Early UFC/Mixed Martial Arts tournaments sort of ruled out boxing as a top contender for 'most effective martial art'. I think it was mostly the JUdo and Jiu-jitsu guys who won, and sometimes some Muay Thai guys/American wrestlers.

My definition of beneficial was self-defense. Street-wise, Judo is probably the best option, I've heard of Judoka throwing around muggers by their dumb@ss hoodies a lot. Seems legit.

What's TKD like? I've been trying it via a few friends that took classes, but it seems very, very technical and requires a lot of precision and flexibility. Both of which I don't have.

yes, there are a lot of callisthenic exercises - i did it when i was young so no problems, but i think if you stretch properly before the callisthenics, it shouldn't be much of a problem

yes, you have to focus your entire strength at the point of contact

if you want "difficult", try Capoeira

i took that as well, it was like gymnastics

Capoeira is an interesting one. That's the one the Brazilian slaves created, whilst disguising it as dancing, isn't it?

How did you find a trainer for that? I'm thinking of trying to build a striking base in Tae Kwon Do or Capoeria, to get my leg dexterity up.

ugh, i've half over-taken this thread.

i found a Capoeira class in a local gym

he was trained in Brazil and on graduation, the entire class was supposed to sit for some medal of proficiency in Capoeira in Rio De Janeiro (you actually only get a strand of coloured rope to tie around your waist) - i never made it that far

take note i'm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, though

i really dunno about your neck of the woods

capoeira is martial art disguised as dance from by slaves in history of brazil, a very beautiful sight, although the real style you must go the favelas. it has much emphsis on flips as well as body balance

I hope Khan gets a pasting tonight, even if he is English.

There we go, a boxer who can't take a punch is always on borrowed time. He should quit.

yes, it's very technical and precise. it's a sport designed to be executed and used as a sport. flexibility is needed because of the different types of kicks. if you want to hit those jumping turning longs, you need to do that damn split. so yes, you need to be flexible.

definitely not for streetfighting.

Doubt it's still relevant, but boxing is a great sport for cardio. Especially with heavy bag training, you can put out a lot of exertion and sweat without feeling too taxed by it.

Yea, I much prefer that or other combat arts than the treadmill.