Hi...New fella here - JP Fitness Forums

MFS_is_me · 01-27-2008, 03:00 PM

Hey everyone. I'm new here...Well, not really...I've been lurking for a while and reading a lot until I've finally decided to sign up. I'm 18 years old, studying pharmacology. Anyways, I've been interested in martial arts and I've been looking for a place around here that teaches MMA. Unfortunately, nothing. So, I've looked around and I found a dojo that teaches various martial arts. Problem is...I have no idea which one is right for me. So, any ideas?

Jokerz · 01-27-2008, 04:14 PM

Go take a look at every class, and pick the one that interests you the most.

Jean-Paul · 01-27-2008, 04:14 PM

Where do you live?

There are several really good places around here (Little Rock).

MFS_is_me · 01-27-2008, 08:43 PM

Well, I don't live in the U.S. Well, I'll try and describe what I'm looking for and you guys might give me an idea of what's good for my goals. I'd like something that'd give me confidence to stand my ground whenever I get attacked. Even when it's more than one person. I was thinking of tae-kwon-do. Since I like all the kicking...Also, how about kung-fu? However, I have no idea what it focuses on. On a side note, I'm skinny...So I might get started on NROL H1 and 2. No problems there, right?

ed7501 · 01-27-2008, 10:47 PM

What are your choices in your area? If you're interested in MMA, you probably won't find what you want in Tae Kwon Do or Kung Fu (there are also many styles of Kung Fu... some focus on kicks, others don't). but if that's all thats available, you can find out if the Kung Fu school have a San Da program. "San Da" is a Chinese kickboxing style that focuses on kicks and throws, and is similar to the stand-up portion of MMA. Hope that helps!

MFS_is_me · 01-28-2008, 04:42 AM

Well, I'll give them a visit tonight (it's like 3 in the afternoon over here). But it's exactly MMA that I'm interested in. IMO, MMA is used mostly for one-on-one. I want something that can help me stand my ground in one-on-one and also if I get attacked by more than one.

MFS_is_me · 01-29-2008, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFS_is_me

Well, I'll give them a visit tonight (it's like 3 in the afternoon over here). But it's exactly MMA that I'm interested in. IMO, MMA is used mostly for one-on-one. I want something that can help me stand my ground in one-on-one and also if I get attacked by more than one.

WHOOPS! I didn't mean "it's exactly MMA I'm interested in...", I meant "it's NOT exactly MMA I'm interested in". Sorry about that.

MFS_is_me · 01-29-2008, 11:35 AM

Well, I've paid my local dojo a visit. They teach mainly 2 styles of martial arts: Shotokan Karate and Tae-kwon-do. I do know that the main focus of tae-kwon-do is kicking and it's something that I'm really interested in. However, I've got no idea what Shotokan Karate practices. I've also found a local teacher who teaches ninjutsu. However, I'd be very weary about someone who teaches that art (IMO, it's very difficult). Anyhow, I've got 2 questions: What does "Shotokan Karate" focus on? Also, would it be counter-productive to practice both arts at the same time? they teach 3 days a week for each art on seperate days.

Jokerz · 01-29-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFS_is_me

Well, I've paid my local dojo a visit. They teach mainly 2 styles of martial arts: Shotokan Karate and Tae-kwon-do. I do know that the main focus of tae-kwon-do is kicking and it's something that I'm really interested in. However, I've got no idea what Shotokan Karate practices. I've also found a local teacher who teaches ninjutsu. However, I'd be very weary about someone who teaches that art (IMO, it's very difficult). Anyhow, I've got 2 questions: What does "Shotokan Karate" focus on? Also, would it be counter-productive to practice both arts at the same time? they teach 3 days a week for each art on seperate days.

I believe that shotokan karate, will have kicks and punches. But both of those art forms have Katas(forms). I also know that neither allow punches to the head, only kicks

sg516 · 01-31-2008, 01:45 PM

with the tkd school you should check to see if its olympic tkd or a more traditional style. the olympic style is not useful for anything but competing in very controlled matches (at least as far as i have seen). the more traditional schools will actually teach you to punch and kick and defend yourself. but in america it seems most of the tkd schools get caught up too much in the flashy, low percentage techniques rather than drilling the basics. but it might be different where you are. i am not 100% positive on this one and am willing to accept correction but shotokan is a japanese style of karate not okinawan. as a result many of the shotokan schools focus more on linear techniques rahter than the ciruclar and angular movements you find in styles like goju ryu.

are these the only styles of martial arts available to you?