Martial arts in SoCal

March 15, 2007 6:50 PM

I would like to start training in a martial art in Glendale, Burbank, or the surrounding area.

I am interested in learning a discipline that would work well with my stature (short, female, low center of gravity). I have been told that I would benefit from a grappling discipline because of the traits I previously mentioned. My main goal is to have a good teacher- that is more important to me than the specific discipline. Any suggestions are appreciated.

posted by kamikazegopher to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (2 answers total)

The Aikido Institute of America is on the Glendale/Eagle Rock border. I was going to start my Aikido practice after a long haitus, and on my first nite I was enthusiastic on a forward roll and broke my collarbone. :(

I would still suggest that you stop by some nite and watch some practice sessions. On the whole, Aikido less of a 'powerfully strike the opponent' art and more of a 'evade and pin him to the ground' type of martial art. Not as much grappling as say Judo, but still along the same vein.
posted by zengargoyle at 10:27 PM on March 15, 2007

Their closest locations are over in Sherman Oaks, but I have a friend who has the same body type as you and she swears by Krav Maga. I haven't tried it myself, but she just loves it.
posted by miss lynnster at 10:55 PM on March 15, 2007