Best place to learn real-world self defence...

[chewy1979]

Hi all. I've been looking to get into some better shape as well as learn some real-world self defence. I'm not interested in becoming an MMA fighter, nor do I care to spend 10 years leaning a "martial art". I spent a few years in Tae Kwon Do as a kid and found it to be more about learning glorified dance routines than learning to defend yourself. I'm looking to just lean some real-world self defence and have some find getting into shape while I do it. Any suggestions? I've heard a great deal about Krav Maga, though there doesn't seem to be anywhere offering it outside of Vancouver. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Captain Awesome]

I'd check out some boxing clubs in Kelowna, there are a number of them. And not kick-boxing, go after good old boxing.

[chewy1979]

I'd check out some boxing clubs in Kelowna, there are a number of them. And not kick-boxing, go after good old boxing.

Appreciate the response, but I'm looking for something a little more well-rounded than old fashioned boxing. Boxing it pretty one dimensional and while that would certainly fit the bill for the physical fitness side of things, boxing as a form of self-defence in real-world situations is a bit underwhelming.

[CorkSoaker]

I was involved in jeet kune do when I was in my teens and remember having a lot of fun. It's less focused on form and more on simple yet effective movements to defend ones self. It was also one hell of a workout.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeet_Kune_Do

[Captain Awesome]

... boxing as a form of self-defence in real-world situations is a bit underwhelming.

It is? Hmmmm, served me well in my younger years...

[chewy1979]

[quote=It is? Hmmmm, served me well in my younger years...[/quote]

Didn't mean any offence. But I'm not interested in learning to box. The things I like about a Krav Mega or similar is learning things like defending against an assailant with a weapon, or against multiple assailants. How to get out of trouble if the fight goes to the ground etc. These are the sort of "real-world" things I was referring to where boxing would fall a little short.

[GenesisGT]

You could try watching Conan, he seems to be having a lot of fun.

[FreeRights]

Well, there is no Krav Maga or any alternative in Kelowna that teaches that style of self defense.

Your best bet would be to join either a grappling art, like judo, or join a club that teaches a combination of grappling and striking. Some clubs are more MMA-related than others, but at least remote MMA training is more effective in the street than nothing, or than straight up boxing would be.

RDC Jiu Jitsu is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/MMA club that teaches an effective wrestling/jiu jitsu based fighting style.

Gracie Barra Kelowna teaches world class Muai Thai and top notch jiu jitsu, as well as the Gracie Barra Fundamentals Program that teaches ways to apply BJJ to real world situations.

Team Firststrike is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu based club that teaches the old school Carlson Gracie Jr. style of BJJ.

And the Kelowna Judo Club teaches competitive judo that consists of throws and trips primarily, and secondary groundwork.

Since you do not have the option to learn Israeli Mossad style fighting, your best bet is to work on your skills in both standing and on the ground to become remotely well-rounded should you have to defend yourself.

[JayByrd]

[quote="chewy1979"
Didn't mean any offence. But I'm not interested in learning to box. The things I like about a Krav Mega or similar is learning things like defending against an assailant with a weapon, or against multiple assailants. How to get out of trouble if the fight goes to the ground etc. These are the sort of "real-world" things I was referring to where boxing would fall a little short.[/quote]


That's the one key thing I was going to mention, but you already touched on it. Every fight I've ever seen, goes to the ground, and usually pretty quickly.

[First Strike]

Your best bet is to try a few different clubs out and see which one is the right fit with you. Most clubs off a free class or trail period so it should not cost you anything just try a few classes and check out the martial art, their teaching style and to a felling of the atmosphere of the club.
Also look up or ask about the instructors credentials. Who was their instructor, what belt/level are they currently at, how long had they've been training and instructing are just a few questions to ask.

Take your time and you'll find the right fit for you.

Good luck!