Recommended fighting classes?

I work out alot and used to wrestle in college, and i want to take up classes again. The problem is that I dont know what discipline is best. Has anyone had any expieriences in muy thai, kung fu, karate, brazlian, or anything else? I am looking for something to get me more atheltic and for self-defense, i am not looking to become the next grand world champion.

any ideas?

I like to pimp our system. My instructor mainly focuses on kickboxing, defense against weapons (clubs, knives, etc), and self defense which is what I like. We do ground stuff from time to time but the majority is focused on the basics, i.e. how not to get taken down, how to escape if you do find yourself on the ground, and a few basic submissions and submission defenses. If I ever came up against a BJJ guy I have no doubt he'd make me tap real quick. For competition, that's great. For self defense on the street, it's not as practical as stand up control, strikes, and escapes. Some stuff you can't do in comp like go for the eyes, ears, and throat are perfectly acceptable in self defense situations which is why I like a more strike focused style.

if you're still at VT:

www.KempoVirginia.com (http://www.kempovirginia.com/hoy.php)

I think the head instructor there is changing to another blackbelt but he's very good as well.

There is a BJJ school somewhere in Christiansburg or Bburg too but I've never tried it out so I can't comment on it.

If self defense is really your top goal stay away from TKD or American Freestyle.

BJJ is fun. The 'best' I dunno, I don't really get into street fights. You burn a shitload of calories doing it, theres no striking (if your pretty, or something) and not too much high impact throwing (unlike Judo).

SO, your system is called Kempo? I live in the DC area now, grad VT almost 2 years ago. Are there any local instructors?

edit: the one and only thing i want to get out of this is great street fighting skills. eye gouges, knives, against more then one person, etc... I want skills i can use constantly, not just for show.

our system is called universal kempo.

Universal Kempo-Karate Schools (http://www.universalkempo.com/)

I don't think there is a D.C. school.

I'd say try out a few different places and see what they focus on. A lot of TKD and American styles focus on point sparring so stay away from those.

Look for Muay Thai, BJJ, Kempo(Kenpo depending on how the school spells it), or karate for more self defense oriented approaches.

Krav maga
there should be teachers near you (it's as nasty as it gets... )

on the more fitness aproach I recommend bjj and kickboxing

and for everyone I recommend tai chi ! :D

krav manga, that is the isreali way, right?

krav manga, that is the isreali way, right?

yeah

muay thai

I recommend Tae Kwon Do for the althethic part, its not so much a combat art but a sport nowadays..Its very intensive workout dealing mostly with kicking..70 % of the strikes are kicks..Throwing your legs around for an hour plus will take it out of you. Also Kicking boxing, Muay thai are great for fitness.

if your looking for more self-defense stuff then Lord Elessar recommendation on Kempo is good..Karate there is many different sub styles each have strenghts and focus on different ideals.
Any kinda of grappling is great too.

Krav maga is pretty mean and very balanced i think.

This might help you.
Choosing The Best Martial Arts Style For You (http://martialarts.about.com/od/choosingaschool/a/choosestyle.htm)

sounds like krav one is for me. cool too, i have a coworker who is into it. i'll hit him up. thanks tw!

ive done Boxing, TKD, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Muay Thai, and BJJ

i recommend head butts while protecting your face. i've been doing that since i was like 2 years old. :lol:

muay thai
^ since it is striking and you already have a wrestling background
then put them together with some anger and test it on the streets!

muay thai / krav maga

born in the streets, for the streets, good style

YouTube - Krav Maga (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhKjpdWyYMc)