Re: Martial Arts
 

At CKD we did sparring from when you joined, and got paired with a higher belt who would just block you while you learnt how to do attacks. And occasionally whack you round the side of the head for not keeping your arms up to block.

Re: Martial Arts
 

It all depends on what you are looking for, people and schools have a tendency to forget the "Martial" side of it and it just becomes "Art". I've done a few styles throughout my life thus far. I have got a black belt in jui jitsu and taught it for a few years but had to stop due to family and such. Now I am practicing (happily mind you) Wah Lum Kung Fu (Mantis style to some) as wells Toyama Ryu Batto Jitsu (Japanese Sword).

imho sparring (full or light) is an integral part, without you may as well take up jogging and get a membership at a gym because you arent really going to learn how to fight or defend yourself. The first time you get solidly popped on the nose you're gonna lose it in more ways then one, but thats another story.

Things to look out for, dont sign any contracts, most are bogus and rip offs. If there are 10 year old black belts, walk away. If they dont spar, your choice but I wouldnt go there either (unless it is as was mentioned earlier, taiji, taichi, but I know schools that still spar that teach certain styles). If they have more merchandise then students, well, probably should walk away as well.

so yeah, if you have questions, ask, if you lived in Tampa I could suggest a few really good schools for you, but I see you are listed in England and Im not overly familiar with that area hehe But I do know people who are.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I think they have a good one in England; called the Tea sip do jo. ;)

Re: Martial Arts
 

Good one FSA! However, this would be better kept within your house.

However, Ivellis, if you are going to do it, then...jiu jitsu it!

Re: Martial Arts
 

Remember that you should be able to sit in (even if just to watch) on a class for free to get a feel for it. Try out a couple different ones before you make a decision. I learned a ton in just four months of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but stuck with capoeira for years becuse I loved it so much more, even though it was definitely more art than martial. In then end you have to enjoy it or you won't stick with it. Of course, if you have bad knees (like me) then that should rule out certain styles. I can't do capoeira now, but I do enjoy being able to walk.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I did Zen Do Kai for a bit when I was younger. Apparently it was developed by an aussie, and it contains elements from a variety of other martial arts including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate and Boxing. The philosophy encompasses the "if it works, use it", kind of thing. Many in my class seemed to enjoy it, though I didn't very much, finding it quite unpleasant. Took up running instead. If you don't have dickey knees - have you ever thought about doing something like parkour..?

Re: Martial Arts
 

Did Kickboxing for a year, and if you are looking for some stressrelief, i'd strongly recommend giving that a try, you will feel so much better after kicking the crap out of a big punchingbag for half an hour. :D