Q's About Self-defense Dojos/schools
Marik_Steele
To rule in hell... Join Date: 2002-11-20 Member: 9466Members
To rule in hell... Join Date: 2002-11-20 Member: 9466Members
I went to see Kill Bill 2 in theatres and (not sure if they did this specifically because of KB2) a local self defense instructor had arranged with the theatre to have a large booth set up in the lobby for distributing pamphlets, showing off an instructional video, giving out typical "1st class is free!" coupons, etc.
I think sooner or later I'll need to learn some form of martial arts/self defense, even if it's just an excuse to get some exercise in.
Questions:
Should I try self-teaching via videos, or find a decent dojo/school?
Either way, should I choose:
a more traditional martial arts style (not Americanized karate, more like actual kung fu, tai chi, capoeira, whatever)
ar something advertised as ignoring fancy looks in favor of being deadly (various types of Israeli fighting styles, etc.)
How can I tell when a dojo, school, or instructor is a good place to learn instead of just a place to dump away my time and money? (I'm thinking especially about the abovementioned instructor and whether he should be taken seriously or not. If you guys need more info I can link, but I didn't yet because I felt as if it'd be yet more advertising for him)
I think sooner or later I'll need to learn some form of martial arts/self defense, even if it's just an excuse to get some exercise in.
Questions:
Should I try self-teaching via videos, or find a decent dojo/school?
Either way, should I choose:
a more traditional martial arts style (not Americanized karate, more like actual kung fu, tai chi, capoeira, whatever)
ar something advertised as ignoring fancy looks in favor of being deadly (various types of Israeli fighting styles, etc.)
How can I tell when a dojo, school, or instructor is a good place to learn instead of just a place to dump away my time and money? (I'm thinking especially about the abovementioned instructor and whether he should be taken seriously or not. If you guys need more info I can link, but I didn't yet because I felt as if it'd be yet more advertising for him)
Comments
Which type of martial arts you decide to learn, is all about your personal taste and capabilities. If you're quite fit and agile, and have a liking for action or 'contact sports', then choose something active, like karate or judo. If you'd prefer something quiet and/or hate getting all worked up, then choose something a little more passive, such as Tai Chi.
As for the lethalness, it'll depend on what you plan to use the skill for. If it's just for exercise, like you said, then it wouldn't hurt to learn something fancy, as long as it gets you moving. If it's for self-defense, then naturally, it'll have to have some elements of 'inflicting pain and injury'.
A good gun costs around 200-300 dollars, not including bullets. A class to learn how to shoot the gun would be around the same amount of money. So about 400-600 dollars to be a marksman with a handgun. Or you could use the movie approach and pay 15 for your classic Arnold Schwartzneagger (sp) movie, Commando.
How many lessons will 600 dollars of martial art get you?
You probably can't kill as effectively as a kung fu master than a qualified marksman. <!--emo&::asrifle::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/asrifle.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='asrifle.gif' /><!--endemo--> But then again if you shoot someone you're probably gonna go to jail. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif' /><!--endemo--> Where as you'll get community service for beating the crap out of some poor guy.
Thus suming up this long and pointless post to:
go for the martial arts!
In most countries, it is quite hard (and quite prosecutable) for the average civilian to carry a firearm in public.
[edit]Being completely serious here, life is not a FPS. Killing people is not part of your daily life. Further, fighting isn't always about killing the other guy - it could range from just blocking and evading their blows to giving them a few bruises to breaking limbs. I don't believe anyone here could really deal with killing someone so flippantly, and I don't believe anyone would ever be in a fight where the other guy wouldn't back off if it escalated to you breaking his arm(s). There's no justification for killing someone outright, not to mention how physically difficult it is to actually do that, not to mention the legal [excrement]storm you'd cause.[/edit]
Only tangential to what we're talking about, but it had to be said.
Martial arts is about learning to fight, and about learning a discipline. As a side effect, you can defend yourself and it builds self-confidence. Which martial art is entirely up to what you want - some are more spiritual, some are more focused on kicking the snot out of someone without getting hurt, and there are those that use weapons. It depends entirely what you're looking for. I do karate, myself (well, I <i>would</i> still be if I didn't have lectures right when the training sessions are. Grr).
Don't teach yourself. Going to regular training sessions with an instructor is <i>far</i> better, for many reasons. For one thing, it's easier to devote yourself to your martial arts training for an hour if you're taking yourself out of your home environment, going to a completely seperate place, and training with other people. It takes a hell of a lot of discipline to force yourself to train at home two hours a week. Sure, you'll be gung-ho about it for the first month or so, but it gets very difficult after the initial fervour wears off.
The second thing is that a professional instructor will be able to help you far more than books and videos, by the fact that they can show you exactly what the techniques are meant to look like (books really can't), they can correct subtle things about your technique, they can answer questions about exactly what a technique is supposed to do (it's far easier to do perform a technique correctly if you know what it actually <i>is</i>. And that's far more of a problem than you might think).
Finally, in many martial arts, part of the training is sparring against other students. You can't do that by yourself.
Now, in terms of finding a school with the right credentials, this might be a little difficult. There exist international karate organisations, and you could check for affiliation with them (I don't know the names of these organisations, but I'm sure a quick Google can produce them). I can't really help much in this area.
just get a nice set of around 200 kg weights.. and then a bench...
and use them... i went from being a 16 y/o with a 6 pack to a 18 y/o with a flabby gut.. until i started working out again.. now my muscles are more pumped then ever... if you want to get fit.. weightlifting and running is good..
also.. skipping ropes. they are a godsend... nothing gets you fitter then 30 mins skipping. i guarantee it.
Even shorter version: so let's keep it that way.
_________
On a side note, I believe that if you have a black belt in at least some if not any martial art, you are required by law to register (maybe in some states and not others, dunno) for a concealed weapon permit. Which is pretty cool.
"By the way... if we run into any trouble, I'm packin'."
"Really? What?"
"Me."
_________
My suggestion:
1) Definitely go to a school rather than getting a video. The feedback from a qualified teacher is entirely worth the extra cost.
2) Be careful about which art you pick. Tae Kwon Do and Capoeira (two that come to mind) are really more sport-focused than actual combat-focused, the latter in particular.
I've had limited training in both bujutsu kai karate and hapkido. Both were very well-rounded and I enjoyed the limited time I had with each. I've been considering going back to hapkido, which is a korean art form. There are no forms/katas to learn; it focuses on practical application. One of its "signatures" is the teaching of "joint locks" -- essentially, getting one of your attacker's joints (e.g. elbow, wrist) into a position it doesn't normally go in, and using that to force his submission. Cool, different, and useful.
I have to say, as the third martial art I've practised (previously TaeKwonDo and a little Judo) Kung Fu has been by far the most strenuous and yet the most actual <b>fun</b> I've done, and I would heartily reccomend it.
Absolutely ace, very good exercise wise and yet still quite practical (the last point being the reason I quit T-K-D)
The school I go to has a website... <a href='http://www.hungkuen-kungfu.com/Welcome.htm' target='_blank'>Here</a>
(Yes, I'm aware that it's not the best site ever, but hey, I didn't make it.)
As for what martial art to choose....well, it's yuor preference. It depends on what kind of style you like.
Slow or fast?
Quick, weak hits or slower, but more devastating blows?
With or without a weapon?
Are you really going to need it? (This is the most important thing here, trust me)
You should actually go with what interests you the most, as the classes you are interested in will most likely last for a much more longer time than one you don't like.
Yeah yeah... <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Especially that last one. They'll be best able to tell you what the dojo concentrates on, whether its old and traditional or meant more as a rigid self-defence system. Each style of each martial art approaches things differently. Obviously if you've got some friends who do martial arts they're an obivious resource to tap.
Which centre do you go to Shockwave ?
In most countries, it is quite hard (and quite prosecutable) for the average civilian to carry a firearm in public. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Don't worry, Uzi is a militia nut.
But yeah, I think Verthandi covered it pretty well. Though I have one thing to say:
Learn it the same way you do a game. At first, realize, you know NOTHING. Then, once you've played enough, you can start assuming things.
As for HOW to know where to go?
Most places will either let you gothrough a class for free or at a very reduced cost.
Try before you buy rocks <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
If you like the person teaching, if the style feels good to you, then stick with it.
As for WHAT to take?
Depends on what you want.
Alot of more traditional ones will teach you in very codified ways (this can be good or bad, depending).
Traditional ones will also tend to have more spiritual/mental preparednes.
"Modern" MAs will generaly be less formalized, more designed for actual fighting etc.
PERSONALY, I love Jeet Kun Do. It is designed for combat (though I only use it for exersise), there is very little codification, the main driving concept is to create a style that fits you (thus you will be learning ALOT of different things).
I know decent pieces of:
Kali/escrima/sillat (weapons mostly)
MuyThai (Thai Kick Boxing)
Traping/grapling (from a few different styles, including junfan)
and a sorta basic form of kickboxing (barebones kicks, punches etc, each move taken from different styles)
All of that, as well as the factors that the instructors at my school are friken cool people are why I stayed there <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Despite the fact that yes, modern MA's tend to be more combat orientated, I don't find them to be half as much sheer fun as some of the more traditional ones. You will learn more combat orientation, most assuredly, but it's just not the same. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I myself am interested in learning a martial art, but before I commit to any particular style I'd like to learn a lil more about the differences between them. Can anyone here offer any particular insight into the intricacies behind each style (or whatever you happen to know about any of them), or offer some links to information regarding the differences? Opinions are always welcome as well, thanks <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif' /><!--endemo-->
So if you are in the NY area, I flat out recomend them as the best around.
However, also on the site are afew descriptions of the primary things they teach:
JKD Concepts
STX KickBoxing
Kali (oh, if you want to learn a war discipline, this is the one. Pure flow, designed for walking through a battle and leaving a swath of dead/incapacitated behind you)
Ju-Jitsu
There is some realy great stuff in there <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I'm not in the best physical shape, so really it would be an exercise in futility (GET IT!? HAR HAR HAR) for me to try any of the really active (fun) stuff, but I'd still like to be able to defend my fat arse if need be.
<span style='color:white'>*Scream.*</span>
And as far as daydreaming goes, I've always really, really wanted to know how to use a katana...
P.S. Thansal, I would instantly discredit your martial arts school on the sole basis that as soon as you open the web site they're playing Spybreak (matrix Lobby scene music). Gah.
And with a name like Progressive Martial Arts their slogan should be something like "Not what you'd expect from a martial arts company". <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
the old one was MUCH better.
and DOOM, those 2 things? (knife/trapping) Kali = weapons (including alot of knife) and we do pleanty of disarm/destructions/imobilizations <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
oh, and Spy break aint bad so *pbbbbbbtttttt*
Download some of the videos that they have (I tihnk there should be a knife drill or 2 in there)
So if you are in the NY area, I flat out recomend them as the best around.
However, also on the site are afew descriptions of the primary things they teach:
JKD Concepts
STX KickBoxing
Kali (oh, if you want to learn a war discipline, this is the one. Pure flow, designed for walking through a battle and leaving a swath of dead/incapacitated behind you)
Ju-Jitsu
There is some realy great stuff in there <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
JKD or Jeet Kune Do, the martial arts that Bruce Lee developed is widely considered the only complete fighting system. It incorporates Weapons training with knifes, palm sticks and Escrima, Kickboxing, grappling and traps.
<a href='http://www.leejkd.com/' target='_blank'>JKD Federation(world wide association)</a>
Another great practical martial art is Muay Thai kickboxing. It is an extremely practical, very effective method of street fighting. Its not only punching and kicking, but often if you find a good studio, they teach you joint locks/breaks and submission techniques.
<a href='http://www.usmta.com' target='_blank'>US Muay Thai Assc.</a>
hope this helps =]
[Edit] Also, there is Wu Su Kung Fu (i noticed you mentioned it so i'd thought id provide a link <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> ). Extremely old, practiced for centuries by monks, often the martial art of choice for movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Strings( <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> ), but none the less, a good balance between avoiding conflict, spirituality (if thats your thing) and a non-aggressive method to defend yourself. Often focuses on re-direction of power, center of gravity, and submission holds as opposed to aggressive incapacitation (knocking the **** outta someone).
<a href='http://www.kungfu-wusu.com/' target='_blank'>Official WuSu Homepage</a>
[/Edit]
you can also just take boxing at the YMCA. in my personal experience, i took some muy thai but much more boxing.. and i found it evened out okay.
try to make yourself well-rounded.
I could use the spirituality/calming aspects <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Choose your sport after its appeal to you, not after its efficiency in hypothetical combat situations.
Look for akido, which is a defensive based form of martial arts.
but if you want a form of combat that is extremely effective and lethal [designed for killing not for show] is <a href='http://www.combat-silat.net/' target='_blank'>silat</a> which is a form of fighting used in indonesia, people with weak technuiqes get killed, so only the good stuff moves on.
You need to decide between a martial art or just exercising. Definitely join a club as you'll get more input and have people to spar against - the best form of practical use.
Second, if you're interested in SELF DEFENSE, then a martial art isn't likely to help you until you've spent a looooong time in sheer hard practical application. Otherwise you're going to end up stabbed or worse.
Above from experience - seen a person adopt a Judo stance, get kicked in the "golden target", went down like a sack of rocks and promptly had his nose and jaw broken for "standing in some stupid pose". Natch.