Self-Defense Zone: Crime Prevention & Self-Defense Forums

Spartacus · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 3:18 pm Post subject: Where to start.

Hey guys, I bumped into these forums via google. Ive been looking for a decent place to talk about and discuss fighting and defence, as the universe of competing styles and schools is confusing the hell out of me and I dont know many people with the knowledge or interest that I can go to.

Im not from a rough area but I have had a fair number of encounters which turned nasty. Luckily I was able to deal with the aggressor when things turned violent. Saying that however, I try to prevent situations from getting to that level whenever possible.

I have yet to get into a situation where I feel truely out of my depth but I feel I should equip myself in case that ever happened.

Locally, trouble usually rises from multiple aggressors in gangs. I admit I would be lost if a large number of people jumped me or if they were using weapons (which I know of and have seen in my neighborhood).

So what would people recommend? I've been looking into Krav Maga, the street fighting emphasis looks good. Other mainstream MAs such as Karate seem somewhat limited on their own and more sports based but that may just be my inexperienced novice view point.

I realise one system is never going to be 100% effective but something such as Krav Maga seems like a good starting point from which to build on as well as bringing my fitness level back up.