Hi I'm new to the forum and I'm looking to start a martial art class in around South West Birmingham, I hope you wouldn't mind helping me make a decision. At the moment I'm considering Judo but I am procrastinating somewhat. I'm in my mid thirties and so I'm no spring chicken. I'm attracted to Judo because of it's simplicity, effectiveness, while retaining somewhat of a traditional martial art form. However, I do have concerns, a lot of Judo clubs seem to be geared towards teaching of children and young adults. I've also read that Judo is very hard on the body and I would like to start a martial art I can continue to train into my older years, if possible. Is Judo a decent martial art for someone to start at my age and can you recommend any clubs around my area? I have also considered Aikido or JiuJitsu and the options I have found are the following clubs, if any of you have any experience of them I'd be grateful for your input: www.taijutsukai.co.uk/clubs/bromsgrove/ (only one class a week) Beeches Martial Arts Ei Mei Kan | Why Thanks for any help with this!
Judo is great, but hard on the body, BJJ is also great, and Somewhat easier on the body, also a lot of BJJ clubs also run judo classes as well in the same gym. What area in southwest brummie are you?
Hi Dead_pool I live around the Halesowen / Quinton area. I did do BJJ for around 6 months at the Gracie Barra in the center of Birmingham many years ago. I did enjoy it, however, at the time I would drive past that area on the way home from work (no longer do) and I got caught up in other responsibilities and so quit. I was also hoping to learn a bit more of the stand up side of grappling if possible. Thanks for any help.
I started judo in my late 30's after years of other martial arts and grappling styles, in the two years or so I did it I learned a lot and picked up more injuries than I have in any other sport, it's very hard on the body especially as you get older. BJJ would be t suggestion you do enough takedown work to get good at them without ruining your body
A quick Google map search shows two very good judo clubs and a few big full time martial art places, Nearbyish. Ill have a proper look and post them up tonight.!
Icefield, I think you've kinda of confirmed my fears there. What do you think of the jiujitsu clubs I linked to? Is BJJ the best alternative? Thanks for any hep
Most jujitsu is terrible, if you want grappling, judo, wrestling and BJJ is where it's at. How far are you willing to travel?
Dead pool Im hoping for a 20-30 minute drive. Obviously in a city that can be quite far or not far depending on whether the motorway is used and traffic etc. So it's hard to say in miles if you know what I mean. However, if you have spotted some places bit further away then I'd take a look. Any pointers are appreciated. Thanks.
For Aikido I train with the NIA group , we're normally at Nelson primary school opposite the NIA Wednesday classes are off at the moment but the Thursday class is still running through the school holidays. Nia Aikido – Aikido in Birmingham I've heard good things about Gracie Barry and have you looked into Activities and facilities | Gymnastics & Martial Arts Centre | Birmingham City Council I know it's the other side of the city (where I am) but they seem to offer most things
A mate of mine runs a Parkour class in a the Dojo at Bishop Challoner Sports Centre in Kings Heath if you can get there. I know they run Aikido, Judo, and Kyokushin classes there. Here's a link to the sports centre timetable, I'll do some digging and try to find info on the clubs for you if you like? http://www.bishopchalloner.org.uk/sports-centre
Can I ask everyone why the Japanese jiu jitsu styles are seen as terrible? Just wondering. I also found the following, any opinions on this place? Martial Arts & Self Defence | Lessons & Classes | MAC Academies Dead pool, are you able to say which judo schools you thought looked promising please? Bassai, Alexandra stadium certainly has a lot of different classes. Bit further away than I'd like but I will consider it if no other good options are available. Thanks. VoidKaretka, bishopchallenor, similarly has a lot on. Again drive isn't the best but definitely a possibility. Thanks.
I started Judo at Challoners when I was a kid. Phil Hudson is an extremely (elite level) good coach and he also runs a JJJ class as well.