View Full Version : Marital Arts
For starters - this guy is a Legend
Taekwondo Master Demonstration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdWtNLkxg3c)
And seconds... any of you people do martial arts?
I've been looking around at different local sports trying to find something a bit different and that I would find gratifying, hard work and yet allow me time to relax and forget myself.
Currently I'm intrigued by both Taekwondo and Kick Boxing. Down the road they do taster sessions and I'm tempted to pop along and see what they're all about.
Never ever done anything like this before. Any thoughts anyone?
I'm a green belt in Oregano. :D
I'll get my coat :(
I'm a green belt in Oregano. :D
I'll get my coat :(
Hahahahaha! That and vixs Llama song has made my morning :D
I did Taekwondo when I was at school, really enjoyed it - wish I could still do one now, I fear though that I'm a bit too bulky and lack a lot of flexibility to do it now.
Justsomebloke
09-09-2008, 08:45
My neighbour is a Taekwondo instructor, He also had the Chinese Master dude staying at his house for about 18 months, Proper Bruce lee dude & I recently heard that he has been upped to a Proffesor now :cool: Ma the Chinese dudes dad is Well famous in China & has been honoured by the governement over there. I'll have to chat with him again & get the details as my head memory fails me when it comes to what honour & his family name.
As far as taking it up I would say Go for it as it has kept my neighbour & his Missus in Excellent shape. He was 41 Friday & she is around 46, They Both look Fantastic, not bulky at all just fit, toned & flexible, If that makes sense ;D
leowyatt
09-09-2008, 08:51
I did Aikido for a long time when I was in secondary school and Uni. That was a great laugh, a little different and everyone can do it any age. When you've seen an 89 year old man around 4ft nothing chucking 4 17st fellas around you know anything is possible ;D
I don't think this is the same fella but it's a good watch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXoMyD50MG0).
Ah yes Aikido is something I'm interested in, because with my size it can be a very effective self defense mechanism. For some reason when I'm out with my friends I'm often the one that gets "picked" on :/
leowyatt
09-09-2008, 09:04
Ah yes Aikido is something I'm interested in, because with my size it can be a very effective self defense mechanism. For some reason when I'm out with my friends I'm often the one that gets "picked" on :/
Well the beauty is anyone can do it young and old they can get the same result as the beefy people. I really want to get back into it but it's a case of finding the right type. I was taught by a guy called Keith Hayward who runs a variety of clubs around the country. I think your nearest (liked to him) is Cambridge.
For some reason when I'm out with my friends I'm often the one that gets "picked" on :/
*cough* Frenchie *cough*
;)
Bourguignon!
/me bitch slaps Pheebs.
Leo - yeah that's the joy of it *anyone* can do it! It's all about using one person's aggression to your advantage.
leowyatt
09-09-2008, 09:12
/me bitch slaps Pheebs.
Leo - yeah that's the joy of it *anyone* can do it! It's all about using one person's aggression to your advantage.
aye though there is one simple technique which if performed incorrectly you can potentially kill someone :shocked: :shocked:
My Bro-in-law has his own Thai Boxing gym. I've had to give up all punching and padwork because of my tendonitis. Bah.
I go to Kickboxing now and again, its a really good workout... last monday I made a buddy (we were the only girls in the class) the first time I went to the kickboxing class some poor bloke got lumbered with me... I felt sorry for him because I wasn't strong enough to absorb his punches.. but now I have a bud all should be well! :D
Got me own gloves aswell as the ones they provide are stinky smelly.
I think doing the classes at the gym are a good taster, I was looking at joining a club (where you pay membership, insurance and the like and can do you gradings) and I would like to do that eventually, but at the moment this is (free) and less hardcore.
I also did Judo when I was ten :p
BB x
Kell_ee001
09-09-2008, 12:57
I did karate from 12 to 16 - got to black belt and started teaching too :) Really enjoyed it but gave it up when I moved up here :(
I'm a brown belt in Wada Ryu karate. Didn't advance to black and regret letting it slide.
I may pick it back up again one day. :)
chumpychops
09-09-2008, 13:32
I am a Ro-Sham-Bo grand master.
Aikido is still one of my favourite martial arts, highly effective as a self-defence form, against all sorts of fighting and disciplines regardless of size. If I get back into martial arts, that'd be the discipline of choice.
I still have a soft spot for Judo after doing it for several years, but I've never been any good at the actual fighting aspects of it. Technically near perfect, fighting I'm utterly useless. Was a fantastic way to keep fit though. My Sensai insisted on very strict discipline in the school, none of the pratting around that seems to take place in many dojos. Occasionally we would go out to do demonstrations at various events and other clubs (we had a large number of Dan grades, much higher than any other dojo in the area) On one occasion we turned up, got changed, and went and did our warm up routine. We got to the end of it and received a massive round of applause ;D That's how atrocious their discipline was, that we could just do arm stretches and so on together and get applauded!
Martial arts made a big difference to me, changing me from a wimp that could be (and was) pushed around by everyone and anyone to someone who had a sense of self belief, who'd actually stand up for himself and insult people back who ripped the piss out of him.
my mate's all just started Ju Jitsu so i've picked up a few moves from them and i've got well into UFC so lovin MMA \o/
personally though i am tempted to start Aikido when the sports fair comes around again in a few weeks, we'll see :/
semi-pro waster
09-09-2008, 15:24
Currently I'm intrigued by both Taekwondo and Kick Boxing. Down the road they do taster sessions and I'm tempted to pop along and see what they're all about.
Never ever done anything like this before. Any thoughts anyone?
Most obvious question for me would be what do you want to learn the martial art for? Is it self defence, fitness, flexibility, competition, relaxation or something else?
Depending on your answer the martial arts that would be most suited to you will vary. Also try to get recommendations about the local teachers because that makes a massive difference to both what you will learn and how much you enjoy it.
I've done Aikido and Karate for a year or two each, tried Tae Kwan Do, Judo and Kung Fu. My dad does Tai Chi Chuan and has done for quite a few years.
So generally, this kind of thing is a mahoosive positive thumbs up from all?
May just give it a bash then! Will ring up for more details and poop myself into going along!
*edit* just saw your post SPW!
I'm really looking for something which does the following:
1. Works me hard but not to the extent I become a mound of muscle! I just want to be fitter and more toned.
2. Is varied. I think this is another reason I fizzle at the gym. Running on a machine bores the life out of me - I realise I'm knackered - and then I don't want to do anymore.
3. Gives me a push when I need it (so ideally have something to train to/people to train with/instructors yelling at me. If I have to do grades or competitions then I guess I will have to work blooming hard to save myself being KO'd :p )
4. Something I won't get bored of easily
5. Something that will help me relax. But me relaxing isn't necessarily talking a stroll/chilling out on a bed. I need to vent :p
I'm not looking for much really..... *giggles* ;)
semi-pro waster
09-09-2008, 15:58
1. Karate and Tae Kwan Do aren't ideal for defence normally as they are quite 'aggressive' martial arts but they involve a lot of physical activity and can be quite flashy. Don't worry too much about the muscle side of things, it isn't as if you can just start doing exercise and turn into a Ms World competitor.
2. & 3. Karate uses katas which are set forms that you need to perform for gradings so that gives you something to occupy your mind and the techniques change which should help alleviate the boredom although after the 300th time repeating the same thing you might find it to be a bit dull - I'm assuming that Tae Kwan Do has something very similar to katas although I never worked through that far. Some clubs are more sport (competition) orientated than others, you shouldn't have to take part in any competitions if you don't want to but if your club is geared that way then it will be somewhat expected.
4. You should find that a lot of progression is possible as you work through the grades, some schools allow for weapons training as well.
5. Relaxing, well I guess it depends on what you find relaxing but I was thinking more Tai Chi or Aikido as smoother martial arts.
I'd definitely recommend seeing what other people have to say about the instructors and going along for a taster session or two - all you should need to begin with is a pair of jogging bottoms and t-shirts. Kick boxing might be a bit better for self-defence and is excellent cardio but I know less about the progression in it.
ChemicalKicks
09-09-2008, 17:19
EG does a fair bit himself, can't remember what you call it but he seems to enjoy it a lot, be good if he popped round into this thread.
Pheebs - you don't have enough tesosterone in your body to become a mound of muscle so I wouldn't worry, even lifting heavy weights won't turn you into me! :p
However martial arts are great form of exercise and strength development, including balance and concentration.
EG does a fair bit himself, can't remember what you call it but he seems to enjoy it a lot, be good if he popped round into this thread.
its luke on here nobby :p
yep i am a muay thai practitioner been doing it for 6 or more years cant remember lol
love it to bits, its hard as **** and an awesome workout and self defense system and i have had to use it a fair few times in real life situations, it has saved my ass and dealt with bullying chavs down the town ;)
it is regarded as the hardest fighting sport and all the best fighters from ufc/pride and k1 etc are muay thai experts and use muay thai as there main stand up and clinching fight system
taekwondo is not really, imo, a serious form of defence as we had a taekwondo expert train with us for a few weeks but he left as he got his ass well and truly handed back to him on a plate every time he spared even with moderate beginners
the only other thing i would even consider as a stand up defense is kyokoshin karate and this is rarely seen in the uk
if its more of a floor work type wresting thing your after then Brazilian jujitzu or vale tudo is what your after, the later being absolutely nuts and only for the hardcore :)
I'm not overly worried about defending myself and things - I tend to use my gob to get me out of any potentially sticky situations and am hoping I won't ever have to get myself into a situation where I have to kick butt :)
It's more of a sport - something for me to do that will challenge me and be interesting at the same time :)
I used to love volleyball (was uni cap'n I were!) but I would like something different. Hence martial arts!
Though this Muay Thai sounds interesting!! There's soooo many! Tis crazy!
Just had a look at Muay Thai and it seems very boxing-esque! As much as I'd enjoy boxing my socks off it's not the... martial arty type thing I was anticipating :) Maybe I need to see more of it to be convinced...*looks into what's in her area*
yep i am a muay thai practitioner been doing it for 6 or more years cant remember lol
love it to bits, its hard as **** and an awesome workout and self defense system and i have had to use it a fair few times in real life situations, it has saved my ass and dealt with bullying chavs down the town ;)
it is regarded as the hardest fighting sport and all the best fighters from ufc/pride and k1 etc are muay thai experts and use muay thai as there main stand up and clinching fight system
I used to love the training. If you puked while training you were given a round of applause and welcomed to the club!
My bro-in-law is a real hard nut. Very quiet and confident because he has the knowledge that he can handle himself if it comes to it.
He's now decided to cage fight. My sister is a bit worried!
hmmmm. *wonders*
Do you know (of) Darren Collins? Not sure where you're based, but he's in the NW.
im based in staffordshire
i cant say ive heard of the lad tbh
I don't know if he's still involved, but I used to work with him and went to see him take on Richard Cadden for the 62kgs English Title amongst a few others circa 2001 - round Leeds/Wigan way. And he also won the English Light-Welterweight Title I think.Really exciting stuff!
i train with former british middle weight champ and our trainer also trained peter crooke in the early part of his career
I didn't think I'd enjoy it (being a genteel ladytype person ;)) but I LOVED IT!
yeh theres a few bird that train with us and some of them are :jawdrop:
yep i am a muay thai practitioner been doing it for 6 or more years cant remember lol
That's the discipline Tony Jaa specialises in isn't it? It's interesting seeing such a different approach to a discipline: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=TeNyVbpA1j4
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqV1RWDhXc
It seems to me an odd mix of very economical moves, fast, hard but close to the body, for the most part with odd bits of slightly flashier stuff (thought that may just be film fancy stuff)
That's the discipline Tony Jaa specialises in isn't it? It's interesting seeing such a different approach to a discipline: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=TeNyVbpA1j4
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=GuqV1RWDhXc
It seems to me an odd mix of very economical moves, fast, hard but close to the body, for the most part with odd bits of slightly flashier stuff (thought that may just be film fancy stuff)
mate thats nothing like the real thing lol, just pure effects and film glamour bollox
be in awe of the best thai boxer in the world imo Buakaw por Pramuk :
K_gx2QPcJT4
and another of my favorites iron mike zambidis (and some one i try and base my own style on albeit very poorly :p ) :
KEl913vROhQ
It's a real shame that our own martial disciplines have almost entirely gone. There are a few out there that teach them but its often a little hard to find them. I remember catching a documentary several years ago detailing some of our historical arts and seeing clear demonstrations of how they could hold a candle to a fair number of eastern martial arts, but in their own unique culturally influenced style. There did seem to be a tendancy for more heavy set types where you absorb more of the blows to ensure you're in close, and in particular a focus onthe counter-attack being integral with the block, so as their fist came forwards, one arm moved to block and the same momentum was involved in your other fist taking advantage of the cleared area of body from their attacking fist for a swift blow.
I think... Garp... that's what I'm trying to find. Something a bit more traditional. Muay Thai to me just looks mainly like boxing with a few kicks thrown in (apologies for the dumbing down as I am aware it's much more than that and a blooming hard sport to take grasp of/keep up with) But I think if I wanted to learn the skills of fighting involving mainly fisticuffs I would take up boxing (which I have considered in the past buuuut figured I wanted a bit more than learning to throw punches!).
*erk* re-reading that it sounds insulting to Muay Thai but it's no way meant to! Sowwy!
If anyone can explain better what I mean then by all means do :)
I think... Garp... that's what I'm trying to find. Something a bit more traditional. Muay Thai to me just looks mainly like boxing with a few kicks thrown in (apologies for the dumbing down as I am aware it's much more than that and a blooming hard sport to take grasp of/keep up with) But I think if I wanted to learn the skills of fighting involving mainly fisticuffs I would take up boxing (which I have considered in the past buuuut figured I wanted a bit more than learning to throw punches!).
*erk* re-reading that it sounds insulting to Muay Thai but it's no way meant to! Sowwy!
If anyone can explain better what I mean then by all means do :)
i think tai chi maybe more up your street then
in fact tbh i think yoga is what your really after ;)
lol!
Tai chi was fun when I did it and despite making me ache in places I never thought I could ache... didn't exhaust me/push me to my limits :)
lol!
Tai chi was fun when I did it and despite making me ache in places I never thought I could ache... didn't exhaust me/push me to my limits :)
look trust me when i say thai boxing
theres no contact unless you go to sparring classes, the fitness is second to none and tbh anything, no matter what it is, from boxing, kungfu, karate to thai boxing will involve the same fitness cardio vascular type circuit training they all involve streching and working on your suppleness etc.
so if your going to do a martial art you might as well do the most effective, in muay thai
also there is a large amount of spiritual type "che" bollox if you do the ram muay, as i seem to sense you require this spiritual type stuff
Wai Kru Ram Muay :
8csH-shXM_A
Hehehehheehee! It looks like they have bright yellow garlic round their necks ;D From 2mins 20 the guy in green looks like he's trying to get rid of a wedgy by some leg wangling! Heeeeehehehehehehe!
Looks very interesting :D
A Place of Light
11-09-2008, 00:56
If one martial arts style was better than all others, we'd all be doing it.
@ the OP.
Try a few different styles to see which meets your requirements. We are all different in terms of physiology, stamina, pain threshold and ergonomics and for this reason you find that you'll have an aptitude for some things and not for others.
I did Ju-Jitsu at Uni and greatly enjoyed it. Unfortunately a 60 mile round trip to keep it up is a little much especially given the fact that getting away from work at 5pm tends to happen once a month not twice a week and traffic would be terrible.
Can highly recommend it though, keep meaning to try some other styles that are more local but still not got around to it :s
Thanking you people for your thoughts and what not! Apol - I think I will have to have a look around at different sorts :) Was kind of my aim to the thread - to learn about different sorts to find one that suits! Been quite interesting I didn't realise how many different types of martial arts there were!
Jmc41 - 60mile trip! Erk! I hope you find something a bit more local!
A Place of Light
11-09-2008, 20:07
Thanking you people for your thoughts and what not! Apol - I think I will have to have a look around at different sorts :) Was kind of my aim to the thread - to learn about different sorts to find one that suits! Been quite interesting I didn't realise how many different types of martial arts there were!
There are several hundred styles of Karate alone!!!
TBH you need to decide exactly what you want from learning a MA, as this will determine which is best for you. You may just want something that will return you a high level of fitness/agility with the added novelty of it being related to a different culture to boot. You may want to go down the competition route, or you may want to learn an actual self defence system for that "just in case" scenario where someone decides they want your famous baps.
If I were you I really would whore myself around as many different classes as I could find, and indentify what suited me best. There is no "best" style to go for, as the style is as important a part of the equation as the practitioner and his/her own specifics.
If you take lukes suggestion of Thai Boxing for example.
Thai boxing is an explosive form of combat. It works well, but only if you can give it 110%. If you just want to turn up and do a class once a week, then learning Thai Boxing will not give you a devastating ability to defend yourself.
Good, yes, but only if you put the hours in. It does, in any measure, demand high levels of fitness.....so this may appeal to you.
There are several hundred styles of Karate alone!!!
TBH you need to decide exactly what you want from learning a MA, as this will determine which is best for you. You may just want something that will return you a high level of fitness/agility with the added novelty of it being related to a different culture to boot. You may want to go down the competition route, or you may want to learn an actual self defence system for that "just in case" scenario where someone decides they want your famous baps.
If I were you I really would whore myself around as many different classes as I could find, and indentify what suited me best. There is no "best" style to go for, as the style is as important a part of the equation as the practitioner and his/her own specifics.
If you take lukes suggestion of Thai Boxing for example.
Thai boxing is an explosive form of combat. It works well, but only if you can give it 110%. If you just want to turn up and do a class once a week, then learning Thai Boxing will not give you a devastating ability to defend yourself.
Good, yes, but only if you put the hours in. It does, in any measure, demand high levels of fitness.....so this may appeal to you.
tbh mate i think that applies with any martial art and i fail to see how you single thai out as needing more commitment than any other
tbh mate i think that applies with any martial art and i fail to see how you single thai out as needing more commitment than any other
More risk of injury for a start and all that hardening of the shins and so on? It's also bad for the joints because it's high impact stuff. I'm sure you've seen plenty of injuries.
FWIW, I reckon a good Ju Jitsu class is the best compromise for most people. Lots of throws, locks, shows you how to punch, how to counter and so on but like APoL says, have a good look round. Ultimately, I think the style is less important than your instructor, your commitment and your "classmates".
More risk of injury for a start and all that hardening of the shins and so on? It's also bad for the joints because it's high impact stuff. I'm sure you've seen plenty of injuries.
FWIW, I reckon a good Ju Jitsu class is the best compromise for most people. Lots of throws, locks, shows you how to punch, how to counter and so on but like APoL says, have a good look round. Ultimately, I think the style is less important than your instructor, your commitment and your "classmates".
depends at what level you do it. in a beginers class, ime, all you do is light pad work. at our gym that was all i did for the first year and you can continue doing that
you dont have to do all the hardcore shin hardening stuff as you are only kicking pads that dont hurt. shin hardening is for competition only. u spar with shin pads on, but sparring is more advanced anyway and some people dont even spar
Piggymon
12-09-2008, 18:46
I've been doing boxing for the last few months. The instructor has now left so starting Kickboxing next week :D
Can't wait RAAAAAAH !!
Did Jung Shin Kwan Hapkido for three years and made it through seven belts to the senior grades. Unfortunately at the end of 2007 my instructor married her partner (also an instructor) and they moved away. Now the closest school is about an hour away. :(
Hapkido is quite similar to Aikido - using the opponent's body weight to your advantage - plenty of locks, holds and redirects. Most of it is technique so there's not a lot of physical endurance, but grappling was hard work; kneel on the mats opposite your opponent and use whatever technique you can to make them tap out. 60 seconds of trying to pin someone attempting exactly the same thing as you is exhausting and occasionally excruciating.
everytime I look at this thread I think it says 'marital arts'. :huh:
I didn't but I do now!
I find any sort of physical fighting or combat very stress releiving. My ex and I used to have fights, protecting ourselves with pillows. Looked very silly but worked.
We ended up hating each other though.
A Place of Light
13-09-2008, 13:57
tbh mate i think that applies with any martial art and i fail to see how you single thai out as needing more commitment than any other
Because Thai boxing relies on an extremely high level of fitness more than almost any other fighting style.
Think of it this way. A doctor is more skilled and knowledegable than a first aider, right? Now take a first aider who's halfway through a six week full time course and really enjoying it, then put them against a trainee doctor who only has one lecture a week and isn't really putting any effort in.
Which would be more effective should someone become injured?
Thai boxing is extremely effective, but unless you train hard it's no better (and in some cases worse as some style produce better results given minimal effort) than any other form of combat.
A Place of Light
13-09-2008, 14:05
I didn't but I do now!
It seems that you should, as someone has changed the thread title.....allegedly
Hmm.
:D
Because Thai boxing relies on an extremely high level of fitness more than almost any other fighting style.
Think of it this way. A doctor is more skilled and knowledegable than a first aider, right? Now take a first aider who's halfway through a six week full time course and really enjoying it, then put them against a trainee doctor who only has one lecture a week and isn't really putting any effort in.
Which would be more effective should someone become injured?
Thai boxing is extremely effective, but unless you train hard it's no better (and in some cases worse as some style produce better results given minimal effort) than any other form of combat.
i dont think it comes down to how hard you train. its more of how long a period you have been training, experience, which is the same for anything in life
i have trained hard in the past but these days i just hide at the back out the way so i dont get told off for being lazy :p
also, defense is the most important thing in thai boxing, avoiding getting hit and blocking and countering
now if you now how to avoid getting hit and have good evasive maneuvers etc you don't have to be super fit to spar some one good, you can just move back wards and sideways and block well. this isnt hard to learn and you dont have to train any harder to learn this than any other MA. the typical thai guard is also very effective in real life when defending yourself against would be assailants
rHIaWVawbz0
yep i am a muay thai practitioner been doing it for 6 or more years cant remember lol
:cool: muay thai is awesome. i'm a massive ufc fan and been getting well into the tony Jaa films - warrior king and Ong Bak. as i've said previously in the thread i'm also considering starting Akaido
Piggymon
20-09-2008, 12:39
Did a kickboxing class at the local leisure centre last Thursday.
Not impressed.
The instructor didn't ask my name, didn't introduce himself to me or ask what I had done before.
I enjoyed the actual movements and it was nice to get some kicking in after just punching but I didn't break a sweat !
He had me sparring FFS !!!
Found a local boxing club who do Muay Thai beginners classes on a Tuesday so going to give that a go instead :)
Did a kickboxing class at the local leisure centre last Thursday.
Not impressed.
The instructor didn't ask my name, didn't introduce himself to me or ask what I had done before.
I enjoyed the actual movements and it was nice to get some kicking in after just punching but I didn't break a sweat !
He had me sparring FFS !!!
Found a local boxing club who do Muay Thai beginners classes on a Tuesday so going to give that a go instead :)
go for it :)
Piggymon
20-09-2008, 20:30
I can't wait to get stuck in there ! :D
You'll prefer that - much harder than leisure centre fitness classes!
Piggymon
21-09-2008, 11:34
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!! :D
Piggymon
23-09-2008, 20:34
Well that was ******** awesome :cool:
Knew you'd love it! Go Piggy!
I'm unable to go have an explore for a while as monies wise... well. It's non existent :(
Boo.
Piggymon
30-09-2008, 21:16
I have a war wound !!111
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/piggymon/Odds%20and%20Ends/Photo-0065.jpg
Really enjoying it :)
I have a war wound !!111
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/piggymon/Odds%20and%20Ends/Photo-0065.jpg
Really enjoying it :)
lol, what was that from elbowing the pads ?
Piggymon
30-09-2008, 21:43
Yep !
Keep missing with the left but then hitting with the right followed by a **** as it hurt ;D
I remember a rather fun practice kicking session, you're meant to move *into* the kick. This they tell us at the end of the session...
lol!
Tai chi was fun when I did it and despite making me ache in places I never thought I could ache... didn't exhaust me/push me to my limits :)
I used to do a form of Kung Fu (Wushu I think) and there were about 5 different sessions you could go to per week. I did some Tai Chi but as you say, it doesn't really knacker you out. I also did some sword practice but the main one was basically practicing the 'form'. I can't find the one I did but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVxFtvH4REM&feature=related) is quite similar. Each movement has a practical application in terms of defence but its put together to make what my girlfriend at the time called a 'dance'. Very tiring and requires a lot of concentration to get the movements right.
Edit: Found it! Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slGULD6Kw1I&feature=related) - I think I got about 20 seconds into that over about 2 months!
I also did some sword practice but the main one was basically practicing the 'form'. I can't find the one I did but this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVxFtvH4REM&feature=related) is quite similar. Each movement has a practical application in terms of defence but its put together to make what my girlfriend at the time called a 'dance'. Very tiring and requires a lot of concentration to get the movements right.
Was it Iaido (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iaido) that you did with the sword? I only did a small number of sessions, and just with a bokken, I just didn't have the time for it at the time though I wanted to do more. Heavy emphasis on the Kata in that discipline. The discipline also goes into use of the fan and knife.
I've seen my old Sensai demonstrate Iaido on numerous occasions, including the two person Katas. With him partnered with the highest grade student, the speed they could get to was breathtaking, particularly with one Kata that ended up with his sword about an inch off the students balls. I hate to think how much practice went into that particular routine ;D
Was it Iaido (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iaido) that you did with the sword? I only did a small number of sessions, and just with a bokken, I just didn't have the time for it at the time though I wanted to do more. Heavy emphasis on the Kata in that discipline. The discipline also goes into use of the fan and knife.
I've seen my old Sensai demonstrate Iaido on numerous occasions, including the two person Katas. With him partnered with the highest grade student, the speed they could get to was breathtaking, particularly with one Kata that ended up with his sword about an inch off the students balls. I hate to think how much practice went into that particular routine ;D
Possibly, very similar if it wasn't. I only used a bokken and struggled due to being left handed.
Haven't been able to pursue this because of health issues. I am, however, officially on the mend as of next week!
\o/
*watch this space*
I'm a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon-do and just about to start training for my 4th which is in Oct 2010! I'm lucky enough to have an extremely good and knowledgeable 6th degree instructor but I do have to travel a fair bit for it.
I also studied Tai Chi for a little while but I found that I came out of every lesson buzzing and needed to go to a TKD class just to calm down... not sure I was doing it right ;)
MarcLister
21-10-2008, 01:01
Marital or martial arts? Can only guess at what marital arts are! :D
Piggymon
25-11-2008, 22:05
Still going and really enjoying it.
Did some grappling stuff today and flung the instructor dude on the floor ;D
Keep thinking about trying Taiho Jutsu in a local club but it just runs in a community centre so no way to go down and practise whenever I wanted.
It's more based on subduing opponents than beating them up and is used by the Hong Kong police force.
Bit of a thread revival here. Has anyone tried Taekwondo ?? There is a new school starting near me and I really fancy giving it a go. I did Kung Fu for about three years but since the school closed I really have missed it so this is a good opportunity to get back into Martial Arts training. How does this differ from other martial arts in terms of it' intensity etc ?
semi-pro waster
12-01-2009, 19:52
I did it briefly years ago and it is fairly intense in that it isn't a particularly defensive martial art like say Aikido or Tai Chi, you do a lot of striking and kicking. It's a good workout and I believe can be quite effective for defence but it is probably less than ideal unless you are relatively fit/flexible.
A Place of Light
13-01-2009, 19:20
Bit of a thread revival here. Has anyone tried Taekwondo ?? There is a new school starting near me and I really fancy giving it a go. I did Kung Fu for about three years but since the school closed I really have missed it so this is a good opportunity to get back into Martial Arts training. How does this differ from other martial arts in terms of it' intensity etc ?
In terms of fitness it's quite demanding, but it's not one of the more effective methods of self defence.
Loki, I did TKD for 17 years - hence where the back end of my name comes from. It's a martial art, similar to Karate but more kick intensive. It can be very intense in terms of training, it will definately teach you how to punch well if you don't understand or know how to punch. Also, it will give you the ability to kick well if you follow the principles well.
Now to the downside. Whilst being excellent in terms of long to mid-range, it is useless for cqb i.e. pub brawl.
Muay Thai is much better for that - I have a friend who has been doing it for 20 years and has his own gym in Bolton. Nice and nasty and the training is hard too. Don't be taken in by the Olympics TKD as that is all about winning points and is useless. The TAGB is about the best affiliation in the UK, unless you want to put body armour on then it's WTF for you. BUT, the TAGB aint what it used to be. When I started in '87 gradings would take over an hour to complete. When I gave it up they were lasting about 20 mins. Full of money grabbing twonks. Luckily my instructor embraced other MArtial Arts and regularly had other peopel come along to demo.
But, it depends what you want from a Martial Art. Is it because they look great and flash? Or do you want to be able to protect yourself? Again, it depends on your mentality and how you percieve yourself when you are "downtown". If you fancy squaring up to someone then maybe you'de be better suited to Boxing. If you are someone who would rather watch from the edge or walk away then you will need not a martial art but a defence system. Ultimately, if you get into a scrap you'll be standing up for a max of 4 punches before it goes into a clinch and ends up on the floor. That's when you need good groundwork. BJJ or Jiu Jitsu are great for ground work.
In this day and age, traditional martial arts are ok, but ideally you want to have knowledge in other disciplines, hence the reason why MMA is so devastating.
I'm currently practicing Krav Maga which imho is awesome. Keeps you away from trouble yet is devastating when put into action. Developed by the Israeli Army and developed to be able to be picked up quickly. It does help if you have some knowledge of punch/kick but as it's a defence system it isn't a pre-requisite.
You'll need a good groin guard though as it's one of the main areas of attack. Mainly deals with Hand/Kick/Knife attacks. But also deals with hand gun defence and the stick attack defence is similar to that of Balintawak/Eskrima but on a smaller scale.
It aims to be as realistic as possible in that it emulates how an attack would be - continual thrusting of the knife etc so it's hard work and you'll come away nicely battered after each lesson :)
AJ2DTw6INho
@ Luke - Ramon Dekkers was my hero :)
EIHeyyLsBwU
Sorry for the meandering waffle, Train Hard/Fight Easy :)
cleanbluesky
02-02-2009, 14:57
Krav is ace. I might start Escrima soon too.
I might start Escrima soon too.
What's that when its at home?
cleanbluesky
02-02-2009, 20:05
What's that when its at home?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ6-4K27QR0
I much prefer the stick action myself JIkZAfrFAeU
Based on 3 ranges, similar to Balintawak - fist/knife/stick, with 11(?) target points
Loki, I did TKD for 17 years - hence where the back end of my name comes from. It's a martial art, similar to Karate but more kick intensive. It can be very intense in terms of training, it will definately teach you how to punch well if you don't understand or know how to punch. Also, it will give you the ability to kick well if you follow the principles well.
Now to the downside. Whilst being excellent in terms of long to mid-range, it is useless for cqb i.e. pub brawl.
Muay Thai is much better for that - I have a friend who has been doing it for 20 years and has his own gym in Bolton. Nice and nasty and the training is hard too. Don't be taken in by the Olympics TKD as that is all about winning points and is useless. The TAGB is about the best affiliation in the UK, unless you want to put body armour on then it's WTF for you. BUT, the TAGB aint what it used to be. When I started in '87 gradings would take over an hour to complete. When I gave it up they were lasting about 20 mins. Full of money grabbing twonks. Luckily my instructor embraced other MArtial Arts and regularly had other peopel come along to demo.
But, it depends what you want from a Martial Art. Is it because they look great and flash? Or do you want to be able to protect yourself? Again, it depends on your mentality and how you percieve yourself when you are "downtown". If you fancy squaring up to someone then maybe you'de be better suited to Boxing. If you are someone who would rather watch from the edge or walk away then you will need not a martial art but a defence system. Ultimately, if you get into a scrap you'll be standing up for a max of 4 punches before it goes into a clinch and ends up on the floor. That's when you need good groundwork. BJJ or Jiu Jitsu are great for ground work.
In this day and age, traditional martial arts are ok, but ideally you want to have knowledge in other disciplines, hence the reason why MMA is so devastating.
I'm currently practicing Krav Maga which imho is awesome. Keeps you away from trouble yet is devastating when put into action. Developed by the Israeli Army and developed to be able to be picked up quickly. It does help if you have some knowledge of punch/kick but as it's a defence system it isn't a pre-requisite.
You'll need a good groin guard though as it's one of the main areas of attack. Mainly deals with Hand/Kick/Knife attacks. But also deals with hand gun defence and the stick attack defence is similar to that of Balintawak/Eskrima but on a smaller scale.
It aims to be as realistic as possible in that it emulates how an attack would be - continual thrusting of the knife etc so it's hard work and you'll come away nicely battered after each lesson :)
AJ2DTw6INho
@ Luke - Ramon Dekkers was my hero :)
EIHeyyLsBwU
Sorry for the meandering waffle, Train Hard/Fight Easy :)
deckers is a legend mate :cool:
favorite of the crrent breed is iron mike zambidis, absolute pit bull
Mnf3Ain86_A
his overhand rights are something else
I agree with Bru on his comments about TKD... Several organisations are somewhat 'soft' - notably the TAGB sessions I have watched but that is not to put people of TKD as I also know of some truly excellent students of awesome capability.
I've followed Martial Arts of several disciplines since the age of 7/8 when I first attended classes in my tracksuit bottoms!
Here I studied Wu Shu Ky BuJitsu Ryu, a mixture of JuJitsu and Wada-Ryu Karate under the Malcolm Burt. I trained for 6/7 years to attain a black belt 1st Dan alongside current Director of Sport Kickboxing Stuart Davies. During my time under Malcolm I won several competitions including 1st place in the UK club weapons championships and 2nd place in the high-grade Kumite in the same championships. At the age of 15 the combination of school commitments and dojo relocation meant I had to sadly leave.
I moved into Western Shotokan Karate after ~12 months break and found the transformation difficult; despite the benefits of experience, Kumite (sparring) ability and transferable knowledge - I found it difficult with the contrasting stances and Kihon.
Old habits die hard I guess!
I attained 1st Kyu after ~3 years but then had to take a long break due to a rugby injury (broken scapula, humerous and collar bone). Upon my return the club had undertaken a major overhaul administratively; my sensei looked to expand, leaving this club in the hands of an instructor who was frankly obnoxious.
This instructor also put up training fees dramatically and decided against the inter-grade training- namely taking me aside one day and aggressively informing me how "you're not to help out the lower grades any more, I'm the instructor, not you, you got that."...
His moronic actions didn't go unnoticed and after myself and several other high grades left the club I have not seen him in any of the newsletters/papers.
The medical issues I experienced in the following 2 years stopped me getting 'back into' exercise or hobbies and I am still in this quite frankly horrible state right now.
Who'd have thought it - I used to be a successful long distance runner, multi-schooled high grade martial artist, county championship winning rugby player trialling for Bristol Shoguns, and now I'm an unfit, overweight and polluted individual who can't even sustain a basic training program. *sigh* anyway,
Martial Arts is a discipline that will always remain a part of me, I grew up with it during arguably the most influential years of my life and the lessons and mindset I achieved and developed throughout that time will never be forgotten :) I highly recommend it to anybody who has the initial interest.
Sorry about the length of this- but it's been rather therapeutic, if a little upsetting.
cleanbluesky
16-02-2009, 18:24
I much prefer the stick action myself JIkZAfrFAeU
Based on 3 ranges, similar to Balintawak - fist/knife/stick, with 11(?) target points
GrpbdqnxSM0
I've been looking into Kali more and there seem to be lots of derivatives. This is Sayoc Kali, which looks ace but there is no opportunity to train in it in the UK. I've narrowed it down to Doce Pares and Bahad Zu'bu, might visit both classes and see what I prefer.
cleanbluesky
16-02-2009, 18:26
Who'd have thought it - I used to be a successful long distance runner, multi-schooled high grade martial artist, county championship winning rugby player trialling for Bristol Shoguns, and now I'm an unfit, overweight and polluted individual who can't even sustain a basic training program. *sigh* anyway,
How big are you? It's rare that long distance runners are the size of rugby players.
Who'd have thought it - I used to be a successful long distance runner, multi-schooled high grade martial artist, county championship winning rugby player trialling for Bristol Shoguns, and now I'm an unfit, overweight and polluted individual who can't even sustain a basic training program. *sigh* anyway...
Having read your post, the only bit I do not believe is highlighted in red.
You can.
How big are you? It's rare that long distance runners are the size of rugby players.
I wasn't what I would call a professional long distance runner - did more things like 10 milers, half marathons etc. But I really enjoyed it and used to be out everyother day/4 times a week.
That along side my rugby training/matches, and martial arts once/twice a week I was the best fitness level and very happy with myself :)
During the peak of this I was around 14 stone and at 5'11, it highlights how I was fairly well built around the chest, shoulders and arms.
Now I'm more like 14.5 stone but have lost alot of muscle from my biceps/back/chest and it has migrated south to the dreaded "dohnut ring".
Having read your post, the only bit I do not believe is highlighted in red.
You can.
:) It's something which I will do. I need to do it really, and now with my medical specialist making my annual appointment for August - I think it is time to get something finally set in place.
James I feel for you - just had my MRI scan on my lower back and hamstring today - both been knackered for years but decided enough was enough... I only train once a week now and need to step up by cross-training jogging... hamstring also affects my road/mtb riding so I have done very little cycling over the last 3 years (but that is mainly due to my daughter being born - amazing how your priorities change ;) ) I walked about 1.5 miles across London to the hospital today for the scan to agravate my injury and I have to say I now want it sorted more than ever - just walking distance hurts :(
All I can say is that it's very easy to sit back and take it easy. I'm 42 this month and believe me, I have to work almost twice as hard as someone in their 20's to try and keep up a decent level of fitness. Don't give in to the armchair man - just eat less/drink less and at least do some power walking - anything to get that metabolic rate up again then you will start getting the old buzz back ;)
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