Judo

I am toying with the idea of taking up a martial art once I'm fitter. (I know that martial arts are good for fitness, but I think I'd be more comfortable if I was leaner first.)

Thus far I have been interested by Krav Maga, Aikido, Jujitsu and Judo. I like the practicality of the first (it's an Israeli system that focuses on effectiveness ahead of anything else), and am attracted by the movements and aesthetics of the second. I've always been faintly drawn to Judo, and I quite like the idea of doing a sport as well as learning self defence. Today Judo is edging ahead as favourite.

I am not interested in mumbo jumbo philosophy, nor in high kicks and flying chops. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that a good class would be an eye opener, but a lot of what I've read about martial arts is palpable nonsense. Karate and Kickboxing are great to watch, but I'm not built for them. I'm a natural grappler. I did Kung Fu for a while, and it just didn't suit me.

That said, striking must have its place, and it may be that it's worth learning more than one style. But Judo seems to offer a chance to do a tough sport with fewer risks than a sport where you can get punched in the face.

If any of you know anything about these or other martial arts, I'd love to hear from you. My email address is at the top of the page.