Martial Arts: Where to start?

Although this question is asked often, I have a more specific request in mind.





I am caught between the urge to learn to fight with the katana (as seen in various movies) andjust weaponless hand-to-hand. but as far as self defense goes you're not exactly allowed to carry an obvious sword aroun with you everywhere you go. I'd still love to learn though





Where should I start, considering a weapon form


And where would i start if i wanted a self defense that turns an opponents force against them

Martial Arts: Where to start?
well....good martial arts will train in both armed and unarmed weapons combat.





Good martial arts for weapons training are shaolin-do and ki-aikido.





Although there are no katanas in shaolin, you still learn how to use a lot of weaponry. The shaolin-do school is a very good line of schools that teach shaolin style kung fu, tai chi, qi gong, etc. It's only about 100$ monthly for unlimited access to all weekly classes.





Ki-aikido teaches the katana and jo. They also teach unarmed defense as well. This form of aikido specializes in training the use and development of ki (energy). You learn to use you ki to throw opponents (without touching) after a little while and in weapon attacks. Ki attacks easily throw people off balance and then they're like putty. I've seen the more advanced students to crazy stuff (to me and others). Good schools for this branch of aikido are part of the ki society. I believe the ki society website has a list of locations.
Reply:As far as weapon's training, you could try Kali, and self defense with your goal (turn an opponents force against them), try aikido.
Reply:I can only offer advice and not the answer you are looking for. I have studied multiple martial arts from muay thai and TKD to BJJ and wrestling. My belief is that weapon martial arts are useless because any wanna be thug on the streets can pull a gun on you and shoot you, so swords, staves and the like are useless. I do believe that Wu Shu incoperates weapons but Im not sure on that
Reply:I started taking Bushido when I was 7 and now I teach. Look into a dojo in your area and go in and meat the sensai.
Reply:Karate was my choice, shotakan. I joined the Red Triangle Liverpool and was taught by Frank Brenan (Former European Champion) and associates extremely good fitness and training. I would have loved to have carried it on if it was not for my back injury (not karate related). Karate is the finest but kick boxing must be good if you want to get into a scrap- not that I ever have.
Reply:Sounds like you want to learn Aikido. You should remember that when you are studying to focus on improving yourself (and you skills)





The most important thing is to look for a good school in any martial arts. Look for a teacher that is more interested in teaching martial arts and less into making money. Look for a school that is part of a community learning the martial arts. your teacher should have a "teacher" or you might as well go learn rex kwan do





stay away from teachers who are a 12th degree in this, 6th degree in that. a lot of systems will hand out degree's for enough money. your teacher should concentrate on teaching good martial arts and want to keep the integrity of the quality of the martial art being handed down.
Reply:There are dojos (at least here in Pittsburgh, I'd have to assume elsewhere too) that teach the Samurai arts, and combine Kenjitsu with Jujitsu, or other Samurai styles. (Kendo and Aikido for example)
Reply:Dude..... you gotta get sweet nunchuck skills.... Girls dig guys with sweet skills
Reply:Well for the weapons part, I suggest the bo staff or nunchaku(nunchucks). First of all, they look cool. The bo staff is practical too. As for the martial arts part, I think you're refering to a tai chi type of art but I doubt you would like the "soft style".
Reply:[Where should I start, considering a weapon form


And where would i start if i wanted a self defense that turns an opponents force against them]


Look into any of these - Aikido, Aki-jujitsu, Japanese jujitsu, Tai Chi, and Bagua Zhang.
Reply:Hap Ki Do uses weapons towards black belt level





MMA does aswell in australia we have 2 main MMA types kin bushi ryu(south australia) zen do kai (all over aus) and tey both use weapons and hand to hand