What is the best martial art?

by Mike

Stick around long enough in martial arts (like, long enough for people to find out that you are a martial artist) and you'll get this question.

There's really no way to answer this one without it being a total cop out - at least not if you want to get out of the conversation anytime soon. Without getting into the "well, if you want to learn boxing...boxing. If you want to drop the kids off so you can get a couple hours of quiet a week...whatever's closest. If you want to 'fight UFC'...anywhere where I don't have to put up with you, etc." you 've only got one real and legitimate answer:

The best martial art is the one that does what you need it to when you need it to.

Without getting all metaphysical or annoying philosophy-student on you, it's not only possible but likely that what you think you need (i.e. want) and what you need are two different things.

Granted, what you need it to do could be anything from preparing you to be a well-rounded fighter for your amateur MMA debut, provide you with a positive atmosphere and camaraderie for your attempt to get (and stay) in shape, or to give you the presence of mind to stay calm save yourself and your husband from armed house invaders. What you need may change over time - hopefully you'll be active in martial arts long enough that you see this changing - I know at least one guy who started training because he thought it was fun, but it ended up providing a focus for him while he quit his alcoholism.

Now, you'll note that what you "need" isn't necessarily the same thing as what you "want."

Or you could just say, "I dunno, whatever those UFC guys do seems pretty good" and point them to How to Choose A Martial Arts School.