Martial Art that is best workout?

[KingstonU]

I've done Jiu-Jitsu before and liked the crazy workout it gave me when I was doing it 2 hours/day x 6 days/week.

That was a few years ago and I'm looking to get into it now that I'm out of school. I want to do it for a good workout to get in great shape and for meditation. Out of the styles offered in my area which of these would be the best workout?

Note: do not base answer on how many lessons, but say, on best workout in a 1 hour session.

Kung Fu
Jiu-Jitsu
Tae Kwon Do
Go-Ju Karate
Tsuruoka Karate
Hapkido
San Shou
Tai Chi
Irish Stick Fighting (LOL :laugh

I also like the idea of moving onto using swords eventually, which of them do so?

The first place I looked at is $100/month for 3 x 1 hour classes/week (Go-Ju or Hapkido). Does that seem like a lot? (When I did Jiu-Jitsu it was in Brazil so of course it was much cheaper)

Thanks

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

I'd say Tae Kwon Do since it's probably the least efficient fighting style.

 

[KingstonU]

Originally posted by: Gonad the Barbarian
I'd say Tae Kwon Do since it's probably the least efficient fighting style.

Interesting, is this a commonly known fact or something? How is that determined? And in that case, which would be the most efficient?

 

[Pantlegz]

Originally posted by: KingstonU

Originally posted by: Gonad the Barbarian
I'd say Tae Kwon Do since it's probably the least efficient fighting style.

Interesting, is this a commonly known fact or something? How is that determined? And in that case, which would be the most efficient?

it's not that bad but there are several that are much better. I think if you were to get into a fight with someone untrained on the street jiu-jitsu would be best.

I think Gonad is going with the MMA rule of thumb, kick boxing and BJJ reign supreme in the cage.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Many places will give you a free workout or 2, to let you decide if it is right for you. Even observing a workout can give you a good idea of how intense it'll be.

 

[iluvdeal]

Originally posted by: Pantlegz1

Originally posted by: KingstonU

Originally posted by: Gonad the Barbarian
I'd say Tae Kwon Do since it's probably the least efficient fighting style.

Interesting, is this a commonly known fact or something? How is that determined? And in that case, which would be the most efficient?

it's not that bad but there are several that are much better. I think if you were to get into a fight with someone untrained on the street jiu-jitsu would be best.

I think Gonad is going with the MMA rule of thumb, kick boxing and BJJ reign supreme in the cage.

Karate is making a comeback though in MMA. I'm thinking of joining the Cobra Kai dojo in my area

 

[conorvansmack]

Most BJJ gyms will run around $100/month in the U.S. I've done both jits and muay thai and they were very different. Muay Thai really helped my cardio, but didn't add any strength. BJJ used both a little more evenly, so it depends on what you're looking for.

DAPUNISHER is right that most gyms will allow you to try it out or at the very least observe.

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

Originally posted by: KingstonU

Originally posted by: Gonad the Barbarian
I'd say Tae Kwon Do since it's probably the least efficient fighting style.

Interesting, is this a commonly known fact or something? How is that determined? And in that case, which would be the most efficient?

I thought it was a pretty common opinion that Tae Kwon Do is more about show and less about fighting. That might be to its benefit as a workout. The most efficient (in that it would take the least amount of energy to defeat an opponent) would probably be Aikido/Hapkido, and because of that I don't think you will get the workout you want unless you borrowed more from other styles. Honestly, I'd learn a fighting style to learn a fighting style, and use the moves on a bag or pad (or a person) to fit them into a workout. As long as you're punching or kicking I don't think the style will affect the workout you get all that much.

 

[KingstonU]

Anyone have any experience with Kung Fu? The one gym that teaches it states: "Be prepared to sweat when learning this style. All Hung Gar practitioners build a reputation of Strong Horse, Strong Punch -- and the workouts in this class will push you to the limits. " Is this just marketing BS?

If it is effective, gives a great workout, and has options to progress to weapons later on then I would consider this. Jiu-Jitsu has no involvement with weapons for example. (though that's not the most important deciding factor)

Also I found this aricle about how ineffective Karate is

I've also done Brazilian Capoeira, and that is definitely more about show than effectiveness, it's a dance, though it is a great workout.

 

[presidentender]

I sweat harder and my heart rate gets higher during a good kickboxing bag workout or wrestling practice than in judo, jujitsu, tae kwon do, or karate. It'll vary by dojo (academy, school, whatever) and by instructor, of course. My current workout is Bushidokan Karate, which is very similar to Muay Thai or American Kickboxing. I highly recommend it, followed by jujitsu, judo, Muay Thai, and "regular" boxing.

No matter which style you choose, you'll work hardest during full-strength sparring (or randori or training or...), which is easiest to jump into in a pure grappling style like Judo. I'd advise against Aikido as a workout. I'd also advise you (if you do take up a striking style instead of a grappling style) to choose a dojo where you aren't allowed to spar for the first few weeks(!) so that you can get up to speed before you start getting hit. It's less fun, but it's also safer that way, and such schools generally attract a cleaner sort of person.

 

[gar655]

The best workout for cario would be running, cross country skiing, rowing or swimming. No need to "waste" time on learning an art when it seems fitness is you main goal.

If you want to do both, I would run or row (both are easy to do, can be done indoors, at home and give the fastest results per amount of time spent) then take a martial art class of your choice.

My choice would be some form of jujitsu, preferably the orignal form which some are now calling "combat jujitsu" or try krav maga if you really want to learn the "art" of self defense.

Gene

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: KingstonU
Anyone have any experience with Kung Fu? The one gym that teaches it states: "Be prepared to sweat when learning this style. All Hung Gar practitioners build a reputation of Strong Horse, Strong Punch -- and the workouts in this class will push you to the limits. " Is this just marketing BS?

If it is effective, gives a great workout, and has options to progress to weapons later on then I would consider this. Jiu-Jitsu has no involvement with weapons for example. (though that's not the most important deciding factor)

Also I found this aricle about how ineffective Karate is

I've also done Brazilian Capoeira, and that is definitely more about show than effectiveness, it's a dance, though it is a great workout.

Isn't Lyoto Machida's (#1 LHW in the UFC) fighting style based around Karate?
Can't argue with his results imo.

Or it could be the brand of karate most frequently taught in the states is bad for self defense I dunno.

 

[joesmoke]

jeet kune do

also, muay thai is notorious for its ridiculous conditioning

 

[NGC_604]

..

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Muay Thai is the most cardio intensive and the conditioning is ridiculous. I've done Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the conditioning is alright, but it's definitely more skill based. Muay Thai dives deep into both training and learning. It's way better than the more traditional types of "martial arts" (Muay Thai isn't technically a martial art) conditioning wise... and essentially in effectiveness as well.

 

[996GT2]

If you find a good gym, TKD can provide a very challenging workout. Yes, it is not the best style for actual fighting due to an overwhelming emphasis on kicking, but if combined with another (more ground-based) style like BJJ then TKD can be quite useful. Also, I don't really believe that the style you practice will determine how good of a fighter you can be. Much more important is the time and effort you put into excelling at your particular style. A good TKD fighter could easily beat a poorly trained Muay Thai fighter. Some people bash TKD for being too "showy", but anyone skilled in TKD would have the common sense not to use a risky kick like a 360 degree roundhouse in a street fight.

As far as the workout goes, I believe it's better than many of the other martial arts that are more grappling based because TKD forces you to stay on your feet and kick instead of playing the ground game (which is more stationary instead of dynamic like kicking is). When I used to train for competition sparring, we would do over 1000 kicks in a training session in combination with various endurance, speed and agility drills...I would come out drenched in sweat and on the verge of collapse after one of those 2 hour training sessions. Great cardio workout.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

996GT2,

Some good points in your post, particularly concerning the cardio and intensity traditional M.A. like TKD can offer. BTW, what flavor of TKD are we talking about here? ATA? ( I never seem to get an answer when asking this )

That said, a spinning round kick? Are you certain you didn't mean spinning hook or back kick? Because a spinning round kick is a dumb ass kick.

poorly trained Muay Thai fighter

I have never met one. I have met cats that claimed they were any number of things, that didn't make it so.

I believe it's better than many of the other martial arts that are more grappling based because TKD forces you to stay on your feet and kick instead of playing the ground game (which is more stationary instead of dynamic like kicking is)

What you say?

I've done a good number of stand up/striking based MA, and I have worked out with judoka, scholastic wrestlers, Aikido, JJ cats, and a bunch of others. Fighting against another man on the ground, is massively exhausting! Kick routines I can pace out; try getting the other cat you are fighting, to let you pace yourself while he is trying to throw or drop you on your head, mount you, choke you, escape, etc.

BTW, even comp level forms/kata training will promote very good cardio and muscular endurance. Anyone who hasn't done it, I invite to learn, then do, a black belt level comp form at comp intensity 15 times in a single night's session. Trying to get everything tight and right, then get back to me with your opinion.

 

[KingstonU]

Anyone have an answer as to which styles allow you to progress to incorporate weapons like swords? Jiu-Jitsu, for example does not, it's a ground level grappling style. Does Kung Fu have weapons incorporated into the style?

The one place here that I'm aware of (though I haven't visited them all yet) has weapons for their Hapkido/GoJu-Karate classes after you've progressed to orange belt.
I think the place that teaches Kung Fu has a weapons component. I'll have to ask.

One of my friend's brother did Hai Dum Gung Do (don't know how it's spelled) which was sword fighting with wooden swords, I'd love to get into something like that.

EDIT: it's called Haidong Gumdo: old military martial art from the Koguryo Kingdom of Ancient Korea. This club focuses on the sword and open handed techniques which make up the many skills of this martial art. With focus on meditation, breathing and strength training Haidong Gumdo can be used for basic fitness enhancement as well as self-defence.

Wish they had this in my area.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: KingstonU
Does Kung Fu have weapons incorporated into the style?

The one place here that I'm aware of (though I haven't visited them all yet) has weapons for their Hapkido/GoJu-Karate classes after you've progressed to orange belt.
I think the place that teaches Kung Fu has a weapons component. I'll have to ask.

One of my friend's brother did Hai Dum Gung Do (don't know how it's spelled) which was sword fighting with wooden swords, I'd love to get into something like that.

Most Kung/Gung Fu systems use weapons.

I spent many hours with a 3 sectional staff, my personal favorite. My friend pulls his out of the car after a surf session this one day. He starts trying to show off (hotties around) and smacks himself in the back of the head. TKO'd his ass! He had a lump the shape of the section along his skull. Oh man, the ROFLs we had from that one.

 

[darkxshade]

Why is Tae Bo not on the list?

 

[KingstonU]

Originally posted by: darkxshade
Why is Tae Bo not on the list?

This is what is available in my area

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
996GT2,

Some good points in your post, particularly concerning the cardio and intensity traditional M.A. like TKD can offer. BTW, what flavor of TKD are we talking about here? ATA? ( I never seem to get an answer when asking this )

That said, a spinning round kick? Are you certain you didn't mean spinning hook or back kick? Because a spinning round kick is a dumb ass kick.

poorly trained Muay Thai fighter

I have never met one. I have met cats that claimed they were any number of things, that didn't make it so.

I believe it's better than many of the other martial arts that are more grappling based because TKD forces you to stay on your feet and kick instead of playing the ground game (which is more stationary instead of dynamic like kicking is)

What you say?

I've done a good number of stand up/striking based MA, and I have worked out with judoka, scholastic wrestlers, Aikido, JJ cats, and a bunch of others. Fighting against another man on the ground, is massively exhausting! Kick routines I can pace out; try getting the other cat you are fighting, to let you pace yourself while he is trying to throw or drop you on your head, mount you, choke you, escape, etc.

BTW, even comp level forms/kata training will promote very good cardio and muscular endurance. Anyone who hasn't done it, I invite to learn, then do, a black belt level comp form at comp intensity 15 times in a single night's session. Trying to get everything tight and right, then get back to me with your opinion.

Personally I train Olympic Style (World TKD Federation).

The spinning roundhouse (Called a "nado ban" in Korean or sometimes also a "tornado kick" in the west) has its uses in sparring, but I just used it as an example of a kick you would be dumb to throw in a street fight. A simple roundhouse kick would do the job much better most of the time if you were actually in a fight.

That said, highly skilled TKD fighters can use risky kicks to their advantage. Example: the 2004 Olympic TKD men's heavyweight gold medal match ended with a knockout by a jumping spinning hook kick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDkP713Evy8


Never seen a poorly trained Muay Thai fighter? Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL9ZXos8LfQ

The TKD guy is obviously better here. That's why I say it's more important to compare the skills of the fighters. Yes, style does matter somewhat (and TKD admittedly is not the best style for street fighting because it focuses on kicks and not the ground game), but the skill of the fighter is ultimately what matters the most.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Never seen a poorly trained Muay Thai fighter? Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL9ZXos8LfQ

.

I like this one better

I agree a fighter's skill level is important, but losing doesn't mean you are poorly trained. I think perhaps it was just the wrong choice of words? Being over/out matched, less experienced, or just not a very good fighter, need not be indicative of the quality of training involved.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER

Originally posted by: 996GT2
Never seen a poorly trained Muay Thai fighter? Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL9ZXos8LfQ

.

I like this one better

I agree a fighter's skill level is important, but losing doesn't mean you are poorly trained. I think perhaps it was just the wrong choice of words? Being over/out matched, less experienced, or just not a very good fighter, need not be indicative of the quality of training involved.

Agreed. It's like this: if the world's best Muay Thai fighter fought the world's best TKD fighter at the same weight multiple times, both would lose at some point. However, I do favor Muay Thai for it's "down to business" style and "simplicity." No doubt though that if a fight went into longer rounds, the traditional Muay Thai fighter would outlast the TKD fighter simply because of the outrageous conditioning.

 

[coreyb]

Muay thai by far man!