Generic Newbie Question

Hi guys, I've been thinking for a long time about incorporating martial arts into my training regimen. While I have a general idea of what I want out of my training I'm having trouble deciding between the many styles out there. (There's so many choices!)

I've figured that I'd like to initially start with a style that is more focused on striking and footwork and if I can handle it, I'd like to participate in a grappling MA like BJJ afterwards. It's the striking style that I'm having trouble on deciding though and I'm hoping you guys can provide me with some insight into what styles will be best for my needs.

Just a bit of background information so that you guys can help me:

1) I took TKD back in the day...when I was really young for about a year. Lol. 2) I'm a weight-lifter who has been training hard for 3 years. The reason why I'm wanting to train in martial arts is increase my flexibility and core strength so I can further my lifts. That and I think martial arts will help contribute more to my functional strength.

Also though, is there any good resource out there I can use to find good schools in my area (Silicon Valley) and what factors should I be looking at to make sure it's a good school when I go in to look at the place? I'd hate to get into a school that is basically a 'black belt factory.' I want a 'real' martial arts school without all the fluff.

I have looked on my own though and I think I may have narrowed down a few styles that I think suit my needs. I could be wrong though so if I am, please correct me.

I found a few Karate schools in my area, specializing in either Shotokan, Shorinji, Shito-Ryu or Goju Ryu. Websites: www.pacificmartialarts.com ; www.ckakarate.com ; www.okaigan.com ; www.shorinjisv.com/English/E-link.html ; www.gojuryu.com . How do these look? I have a hard time figuring out which schools are 'McDojos'. But in the end I will be visiting a few schools to see what they're like.

Here are a few Kenpo schools, www.jskenpo.com/home.html ; www.tkaneskarate.com ; www.ariotochikarate.com ;

Kung Fu school : www.wle.com

And a school that teaches multiple arts I guess, kickboxing, karate etc... www.martialsports.com

So what does everyone think about the schools that I'm currently looking at? Which school/style would suit my needs? Thanks!

Why do you think MA training is an efficient way to do this? You might be better off doing yoga (one of the energetic variants) and/or pilates.

Sparring.

They will not help your striking. And their footwork is aweful. You want boxing or kickboxing.

Bad.

Bad.

One that is a kickboxing school where they work focus mitts and spar.

Care to explain why?

Same as above, by the way, the school part of that website is here: http://wle.com/school/styles.html.

You're right, MA will not the optimal way to increase flexibility and core strength, but obviously that isn't my only goal. I do think that MA will help increase my functional strength, whehter it is through direct body work exercises or the increased cardiovascular conditioning you go through.

I did forget to mention that I also wish to pursue MA for self defense purposes as well. Sorry about that.

okay, man....

i have taught kenpo before...done some jkd....taught karate before....and noe I do BJJ/subwrestling and MMA.

if you want fitness, strenght and a gain in flexibilty all out of martial arts training....find a BJJ school and prepare for the subsequent addiction you are sure to succumb to.

trust me....give it two months. if your ego can tke it you'll be a changed man.

Sure. Kempo moves are ridiculous.

Kung Fu doesnt work.

Lol, alright, I guess I'll find out when I visit the schools. 'Work?' Meaning what? In terms of my goals? Why not?

Hi, thanks for replying. I mentioned in my post that I'd like to pursue a striking art before a grappling art like BJJ. But definitely, in the future I'd like to go for BJJ as a grappling MA.

When you get to this part, you can find SV BJJ schools via www.bjj.org. (E.g., Ralph Gracie has a school in Mountain View.)

Correct.

unemployed.

Yes.

Because it's stoopit.