reservoirdog1 Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi everybody. I'm thinking about taking up a martial art, but I have no idea which one to choose. I tried a few Wing Chun classes a few years ago, but frankly I found them really boring and slow. I'm not interested in a style that emphasizes rigorous, meticulous adherence to form at the expense of getting an actual "workout". My main goals are fitness, self-defense knowledge, enjoyment, and self-esteem building. Plus doing an activity where I can meet some new people. I don't know much about martial arts generally so I could really use some suggestions. Anybody? Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites
TheLoneSock Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hi everybody. I'm thinking about taking up a martial art, but I have no idea which one to choose. I tried a few Wing Chun classes a few years ago, but frankly I found them really boring and slow. I'm not interested in a style that emphasizes rigorous, meticulous adherence to form at the expense of getting an actual "workout". My main goals are fitness, self-defense knowledge, enjoyment, and self-esteem building. Plus doing an activity where I can meet some new people. I don't know much about martial arts generally so I could really use some suggestions. Anybody? Thanks. MMA. It will bust your ass in the gym, teach you the best submission techniques, and you'll probably make a few new buddies in the process. They have all different levels so even a beginner has a place. Link to post Share on other sites
deux ex machina Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Hey! I went to a kenpo school for a long time (Okinawan). I'm "bookmarking" this - deluged with work this weekend. One quick thought: make sure to ask about getting a free/reduced fee to try out any school you go to. Link to post Share on other sites
Devil Inside Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 Hey Res...I started a similar thread not too long ago. Check it out because I think we have similar goals. http://www.loveshack.org/forums/t206480/ I decided to go with Muay Thai. I just finished my first week today. I went four times! It is kind of addictive. Talk about a good workout...bro...I am sore but so energized. I highly recommend it. Link to post Share on other sites
deux ex machina Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 (edited) Hi everybody. I'm thinking about taking up a martial art, but I have no idea which one to choose. I tried a few Wing Chun classes a few years ago, but frankly I found them really boring and slow. That's definitely a great reason to check out various types. Different styles will suit different temperments. I'm not interested in a style that emphasizes rigorous, meticulous adherence to form at the expense of getting an actual "workout". My main goals are fitness, self-defense knowledge, enjoyment, and self-esteem building. Plus doing an activity where I can meet some new people. I don't know much about martial arts generally so I could really use some suggestions. Anybody? Thanks. Kenpo worked well for me, personally. However each school varies so much. The school I went to was smallish - it had a family atmosphere. When I first went, it was difficult for me to touch other people - much less fight. I'm quite reserved and just not the type (unless I know you, haha). The next thing you know, though, I was out there and I couldn't believe it myself That was all down to having the atmosphere and the instructors that were a match for someone who is the shy, high heels and dress person (MA is valuable for everyone across the spectrum). So I do strongly feel a try-out is so important. I wouldn't sign a contract unless you know what you're paying for. I'd ask about style, goals, what experience the instructors have, what their ranking system is, how/if they parry people up, equipment you may be expected to work with, ect. I really hope you give it a try, it's great for confidence, and you'll meet people - going through that together builds camaraderie. Edited November 15, 2009 by deux ex machina I like to add more... :) Link to post Share on other sites
Author reservoirdog1 Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 Just an update, for those who are interested. On the recommendation of a friend who's been doing it for about a year, I got involved in Purple Dragon Don Jitsu. It was started in Trinidad in the 1970s and it's more or less a hybrid of karate and jiu jitsu, though it's acceptable to simply call it karate. So far, I've had a blast. Great workout, fun, good camaraderie, and the feeling that I'm actually learning something and building self-esteem in the process. There's some of the attention to forms that I bemoaned above, but I haven't minded that. Anyway, onward and upward! Link to post Share on other sites
skydiveaddict Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 krav maga google it if you dont know what it is Link to post Share on other sites
LindaEvans Posted December 28, 2009 Share Posted December 28, 2009 Hi everybody. I'm thinking about taking up a martial art, but I have no idea which one to choose. I tried a few Wing Chun classes a few years ago, but frankly I found them really boring and slow. I'm not interested in a style that emphasizes rigorous, meticulous adherence to form at the expense of getting an actual "workout". My main goals are fitness, self-defense knowledge, enjoyment, and self-esteem building. Plus doing an activity where I can meet some new people. I don't know much about martial arts generally so I could really use some suggestions. Anybody? Thanks. Comprehensive and holistic system of Taekwondo training enables anyone 3 to 63 years of age to achieve a strong mind and body built upon traditional values and morals. It has helped me and my kids, I'm sure it would do you the same:)[sIZE=2][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=#2199b7][sIZE=4][/sIZE][/COLOR][/FONT][/sIZE] Link to post Share on other sites
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