Thanks!>
Hi Moridin,
Well, I'd be delighted to answer your question. I've been doing martial arts for 7 years now, and have studied close to a dozen different system. My main style is Kung Fu, but of the older, ancient variety (ie Tai Chi, Ba Gua, etc).
First off, what are your goals in training? If you would like more fast paced sports type stuff, then Karate, Tae Kwon Do and even Tae Bo might be good to try. Remember, although Tae Bo is a GREAT workout, I wouldnt consider myself even a self defence adept after studying it. Being in "shape" and being able to kick high is one thing. Being able to stand in a Kumite match and spar with another Karateka is another. Fighting a 300 pound man in the streets on PCP who is trying to beat your head in and take your wallet and/or your life, well that is the dog eat dog aspect of living that we all may face once day.
If you are looking more for meditation, spirituality and perhaps a hint of "Budo", I would suggest trying something with a deeper connection to healing, not focused on sports and such. Aikido is a good choice, and of course I'm always an advocate of Tai Chi and the "internal" system. Sadly though, if you wish to study Tai Chi, you will mostly likely not learn much about self defence. About 95% of all Tai Chi schools in the US teach "Tai Chi Chuan" and a "Long Form". This is a very small fraction of the traditional art of Taijiquan, which has many facets and is VERY powerful in regards to martial arts. So, you may get in good health and be happy, but you must look very hard if you want to learn traditional Tai Chi for self defense. And it takes years of training to get even slightly good at it.
If you wish to learn some fighting skills quicker, by all means, go for Karate, Kung Fu or Jiujitsu. There is a big following of the Gracie family for Jiujitsu...so you shouldnt have a hard time finding a school.
But, my best piece of advice is to follow your own desires. Check out many martial arts schools, and try them out, most Sifus/Senseis will let you try out the class, usually for free. Do what feels right for you and your body.
Along with this, be very picky about who you train with. A friend once said to me when I was studying Karate "why would I want to pay some guy to make me wear pajamas and a goofy belt and do push ups while he yells at me?". Some people need that discipline, others do not.
There is a very wide varietly of teachers and styles in the martial arts world, and there are some really great teachers out there. I've had some teachers that were so bad, that I literally walked out of class, but even despite some of them being horrible human beings, I learned so much from each and every one of them.
So, there is a saying in China. "It takes a Master three years to find a student, and a student 3 years to find a Master."
Basically put, YOU are your own master and control your own destiny. If you wish to study, find a teacher who will help you unlock what is already in your body, what we all have and have forgotten. Do not let anyone try to do this for you. They can show you the door, only you can open it and see what lies beyond.
If you have any questions about specific styles, feel free to email me at: "elescorpio@hotmail.com".
Pentjak Silat..that is a very unusual art...Indonesian..based on a triangle I have heard, but honestly I know next to nothing about it!
Good luck in your search! Its a great way of life, and I will always encourage it for everyone.
Sincerely
Scronan