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Which martial art to progress self development?


Question Posted Monday August 24 2015, 10:13 am

Hello!

As the headline says, im trying to be a better man, and being able to do some self defense is never bad idea. I heared that some martial arts are tied with some sort of philosophy and through it teaching other things for life then just "beating people" (because beating people is NOT my desire in the first place). I will be most grateful if you give me any suggestions i could follow.

Thank you!


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AliO22 answered Friday September 11 2015, 7:22 pm:
Hi there,
I must admit I don't know much about Martial Arts or which might be what you're looking for. I would agree self-defense classes could definitely be beneficial to anyone. The physical exercise and new skill you gain could benefit you in many emotional ways. My suggestion would be to do some research online about different types of classes to see which would be a good fit for you. Sorry I didn't have much of an answer for you. I wish you the best of luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask me.
-Ali

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Angelousy answered Wednesday September 9 2015, 8:08 am:
Hi there! I heard that Tai Chi is for that purpose. Check out types of martial arts here and see for yourself
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)

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kenzieanonymous answered Friday September 4 2015, 10:46 pm:
I'm not extremely familiar with martial arts, but I am familiar with art and commonly martial arts is tied with a form of art that uses progressive serenity. Martial arts in its entirety is based of of philosophical means of being able to have full control over your body. This control offers inner and outer peace, I wish I could give you more information but I'm not too familiar with this particular topic. If you are looking for a martial arts that gives you means of protection without the use of crazy force and want a more artistic arts, one that gives knowledge of life in itself I highly suggest trying Aikodo martial arts. This particular art allows you to defend yourself by letting the energy of your attacker do the work in protecting yourself, and often is the most eye opening form of martial arts.

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KeewiSweeti answered Friday September 4 2015, 6:11 pm:
I know very little about martial arts overall, but I can guarantee there is more to it than just beating people. I defintely respect your desire to be able to defend yourself without just beating people. I have my own philosophy, personally, that happens to agree with yours and, to my knowledge, that of martial arts. Regarding the no-senseless beatings, at least. I won't drone on about it to you, as it is your choice to make, and not mine.I bring it up to say, you should do as you do based on your own beliefs, not on what someone tells you, so I hope you can follow that. That isn't to say your beliefs can't inspire the same actions from you as those of someone with an entirely different belief, so even if you don't dedicate yourself to the philosophy of martial arts, I hope you find something in it. I would recommend general exercising, conditioning, strengthening, etc., of course, and whatever you feel is best for yourself. Good luck!

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Teen2TeenHelp answered Friday September 4 2015, 3:14 am:
While I am not familiar with forms of martial arts, I believe each form has a significant meaning that teaches you some sort of practice. Why don't you try researching the histories of some and see which ones hold meaning to you?

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CLN answered Thursday September 3 2015, 11:00 pm:
I'm not sure if i can help with this lol i have no idea but... you can always do research, like how to develop your chi with martial arts which in my eyes is building up your inner strength and gaining control over most of your body which the average person has no control of, i wish i could say more but i hope i helped a lil

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curiousity101 answered Thursday September 3 2015, 1:59 am:
you should take a more defensive martial art instead of attacking. i believe your a good gut and you wil make the right choice. only attack if your pushed to that point. i suggest taikwondo.

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Cardigan answered Wednesday September 2 2015, 9:40 pm:
Awesome idea, friend! There's no one right answer, the philosophies all come from similar kinds of thinking. I loved Taekwondo, but I largely chose it because that was what was available and affordable near me when I was growing up. If I were to take classes this time around, I think I'd go for Judo, because it looks like a lot of fun. Both are Olympic sports, so if you're ambitious, you could wear an Olympic ring one day doing either of these martial arts.

According to Livestrong: "Taekwondo techniques concentrate primarily on kicking maneuvers, with the arms used more for blocking than striking, while karate incorporates kicking and striking maneuvers more equally, utilizing both the upper and lower body for both defensive and offensive purposes. Judo concentrates primarily on defensive maneuvers, utilizing close-range grappling and throwing techniques to push or pull an opponent off-balance and bring him to the ground in a submissive hold. In both taekwondo and karate, opponents attempt to keep each other at mid-range distances to deliver the most power and momentum to their blows."

I'm glad I did Taekwondo, because apparently the injuries are typically to the lower body, whereas the others are more likely to injure the fighters higher up. Legs typically heal, but you only get one brain!

([Link](Mouse over link to see full location))

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ellekaay answered Wednesday September 2 2015, 7:02 pm:
Yes, it's true that there is some philosophy behind martial arts. It's less about fighting people and more about building character, spiritually and mentally. It also revolves around finding your center.

Before you become bruce lee though, it's imperative that you incorporate meditation into your life. Maybe 2-3 times a week, find a quiet place at home, or at cliffs overlooking the ocean, or anywhere you feel you may find serenity. Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes and reflect on your life. Succumb to good energies and release the bad ones you feel might be holding you back. Relax, Breathe, deeply. Through each session of meditation, you'll discover your true auras and you will praise them.

Here are some types of martial arts to look into that should build self development:
- Aikido
- Genseiryu
- Judo
- Jujustsu
- Kenpo
- Kyudo
- Shindo jinen ryu
- Shorinji Kempo
- Taido

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solidadvice4teens answered Wednesday September 2 2015, 4:27 pm:
Almost all martial arts instructors will insist thst you never use what is taught unless somebody attacks you. Some are tied to different philosophies but you need not be. That part is a waste of time. Be courteous of the beliefs and superstitions but you need not adopt them yourself
. No two martial arts facilities are the same nor do they teach the same style. What you neeed to avoid are places that are obsessed with katas and traditional karate. You need MMA and the ability to spar with boxing gloves and gear in order to handle anything in real life situations. Learning take downs is essential. Brazilian Jui-Jitsu or kick boxing is something to look into. Taekwondo is something where they expect every move to be exact. The way they kick is very different than any other martial art.

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Boogeylady answered Tuesday September 1 2015, 3:18 am:
Hello and hi!
Martial Arts is so wonderful and beneficial in so many ways!
They are many different kinds,I myself have tried Tai-Chi,and its very healing for the body and mind
Judo & Tae-Kwon-Do are much more physically demanding
All three will benefit in helping clear your mind,stay in shape,and have a better peace of mind!!
Pick which one you would like to pursue,as they are not all the same.Check out this article from Wikipedia!
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)

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Dear_Amanda answered Tuesday September 1 2015, 3:07 am:
One of the most priceless gifts of martial arts practice is to get to know yourself internally and externally.
The main goal is to use the body to reach and learn to master the mind. Once you have mastered your mind you will have no desire to ever fight.
In real martial arts, even when faced with the situation, you can stay calm and centered and make the best choices in that moment.
Martial arts training helps us learn to deal with adversity. In any aspect of your life.
Taekwondo would be able to teach you about discipline and self-control. It would be a good form to start with.
If you want to further yourself and your self confidence, Naginata would be a good coupling.
If you're looking for a good physical workout to improve your strength, Kung Fu is a physical fitness type of martial arts.
Ju jitsu can teach you self defense. It teaches you to use your adversary's strength and weight against them.

I hope this helps you. :)

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Kori_Rice answered Monday August 31 2015, 6:15 pm:
I am not very good in that particular subject. I just think that you should choose what you think is best. I can not get in your mind and make you choose the right thing. There may be more than one option that suits what you are looking for. I hope this helped you. Thank you for your time!

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Danicus answered Monday August 31 2015, 3:40 pm:
Aikido would probably be a good bet. I took it for a bit and it has philosophy. More focused on the art and philosophy than when I took tae kwon do and judo. Kind of the flow of the universe type thing. yin and yang. Steven Seagal has a documentary about aikido called "the path beyond thought". Might have some answers for you. Glad to see other people get into martial arts for the art, not just to beat people up.

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isis answered Sunday August 30 2015, 7:45 pm:
If you would like to try a martial art which also teaches you to 'be a better person' you might be interested in trying Taekwondo, It's a Korean martial art with the emphasis on kicks but done in the appropriate way, so you learn discipline among other things. It's also very good for increasing your levels of fitness. I've enclosed a link for you to read more about it.

[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)

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princess2015 answered Sunday August 30 2015, 11:02 am:
you should look it up on google. cuz i dont know any thing bout martial arts sorry or go to martial arts building they can talk to you bout it

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OpenMinded answered Sunday August 30 2015, 12:02 am:
I don't know very much about the other martial arts, but i personally find taichi and meditation to be very relaxing and insightful.

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AaronAgassi answered Saturday August 29 2015, 11:18 pm:
Codes of conduct, culture, education, religion of one kind or another, meditation and anything else, have long been associated with teaching and learning martial arts and the like. And you seem to be thinking: Why not start from something already familiar, and kill two birds with one stone? Well, not to mix metaphors, but whether you will relish that sort of chocolate in that sort of peanut butter, remains a matter of taste for you personally. No matter what, eventually the same limitations must arise: Personality trumps ideals. I have no ideas what it is about yourself you desire to change and improve, how profoundly, or even what you seem to be shopping around for in the philosophy department. Frankly, for the most part, I simply do not recommend Eastern Philosophy to begin with, being lectured by all manner phony gurus and bogus fakirs to decide to be happy and make do with unsatisfactory conditions by meditating away all worries. That's just slave mentality, and no great virtue in my eyes. Only an oppressor exhorts the masses not to think. Waiting and hoping for things to make sense later, is the road to cult indoctrination. Perhaps the best moral advantage in martial arts, is that skilled fighting allows incapacitation of a foe with the minimum of injury, which is extremely considerate. And the best for that is Aikido.

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MrWombat answered Saturday August 29 2015, 9:08 pm:
The stuff you are asking about is fourth or fifth on the list of things you need to know. The most important things are:

* Where are classes held? When? How much?
* How much gear do the want me to buy?
* Could I like the people that go there?
* Is this a scam dojo?

Find what classes, dojos, whatever they call it are nearby. Find out when they run an introductory session. Sign up and go to that session. Don't overlook things like boxing. Do this three or four times. Pick one.

I wouldn't worry about philosophy and becoming a better man, because just like learning woodworking will teach you attention to detail, the process of learning a martial art - winning and losing sparring bouts, practicing the stuff - will give you confidence and awareness. Put the effort in, and you will begin to see the world a little differently.

That is: the philosophies follow and are a consequence of putting the work into mastering a physical art. So first, put the work in.

Things to avoid:

* Places where it's all kata, no sparring. You must hit and be hit if you want to learn to handle yourself in a fight.

* Places that guarantee you a black belt in X period of time. These are the equivalent of pay-to-win online games. In a real martial art, not everyone can make black belt for roughly the same reason that not everyone can be very tall.

* And perhaps, places that are a front for some religion you have no interest in.

That's all I know. Google "scam dojo". But first, sign up for at least one newbies night being held soon.

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GiddyGeezer answered Saturday August 29 2015, 8:35 pm:
When striving for self improvement martial arts is always an excellent choice. I am not familiar with all the different art forms but I do believe karate classes are widely available in most areas. Karate teaches self control and awareness as well as the importance of respect for yourself and others. I don't believe most martial arts that originated in the Eastern cultures would adhere to the philosophy of "beating people". I believe they teach you to inflict no more bodily harm than what is necessary to stop your attacker. You could look up Martial arts classes in your area and I am sure they would be willing to answer any questions you may have concerning which area of the martial arts would be most appropriate for you.

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alexus21 answered Saturday August 29 2015, 2:04 am:
I think definitely go to your library or google things on the different types. I googled "different types of martial arts and here's a link [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
And i think you should try yoga because its calming and therapeutic. I hope you'll find the happiness t youre looking for.

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Ocalaphernella answered Friday August 28 2015, 10:09 pm:
I myself don't know too much about martial arts tbh with you, so I talked to a friend of mine who does and has been involved with it for quite some time. He suggested Brazilian jiu jitsu. A few martial arts are very focused on competing and beating people, so I specifically asked about a focus on self defense. (:
Hope this helps~

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angelbeblol answered Friday August 28 2015, 5:33 pm:
Heeeyy! I know what you mean. Beating people up isn't the answer whether its self defense. Although if it is just someone beating you up this second I would recommend beating there ass up before they beat yours but becarful tho because you might be the one heading to jail. So a quick kick punch then run isnt so bad for you to do I really hope you can run xD so tell me how it goes by emailing me. You'll see it on my profile. :)

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rainhorse68 answered Tuesday August 25 2015, 7:48 am:
Indeed, all the martial arts are rooted in philosophy and about far more than simply hitting people! It's about self-control, self-discipline, self-respect. And repsect for your opponent. It's about the progressive pursuit of personal excellence, with a strict hierarchy of awards/qualifications. Naturally there is an element of self-defence here too. Not random aggression, but controlled. In general, they're about a way of life. Concerned with the mind as much as physique. It would be a good idea to try out the different arts on offer at clubs and societies. There will be one particualr discipline which you are drawn to, almost certainly. Keep an open mind. In a way, let the discipline choose YOU. And when you find the one, embrace the whole philosophy. It's ancient, but as valid today as it ever was in terms of personal development. The world's obsessed with instant gratification these days. If it takes more than 15 minutes to master something people lose interest. Settle for the more easily reached, lower-hanging fruit. You won't master your martial art and adopt the philosophy in 15 minutes. It needs patience, dedication and hard work. It will be something you truly value and appreciate. Something that's not given away with cornflake packets, eh? That's why you'll be a better man. Go for it mate!

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ammo answered Tuesday August 25 2015, 5:36 am:
To be honest many of the mainstream martial arts out there will be able to provide you with a way to not only get healthy and active but also provide you with self-confidence, self defence, patience and discipline. The best thing I can advise is to have a look to see what you have going on in your local area (karate, taikwondo, kung-fu, tai chi, kick boxing etc) and visit them to get some information and ask to sit in on a lesson or two so you can watch the class in action. This will give you a feel for the martial art to see if it's for you but more importantly it will give you the chance to see the instructor in action and see if the instructor is there to just teach a bunch of people half hearted ways to defend themselves and take their money or if they teach what you are looking for (self defence as well as a way to be able to better yourself as an individual and person). Don't be afraid to try out different martial arts since they all are different and all have their own benefits. The key will be to see if, once you start it, if you're comfortable with the classes. If you like the martial art but not the instructor then by all means see if there is a different school of the same martial art you can join/find in your area or somewhere close by. Unfortunately, nowadays doing a martial art is not that much different to buying something in a local supermarket. There's lots of brands to choose from and all at different prices and you will stick to one when you find a brand that you like better than the others.

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