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Letter Re: Selecting a Martial Art and a Dojo
Sir,
I'd like to suggest yet another art for you to consider: Arnis. (often
referred to as FMA, or Filipino Martial Arts.) It is also referred
to as Escrima or Kali.
It is a predominately stick and knife based art, with open hand techniques
following.
Most Eastern arts I have been exposed to stress the empty hand and
move towards weapons, Arnis is exactly the opposite, the thought being
a stick is easier to defend one's self with than bare hands, and it
is more logical to begin as such.
Another fundamental difference between Arnis and other arts is the
assumption your opponent is armed. I've seen many techniques taught
in my study of ju-jitsu that work well against a punch, but would end
very badly if used against a knife. As you may not have the luxury
of knowing
what you're being attacked with before hand, I prefer a technique that
will work well against either, rather than having to choose.
As Mr. Williamson astutely noted, a walking stick or cane is very acceptable
to carry with you everywhere (even places you cannot carry a knife,
much less a gun), and the techniques transfer well to other "weapons" (an
umbrella or rolled up newspaper, for example) as well as a knife.
FMA has been criticized as being too "complex" (you do this,
then I do that, etc), and perhaps correctly. As with any art, the important
thing is your choice of instructor is as important if not more so than
your choice of art. An instructor who stresses the basics over increasingly
fancy techniques is crucial, in my opinion. I specifically study Modern
Arnis and Sayoc Kali, I have been very happy with both.
It may be worth mentioning that these arts evolved from a predominately
Christian culture, so the Eastern religion components that were of
concern to some of your readers would not apply. Best of luck with
your search
and your studies. - Patrick R.
