help very much apreciated

[pitman]

i play rugby league,during the off season im looking to train in martial arts for the following three purposes;

- for fitness

-to be a better real world fighter (self defence)

-to improve my rugby league.

i will be looking to train 4 nights a week(one discipline mon ,wed and one tues,thurs) as well as doing my usual strength training(weights) and cardio/fitness work (running)

now what do people suggest as good disciplines to train in so far have been considering boxing,TKD,jiu jitsu,muay thai,judo.

many profesional league teams have judo instructors helping the coaching staff to improve defense (tackling and wrestling in the the tackle.)

with this in mind i was thinking i may do boxing (good for aerobic fitness and improved upper body strength as well as foot work) and;

jiu jitsu, incorporates the wrestling/grapling which i believe will help my defense on the field.

and also it trans and kicks and punches correct?

my other option may be TKD(or muay thai??) and judo again a mix of punches kicks and grappling right?

im open to any other suggestions as to a good combination of martial arts to achieve my desired goals also if anyone knows of some good places to train in CHCh New Zealand woud love your suggestions. im reasonalbly fit and did some tkd as a kid(Around 10 years ago -am 23 now) other than that have done no MA.

thanks alot in advance.

[Pseudonym]

What about aikido? It's a nice combination of throws and locks. It also focuses a lot on your footwork, and moving to where your opponent is off balance - which I guess could be applied to league. (At least, you're more likely to get away with simply making them fall over, than picking them up and throwing them across your back!)

[Agent]

IMO if you want to be a better "real world" fighter, and you want to train in two different disciplines, I'd choose Muay Thai for your stand-up fighting skills, and BJJ for your groundwork. I'm not sure exactly how each of these will help you in League (but you'll certainly be able to handle yourself if you get in an on-field brawl :pfft: ).

Since I assume you have your have your weight training and cardio sorted, I'd imagine that would pretty much cover you for league. The extra fitness and endurance from the martial arts would only help you I assume, so long as you take care not to overtrain.