Which martial art?

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I want to try martial arts but I'm not sure what to start with. I'm 26 and female, so I'm not sure if that dictates what I should try. Karate seems like the most widely offered, but is it the best option? I like the idea that jiu jitsu uses an opponent's strength against them, but as an adult female, should I try something less about sparring and more about meditation and poses?

I studied taekwondo, hapkido, judo, tang soo do and tai chi in my twenties. I would recommend taekwondo, tang soo do, mu duk kwon, kung fu or karate over any of the grappling styles. IMHO judo and jujitsu are not pleasant for Aspergers people who have issues with body contact. In judo it was all about getting groped sometimes in very intimate ways or having someone right in your face. Also for women judo is not pleasant with having inconsiderate guys pounce on your chest and squash your boobs all the time.

I was about to suggest judo because it looks like fun (never tried it myself) but after hearing Ticker's explanation it might not be best.

I have studied a martial art called Moo Sool Do for two years (combines Tae Kwon Do, Hopkido, and Tang Soo Do).

Do Jangs for this art are few and far between; I would recommend Tae Kwon Do myself.

That said...if you would be interested in more info about Moo Sool Do let me know what general area you live in and I will see if there is something nearby for you.

Melissa

I was just thinking about this, and I remembered reading about a martial art that was particularly well-suited for smaller people. I think it was Japanese, and it may have been Aikido, but I can't find that specific information yet. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
I don't want to hijack your thread, Scheherazade, but hopefully something fortuitous will come of it.

It's a lot like asking what's the best ice cream flavor. Depends on the individual's tastes and inclinations.

Myself, I liked ju jitsu best of the systems I've studied because I liked the subtleties of balance and you get to fly through the air.

I've found that choosing the best teacher you can find is more important than choosing the style. This can be tricky. A lot of people are very skilled, but they can't teach worth beans.

Appearances can be deceiving. Some of the best instruction I've gotten involved half a dozen people getting together in somebodies garage.

I'd suggest visiting as many schools as you can, spend some time there, watch their training, and pick the one you think you'd like best.

I prefer Aikido. It's little contact, plus, BOKKEN!! !! Which I so cannot get enough of. It's based on samurai technique, I am obsessed with samurai, so I liked it just for that.

But the main emphasis, at least with my sensei, was on the strength of the mind, not of the body. So it's very well suited for people who are just starting, and also people who are smaller / weaker. My leg was one main drawback with it, and it barely stressed me, whereas walking does!

Although... the gi was hard to move in. Was like a skirt... once you get used to it, awesome though. Bonus for women as defensive arts in case you wear a lot of skirts though.

So yea, definitly recommend it to anyone just trying out.

Another good one is Shotokan, but that's a bit more physical. Most of the training is independent though, at least for lower belts. It teaches you mental balance, and the meditation techniques were invaluble during meltdowns.

Try visiting a few dojo's in your area and sitting a class. Nearly any sensei will allow it, and it gives you an oppertunity to find out not only the style of the martial arts type, but the personality of the particular sensei, which is often even more important than what you are learning. No one wants to learn from someone who is constantly demeaning.

And now you tottaly made me want to sign back up for aikido. Thanks a LOT OP!

I so need a job! *headdesk*

I'm Kumdo Practitioner for over a year going for my purple belt tomorrow. There is a good amount of sparring. We also have form classes but they are for brown and higher belts though are some blue and purple who do it but its recommended at brown to start.

Hmm. You're right, maybe I should try out a few sample classes before picking something. I'm going to be moving back to the suburbs, though, so I think my options will be pretty limited. I know I can find adult classes in karate and jujitsu, and I think kung fu as well, but other than that it doesn't look like I have a lot of options.

That said though - I wouldn't say I'm smaller or weaker. I have a solid frame and when I'm weight training I tend to lift more than other girls. I just like the mental control idea of turning an opponent against himself.

Link : Baquazhang
if you can find a teacher!
Awesome!
Also, no falling, getting hit or touched.

Taiji is good, it can be fast an used for fighting, but poses and meditation are also emphasized.

a lot depends on what you're looking for. If you just want 'a martial art that you can stick with for a long time,' then the individual personality of the sensei(s) will be just as important as the style. There is a lot of variety even within martial arts: some aikido dojos, for example, are very soft and flowy and low impact, and in others you either learn to get out of the way of people's fists, or you get hit (and sometimes you get hit anyway). Unless you have a very sensitive chest, I wouldn't worry too much about getting squashed - but invest in some good sports bras.