Martial Arts/Self-defense for complete beginners

[glen-highland.livejournal.com]

My wife and I are thinking about learning how to fight off bad guys a few days a week after work. Can anyone recommend or share experiences with their karate/kung fu/jiujitsu/judo/capoeira/etc. school preferably somewhere in between Union and Davis? Sorry so vague, we don't have much to go on. We don't want anywhere cultish or overly spiritual.

On the same topic, we saw some pictures online from various schools where everyone is sharing sweaty foot juice. Is it pretty common to go barefoot? Is it a requirement? :-)

Thanks in advance!

Comments

[knowthyself.livejournal.com]

It's not quite in the area you're asking about, but I've been going to the Theodorou Academy of Jiu Jitsu (http://www.bostonselfdefense.com) in Watertown for three years now. Most people go barefoot, but a good number wear wrestling shoes, no remotely cultish but a great group of people, and very practical self defense. Sensei Nick is great! I can't say enough good stuff about the place.

But yeah, you do kinda need a car to get there as the one possible downside--there's nearby buses I think, but nothing too speedy and no T stations close by.