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Unpopular opinion
Martial arts for self-defense broadly is worse than useless unless intensely training in krav maga. Pepper spray and/or a firearm is going to be *way* more effective. If it’s just fitness that you seek, then any discipline will do
I have a buddy who trains at a krav studio, though he’s admittedly a fairly large dude. I can ask him for a review and rec if you like
Pro
MacDonald Academy in Watertown, he really likes it
Not in town, but worth looking!
I put a comment here, but it didn't stick? I highly recommend Sigma Martial Arts and Fitness in Medford. They teach a lot of practical self-defense techniques as well as traditional stuff, but every move has a purpose. I've been going there and really like it.
The nice thing about this studio is that they'll let you try a free class before you commit. I was hooked after 1. And they have different membership levels so that you choose what suits you. Prices are very reasonable.
I am a woman 2nd degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do. I chose this branch because it is based primarily on defense and kicking. Women's legs are longer than men's arms. Also, every attack starts with a block of another's attack, meaning it's defensive, not aggressive. I live in Boston but haven't trained since I moved here. Choose a school with a lot of adult women already. Choose one where the school master is at least 6th Dan, and preferably Korean ITF and WTF. It's hard to make a living running a martial arts school. The way most make money is forcing students to constantly test for tips or belts as often as they can. If they have a lot of tip levels (in between belts) think twice. If they try to push people to test before they are competently at the color belt level, I wouldn't be a fan. You are better to pay a higher membership fee, than a lower one that forces you to test every few months. Good luck. It's a GREAT sport and lifestyle of respect.
I absolutely disagree that a firearm is more effective. If you aren't trained in defense, that firearm can be taken and used against you, particularly if you are a small woman. Remember, we're often assaulted from behind, and supermarket parking lots is a key danger place. More loaded guns at work and at clubs isn't what we need.
It takes maybe two hours of training to be effective with a handgun in a defensive scenario. If you disagree, you may try TKD against my sub-second draw from 20 feet.
There’s a reason gunpowder revolutionized the face of warfare. It was mostly because a force of hastily trained peasants could then defeat professional classes of soldiers who had trained for life.