Judo, Taekwondo, or self-defense?

[Nasturtium 500]

Hi all! Right by my house we have this free community center and they offer classes you can either take for free or minimal cost covering supplies. I want to take some kind of self-defense class, but also exercise, learn techniques, and honestly jump and kick and be able to look awesome and not like a total idiot . They have 3 choices-- Judo, Taekwondo, or Self-defense (which states it is a mixture of Lima Lama, kickboxing, and White Tiger Kempo Karate). All classes are twice weekly, but the former two are in 2-hour sessions and the latter is only a one-hour session. They are obviously all beginner.

I am wondering if anyone has any experience with any of the actual martial arts and can comment on what they think would be better. I have a suspicion that I wouldn't get into anything actually *neat* until there were a megaton of basics learned, which could take years, in which case for the primary goal it may be better just to take self-defense? I'd like to be able to do more than I can do now pretty quickly, which consists of flipping someone over on their back, punching them in the throat, and then running like h3ll!

I'm not opposed to taking years to learn something, but I am thinking about the basic time investment I am looking at compared to my goal. I did ballet for 10 years, swimming for 6, piano for 15, etc... that's not the issue for me.

You're guys' advice is most appreciated!

[ronjie 0]

today most of that is a scam, its all about money. they will lure u in with free lessons, then a package price. soon tell you you have need to be put into the next class up with more difficulty, apply your remaining money from the last package to the next package "deal". and so on. I had a bad experience with a school I enrolled my son in where we live. I would say take a good exercise class and carry pepper spray.

[ronjie 0]

today most of that is a scam, its all about money. they will lure u in with free lessons, then a package price. soon tell you you have need to be put into the next class up with more difficulty, apply your remaining money from the last package to the next package "deal". and so on. I had a bad experience with a school I enrolled my son in where we live. I would say take a good exercise class and carry pepper spray.

[AnaAndDaniel 0]

well, since it is a relatively low cost situation, i would first try out the self-defense course. sounds like they have nice mixture there. if you enjoy the kicking part, definitelty follow up with tae kwan do. judo is flipping the other person over. could be useful. i took one course in judo. it was fun and did see how it could be used. just never made it a goal to practice it.

good luck and enjoy.

Daniel

[Nasturtium 500]

well, since it is a relatively low cost situation, i would first try out the self-defense course. sounds like they have nice mixture there. if you enjoy the kicking part, definitelty follow up with tae kwan do. judo is flipping the other person over. could be useful. i took one course in judo. it was fun and did see how it could be used. just never made it a goal to practice it.

good luck and enjoy.

Daniel

Thanks! That is more and more what I am thinking to do. I did thjink about teh flipping part of Judo as being a good thing to learn though, but I don't know wnough about either one to ever pick out Taekwando as the kicking one! Thanks!

today most of that is a scam, its all about money. they will lure u in with free lessons, then a package price. soon tell you you have need to be put into the next class up with more difficulty, apply your remaining money from the last package to the next package "deal". and so on. I had a bad experience with a school I enrolled my son in where we live. I would say take a good exercise class and carry pepper spray.

Thanks, these are actually part of community programs offered by volunteer instructors, not out of a "school" per se. There is no where "up" for you to go from here at this place except on to the other free levels of intermediate, advanced, etc

[Kathryn41 3,205]

An old boyfriend of mine was black belt in Judo and Jiu Jitsu and he taught me a few things, self-defense wise. If you are interested in self-defense, then do the specific self-defense course. If you are interested in self-defense and exercise, then do the judo. Judo is actually a 'gentle' martial art - it is learning how to use your opponent's strength and assault to your benefit. When you flip or throw someone, you aren't really flipping or throwing them - you are using their own impulsion/impetus and just re-directing it, resulting in a throw. He used to teach at various local schools and community centers while still studying himself.

Edited July 24, 2008 by Kathryn41

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Look what I found Julianna!

[gyi 1]

Try and find a Tai Chi Chuan school and remember the best offense is not to offend.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I have a brown belt in kickboxing - I haven't done it for years, but it is excellent for getting into shape. You burn about 700 calories/hour, increase flexibility and confidence.

[Kevin and 10]

Judo and Tae kwon do are more for sport. Both are viable for self defense, but i would say the later (self defense) is more geared to what you are looking for. The self defense class would probably go over the mental aspects of self defense also, which are more important than the physical stuff. My advice is to go talk with the instructors of these classes and his/her students to find out what they are about. Go watch a class or two, then decide.