I am looking to take up a new martial art?

I am currently a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. I feel that I have gone about as far as I can (in terms of training and growing) at my school, so I am looking to pick up a new martial art, in addition to training and teaching TKD. I have also been attending cross-training classes, which are like mini seminars taught by masters of several different martial arts, and I realize that Tae Kwon-Do cannot offer me everything that I want.

My personal and slightly biased opinion would be some sort of style of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, either it be really traditional or a modern ‘goshin’ style.

I’m a Shodan in Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, with some cross training in Ninja-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, both of which are police and military specific versions of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu respectively. I’ve been to Germany to train in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and I’ve had seminars with countless other styles.

Honestly? Everything works for self defense, you’ve just got to learn how to adapt it to self defense. However, I find that most Japanese Jiu-Jitsu styles are already geared towards self defense, as such, Sport Jiu-Jitsu isn’t all to popular (FWIW, the only difference between it & MMA is no striking on the ground, and competitors wear a gi). In most Japanese Jiu-Jitsu places, if they are self defense focused, they will teach you a lot. And I mean, a lot.
Joint locks through armbars, wristlocks, leglocks, necklocks and sometimes police and combative restraints;
Throws, mainly of which come from Judo, some styles incorporate wrestling and sambo throws in there too, included in a good club would be a good knowledge of Kuzushi (breaking balance), making easy for me weighing in at just over 100lbs, able to throw a 250lbs man over my head no problem (done it before);
Atemi (striking), most styles have Karate-like striking, but honestly, we take striking from everywhere, and we use whatever works, throw out what doesn’t, punches, kicks, elbows, knees, head butts, whatever;
Weapons, some styles have weapons in them, we have a basic Kubotan, about the length of a Bic pen, about 3 or 4 times as round (big), and pure metal, great for smashing over someones head …
Weapon retention, disarming knives and guns from realistic angles and moves that actually work in real life, no flashy BS;
Ground work, not as extensive as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but extensive enough to win a few tournaments, and in a self defense situation, protect yourself on the ground and get back to your feet.

Pros of Japanese style Jiu-Jitsu’s:
- Learn self defense
- Depending on the club, it can make you quite fit. Some styles say “technique” over any sort of physical training.
- Improves confidence through learning how to destroy and demoralize your attacker and avoid confrontations all together.
- Get to meet (sometimes) some really great people.
- Long list of stuff (look above) making you a well rounded individual, able to take the fight anywhere, remain dominant and survive.

Cons:
- Not a big sport aspect. Some clubs spar, some don’t. Sparring & Comps can help with the adrenaline factor seen in a confrontation.
- Some clubs train with none, or close to no resistance when flowing through techniques. My club, for a stand out example, always trains resistance into the technique once you understand what to do.
- You have to wear a gi (kimono) in most places. Muay Thai, for example, you wouldn’t.
- Takes a little while and a little dedication to get good.

Sorry for the long post bro. But that’s my opinion.

Peace,

Ben S.

mini train-crossing house cuckoo