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Can I Polish Up My Martial Arts When I Can't Afford a Dojo?

snap_dragon — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:54:16 -0800

Is it possible to practice and brush up on martial arts? I can't afford a dojo and only have my wife to practice on (!!). I know...rather sad. But she is willing to learn so I teach her. Can I polish up my previous learning? I have 3 years in karate 2 years in small-circle jujitsu (wrist lock flowing techniques, and not the Brazilian stuff...which would be great, though)...and a smattering of Aikido. I am not looking to be Bruce Lee or the best cage fighter. I am wanting to perfect what I do know. Is it silly to watch youtube videos and books that I have (excellent reference by Marc Tedeschi etc) to refresh myself as well as practice teaching my wife? What are your thoughts on training in a vacuum if you will? If you have any training ideas or opinions I am open for your knowledge or criticism. I don't want to waste my time.

Is 28 too old to learn karate?

mpls2 — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:51:54 -0800

Realistically, is 28 too old to learn karate or some other martial art (I mean, learn it and be effective with it, not just to have something to do on Saturday mornings)? Thanks!

What is a good martial arts school in Chicago?

burnfirewalls — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:07:57 -0800

What is a good (criteria inside) martial arts school in Chicago? Background: I was involved in a park district karate class for five years as a kid, and my skills have fallen into disuse. Lately, I've been wanting to get back into martial arts. I'm extremely wary of bad schools, however, as when I was involved in my karate training, the 80s and its slew of martial arts movies had just made everyone and their grandmother's cousin's neighbor's dog open a studio.

Having taken a glance at the different types of martial arts available, my number one goal is to learn how to fight effectively (my park district class was heavy on forms and light on sparring). I know that no amount of instruction can prepare someone for a fight, nor am I looking to get into one (I'm far from a tough guy), but I'd like sparring to be at least a significant component of the class. I'm not allergic to forms, kata or non-sparring aspects of the style, just not at the expense of sparring practice.

From what I can tell, a Mixed Martial Arts class would be ideal (specifically, the variant emphasizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing) but I'd be curious about other options.

Bonus points if it is on the south side (easier to get to after work) or has weekend classes.

Limber me up, Scotty!

losvedir — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:55:26 -0800

Yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, parkour, something else?! I'm looking to get more flexible, strong, healthy, and to have fun. What are the long term consequences of any of these activities (studies, anecdotes, etc)? Which should I do? (Bonus points if in Boston, but not necessary) I'm especially interested in any peer-reviewed studies people have. Does, say, gymnastics make you more flexible and therefore less likely to get injured, or does it put stress on your joints and make you more likely to get injured? Sure, intuitively it may seem like being flexible is healthy, but is this born out in study?

Anecdotes work, too. Tell me about your preferred activity, what its benefits are, how it has improved your life, etc.

I live in Boston, so if anyone can point to a bus/T accessible place, that'd be super cool, too.

Most respected martial arts masters in the US/Canada today?

It ain't over yet — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:55:14 -0800

Most respected martial arts masters in the US/Canada today? I'm particularly interested in 1st generation masters who brought their knowledge with them from China, Japan, Taiwan, etc. Ie, I'm more interested in pre-eminent masters with strong links to and commitment to the propagation of tradition/culture/knowledge than just a list of the most effective fighters. All suggestions most welcome.

Asia travel ideas for 18 yr old karate lover?

RoadTripPlanner — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:48:39 -0800

Can anyone recommend any martial arts learning opportunities (camps, workshops, lessons, etc) in Asia that an 18 year old would enjoy? My nephew in the US is a karate brown belt and he would like to travel to Asia when he graduates from high school this year. I am trying to help him find some interesting travel opportunities which relate to karate. He loves karate and has been searching for something to do in Japan or India for Summer 2008 but we haven't found anything yet. Thanks for any tips.

Athletic cup question from the mom

jvilter — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 10:53:08 -0800

Does anyone here have experience wearing the Nutty Buddy cup? My son needs one for martial arts and has hated wearing the conventional style ones we've found. The Nutty Buddy sounds like it would be more comfortable, but it's a pretty expensive investment, involving the cup plus compression shorts plus a supporter, so I'm reluctant to buy without some unbiased input.
He was always one of those sensitive kids - you know, socks, tags in shirts, seams etc, so this has been a pretty big obstacle for him, although he's much more tolerant now of being uncomfortable. I can't imagine wearing a big piece of plastic wedged between my legs, so I have sympathy for him, and don't want to tell him to "just get over it", if there is an alternative. On the other hand, if you know of another more comfortable "system" I'd be glad to hear about it. Even if it does not offer as much protection as the NB, anything would be better than what he is wearing now (nothing).

Burien, WA (Seattle-area) martial arts question

jhendow — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:21:28 -0800

I have practiced Shito-Ryu karate for about 3 years but my dojo has closed. I'm looking for recommendations for a new karate dojo. I know I won't find another Shito-Ryu dojo in my home town, so I'd consider switching to Shotokan or even perhaps to something else (kung fu or TKD?), but it needs to be close to my home in Burien. Anybody have a recommendation?

A blow to the neck takes you out?

mr.marx — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 18:18:10 -0800

In the movies, you can take a guy out by hitting him on the on the neck, from behind, either with the back of a gun or - if you are James Bond-ish - with the hand of karate. Does this work? If not, why is it so common in the movies?

The Most Awesome Movie Training Songs?

Stan Chin — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 19:25:40 -0800

I'd like your help in compiling a workout mix-cd of the most Awesome Cheesily Inspirational songs from movie training sequences. Think "Eye of the Tiger"... or even better, "Hearts on Fire" from the Rocky IV training sequence. And quite possibly the apex: Joe Esposito's "You're the Best" from the Karate Kid. (YOU'RE THE BEST! AROOOUND!) Stuff where you can't help but start going, "Yeah! I'm going to totally train in this montage to kick that guy's ass!" Doesn't even have to be from a training montage, just have that 'feel.'

Martial Arts in DC

armage — Mon, 02 Aug 2004 09:35:30 -0800

I'm going to be moving back to Washington, DC in late August to go back to college. I want to begin taking martial arts classes -- but what should I take? (more inside) I took aikido for a while at the beginning of fall semester last year. It was good, and learning the basics was valuable, but I quickly discovered it was a bit too rigid for me (and the instructor's teaching method wasn't much my style). I've been searching high and low for other styles, schools, and teachers. The two problems I keep encountering are high cost and poor availability. So here's what I want to know: What programs/schools/styles are there that (1) cost less than $50/month, (2) are accessible by Metro (bus/rail combo is fine, as long as it doesn't take more than an hour to get there each way from Georgetown), (3) don't emphasize kata as much as self-development, and (4) are relatively quick to become proficient in after about 3-6 months. I've been looking closely at krav maga and wing chun kung fu, if that helps anyone get a idea of what I'm thinking. I'm open to anything -- especially if it's not going to make a sizable dent in this student's wallet.

What is a good martial art for a 6 year old, and related questions

Irontom — Tue, 10 Feb 2004 10:27:17 -0800

MartialArtsFilter: My son has been badgering me about a martial arts class. I know exactly nothing about martial arts, so I have questions:
1) what's a good art for a 6 year old kid?
2) how much should I expect to pay for a) lessons and b) uniforms and equipment?
3) any good schools in northern VA people want to suggest?