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Self-Teach Martial Arts?

post #1 of 25
10/5/10 at 11:40pm
Thread Starter 
I've always been interested in learning martial arts, but I don't have an open enough schedule to enroll in any classes. Are there are other venues of which you guys know/personally have used to learn martial arts on your own? Is this even feasible?
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post #2 of 25
10/5/10 at 11:50pm
All you need to know is contained in this video my friend..

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post #3 of 25
10/5/10 at 11:53pm
Aim for the nuts, be good at it and open your own bullshido.
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post #4 of 25
10/6/10 at 12:00am
It can't be done. You will end up fooling yourself into believing you are capable of things you are not, and will ultimately end up with someone beating the snotter out of you in a bar. Assuming you want to know a martial art that is fighting focussed (some people argue that tai chi is a Truly Deadly Martial Art, I'm not interested in that argument, whatever makes them happy, but it isn't 'fighting focused') then the only way to learn is to: 1. get a good teacher 2. get in a class with people who are better than you 3. learn some very basic techniques 4. practise those techniques against the people who are better than you 5. learn some more advanced techniques 6. practise those techniques against the people who are better than you
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post #5 of 25
10/6/10 at 12:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deadly7 View Post
I've always been interested in learning martial arts, but I don't have an open enough schedule to enroll in any classes. Are there are other venues of which you guys know/personally have used to learn martial arts on your own? Is this even feasible?

If you don't have an open enough schedule to enroll in a class how are you going to have any time to learn on your own?

Learning on your own is a mistake and a good way to learn bad habits. Take the time to enroll in a class, even if it's just once a week, it's better then learning on your own.
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post #6 of 25
10/6/10 at 12:10am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt View Post
It can't be done. You will end up fooling yourself into believing you are capable of things you are not, and will ultimately end up with someone beating the snotter out of you in a bar.

Assuming you want to know a martial art that is fighting focussed (some people argue that tai chi is a Truly Deadly Martial Art, I'm not interested in that argument, whatever makes them happy, but it isn't 'fighting focused') then the only way to learn is to:

1. get a good teacher
2. get in a class with people who are better than you
3. learn some very basic techniques
4. practise those techniques against the people who are better than you
5. learn some more advanced techniques
6. practise those techniques against the people who are better than you
I suppose I should have been more specific. I don't envision turning into Jackie Chan by practicing martial arts at home, obviously. But as far as some of the basics go, i.e. fighting stance, different types of punches/kicks, would I really not be able to learn those on my own?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gradstudent78 View Post
If you don't have an open enough schedule to enroll in a class how are you going to have any time to learn on your own?

Learning on your own is a mistake and a good way to learn bad habits. Take the time to enroll in a class, even if it's just once a week, it's better then learning on your own.
It's quite simple: classes meet at certain times. I am busy those times, but free other times (typically late into the evening/night).

That's what I'm afraid of, but see above for what I want to get out of at-home study.
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post #7 of 25
10/6/10 at 12:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deadly7 View Post
But as far as some of the basics go, i.e. fighting stance, different types of punches/kicks, would I really not be able to learn those on my own?

Nope, can't be done. You might even be able to get into decent shape (Tae Bo does work for most people,) but you are not going to learn how to use any technique effectively without...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt View Post
1. get a good teacher

and

6. practise ... against the people who are better than you

No videos, no books, can replace these two things. The small adjustments that are needed to make something effective can only be taught in person, and nothing will allow you to get better and get used to the rigors of fighting than having your ass handed to you on regular basis.

I was watching a Wanderlei Silva interview, and he said "No beat, no win." It's really that simple.
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post #8 of 25
10/6/10 at 1:09am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the helpful responses, guys! I think I may have to hold off for a bit and see when my schedule opens up for a class. What kind(s) would you recommend? My knowledge is woefully inadequate; I'm short and scrawny so a grappling martial art would be a really bad idea for me (probably?). From what I've read/heard, Tae Kwan Do or Kenpo would be good for sparring and self defense. Is that right? Or should I look for something else?
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post #9 of 25
10/6/10 at 1:18am
Responses so far are spot on. You really need to train with someone regularly. To get better, you have to train with people that are better than you are.
Quote:
Originally Posted by deadly7 View Post
Thanks for all the helpful responses, guys! I think I may have to hold off for a bit and see when my schedule opens up for a class.
I know of some people that, unable to attend scheduled classes, book private training time with the instructor every other week or so, then work on assigned drills and conditioning the rest of the time.
Quote:
What kind(s) would you recommend? My knowledge is woefully inadequate; I'm short and scrawny so a grappling martial art would be a really bad idea for me (probably?). From what I've read/heard, Tae Kwan Do or Kenpo would be good for sparring and self defense. Is that right? Or should I look for something else?
I happen to like the Filipino martial arts, but I guess it would depend on what's available in your area and what you want to get out of it. Are you interested in competing?
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post #10 of 25
10/6/10 at 1:22am
look into Krav Maga. It's pretty practical focused and meant to be learned quickly. You won't get much in the line of prescribed positions, just simple basic fighting. short answer is generally NO. the learning comes from interacting with others and an unpredictable opponent you have to learn to react to.
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post #11 of 25
10/6/10 at 1:30am
what are you trying to achieve? can you not find any classes, ever, that fit your schedule?

here are some ideas

fitness in general can make you feel a little more confident - lift weights or run by yourself, you can do that late at night or when you have time. building some muscle in your chest and shoulders will make you a lot more formidable, if you are really scrawny now.

you could learn to work the speed bag (with a teacher) and then practice by yourself. not really a martial art, but it is good for fitness and for hand speed

there are krav maga "camps" and seminars that you can go to - weekend or week long boot camps teaching the basics of krav maga, that is a good base for self defence

I work with a boxing coach who meets me at 5:30 or 6 am when we work - you might be able to find somebody who can work with you at odd hours.
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post #12 of 25
10/6/10 at 3:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deadly7 View Post

It's quite simple: classes meet at certain times. I am busy those times, but free other times (typically late into the evening/night).

That's what I'm afraid of, but see above for what I want to get out of at-home study.

Your best bet might be to get a couple private lessons and then work on what you learned. Easiest would probably be something like boxing or something else with relatively few techniques. Get a couple private lessons to learn proper stand, punching, etc and then drill it on your own. Every month or so have another private lesson to clear up mistakes/errors. However, even with this you probably want to find someone to work drills with. Maybe have a friend take the private lessons with you and then both workout together.

Keep in mind, this still isn't as good as getting regular, weekly instruction from a teacher.
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post #13 of 25
10/6/10 at 10:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bbaquiran View Post
Responses so far are spot on. You really need to train with someone regularly. To get better, you have to train with people that are better than you are.

I know of some people that, unable to attend scheduled classes, book private training time with the instructor every other week or so, then work on assigned drills and conditioning the rest of the time.

I happen to like the Filipino martial arts, but I guess it would depend on what's available in your area and what you want to get out of it. Are you interested in competing?
Yeah, I assumed as much of the top line. I didn't look into private classes; I'd imagine they're a lot more expensive though, right? What I'm looking to get out of it is a combination of exercise, agility, basic fighting/self-defense, and just to have fun. Competing would be suicide. Heh.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Master-Classter View Post
look into Krav Maga. It's pretty practical focused and meant to be learned quickly. You won't get much in the line of prescribed positions, just simple basic fighting.
Would you recommend Krav Maga over other kinds of martial arts, or just in general?

Quote:
Originally Posted by globetrotter View Post
what are you trying to achieve? can you not find any classes, ever, that fit your schedule?

here are some ideas

fitness in general can make you feel a little more confident - lift weights or run by yourself, you can do that late at night or when you have time. building some muscle in your chest and shoulders will make you a lot more formidable, if you are really scrawny now.

you could learn to work the speed bag (with a teacher) and then practice by yourself. not really a martial art, but it is good for fitness and for hand speed

there are krav maga "camps" and seminars that you can go to - weekend or week long boot camps teaching the basics of krav maga, that is a good base for self defence

I work with a boxing coach who meets me at 5:30 or 6 am when we work - you might be able to find somebody who can work with you at odd hours.
Which muscle(s) would various martial arts enhance/tone, and which ones should I focus on using free weights to keep at a similar level?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gradstudent78 View Post
Your best bet might be to get a couple private lessons and then work on what you learned. Easiest would probably be something like boxing or something else with relatively few techniques. Get a couple private lessons to learn proper stand, punching, etc and then drill it on your own. Every month or so have another private lesson to clear up mistakes/errors. However, even with this you probably want to find someone to work drills with. Maybe have a friend take the private lessons with you and then both workout together.

Keep in mind, this still isn't as good as getting regular, weekly instruction from a teacher.
Yeah, I think given the responses here I can do some preparation (e.g. build up a little stamina and muscle) and just hold off until my schedule frees up. My friends that enjoy the martial arts are black belts in several different types... not exactly the best sparring/practice partner for a complete newb. Unless I enjoy getting beaten up, at any rate.

Is there any good equipment that would be handy for practicing at home? I'm thinking of getting a punching bag to work on some stamina, and I already have free weights for toning/bulking.
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post #14 of 25
10/6/10 at 10:31am
Is there anyway I can become a doctor with out going to medical school and be good at practicing medicine??
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post #15 of 25
10/6/10 at 10:38am
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