Help me choose a knife, machete and training manuals for self defense. [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied on Oct 28, 2009 - 53 answers

Looking for advice on different martial arts styles (specifically: aikido, ninjutsu, pekiti tirsia kali, bagua, or wing chun). [more inside]
posted by elisynn on Aug 26, 2009 - 20 answers

What are the best, can't-miss-em, #1 funtime classic wuxia movies? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton on Jul 28, 2009 - 15 answers

does the president of the u.s. receive any self defense training? and, if so, what sort and from whom? and are there any good articles or books on that subject?
posted by artof.mulata on Jun 11, 2009 - 32 answers

My brother's looking for a challenging martial arts studio in the DC, Northern Virginia area. He's really good at jiu-jitsu, but he's most interested in any studio, no matter what the style, where the difficulty level is extremely high. He doesn't care about getting belts or competing, just about learning through through losing, essentially. Any recommendations?
posted by Football Bat on Mar 31, 2009 - 5 answers

What is a good (criteria inside) martial arts school in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by burnfirewalls on Mar 17, 2009 - 8 answers

What is the highest ever jump done from standing? And how do people train to jump extremely high in martial arts and other jumping disciplines?
posted by Not Supplied on Feb 2, 2009 - 10 answers

Martial arts filter: Over the course of eight months, muay thai, along with eating right made a phenomenal change for my body. In your experience has Brazilian jiu jitsu, or any grappling-based martial arts done the same? [more inside]
posted by helios410 on Jan 15, 2009 - 5 answers

I just moved to Austin from New York, and I have been training at Renzo's fabled school for two years. [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo on Jan 15, 2009 - 1 answer

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) [more inside]
posted by losvedir on Dec 20, 2008 - 13 answers

I'd like to watch some classy martial arts bouts. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by stonepharisee on Dec 19, 2008 - 18 answers

Is there anything in western psychology shedding light on the martial arts truism that energy follows attention? [more inside]
posted by jimmyjimjim on Nov 17, 2008 - 16 answers

Can you recommend a great martial arts instructor for my 7yr old in the Northern Virginia area? [more inside]
posted by onhazier on Nov 6, 2008 - 1 answer

Would Tai Chi work in outer space? [more inside]
posted by nímwunnan on Aug 5, 2008 - 6 answers

Madison folks: I'm moving to Madison soonish, and I'm looking for recommendations. Specifically, I'm interested in finding out about good martial arts schools and beginner-friendly bike shops, though any other recs would certainly be welcome (I know there was a similar thread before, but it's three years old and doesn't address martial arts or bikes much).
posted by Vibrissa on Jul 21, 2008 - 6 answers

Looking for an English-Spanish martial arts glossary. [more inside]
posted by Joleta on Jun 4, 2008 - 2 answers

Experienced in Martial Arts? I am looking to begin training Krav Maga/KAPAP (with some BJJ thrown in) and some Kali/Escrima (with some JKD thrown in) in the very near future and was wondering if our resident Mefite Artists had any positive/negative experiences with any of them. [more inside]
posted by longbaugh on May 13, 2008 - 15 answers

Can martial arts practice really help one overcome the instinct to break a fall by putting out one's hand? And if so, what form of martial arts teaches this most effectively? [more inside]
posted by Kat Allison on Apr 9, 2008 - 24 answers

Gah... I was just asked. There's a martial arts movie where one of the characters blocks a punch from an attacker and then walks his hands up the opponent's arm and body locking him in place (using pressure points). I can vaguely see the scenes (I'm pretty sure it happens more than once), but neither I nor my friends can remember the movie. Help me hive mind, you're my only help.
posted by Ikazuchi on Dec 15, 2007 - 13 answers

Most respected martial arts masters in the US/Canada today? [more inside]
posted by It ain't over yet on Nov 26, 2007 - 11 answers

I'm a young woman in New York City, looking for a way to get in shape. (I'm not grossly out of shape now, but a year at a sedentary office job has taken a toll.) Running got boring. I've done the gym thing before and it's fine, but I'd like to find something new to get into: yoga, a martial art, a form of dance, kick-boxing. I'm open. I'd like to find a good place (a really homey yoga or martial arts studio, for example), in lower Manhattan (within the ambit of Union Square would be great) or possibly Williamsburg. Any suggestions on activities and/or places?
posted by toomuchkatherine on Sep 14, 2007 - 13 answers

I am interested in self-defense classes. There are lots of methods and places to do this. The options are a little overwhelming and I know very little about the topic. Can somebody break it down and make some suggestions and/or recommendations that might be best suited for me? [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam on Aug 29, 2007 - 22 answers

Looking for martial arts school in the New Orleans area [more inside]
posted by lawhound on Aug 16, 2007 - 3 answers

I need a new martial art. Help? Not a new place to go, but a new art to take. Only, I'm a wee bit picky, so there's more to it then just trying out any old thing. [more inside]
posted by FritoKAL on Jul 22, 2007 - 39 answers

Having recently moved to a small flat with little outside space, my free-standing kick-boxing bag is of no use. Even if I had room to hurl myself at it, I'd annoy the neighbours. What sort of equipment can I use to practice Thai boxing and grappling at home? [more inside]
posted by ajp on Jul 3, 2007 - 8 answers

Help identify this martial arts movie [more inside]
posted by aofl on Jun 28, 2007 - 5 answers

Many Asian martial arts rely on an extensive, and often showy, system of blocks to protect the face and body. Boxing arts don't. Why? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott on May 23, 2007 - 24 answers

Does anyone here have experience wearing the Nutty Buddy cup? [more inside]
posted by jvilter on Apr 14, 2007 - 4 answers

What fighting style is Chow Yun Fat using in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? [more inside]
posted by EarBucket on Apr 14, 2007 - 4 answers

I would like to start training in a martial art in Glendale, Burbank, or the surrounding area. [more inside]
posted by kamikazegopher on Mar 15, 2007 - 2 answers

I am a complete beginner looking to study martial arts in Northern Virginia. As I go down the list of schools in the phone book, who should I make a point of visiting/auditioning, and who should I absolutely avoid? [more inside]
posted by somanyamys on Mar 15, 2007 - 9 answers

Let's say you wanted to actually BE Batman... [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 on Feb 20, 2007 - 33 answers

what is the potential of practicing martial arts as form of exercise...and what style? [more inside]
posted by Salvatorparadise on Dec 28, 2006 - 17 answers

What is a good martial art for a little girl? What is the youngest reasonable age for her to start? [more inside]
posted by textilephile on Nov 25, 2006 - 28 answers

What is the origin of the Tough Guys video? [more inside]
posted by Operation Afterglow on Sep 24, 2006 - 6 answers

Who can identify this early 90s hip hop track from my fuzzy memories of a sample in it? (More inside) [more inside]
posted by Mocata on Aug 9, 2006 - 2 answers

I have a chronically dislocating shoulder. I want to learn a martial art (aikido, jujitsu, something else perhaps). Possible? Stupid? As usual there is ... [more inside]
posted by jannw on Jul 30, 2006 - 12 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for martial arts instruction in the New York City area, with an emphasis on those of Japanese origin; and/or recommendations for which such art(s) to consider. [more inside]
posted by cyrusdogstar on Jul 15, 2006 - 12 answers

Turn an elephant into a cat, or a monkey, or a ferret. You get the idea. How do I become better, faster, more dextrous? [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Jun 9, 2006 - 16 answers

Help me jump over a bar (superman-like), land on the ground and roll. Without hurting myself. [more inside]
posted by aeighty on May 26, 2006 - 22 answers

WeirdSkillsFilter: Where can I learn more exotic/unusual skills cheaply while traveling? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia on Apr 11, 2006 - 7 answers

Have any recs for good adult-oriented martial arts training in the North/Northeast Dallas area? I'm twenty-seven, in reasonably good shape, and have no martial arts experience. I'm looking for good, experienced instructors, not a belt factory. I'm not too concerned about the style being taught, as long as the instruction is good. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by arathorn on Dec 31, 2005 - 3 answers

Which martial art do you deem most practical/effective in a garden-variety street-fight or bar scrap? [more inside]
posted by TeamBilly on Nov 22, 2005 - 57 answers

What is that Chinese big-sleeves/baggy-pants costume/outfit/character archetype called? [more inside]
posted by wanderingmind on Oct 17, 2005 - 11 answers

Does martial arts training really matter in a life-or-death situation? [more inside]
posted by jojopizza on Aug 26, 2005 - 20 answers

I'm interested in starting a martial art, but have no idea which type to choose (judo, karate, etc..). Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by groar on Aug 12, 2005 - 17 answers

I'm interested in adding a martial arts class to my workout routine. Help me pick a style. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket on Jun 21, 2005 - 26 answers

Does anybody have any recommendations for martial arts sparring equipment and, more importantly, shops where I might procure them in London? [more inside]
posted by Jongo on May 25, 2005 - 2 answers

Name that Martial Arts Movie: several years ago I saw a martial arts movie (that was more of a documentary) about Shaolin Monks. It showed them performing incredible feats of skill, discipline, fortitude and strength. I think they even had a clip of a young (~6 year old) Jet Li performing a routine, and I remember sequences including the monks hanging upside and lifting buckets of water, a monk that was "immovable" by any outside forces, and a monk pulling a large weight or boulder with his Special Parts. Ring any bells? Google and movie searches reveal a lot of martial arts movies with Shaolin Monks, but can't seem to find this documentary.
posted by robbie01 on Feb 8, 2005 - 5 answers

I'd like to study Kung Fu, mainly to get in shape. There is a place near me that teaches 8 Step Mantis. Is that an OK style for me to start with? Is there anything important I should know going into this?
posted by badstone on Sep 8, 2004 - 15 answers