What prepares a person better for self defense out on the streets---boxing or martial arts?

When I was in high school, I took just over two years worth of Tae Kwon Do. I also dabbled a little in Ju-Jitsu, too, but not as much. I think I was fairly well prepared for any dangerous situation, but maybe not as much as I think. I also lifted weights regularly back then, too.





In recent months, I have started weight training again. I have also thought about going back into martial arts. But there are a few boxing coaches at my gym that give lessons, and I was thinking about looking into that. For some reason, I'm kind of thinking that good boxing skills would make for good self defense.





Thing is, I have recently started seeing a girl that I really care about. I think she may be the one that I give a ring to. I want to be prepared to protect her if the need ever arises. I really love her, and I want to keep her safe. That's why I'm interested in knowing this.





Thanks in advance.

What prepares a person better for self defense out on the streets---boxing or martial arts?
If you want fast, basic self defense, then boxing may be the way to go. I don't think it has near as many moves as most martial arts do. However, it would probably help to build up a very substantial amount of upper body strength if you go with boxing. In fact, I would get your bench press up to at least 200 lbs, if it isn't there already. That would help a lot with boxing. But don't neglect other exercises, either. Make sure your arms, chest, shoulders, abs and legs all get worked out. In short, be able to hit hard. And try to LOOK like you can hit hard, too. If you look like you're capable of doing some damage in a fight, then you may not have to fight at all.





I took martial arts for a while, too. Generally speaking, it can probably be pretty handy in self defense situations. However, as you probably know, it takes a lot of persistence. There are a lot of martial arts moves that require you to devote a lot of practice to. Many kicks require a lot of practice before you can do them hard enough to make any serious impact. And if you're going to use Ju-Jitsu out on the streets, you had better be really good.





Good luck. And I hope you keep that great girl of yours nice and safe!
Reply:Boxing would prepare you better if you plan on being the aggressor but martial arts will help you DEFEND yourself
Reply:Boxing IS a martial art. And it's probably more suited for what you're looking at. Using tae kwon do in a real life situation is nothing like what you've done on the padded mat, and it's harder to train for. Boxing in the ring translates easier to boxing on the streets. Boxing is equally offensive and defensive, it's a good mix. In a street fight, it's for real, and you want to hurt them quickly, and just enough to get them to walk away.
Reply:You must live in a bad area or something if you think that you're going to have to bust out some fighting techniques, but whatever.





You're probably better off with boxing or some kind of practical self defense course if you want to be able to defend yourself in a street situation.
Reply:Martial arts.
Reply:I believe Martial Arts is the way to go. Boxers are one dimensional. A good Martial Artist can not only box, but wrestle and also has been trained in hand to hand combat. A good boxer wouldn't stand much of a chance against a good Martial Artist.
Reply:Martial Arts are more practical on the streets but it is no subsitute for common sense and not putting yourself in dangerous situations. Street sense like not using a public toliet in a place you don't feel comfortable, Parking your car in well lit places and not going into BAD neighborhoods are a good start. If you really want to be safe gain a concealed carry license and learn to shoot.


Peace
Reply:Most street fights either end in a knock out or on the ground. So boxing will only do so much for you. I was in martial arts (gojyu-ryu/okinawan/meibukan) style for 7 years. We did full contact grappling and sparring and thats really prepared me. If your in it for fun and want to just spare go for boxing. But if your serious and want to learn how to hurt someone, look into full contact. As far as I'm concerned, nothing about Tae Kwon Do has impressed me, seems pretty pointless to me actually, and funny looking.
Reply:I took tae kwon do for maybe 4-5 years and then went into boxing. Tae kwon do is a great workout, and I did learn some kicks, but there is very little hand technique so I started taking boxing lessions.





In boxing I noticed I did much more full contact fighting than tae kwon do. Tae kwon do is mostly a sport, however my teacher also knows Hapkido, which is very effective but takes years (in my opinion to master).