Hi I have done different martial arts for years but have never found one that I feel suites me Im Looking for something which is similar to wing chun in the speed and closeness to the opponent but also to the side of freestyle kickboxing and would like to develope physical fitness control and stamina This is the best way I can describe what Im looking for as I would like to find something that could hopefully give me the courage to disarm if ever needed or protect myself and others from gangs as I get problems daily if there is anyone who can help me to find something similar to what im looking for i would be very grateful thanks

Sounds to me that you need a couple of different martial arts to draw from. Judging from what you say, I'd imagine Muay Thai might be a good idea, with the combination of kickboxing style of fighting with some close quarter defence work. Or, you could try Krav Maga if you want to concentrate on the defence side of things.

So why do you need to protect yourself on a daily basis? That sounds pretty serious!

I study Krav and from what you have said I would also say try it. Its not for everyone but because it is pure self defense and can come across as being really brutal. check out www.institute-kravmaga.co.uk if your interested.

Thansk for your advice I will Look into those martial arts and there is gangs where i live well there is everywhere but where i dress differently from the gangs they give me constant abuse and where its always either me and a few friends or me and my girl friend being harassed by 5-10 people it can be pretty intimidating but nevermind thanks for your help with my problem anyway its much appreciated

Where abouts are you from dude? Sounds like a bad area? Or is it local scumbags?

I would seek out a style that has similarities to ones you are doing as you will like it for the same reasons roughly. I would suggest hapkido, i have personally wanted to do hapkido but i dont do 2 martial arts at the same time.

Hi Insane Rocker

I am in a simlar situation, I recently left my Wing Chung class after 6 years and now am at a cross roads at what to do next? Reading your blog really helped. As it sounds to me that you are at two cross roads what to do next and how to deal with a specific situation. If I take situation first, I would say you alrady know what you are capable of but apply this in a wider context. I once heard a story that a kung fu student was attacked by 2 guys he beat the first one no probs but the second guy smaked in the face. When his teacher said why did you not defend yourself his reply was you did not show me how to fight two guys!!!

My point is this fighting against a gang or group means not adding a new style but simply a different tactic for one; never attack the person in the middle if surround by 3 or more. Also you can influence the group by positioning yourself in ways that make certain people either more or less likely to attack you. The final point I would make for now is this never get fixiated on one person you don't have the time.

I hope that helps?

Ronin

Hi Insane_Rocker,

Look into something like Lesley suggested like Muay Thai if speed and power is what you're looking for, it may also be worth considering the internal styles (my area of interest at present) for upper body speed and power. As the internals are actually quite well rounded.

If you are looking for something purely physical however with little philosophical or spiritual influence and more focus on pure defense, go with Krav Maga, it's brutal and unforgiving but it will save you. I would especially recommend it if you are having gang trouble.

On the subject of your gang problem, have you thought about a Kubotan? Look them up. Very cheap, and very legal.<br><br>Post edited by: Liu Shui Dao, at: 2008/01/03 17:57

Dude whats a Kubotan?

On the subject of your gang problem, have you thought about a Kubotan? Look them up. Very cheap, and very legal.

And Fun!

Just make sure you get a tutor book because otherwise you could make a hash of it!

And could this be a forum thing in the self defense topic? Opportunity weapons etc and pure self defense weapons. I don't want to tell people to carry knifes, guns, grenades etc but things like sprays and kubos are really useful.

Sam why dont you post some 'informal' advice in the self defence topic?<br><br>Post edited by: PeteMills, at: 2008/01/04 05:07

Because that would be a good idea