Why study martial arts???

[Bond007]

Brad, I just started TKD in March of 2005 at age 37 mostly because I was looking for a structured system that would provide great cardio, help me to learn a skill, provide tangible milestones, and improve flexibility and endurance. Martial Arts provides all that and so much more! I was sick and tired of spending 20 minutes on the eliptical trainer or treadmill doing HIIT. I've found that much prefer spending my Tuesdays and Thursdays doing TKD. Yeah, I could have done aerobics, but it doesn't provide any real "tangible" system of advancement.

I don't need any more self-confidence, self-esteem, or to protect my family from evil forces (I live in a relatively sleepy little town). Hell, there'd be no living with me if I had more of those atributes. As it is, I sometimes border on "cocky", just ask Chris!!

Besides, I really do enjoy it!

[Q.]

Thanks, Bond, that's good feedback! I'd love to hear more but everyone else may not...?

I haven't heard back from the instructor but, if the times work out, I'll probably do it much for the same reasons.

[Bond007]

Something else, Q. I've started staying after my class and assisting my instructor with the lower colored belts in the class immediately after mine. Granted, I don't profess to know it all, but I do have enough knowledge to help the lower belts succeed and learn in their respective forms. It's also teaching me a few more things as well, such as thinking on my feet, being able to talk someone else through a form while also doing it myself, helping to reinforce my knowledge of all the forms I've learned thus far in my journey, and most importantly patience! I have by no means "mastered" much, but I've also only been doing this for 9 months.

I do intend for TKD to be a lifelong pursuit, though. An acting professor once told me and my classmates that if you're planning on going into acting and only giving yourself 5, 10, 15, etc. years to become successful, then you should change majors right now. It MUST be a lifelong pursuit, and you must be prepared to make that committment. If you can't, you're just wasting your time.

I'd be glad to elaborate on anything else that will help you in making your decision or should you decide to start, to aid in your journey.

Best of luck, Q!

[Q.]

The guy I want to take from teaches karate and judo separately. I don't know enough about either to make an intelligent decision but I was leaning toward judo.

Hey, if you think it's fun, I'm all for having fun! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[kuri]

Q, since I've studied both Karate & Judo perhaps I can help clear up any questions you have.

What you would likely do in Judo would be learning breakfalls & rolls, then basic throws once you know how to fall properly.

Alot of throw practice involves lifting your partner up and completing half the throw. Trust me that this is a great workout.

Most workouts begin with stretching, situps/pushups/squats, and drills such as back bridging, shrimping, rolling, and other skills that are useful in grappling & being able to safely take a throw.

Karate obviously is different in that you'll likely be learning punch/kick/elbow techniques and forms (kata) for the first few months before being allowed to spar.

If your looking for a workout I'd say Judo would give you a harder workout.

As for developing focus, discipline etc... there is no difference between the arts, only the teacher.

[Chris Correia]

Brad: Karate=punch, kick & block, staying mostly on your feet.
Judo=grabbing, throwing, sweeping, falling and rolling, a lot on the mat and one your back.

Your preference. Start it and stick with it and you will be fulfilled.

[Marykaa]

As I see them..

Judo has that "wrestling with brother" quality about it many of us experienced in our youth. But developped to an art.

and

Karaté is a very "clean cut & and technical" art..

so many people prefer one over the other very clearly.. a few can like both.

of course I don't mean by that that jodo isn't technical, nore that karaté isn't fun!!! ( I hope I won't be misunderstood here I see sort of the same differences as between Epée and Foil)

[Bond007]

Nah, Mary, I believe you made yourself very clear.

[ZachL]

this is all very interesting reading. I am thinking about doing tae kwan do. One of my best friends is a third or fourth degree black belt and has been begging to teach me once a week. I will have to make the time, though, so I'm not sure it's going to happen.

[Steve]

The martial arts training I have done has all been in boxing. I've been boxing on and off since I was a boy (11 years old). I'm 42 now.

I love the intensity of the workout and the focus that the sport demands. I have trouble concentrating for long periods of time, so it helps me get centered, stay in the present moment, and channel intensity into limited periods of time.

It has also been great for building confidence. Indeed, most of the pro boxers and the really good amateurs around whom I have trained do not get into fights on the street. They know who they are; they have no need to prove themselves.

I like the HIIT benefits, too. That's probably obvious, but the important part for me is that I can stay interested. My mind wanders a lot and I "tune out" many aspects of workouts and sports. So I like to be able to do something that gives me high intensity for both brief bursts of time and over the course of say, an hour-and-a-half or two-hour workout.

[Chris Correia]

Hey, Steve, thanks for chiming in!

Your post contains a lot of good perspective on what can be so special about martial arts training, be it boxing or ba gua (did I spell that correctly? I just needed another "b" word. LOL)

Are you currently training? Also, as an instructor, I'm curious: what have the been reasons for your training being "on" and for being "off"? Why have you stopped, and what's gotten you going again?

Feel free to elaborate as much as you'd like. Thanks for your input!