Martial Arts
 

Anyone here have any experience with any martial arts? I need something new in my life, and as daunting I'll feel being in a class of (possibly) kids who could probably kick my arse (ok I'm sure I'd take a few down, but 10 little ninjas would down the greatest fighter!) I'm not sure where to go. I've looked (briefly, it's 1.41am and I'm slightly pissed off and on a roll with this) and I'd like some first hand opinions if possible.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I recommend Tai Chi,
You don't have to hit anybody, it's a good workout, and if you do need to defend yourself, the accelerated form is a deadly art.

Re: Martial Arts
 

Well, I can't give first hand on this, but most of my friends swear by Tae Kwan Do. Also had a youth pastor who had a black belt in kickboxing, he would occasionally let some of the teens try to take him down.

Tai Bo however, is out of the question, it's step aerobics not martial arts.


I've also heard of the martial art for young children, Tai Mai Shu.

Or the ancient Monkey arts of Fling Puu.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I took Taekwondo classes maybe ten years ago. I liked it better than my friend's generic Karate classes.

Most martial arts schools have age brackets, so you most likely won't end up in the same time slot as kids.

The White Belt classes are generally pretty easy. They're more about getting you in shape and teaching you the idea of katas, punches and kicks.

Personally what I'd like to get into is Judo. It seems kind of fun.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I studied Aikido for about three years and really enjoyed it for it's pacifistic and abstract spiritual philosophy. It's non-combative in nature and usually includes a written component when it comes to gradings.
Training in it also helped me make key lifestyle changes and became a kind of physical therapy from the depressive rut I was in at the time.
As for what type of art to go for, I guess it depends on what you're really looking at achieving with it. There's lots of options out there.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I did Chum Kune Do for several years, before I had to leave for about four different reasons.
Make sure you do something which isn't likely to destroy your knees.

Re: Martial Arts
 

Karate can be good but the sparring hurts. You have to get a few belts before you start sparring but it can be a scary experience. Other than that it might be ok.

Re: Martial Arts
 

I did (at about age 12/13) do a bit of karate and got up to the...fourth belt? I think the next belt was where I would do sparring and stuff, I had all the pads and whatnot.

Re: Martial Arts
 

We saw one guy get a karate chop to the side of his eye socket. It started bleeding, and it looked like it hurt.

Re: Martial Arts
 

Recently talked to a friend of mine about her kickboxing classes. She said they throw a basketball at your stomach to build muscle strength. Hmm. Not sure how painful it would be but probably builds up a six-pack pretty quickly.

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