One of the most frequently asked questions on the Y!A martial arts category is one that revolves around the theme of "What is the best" for various reasons ranging from self-defense, combat, effectiveness, to even more specific focuses about scenerios. Such a question is rooted in lack of fundamental understanding about the nature of the Martial Arts and learning complex physical skills.
When earnestly seeking to learn a Martial Art the person searching for information and guidance needs to understand some basic concepts in order to effectively direct their energy in finding what they want. First, a good working definition of the Martial Arts (dictionary.com,google web definition,wordIQ.com) is useful to everyone engaged in such a search. Without a clear definition from which to work an individual risks having all manners of misconceptions clouding the issue and interfering with their efforts to find what they seek.
The term "Martial Arts" is a general category that contains hundreds of various topics, styles, and concepts. All of these things that fall under the overarching label of Martial Arts may be radically different from one another and can oftentimes be in logical conflict with one another when compared. The dictionary and other definitions of "Martial Arts" are limited in their scope and ability to communicate the complex nature of the label. I believe to be accurate in nature the definition has to be less specific and touch on the fundamental concepts of the category. (Further reading trying to define Martial Arts)
I will define Martial Arts as follows: Martial Arts - A field of knowledge covering all things related to the systematic study and practice of activities related to the phenomenon of combat and physical conflict in the human experience. This category includes (but is not limited to) the sub-categories of spiritual beliefs, philosophies, sports, training methods, physical applications and concepts, history, biographies, and specific styles/systems of martial arts.
Once a seeker understands has a good working definition of the Martial Arts then we can go on to answer the question "What is the best Martial Art ... ?". Studying and training in the physical aspects of a Martial Art is done under a teacher either in a school or other setting. When seeking "the best" it is more productive to focus on the qualities of the teachers and type of instruction available to the seeker within their means to access. Why? Because it is impossible to objectively measure the qualities of various martial arts styles and compare them to judge which is best. However, a seeker can research particular teachers/schools and compare them to one another to discern which is best for the particular goals and needs of the individual seeker. It is important to note, however, the label of "the best" is a subjective term assigned by an individual using their own beliefs and needs as a basis to assign value. One person's "the best" may vary wildly from others giving an opinion on the same information.
It is this subjective nature to the process of finding "the best martial art" that makes asking this very general question a non-productive approach to seeking direction on finding a martial art to study. Essentially the FAQ "What is the best martial art ...?" and attempts to find answers to this question is a waste of energy and effort that could be better devoted to learning about the martial arts and developing more focused questions that reflect the specific needs of the individual seeker.
Yahoo Answers: Answers from the martial arts category related to this FAQ.
- "There is no best style.
Your size, body type and sex have nothing to do with the style you want to choose. People that think that your size and body type determine the style know little to nothing about martial arts.
people of all various so called body types, are found in all styles of martial arts and do well in those styles
Most people will tell you there style is the best or they heard such and such is a great style,
The style is not important, what matters is how good your instructor is and how you train. The style is secondary, they all have there pro's and con's there are no superior styles.
If you have an instructor that can’t teach you how to fight, regardless of the style, what good would it do you?
Choose a school with a good instructor in the end that’s all that matters, that and how you train.
Its the person that has the ability to fight not the style" - (more quotes to be added) Shihan J, 30+ years martial artist. - (more quotes to be added)
- Find out what styles are available to you within the limitations of your travel, budget, and interests.
- Visit those schools/teachers and ask questions based on your interests and needs. Write down information on web sites, brochures, etc...
- Decide which of the available instruction matches your needs.
- If you are unsure about how to decide which to pick out of the avialable choices then you can present a question that will give better feedback. Model question = "Which of these options available to me are best suited to (fill in specifics)?" Make sure to include the relevant information (i.e. school web sites, style names, school/instructor details, focus of training) in the details area of the question.
- NOTE: If you don't narrow the field of your questions down to specifics then all the answers you receive will be based on the subjective opinons and biases of those who choose to answer the question.
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