There is no best style for you. There is no best style period. Never choose a style. Always choose the best instructor that you can find. The 2 essential things are having a good instructor and being a good student.
As an instructor I expect a few things from my students. My expectations are reasonable. Come to class. Be on time if not early. Expect to work out. Attempt to do what is being taught. Practice at home what you have been taught so that you can move forward. If you only practice when you are in class it will show. You will forget somethings. There will be little or no signs of improvement. We can always tell a student that is practicing what they can remember at home and those that only practice when they come to class.
Nothing is solely based on striking unless you just want to do tournaments. Karate and Taek Won Do also have takedowns, and joint manipulations if you are being taught the whole art. Aikido too has strikes if you are taught the whole art.
The best one for you would be the best teacher for you who teaches what you want to learn. A style does not guarantee you what you will be taught. Much of what you are being taught depends on the teacher. So bottom line got to do your own homework and visit a bunch of schools in your area and meet the teachers, ask for free trial classes and then take a pick.
If you want something rich in history and art, I would suggest Aikido. If you've ever seen a Steven Seagal movie, you've seen a very styleized version of it. It focuses on joint maniupulation and throws, as well as a few strikes. There is also training with a bo (wooden staff/pole). There are 3 main ideologies, and each sensei usually focuses mainly on one. Some focus on the technique, some focus on the art, and some focus on the spirituality.
It's great for people interested in martial ARTS, but who don't have the time to devote their entire life to.
Start with whatever is close to your house. If you are uncomfortable there, if higher belts look bummed out and bored being 'forced' to work out with lower belts, or it's stupid expensive, move on. You gotta start somewhere.
Hey; I m 16 and looking for martial arts training to suit me. I m looking for something which isn t based solely on striking but doesn t lose the art side of things. Not looking for something which requires feverish devotion either.
Any thoughts??
