Hapkido or Shaolin(Kicking style) or Judo?

I'm going back to martial arts but I have a few options, judo, hapkido and shaolin, which one should I do?


I want to know whether its just for looks or real combat, what advantages/disadvantages or characteristics(Like what its based on e.g. close combat, grab, parrying).





I'd appreciate any answers soon.

Hapkido or Shaolin(Kicking style) or Judo?
Hapkido is the most versatile of those 3, but in ALOT of schools, they train with non-resisting opponents. That is not good. In Judo, the opponents always resist, so that is the advantage that Judo have over Hapkido grappling. However, I would still take Hapkido for the versatility though. You can always take up Judo at a later time to make up for what Hapkido grappling lacks in. Now keep in mind, I am only talking about certain schools. By no means all Hapkido schools teach worthless grappling and throws. It's mainly the contemporary ones and unfortunately, they are more popular, so be careful when you're shopping around. The more traditional versions teach grappling and throws with resisting opponents and the throws, joint locks, etc are more deadly than Judo's (Considering the fact that Judo doesn't have any maiming techniques).





Another thing with contemporary Hapkido schools is that they train alot of high kicks, which is not practical in a real combat situation. You don't have to use them just because you train in them though, but the thing is, if you train in high kicks constantly it will become muscle memory, and when you get in a real fight, throwing high kicks will almost become 2nd nature. If the Hapkido school trains mid-level to low level kicks too, then I would use those instead.





All in all, I'd go for the traditional Hapkido schools, no better yet, COMBAT HAPKIDO instead, because it is alot more practical and also adds Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do fighting methods as well.





I really wouldn't choose Northern Shaolin to be honest, and that's for a good bit of reasons, mainly having to do with high kicks and flashiness....something that really can't serve you on the street (NOT ALL Northern Shaolin styles, but most though).





All in all, it comes down to what you want and how you apply the techniques you learn in a practical fashion. You really can take up all 3 of those arts if you want to, not to learn techniques to add to your arsenal, but instead, you learn how to defend against those type of attacks by using the techniques you already know and making them better.
Reply:I don't know which style would be best for you but I've been looking into taking some Hapkido classes over here. It seems like a very interesting style.
Reply:Judo seems fun
Reply:I've been doing Hapkido for 10 yrs. It covers all phases of combat from striking, kicking joint lock sub mission, multiple attackers, grappling just to name a few. i think its advantage is it's versatility and ability to be adaptable to any given situation. Without having to go to 2 or 3 other schools to learn specific skills. I use it in law enforcement and I KNOW it WORKS in the real world.
Reply:I would begin with Judo
Reply:Judo is very good especially for grappling and take downs.


No real striking though.


Hapkido has great striking and some grappling. Some schools only concentrate on strikes though.


Shaolin kung fu, there are very few who actually teach shaolin kung fu, although many claim to. If it is an actual school decended from shaolin, it should be very effective.
Reply:First of i would have to say Hapkido due to the fact i am a BB in hapkido but i would first b4 choosing any check the schools out and ask if u can see their advance class from there study the teacher and the students do they look well trained, do they follow instructions properly, do they look sloppy or move swifly its easy to tell if the mess up alot. THe advance class is the heart of the MA studio so observe and see if they seem up to standards. then check out a begginner course and now observe the instructor does he teach well...is he someone you would want to learn from so yeah do those then make your decision not just on the basis of the art. Any dojo can give out belts so watch out for that.

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