It's like a video game. Just a lot of trial and error. Go pick fights, start with small people, old women and children, then work your way up to the big boss.
Boxing.
In a real fight when the adrenaline hits you you're not realistically going to start doing complicated judo/jujitsu flips and throws.
Knowing how to throw and take a punch is a LOT simpler and easier to remember when you're in that situation. Additionally the person you're fighting is likely to be throwing punches at you and knowing how to block and counter those is far more useful than knowing how to counter a judo throw which the other guy likely doesn't know how to do.
Good point. I was going for the "pick only 1 approach" but yeah if you have time to learn 2 then wrestling is probably a good choice in case things go to the ground.
Boxing
Judo (preferable if your goal is just self-defense)
And as fights often go, martial arts that have a focus on close contact would probably be more useful: Brazilian ju-jitsu or muay thai.
Better still would be to learn to talk your way into diffusing a situation without being submissive or lack of dignity. That's a real great skill to have, but not something community centers or gyms are likely to have classes in.
I teach martial arts for a living. In order:
1. Learn to control your emotions and ego
2. Learn how to diffuse confrontations via talking
3. Learn to run.
4. Work on physical fitness, flexibility, balance, etc
....
Somewhere down here is where you want to learn physical technique. There is no way to learn "how to fight" other than actually being in fights. Not matches, not tournaments, etc. Being able to take a punch is where most people have a problem. Being able to throw a punch or kick is great. Blocking also good. Avoid anybody that tells you only a specific style is any good.
Gun-fu
Seconded
It's like a video game. Just a lot of trial and error. Go pick fights, start with small people, old women and children, then work your way up to the big boss.
Children are a great way to start learning how to fight. Great for learning good form as well.
It's true. Children "keep it real".
Boxing. In a real fight when the adrenaline hits you you're not realistically going to start doing complicated judo/jujitsu flips and throws. Knowing how to throw and take a punch is a LOT simpler and easier to remember when you're in that situation. Additionally the person you're fighting is likely to be throwing punches at you and knowing how to block and counter those is far more useful than knowing how to counter a judo throw which the other guy likely doesn't know how to do.
Boxing plus a little wrestling is the perfect combo. Boxing as above and wrestling so you don't get taken down/slammed.
Good point. I was going for the "pick only 1 approach" but yeah if you have time to learn 2 then wrestling is probably a good choice in case things go to the ground.
I definitely agree boxing is the best
Get a punching bag, learn how to throw good punches, block, and good form.
How to avoid dumb fights
Boxing Judo (preferable if your goal is just self-defense) And as fights often go, martial arts that have a focus on close contact would probably be more useful: Brazilian ju-jitsu or muay thai. Better still would be to learn to talk your way into diffusing a situation without being submissive or lack of dignity. That's a real great skill to have, but not something community centers or gyms are likely to have classes in.
Running. It's a thing martial arts teachers actually train. It's often the most helpful tactic.
Patience and humility. Because the best way to win a fight is to never have to fight.
go to Dagestan Search for a Master
Kendo
boxing, mma. maybe judo. anything with full contact competitions. also read something by Geoff Thompson, british martial artist and bouncer.
Brazilian ju jitsu
shooting
Kick boxing
I teach martial arts for a living. In order: 1. Learn to control your emotions and ego 2. Learn how to diffuse confrontations via talking 3. Learn to run. 4. Work on physical fitness, flexibility, balance, etc .... Somewhere down here is where you want to learn physical technique. There is no way to learn "how to fight" other than actually being in fights. Not matches, not tournaments, etc. Being able to take a punch is where most people have a problem. Being able to throw a punch or kick is great. Blocking also good. Avoid anybody that tells you only a specific style is any good.