Martial arts?

Estrosiath Durothil · Post by **Estrosiath Durothil** » March 22, 2005, 4:48 pm

Sup folks?
It's been a while since I last posted, but since I have a dilemma I thought I might as well tap into the bottomless well of wisdom that is the vault *cough*.
To be curt about it : I'd like to start training for a martial art. However, there are just too many out there, and although I do have a few friends who have been practicing for a while, I'm still a bit hesistant as to what I should try. Hence, the inquiry.
But I also understand that asking for a martial art without giving criterias is bloody stupid, and hence. What I am looking for is :

- A martial art that is martial; ie, no bastardised forms of martial arts, like the ones practised by the olympic federations. This automatically disqualifies Karate Shotokan, the WTF form of Taekwondo, and Judo. I'm only aware of these three, but feel free to enlighten me of any other. They're really purty to watch, but they don't do much.
- It needs to have a combat application, and regular sparring.
- It can't be 50% stretching; you don't have time to stretch when you get into a real fight.
- Something that has a strong emphasis on punches.
- Nothing that has an excessive amount of throws or locks.
- I don't really care as to its intensity; whether it is full or semi contact, both are quite altright with me.
- Something that is reasonably popular; ie : I should be able to find somewhere to train in Washington DC (since that's where I will end next year).

Thanks for any and all help. Oh, and happy Easter.

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » March 22, 2005, 4:51 pm

Jeet Kun Do. And don't go to any places that have 'Belt's I think that's kinda lame...

It's the martial Art that Bruce Lee used(created actually), and is effective, not very difficult, and reasonably popular.

Either that or Kung Fu of some form...

Neziroth · Post by **Neziroth** » March 22, 2005, 4:52 pm

jackass

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » March 22, 2005, 4:59 pm

Either Jeet Kune Do or Aikido sound about right based on your criteria...it may be somewhat easier to find an Aikido dojo

Morgrym · Post by **Morgrym** » March 22, 2005, 5:15 pm

I took Aikido for 13 years and it does not sound like something you would like. Simply because there are tons of locks and throws that you said you did not want. Also, it is a forbidden style for ring fights if you were looking for something like that.

Jeet Kun Do is a solid style but good luck finding a decent place to learn from. Sounds like you are looking for strikes and punches with minimum kicking. I suggest Eagle Arm Kung Fu or something along those lines.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 22, 2005, 5:21 pm

Hu Flung Poo

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » March 22, 2005, 5:46 pm

Sup Frenchie!

Estrosiath Durothil · Post by **Estrosiath Durothil** » March 22, 2005, 5:57 pm

Sup Cane?
Nothing much over here. Just doing my masters degree... One year in Italy, on year in DC. Trying to stave off the spectre of work as much as possible.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » March 22, 2005, 6:22 pm

Glad to hear you are doing well sir! And while you are in Italy, make sure to gather and share some good recipes with us!

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » March 22, 2005, 6:29 pm

Start with Karate Champ and work your way up through Mortal Combat and Soul Blade.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » March 22, 2005, 6:58 pm

Find a MMA gym where you live... if you tell me where I could even find one for you. There is no single art that will beat a well rounded, multi-discipline fighter. Ask Fedor

Mr Bacon · Post by **Mr Bacon** » March 22, 2005, 7:15 pm

You know, there's like a butt-load of gangs at this school. This one gang kept wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with a bo staff.

Sionistic · Post by **Sionistic** » March 22, 2005, 8:15 pm

Its difficult to find a good place to learn Jeet Kun Do. Many masters still dont like how it was created.

MooZilla · Post by **MooZilla** » March 22, 2005, 9:51 pm

Hey Rellix, can you take your stuff out of my locker? I dont have any room left in there since i put my num-chucks in.

Mr Bacon · Post by **Mr Bacon** » March 22, 2005, 10:03 pm

Heck yes.

But only if I can have your tots.

archeiron · Post by **archeiron** » March 22, 2005, 11:04 pm

Selecting a martial art and martial art instructor is a very personal thing. You need to go to several different schools on several different nights to see what they do. You should try them out, take advantage of introductory offers, meet the instructors, and then decide if that school, that style, that instructor is right for you. In my experience (2 dozen moves since I began training in the martial arts), it doesn't work out well to select a style in advance, as you set yourself up for disappointment in your new location and miss out on places that would have been great places to train.

I have a Jeet Kune Do school nearby. Personally, I think that it is a dump and that the lessons are not well structured. I think that it is a great style and I would love to study it, but I won't pay the absurd rates of the local school to study in a dirty hallway (it is really that narrow).

Look into a number of different places once you are actually in the area and find out if any of them work for you and are within a reasonable distance from where you will be living.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 22, 2005, 11:11 pm

Are you guys like Pedro's cousins with all the sweet hook-ups?

cid · Post by **cid** » March 22, 2005, 11:25 pm

About time you cut those apron strings and grew a pair Nancy. Tell ya what, when you have learned all you can...... PKIRL!!!!

Mr Bacon · Post by **Mr Bacon** » March 22, 2005, 11:50 pm

This tastes like the cow got into an onion patch.
Correct.
Yessssssssss.

Morgrym · Post by **Morgrym** » March 22, 2005, 11:58 pm

Is that a Liger or a Tigon?

a_guide · Post by **a_guide** » March 23, 2005, 12:10 am

I drive past a Junior High School everyday whose mascot is actually the Ligers... their crosswalk sign says "Liger zone" or something like that LoL

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » March 23, 2005, 3:24 am

I would honestly interview several instructors before taking a martial art.
I personally took Kempo, Kendo and Aikido.
But I would not recommend that to others unless it is what they want to get out of a martial arts experience.
You need to figure out what you want to do, then ask the instructors what they can do to provide you with that goal. I wish i had taken Kung-fu earlier because it really seems to be an all around well-rounded martial art.
Good defense, offense, endurance, grace and speed as well as power.
I took Kempo to learn how to fight, then I continued with it to learn how to not fight long. Kempo is best described as stand up street-fighting karate, less emphasis on showmanship, more emphasis on actual fighting. However its wrestling/grappling is weak. Hence Aikido, Aikido is excellent for grappling/wrestling/throws/lunges/breaks/counters but not so great at actual stand up combat. Combine Kempo and Aikido together and you have an excellent combination. As determined by Tournament winnings =)
Kendo, is a great martial to take to learn how to use weapons properly - both demonstration and combat.

I really can't stress interviewing and watching a class from several instructors. If you can feel comfortable in a class it will make learning the art much easier and more natural. No martial art teaches everything, hence why Bruce Lee devised his own to help combine aspects of several other styles. I recommend taking a few different styles to strengthen your theory then you can expand on the one you are weakest in then move to your stronger arts.

Good luck!

btw don't take Taekwondo - every single tournament and stupid bar fight i've ever been in where the guy took Taekwondo has ended up in him being on his back and usually unconscious in under 20 seconds (and thats being generous with the time estimate) and FFS STAY AWAY FROM ANYTING CALLED "NINJITSU". please. don't be that guy with the Vote for Pedro shirt and the bo staff on his 10 speed.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » March 23, 2005, 4:10 am

Akido is a beautiful martial art but seriously ineffective. MMA is the way to go with strikes, grappling(wrestling) and a healthy dose of BJJ ground work. The training can be intensive, in real life situations a mixed bag will be your best defencs and there are places to train everywhere now.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » March 23, 2005, 5:13 am

btw don't take Taekwondo - every single tournament and stupid bar fight i've ever been in where the guy took Taekwondo has ended up in him being on his back and usually unconscious in under 20 seconds (and thats being generous with the time estimate) and FFS STAY AWAY FROM ANYTING CALLED "NINJITSU". please. don't be that guy with the Vote for Pedro shirt and the bo staff on his 10 speed.

Soooo true on Taekwondo...it is merely a theory and tourney exhibition--utterly useless in most real life events. I studied that crap for a few years when I was a kid and gained virtually nothing from it. At the same time, I studied some Judo/Kung fu hybrid that was an interesting combo of hardcore judo calistenics(sp) and Kung Fu-esque animal forms. Quite cool! It was called Kang Ree, out of Memphis, TN.

Damn shame that was 20 years ago when I didn't really appreciate the discipline. Hmm....almost time to get my ass back into something like that, funding permitting.... good thread!

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » March 23, 2005, 8:06 am

if you want to learn how to kick peoples asses, without much tradition whatsoever, i highly recomend brazilian jiu jitsu...theres only 4 belts (in order to advance it can take around 2 years, all you need to do is proove that you can kick the majority of the other white belts asses)
you go there, you learn how to disarm your foe, thats it...i had a lot of fun with the simple progression

if you want something more traditional and still effective aikido or even hapkido are great choices...the important factor though is that you do reaserch into the location in which you plan to go, about 70% of all martial arts dojos in america are watered down "discipline and excersize" centers, not martial arts dojos

if you want more of a "on foot" boxing style id go for muey thai...its painful as fuck though, you have to hit yourself in the knuckles and shins repeatedly to build cartilage and "toughness"

Estrosiath Durothil · Post by **Estrosiath Durothil** » March 23, 2005, 9:13 am

As I understand it, there are two forms of Taekwondo. The worthless one, taught by the WTF, that is mostly for show and olympic games. Does not have any punching techniques, and is for all intents and purposes a nice work-out where you don't fight your opponent, but try to score points.

And then the traditional form, the full contact one, taught by the ITF.

Edit : I really wanted to try Kempo, but there are no Kempo schools in my region. What about Wing Chun Kung-fu? Is it any good?

Atokal · Post by **Atokal** » March 23, 2005, 10:48 am

I took Kung Fu for 3 years back in my late teens early twenties. Syl's advice is very good. Essentially my Sifu had a philosophy about the art that I found interesting and fit with my personal goals.

One of the unique things I found about Kung Fu is that you fight on many levels (High, Low, Middle etc) where other forms tend to be straight forward. The form I studied most was Tiger which has many forms incorporated under the umbrella of Tiger.

Anyhow had fun, learned a lot and still regret that I did not continue in my training. For physical fitness it was absolutely great as well.

Good Luck with your search

PS.

Estrosiath Durothil wrote:
Edit : I really wanted to try Kempo, but there are no Kempo schools in my region. What about Wing Chun Kung-fu? Is it any good?

Buddy of mine at work is an instructor in this art. From what I have seen and heard from him it is a fantastic martial art. Economy of movement, fierce strikes, pretty much stays away from the showboat kicks moves etc.

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » March 23, 2005, 10:55 am

If you have a good Kung-fu studio in your region, sit in and definately check it out. That's a shame Kempo isn't available in your area, it's what I like to call a great foundation martial art. One that teaches you everything you need to know about fighting but still leaves you open to learn new techniquest to interchange with its art.

and lol @ Xzion, ok Eddie Goro. Last time I saw someone doing the "new age" Brazilian martial art I kicked him in the head and knocked him out in under 8 seconds before advancing to the next round in one of the Nashville Open Black Belt Competitions. Don't take that crap, its a movie martial art. IF you want to learn how to take a serious beating and how to cry in the corner, follow Xzion's advice. Less Tekken k?

Mr Bacon · Post by **Mr Bacon** » March 23, 2005, 11:22 am

Rex Kwondo!

sweetkastings · Post by **sweetkastings** » March 23, 2005, 1:11 pm

if memory serves me right, Jeet Kun Do is emphisied on speed and not he power, Bruce Lee when trained was all about speed and when you go hit by him it wasn't a power punch, but sumthing to knock you off balance.
I took karate for 5 years made my way to the 6 ranks out of 9 (9 being black belt) and i wish i would have tooken something else. I think Jeet Kun Do is what you need.

Deward · Post by **Deward** » March 23, 2005, 1:30 pm

I took TaeKwonDo for three years in college. I really liked my instructor but it was essentially a diploma mill for advancement and it was fairly worthless from a defensive point of view.

When I moved to a bigger city (Milwaukee), I had the opportunity to study traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. It was awesome because of the tradition. It didn't put the emphasis on buying your next belt. The instructor watched you and determined when you were ready to test. He usually just decided that you were ready and then you would take a 5 minute test at the end of a class on that rank's techniques. I really enjoyed it but had to leave when I moved to a different town. All they have here is tae kwon do and some russian crap.

The same school did teach Ninjitsu but in order to learn that art, you had to first work through the Jiu Jitsu ranks (about three years) before the teacher would allow you to start that. It was essentially Jiu Jitsu but with ten times the amount of moves. It wasn't the bastardized ninja crap where you are sneaking around or climbing walls. It was a lot of weapon work though. The school I worked in could trace its roots back for several hundred years and the school's leader would visit from Japan once a year for a very fine party. The school also limited it's number of students to about 50 and classes usualy only had about 7-10 students in a session.

If you are looking for a punching art then look into one of the Thai Kickboxing arts. They emphasize a lot of quick strikes from what I have seen. You have an advantage in living in DC in that it should have every art imaginable. As someone above said, try out different places and make sure you are compatible with the style. I personally like a rigid, traditional style of art.

*~*stragi*~* · Post by ***~*stragi*~*** » March 23, 2005, 1:43 pm

Sylvos wrote:If you have a good Kung-fu studio in your region, sit in and definately check it out. That's a shame Kempo isn't available in your area, it's what I like to call a great foundation martial art. One that teaches you everything you need to know about fighting but still leaves you open to learn new techniquest to interchange with its art.

and lol @ Xzion, ok Eddie Goro. Last time I saw someone doing the "new age" Brazilian martial art I kicked him in the head and knocked him out in under 8 seconds before advancing to the next round in one of the Nashville Open Black Belt Competitions. Don't take that crap, its a movie martial art. IF you want to learn how to take a serious beating and how to cry in the corner, follow Xzion's advice. Less Tekken k?

pretty sure i've yet to see a movie that used brazillian jiujitsu and i'm even more sure you have no idea what it really is!

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » March 23, 2005, 1:47 pm

Pretty sure I do stragi but thanks for playing!

Moonwynd · Post by **Moonwynd** » March 23, 2005, 2:03 pm

I have formally studied Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu for nearly 17 years. It is a big part of my life and it always will be. While primarily a sword/weapon art it also encompasses hand to hand arts as well.

Now, this would not be a good choice for the person wanting to learn a purely self defense/offensive art like Krav Maga or the Russian SPETSNAZ based systems. What I study "was" an effective, military fighting system in pre Tokugawa/pre feudal as well as feudal Japan. There is not much use for swords. polearms and the like in today's modern combat applications.

However, I will put my self defense skills up against any of the schools mentioned in this topic. It is my experience that all combat systems effectiveness is based in skill and mind set. While I would not bring a sword to a gunfight as it were...I could certainly use what I have been studying all of these years in a modern self defense application. It is all about distance, timing and using what you have to your advantage.

I would stay clear of Tae Kwan Do and what I call McDojos...money making operations with self appointed "masters". These are often inaffective as a defensive/combat art and are usually money sinks (high monthly fees/dues, high fees to "test" for your "belts", purchase of your gear through the dojo at a premium price). I pay nothing to train each week. I have never paid anything to my sensei/dojo. In traditional koryu bujutsu there was never a fee to learn. My only costs have been in time, gear, and travel expenses.

Someone mentioned Aikido and said it was ineffective. A good aikidoka is somone to be reckoned with. I have found myself on my back more than once when having some serious fun with the local Aikido sensei.

My advice...

1. If you want a purely self defense/combative art then go with something like SPETSNAZ Russian System, Krav Maga or some form of Gracie fighting style.

2. If you want something that incorporates a lineage, history and tradition as well as combative applications then I would go with a legitimate bujutsu (Japanese martial art).

3. If you want something competative and more of a sport then I would go with TKD or even Kendo.

4. Remember, any art where there are excessive "flying", "Jumping" or "spinning" kicks is all flash and little function...and you will wind up on your back against any competent adversary in the real world.

This is all my humble opinion based on my years of experience.

Regards,

Moon

*~*stragi*~* · Post by ***~*stragi*~*** » March 23, 2005, 4:01 pm

i suggest getting good with a bostaff and trying out for a gang

masteen · Post by **masteen** » March 23, 2005, 4:32 pm

Tae Kwon Do is a good one to start kids on, as they're not likely to hurt themselves, their friends, or YOU with anything they learn in class, yet they will develop the basic skills (how to punch, block, and kick) that will be used in real arts later.

For realistic self defense, Akido is prolly the best. It's fairly easy to learn, and doesn't require great strength or inhuman speed to make it work.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 23, 2005, 4:49 pm

masteen wrote:Tae Kwon Do is a good one to start kids on, as they're not likely to hurt themselves, their friends, or YOU with anything they learn in class, yet they will develop the basic skills (how to punch, block, and kick) that will be used in real arts later.

lol, sounds like Tae Kwon Do is what you take if you like to dance or something but plan to run away if your fancy pre fight moves don't scare your opponent away before the actual fighting takes place.

Rivera Bladestrike · Post by **Rivera Bladestrike** » March 23, 2005, 5:20 pm

I take Hapkido, its pretty cool, its taught as more of a defensive type of martial art. But it pretty much takes techniques from all other forms of martial arts. I'd recommend it.

Canelek · Post by **Canelek** » March 23, 2005, 5:22 pm

Of course, a really good defense can be found in a 10mm Hydrashok in 180gr.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » March 23, 2005, 11:15 pm

Always enjoyed TKD from a fitness standpoint. It's pretty good excercise in general.
For self defense, good old fashioned wrestling is very effective is as any style that can approach as unscathed as possible and subdue quickly.
From my experience, the best defense is not being a testosterone ridden guy that wants to start shit. Self defense should be for just that, defense.

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » March 25, 2005, 11:07 am

Sylvos wrote:If you have a good Kung-fu studio in your region, sit in and definately check it out. That's a shame Kempo isn't available in your area, it's what I like to call a great foundation martial art. One that teaches you everything you need to know about fighting but still leaves you open to learn new techniquest to interchange with its art.

and lol @ Xzion, ok Eddie Goro. Last time I saw someone doing the "new age" Brazilian martial art I kicked him in the head and knocked him out in under 8 seconds before advancing to the next round in one of the Nashville Open Black Belt Competitions. Don't take that crap, its a movie martial art. IF you want to learn how to take a serious beating and how to cry in the corner, follow Xzion's advice. Less Tekken k?

hmm, your obviously confusing BJJ with something else (im assuming kapoera, brazilian dance-fighting, a martial art started when brazils repressive government didnt allow the pratice of martial arts so they were forced to disguse it with dance)...BJJ has to be the least aesthetic martial art there is, its 95% grappling and to the uninformed eye it just usually looks like wrestling...its used by most UFC and pride fighters, if you really think so come on down to my dojo and challenge "botata" to a fight

another hint of advice if you plan to do BJJ, weight training is a must if your not doing so already, sure you can disarm a much stronger opponent then yourself, but making a 250lb dude of pure muscle tap out that does neck excersizes every other day takes a lot of effort unless your skill is flawless

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » March 25, 2005, 12:59 pm

no, im not confusing bjj with anything else. I just wanted to use the Tekken slam.

Pherr the Dorf · Post by **Pherr the Dorf** » March 25, 2005, 1:26 pm

Xzion wrote:
Sylvos wrote:If you have a good Kung-fu studio in your region, sit in and definately check it out. That's a shame Kempo isn't available in your area, it's what I like to call a great foundation martial art. One that teaches you everything you need to know about fighting but still leaves you open to learn new techniquest to interchange with its art.

and lol @ Xzion, ok Eddie Goro. Last time I saw someone doing the "new age" Brazilian martial art I kicked him in the head and knocked him out in under 8 seconds before advancing to the next round in one of the Nashville Open Black Belt Competitions. Don't take that crap, its a movie martial art. IF you want to learn how to take a serious beating and how to cry in the corner, follow Xzion's advice. Less Tekken k?
hmm, your obviously confusing BJJ with something else (im assuming kapoera, brazilian dance-fighting, a martial art started when brazils repressive government didnt allow the pratice of martial arts so they were forced to disguse it with dance)...BJJ has to be the least aesthetic martial art there is, its 95% grappling and to the uninformed eye it just usually looks like wrestling...its used by most UFC and pride fighters, if you really think so come on down to my dojo and challenge "botata" to a fight

another hint of advice if you plan to do BJJ, weight training is a must if your not doing so already, sure you can disarm a much stronger opponent then yourself, but making a 250lb dude of pure muscle tap out that does neck excersizes every other day takes a lot of effort unless your skill is flawless

I have been training with Dave Terrell we had a 3rd degree black belt taekwondo guy come in and talking smack about how in real life situations bjj was useless, one of our purple belts tapped him in about 20 seconds with an armbar

Diae Soulmender · Post by **Diae Soulmender** » March 25, 2005, 1:53 pm

I am the Master of my own art form and Dojo. My art is purely self-defense. I have called my style "Run Far Fast". The basic concept of my formal art is that when ever faced with danger we teach you how to run really fast in the opposite direction for a long ways. Its great exercise and you rarely ever get punched, smacked, kicked or shot. I have trained in this art form for around 36 years now and I can now run 74 mph.

Sionistic · Post by **Sionistic** » March 25, 2005, 6:09 pm

Diae Soulmender wrote:I am the Master of my own art form and Dojo. My art is purely self-defense. I have called my style "Run Far Fast". The basic concept of my formal art is that when ever faced with danger we teach you how to run really fast in the opposite direction for a long ways. Its great exercise and you rarely ever get punched, smacked, kicked or shot. I have trained in this art form for around 36 years now and I can now run 74 mph.

Are you currently taking students?

Diae Soulmender · Post by **Diae Soulmender** » March 25, 2005, 6:31 pm

Sionistic wrote:Are you currently taking students?

I am not currently taking on students. I have retired from being the Master. I have passed my torch to Maurice Greene who you might know as running the 200 meter dash in 9.79 seconds. He was a great student of mine, but not even close to The Master. My adrenal glands are the size of footballs and my legs look, to the average uninformed person, as 2 large brontosaurus type apphendages.

Perhaps I will break the 80 mph mark soon.

Until then I recommend the following to you if you wish to follow in my footsteps:

Go to your local bar/tavern/pub/inn and pick a fight with the biggest son of bitch in the building. I mean really piss him off. Tell him you fucked his sister/mother/father/cousin/dog and get him wanting to not just hurt you, but wanting to kill you. Once you see the murder in his eyes run! Run as fast as you can. None of this wussy ass run and get in your car thing. Just take off down the street. Once he sees this Im sure he will get in his car and come after you.... keep running...

Sylvos · Post by **Sylvos** » March 25, 2005, 6:33 pm

in Oregon Mexican Judo is rising in popularity as well.

You know...

Judo know if i got a gun...
Judo know if i got a knife....

*~*stragi*~* · Post by ***~*stragi*~*** » March 25, 2005, 6:40 pm

i just counterstrike bitches all day long with my counterterrorism knife jack bauer style

Gemily · Post by **Gemily** » March 26, 2005, 7:07 am

Sylvos wrote:in Oregon Mexican Judo is rising in popularity as well.

You know...

Judo know if i got a gun...
Judo know if i got a knife....

PFFFFT thats Puerto Rican Judo, get it right!!!!!!