What martial art?

[Tiny]

Okay.....long story short, after some major upheavels in my life, I've finally decided, at the age of nearly 30, to get myself in shape. Currently going to the gym 4/5 times a week, concentrating on the weights, but whilst talking to my tattooist yesterday, I was told taking up martial arts would probably be best....

Which one? I'm not the most flexible person in the world, and not particulaly bothered about learning to fight, just getting in shape, and looking good, in my new vain way!!!

Help?

[Steelimus Prime]

Most martial arts are excellent for fitness.

but too be honest its not really an issue of what style too try, more what is convenient and has a good teacher.

I've known so many frauds its quite unreal. It seems any muppet who gets a black belt thinks they can teach and will teach you badly.

A lot of styles that focus on heavy conditioning do it for endurance, sparring, competitions and so on, but I dont think that any teacher worth his salt would force a pupil too fight.

There are more and more Mixed Martial Arts classes these days, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but a lot are very samey and most will include grappling and ground fighting, which may not be your bag.

It really depends what you are looking for. Try doing some research in your area about different classes and we can give you some feedback on what too probably go for.

A lot of it will come down too the attitude of the others in your class. There are a lot of jerks in Martial arts who do it perhaps a little too competitively and can make it a bit unplesent for those of you who arnt in it too turn yourself into a fighting machine. That said most people are generally nice and I wouldn't want too discourage you

[Xbot]

just start basic, karate..

wax on, wax off

[Steelimus Prime]

Karate aint basic. Common yet but common like "Kung Fu" there are sooooo many different styles sprouting from Karate and they can vary quite considerably.

I will say that I've found a lot of them too be quite linear and ridged, but there are a few that are more branched out.

but Tiny says he's not looking for fighting ability so it dosn't really matter.

One good thing about Karate is the fact there are more organisations and foundations who have more qualified and certified members and teachers. Your less likely too find a dodgy class.

[deathshead]

First thing cut the gym down to three times a week, your more likely to progress quicker as you need to let your body rest. On gym days of try swimming if you must exercise. Ever tried boxercise? Thats good fun and bloody hard work. I think the most important aspect is to find a the right environment and not necessarily the right discipline. Depending on an instructer and member code which you feel most comfortable with is likely to make it the most enjoyable. You could do all the backgroung reading find the 'art' you like best but it could be a cowboy outfit, so enquire maybe two or three local clubs and stick with the most approachable. Good luck!

[Undertaker]

Also remember board don't hit back or just do like in Austin Powers and yell Judo chop and hit them in the shoulder.