Hi everyone I need some advice from the Martial Artists on the Forum. I have done a search and couldnt really find what I'm looking for.

My question is- what is the easiest martial art to learn for someone who is not too dextrous, clumsy, 37 and out of shape?

The reason I ask is I've sat in on a number of martial arts lessons
and some of them look hard to remember the moves. What I mean by that is for example I saw a BJJ lesson and the folks were struggling to put a triangle choke on. I saw a JKD lesson and it seemed difficult to remember a seven step combination of blocks,punchs and low kicks.

Preferably if someone could then suggest something practical for self-defence, aerobic, strikes/kicks and not ground based (ie BJJ)I would be really grateful. Thanks for your help and any advice. Also I do not mean any offence to any of the arts in asking this question. I'm just useless and not big on confidence.

In a word boxing! Comparatively simple to learn and remember and it'll get you back into shape ASAP.

N.B. comparatively does not mean easy to learn! But easier than many oriental arts...

did you also notice what grade any of these people where?

when you go to watch classes, try to concentrate on those who are only white belts, as that is the level you'll expect to be at with a few weeks training

watch the instructor to see if they are attentive to those who appear to be struggling, or if they favour the leading lights in the class

and the other thing I'd suggest is finding a non-contact or semi-contact class rather than full contact if your main aim is fitness :thumbsup:

I started with Western martial arts a couple of years ago at the age of 39 and I think I fitted the description of being clumsy too! I've been learning historical rapier and sabre mainly, and I've also now been learning Japanese weapons (katana, sai, jo and yawari stick) at a Kobudo class for nearly a year. Both have been good for my co-ordination, confidence and general level of fitness. Are either of those things of any interest to you?

boxing is all you need to get in shape and learn the noble art of dealing with idiots!

Hi Jebb, as a beginner any martial art, western or eastern is going to look difficult, you need to try, not just watch, what may look difficult when you are on the outside may be simple when you are training it, when I have new students that don’t know what they are doing, they only work half combinations, or work with a student that knows what they are doing to help the new guys or girls,

Confidence will come from training, as far as being useless that will change from training as well, saying that I have been involved in Martial Arts since 1983, I still feel useless sometimes when I see my instructors, so we have all been there,

All I can say is try classes, train in few at the same place, don’t just watch that way you will find what you are looking for,

Hope you find what you are looking for
Mark

Hi everyone I need some advice from the Martial Artists on the Forum. I have done a search and couldnt really find what I'm looking for.

My question is- what is the easiest martial art to learn for someone who is not too dextrous, clumsy, 37 and out of shape?

The reason I ask is I've sat in on a number of martial arts lessons
and some of them look hard to remember the moves. What I mean by that is for example I saw a BJJ lesson and the folks were struggling to put a triangle choke on. I saw a JKD lesson and it seemed difficult to remember a seven step combination of blocks,punchs and low kicks.

Preferably if someone could then suggest something practical for self-defence, aerobic, strikes/kicks and not ground based (ie BJJ)I would be really grateful. Thanks for your help and any advice. Also I do not mean any offence to any of the arts in asking this question. I'm just useless and not big on confidence.

Try kickboxing at AFK. www.sheffieldkickboxingclub.com
It is an easy system to learn and there are no intricate movements , patterns or overly flashy or wasteful techniques.

My question is- what is the easiest martial art to learn for someone who is not too dextrous, clumsy, 37 and out of shape?
if you live near crystal peaks there is a club there that would suit u !

My question is- what is the easiest martial art to learn for someone who is not too dextrous, clumsy, 37 and out of shape?
if you live near crystal peaks there is a club there that would suit u !

Try Sonbae Taekwondo , i like the guys who run it. Very patient instructors with a good attitude and open minded too.

Thanks chef for your comment. Jebb come along to sonbae, i to was clumsy and stood at the back of the class, at the moment i have 9 adult begginers who were feeling exactly the same as you. I am just starting training at a new club furthering my knowledge in kickboxing, so i to am the clumsy one at the moment , but we all have to start somewhere, come along you never know you might be a natural. I also have guys there older than you if that makes it any easier, hope to here from you soon.
www.sonbaetkd.co.nr

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say a very big thanks for all your thoughts and suggestions. I was a bit nervous about asking the question as I realise that we all have to start somewhere and learning and improving is all part of any martial art.

I have sat in on a number of classes (Gracie Barra BJJ, Lau Gar Kickboxing, Wicker Camp Muay Thai, Kapap, JKD, Goju Ryu Karate, Brian Aitken Ju Jitsu) and have been impressed with all the classes and the great welcome from all teachers. The welcome has been a credit to all the Martial Arts in Sheffield.

I want to learn something where I am improving fitness, getting more confident and preferably learning something that would be useful for self defence. Although to be honest I've gone 37 years and only had 3 fights/confrontations.

The reason I was asking is that I have seen some of the arts and they seem to have katas that look hard to remember and steps/combinations that are difficult to perform/recall. Sitting on the sidelines you could see the newer students struggling too.

So hence my question about suggestions for something that might be easier and more straightforward to learn for a novice.

Big thank you again for all the help and any other suggestions (even if it is "try karate as it gets easier as you learn") would be very welcome.

Thanks .

Was the JKD with Mark (Sheffield martial arts centre)? Did you have a look at his other class, C.F.A? If not give that session a try. I'm new there, and like you a bit clumsy. Although there are set pieces they are not overly complex for a beginner (although it does sometimes take me a moment or two). Also, the people I have trained with have been patient.

The only drawback I'm having is getting time to train due to other reasons, but hopefully that will soon be sorted and the I can go on a regular basis.

Hi Lee,

Yes it was with Mark and I must say he was fantastic- great teacher, very patient and a good guy.

Does CFA incorporate JKD or is it mainly grappling? It sounds interesting.

Mark is a very good teacher - as are the ones at Whicker Camp (this doesn't mean there aren't other good teachers out there just that these two I know!). However I would still stick by boxing as the best start - and it would provide a good basis for Muay Thai, Kick Boxing, JKD etc. Easier to learn than any of the above and with rapid applicability and very good conditioning thrown in - what more could you want!

Thai Boxign @ the wicker is Fantastic, the B1 classes are very basic, but point you in the right direction, if you can get pass the B1 class with it boring you to much, when you move up to b2/b3 it's like another step up, no Katas just a dance you have to learn *(which you do before fights, after b2/3 then the intmediate 123 after that your traing to be a fighter

Hi Lee,

Yes it was with Mark and I must say he was fantastic- great teacher, very patient and a good guy.

Does CFA incorporate JKD or is it mainly grappling? It sounds interesting.

I think (bearing in mind I'm new there) it's mixture of several martial arts (when I've managed to get there, mainly striking arts, kicking, punching etc.). I think he varies it as much as possible over the weeks, so I'm sure they've also done a little grappling. There is some JKD in it, but only where needed, but not in the depth of what would be in his JKD class. Mark will, I'm sure, give you a better idea.

I'm 29 and out of shape but find the pace manageable, what I'd say is what others have said, pop down to any club that you're interested in and have a go. If it's not right for you then any decent insructor will appreciate that.

Good luck with the hunting, I was in the same position several months ago, and it is hard with so many well recommended clubs.

Hi everyone I need some advice from the Martial Artists on the Forum. I have done a search and couldnt really find what I'm looking for.

My question is- what is the easiest martial art to learn for someone who is not too dextrous, clumsy, 37 and out of shape?

The reason I ask is I've sat in on a number of martial arts lessons
and some of them look hard to remember the moves. What I mean by that is for example I saw a BJJ lesson and the folks were struggling to put a triangle choke on. I saw a JKD lesson and it seemed difficult to remember a seven step combination of blocks,punchs and low kicks.

Preferably if someone could then suggest something practical for self-defence, aerobic, strikes/kicks and not ground based (ie BJJ)I would be really grateful. Thanks for your help and any advice. Also I do not mean any offence to any of the arts in asking this question. I'm just useless and not big on confidence.

I will now upset some people!!!
i suggest you try GKR Karate
Its relatively easy to pick up with a limited number of set moves and stances it is very good for general fitness it is non contact unless you want it to be and advance to the higher grades.
I was 46 when i started although i had done some boxing training in the past.

I will now upset some people!!!


lol only some :D

I will now upset some people!!!
i suggest you try GKR Karate
Its relatively easy to pick up with a limited number of set moves and stances it is very good for general fitness it is non contact unless you want it to be and advance to the higher grades.
I was 46 when i started although i had done some boxing training in the past.

Mad Dog
Are you serious or taking the ****? Just curious thats all.

Steady on, chefkicker, steady on old chap! Could be a **** take, could be stirring it, could not know what he/she's talking about and they are indeed mad.Don't bite. If jebb want's to play at being a karateka then GKR is for him.

Mad Dog
Are you serious or taking the ****? Just curious thats all.

Yer of course i'm serious I'm A GKR Insructor as well as a MMA fighter and Nightclub doorman and i got i silver medal in the nationals and competed in the world cup at the birminham indoor arena along with 4000 other karata's from around the world
I LIKE GKR:thumbsup:

You should do stand up comedy, you'd make a fortune :D

Hi everyone I need some advice from the Martial Artists on the Forum. I have done a search and couldnt really find what I'm looking for.

My question is- what is the easiest martial art to learn for someone who is not too dextrous, clumsy, 37 and out of shape?

The reason I ask is I've sat in on a number of martial arts lessons
and some of them look hard to remember the moves. What I mean by that is for example I saw a BJJ lesson and the folks were struggling to put a triangle choke on. I saw a JKD lesson and it seemed difficult to remember a seven step combination of blocks,punchs and low kicks.

Preferably if someone could then suggest something practical for self-defence, aerobic, strikes/kicks and not ground based (ie BJJ)I would be really grateful. Thanks for your help and any advice. Also I do not mean any offence to any of the arts in asking this question. I'm just useless and not big on confidence.

anyone who is looking for a striking based martial; arts should choose AFK , the classes are reasonably priced the standard iof tuiotion is 2nd to none . Just see what u read about their fighters, they win most of there fights!!! kickboxing at afk is simple effective and incredibly devastating! All the moves are easy to learn and you can be dangeourous in a few months.