Marital Arts

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.

09-09-2008, 15:58	#11
semi-pro waster Provider of sensible advice about homosexuals Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Posts: 2,615	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. __________________ "Your friend is the man that knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubbard Last edited by semi-pro waster; 09-09-2008 at 16:00.