Thread: Boxing, Jujitsu, Tae Kwon doe

Judo works a lot of grappling also, but A LOT is Gi based. I train Judo 2 days a week usually and 1 sparring day and I love it.

I'd go with Jujitsu. No Judo, no Tae Kwon Do.

I've said this before, but I'll repeat it. There are things in pretty much every martial art that will ultimately make you a better fighter. Granted, I wouldn't expect a TKD blackbelt with no other training to do well in MMA, but that additional class every week will help your conditioning, your strength, your flexibility, etc. There are a ton of UFC and Pride fighters with TKD in their backgrounds, but it's only one little piece in the overall puzzle.

I don't, however, think that it's a legitimate way to fight on its own, and the training of course requires you to pull your punches and just spar for points. Judo & jiu-jitsu, on the other hand, allow you to do all the moves and compete at full-strength / speed, so they'll make you ready for real competition / combat.

Originally Posted by GSPalltheway

ive heard nothing but bad things for TKD with mma.... and nothing but good things about judo for mma... seems like boxing to start with judo and BJJ is a pretty good combo

TKD kicking is different from the kickboxing kicking that MMA requires. TKD kicking is evaluated by jumping, spinning, and SNAPPING. Which EVERy kickboxing gym will tell you NEVER to snap a kick.

most of TKD tournies are judged on the complexity of the aerial kicks you throw. They DO NOT really grade on power or anything else. If you can rip 3 tornado kicks in a row and land them, whether you hurt your opponent or not, the judges will declare you the winner.

But....If you've had ZERO kicking instruction? It's as good a place as any to get a base.

Personally, I think TKD bites. My first martial arts training was in TKD. I've since had training in Shotokan, Judo, and some Muay Thai. Anyone of those three arts blows through TKD. I'd add Muay Thai, and eliminate the TKD. Leg kicks and clinches are an almost must have in mma, and Muay Thai will give you that. Not to mention knees, elbows and it's destructive roundhouse.