Muay Thai or Jiu Jitsu

[systemofpurplelimpminion]

So on a serious note, can anyone recommend a Muay Thai training centre in Johannesburg?

You can give this club a try http://www.wfma.co.za, they are in the randburg/fairlands area.

FYI, would suggest something like Muay Thai or Kickboxing for exercise purposes.

Personally did both until I lost my weight, now I am only doing one due to time constraints.

The first class is free and if your don't like it on to the next one

 

[systemofpurplelimpminion]

Mui thai is rough, its a high damage sport like boxing but worse cause it brings in kicks, knees, and elbows. They do however in Mui Thai emphasize fitness as its a competitive sport with multiple rounds so fitness is key, especially if you ever want to compete.

Japanese Jui Jitsu is lots of grappling and throwing and locks. Its basis is to restrain or move the opponent away rather than hurt him much. To be honest if you want to go the Jui Jutsu route rather just try Aikido as it does that better with even less violence involved.

Other martial arts that dramatically affect fitness are probably more your Chinese ones. I have attended or observed classes of a wide range of martial arts and the Chinese Kung fu was the most physically demanding due to the incredibly low stance you maintain for most of the session. It really works your legs.

But really what do you want? To get fit or not suck in a fight?

Because if the latter or both is important rather go for something like krav maga

 

[Sapcat]

Muay Thai is a better alternative for getting fit. Though as someone said it can get a bit rough. Eventually you get used to the pain.

Ive previously trained at Fight Fit Militia in Sunninghill. They excellent and even have a cross fit option, which is probably the best option to lose weight and get fit.

Depending on you age, I would not recommend Kung Fu as an option. Takes ages to get started in Kung Fu.

 

[Maverick Jester]

You can give this club a try http://www.wfma.co.za, they are in the randburg/fairlands area.

FYI, would suggest something like Muay Thai or Kickboxing for exercise purposes.

Personally did both until I lost my weight, now I am only doing one due to time constraints.

The first class is free and if your don't like it on to the next one

This is perfect, I actually live close to (almost in) Fairlands... Thanks!

 

[shadow_man]

Mui thai is rough, its a high damage sport like boxing but worse cause it brings in kicks, knees, and elbows. They do however in Mui Thai emphasize fitness as its a competitive sport with multiple rounds so fitness is key, especially if you ever want to compete.

Japanese Jui Jitsu is lots of grappling and throwing and locks. Its basis is to restrain or move the opponent away rather than hurt him much. To be honest if you want to go the Jui Jutsu route rather just try Aikido as it does that better with even less violence involved.

Other martial arts that dramatically affect fitness are probably more your Chinese ones. I have attended or observed classes of a wide range of martial arts and the Chinese Kung fu was the most physically demanding due to the incredibly low stance you maintain for most of the session. It really works your legs.

Spelling

JJ - I'd rather do BJJ as a fight has more chance to end on the floor than standing.

Aikido - A very steep learning curve to become proficient. If you want to do it for fitness I'd recommend going for something more intense like BJJ. You'll also in a way lesser time period become a more proficient fighter.

Chinese Gong Fu - I get more fitness from my boxing classes to be honest. Most Gong Fu schools are NOT big on fitness and sparring and this is a major problem if you are doing it with self defense in mind.

The real fitness comes from styles like Shaolin where you will have seen the horse stance (Sei Ping Ma) being used.

In short for fitness I'd take up something like boxing or grappling. Quickest way to get fit and learn a fighting art in a short period of time.

Gong Fu the learning curve is high as there is much much much more to the initial style...

J

 

[shadow_man]

Forget Ju-jitsu or anything similar if your goal is to build physical fitness and strength. For that you want Muay Thai, one of the Southern Shaolin styles or one of the hard karate styles. These will include serious strength and stamina training as part of the classes. Don't worry if you're not fit as that comes pretty quickly if you're reasonably young.


Northern styles tend to have lower stances. Not so much Southern styles, and something like Wing Chun not at all.

+1 My stand up is a bit of boxing and Wing Chun and as you say in Wing Chun we don't go low.

 

[shadow_man]

Even with recommendations you're going to have to try out a few things to see what you like and whether you get on with instructor.

Also look for a place with sparring. No sparring = STAY FAR AWAY. Too many McDojo's around with mail order blackbelts these days or 15 yr old kids teaching the class..