kg (as of this evening, but I range anywhere between 87 to 91) I'm very stocky and often get called "wide". Max squat circa 200kg, max bench circa 140. Body fat at the moment is around 16% (shocking I know, but its the offseason leave me alone!)

I have never done any combat sport before. I used to play Rugby, Rowing and currently american football.

Based on my interests and stats, what martial art form would you advice I take up?

Cheers! :pac:

Odysseus

My suggestion would be to find out what clubs are in your area you don't say where your based and try out as many as you can, most clubs welcome to. Another suggestion would be to try a few self-defense seminars, but as these are sometimes just one or two day events the onus is on you to keep the training going, not the best for someone starting out.

You could also try the MA/SD lots of knowledge and advice there, sometime some very strong opinions but just take what suits you. I would say try a few different styles and just enjoy the journey of finding out what you like by try and error. Best of luck with it.

dave80

you could really do any martial art, best bet is to try a couple of them out and see which you enjoy the most, i do muay thai which is a ringsport that uses punches, elbow, knees and kicks its great for self defence and general fitness, you could also try a grappling art like judo or bjj, or throw them all together and do mma!

Puddleduck

You can do any martial art really. As suggested Id look at the clubs in your area and sit in on a class or two to see if its what youd like to do. All martial arts are different but Im sure theirs one for everybody. I should actually start going again...

Naos

Morning Irish,

Your question would be best asked here.

Maybe ask a mod to move it so you aren't posting duplicate threads.

Colm_OReilly

I'd suggest you give MMA a shot, owing to the hands on, competitive nature of the sport.

www.bjjrevolution.com is on the dart line, so isn't too far from Howth. Bear in mind my locational geography of DNS is horrible.

Dragan

Moving to SDMA.

Baggio...

If you're specifically after a Combat sport - then try Muai Thai, Boxing or MMA. Can't go wrong with any of them.

But if you're looking for Hand to Hand combat for self-defense purpose - then I'd consider looking at some Self-protection, Combatives or some sort "reality-based" material.

No harm in doing the rounds, and seeing what works for you.

R.