When I was little, my parents had me try a bunch of different sports to see what I liked. The two I enjoyed most were karate and gymnastics. When I was 7, I was offered to be on the competitive gymnastics team, so I decided to go with that and I had to drop karate. I had forgotten how much I liked fighting and such until my younger brother started wrestling in high school. So, last year (senior year) I decided to try wrestling and I really enjoyed it. However, being a serious competitive gymnast, the vast majority of my focus was in that. Now, I am on the gymnastics team at Springfield College (Mass.), but there is an MMA club that meets twice a week, and I am currently learning Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I intend to continue this after college and eventually get my black belt in BJJ.
tl;dr I was just wondering if there were any Team Liquidians also interested in any forms of Martial Arts.
Taekwondo, because the only thing noteworthy about me in terms of martial arts is my fast kick speed; it makes for really fun sparring lol.
started when I was a kid as well, took a huge break and got my black belt... the reason why I took it up was because the two strongest people in a fight I knew were both black belts, and tho i'm physically "stronger" than one of them now, he would still hand my ass to me in a fight cause of his knowledge lol
But having continued gymnastics, you'll be at a huge advantage; other than the "fit" - ness that comes with constant exercise, you'll be awesomely flexible... I used to be able to kick above my head (albeit a bit slowly) but if I try it now, it is difficult (because of the size of certain muscles and my lack of flexibility). This means your effective reach is kickass (although I don't know if it is of extreme importance in BJJ)
Hey sup man, grappling is probably my favorite thing in the world atm. I did BJJ for a year, then decided to put it on pause to join wrestling my senior year in high school (similar to you). Ive been back training BJJ for a few months now that the season is over, and I hope to be able to continue training as long as money doesn't get in the way (I train at American Top Team), as it can get quite expensive.
On April 03 2010 00:07 Navi wrote: Taekwondo, because the only thing noteworthy about me in terms of martial arts is my fast kick speed; it makes for really fun sparring lol.
started when I was a kid as well, took a huge break and got my black belt... the reason why I took it up was because the two strongest people in a fight I knew were both black belts, and tho i'm physically "stronger" than one of them now, he would still hand my ass to me in a fight cause of his knowledge lol
But having continued gymnastics, you'll be at a huge advantage; other than the "fit" - ness that comes with constant exercise, you'll be awesomely flexible... I used to be able to kick above my head (albeit a bit slowly) but if I try it now, it is difficult (because of the size of certain muscles and my lack of flexibility). This means your effective reach is kickass (although I don't know if it is of extreme importance in BJJ)
Oh, I have absolutely noticed an advantage from gymnastics. I'm not very strong at all, I just don't have the right body type to have huge strength. However, I am a lanky-ass mofo (5'11", 6'4 1/2" wing span) and that reach has helped me quite a bit. My flexibility has been very useful especially in BJJ because it's all about submissions and a lot of it is using legs. Long legs + flexibility + good body sense = awesome.
On April 03 2010 00:06 jcarlsoniv wrote: I've never heard of Ueichi Ryu. What kind of style is it?
It's a southern okinawan style. It's condition-based like muay thai but it's based on a grounded style rather than mobility. Also it's more rounded, rather than being strongly leg-focused, and over the past several decades a lot of the masters began incorporating Brazilian jujitsu adaptations into schools.
I stopped like 6months ago due to me being in canada but I used to practice Hoi Jeon Moo Sool, its a korean martial arts very similar to Hapkido. I received 1 Dan after 3.5-4 years of continuous practice, I got 2nd place in a fitness competition and 3rd in a sparring competition (both before black belt). I was going for the national team but because I dropped out I didnt get the chance to continue. Next month I am going back again ^^!
I did Tae Kwon Do for a couple years and I made it into 1st Dan black belt. I wanted to go farther but then I busted my hip snowboarding and lost all heart in it. Its been years since I've done TKD. I also kinda did kendo, but it was mostly following my sister and helping her practice and whatnot. I also practiced boxing and mma with some friends...
So...all in all I guess I really don't know martial arts. I was really bad at everything anyways, so it doesn't matter. Hehe~
Currently training MMA at Team Quest, also compete in pure BJJ, Mauy Thai and Boxing tournaments
Did Karate as a kid, don't even remember much of it besides getting to wear a totally sick Gi(at like 7-8 I felt like a straight up ninja/samurai in the thing)
I did Shotokan-Karate for some months, had to quit because of uni. Still looking for something more 'realistic' and less static, maybe Krav Maga - is anyone here doing it?
On April 03 2010 00:07 Navi wrote: Taekwondo, because the only thing noteworthy about me in terms of martial arts is my fast kick speed; it makes for really fun sparring lol.
started when I was a kid as well, took a huge break and got my black belt... the reason why I took it up was because the two strongest people in a fight I knew were both black belts, and tho i'm physically "stronger" than one of them now, he would still hand my ass to me in a fight cause of his knowledge lol
But having continued gymnastics, you'll be at a huge advantage; other than the "fit" - ness that comes with constant exercise, you'll be awesomely flexible... I used to be able to kick above my head (albeit a bit slowly) but if I try it now, it is difficult (because of the size of certain muscles and my lack of flexibility). This means your effective reach is kickass (although I don't know if it is of extreme importance in BJJ)
Oh, I have absolutely noticed an advantage from gymnastics. I'm not very strong at all, I just don't have the right body type to have huge strength. However, I am a lanky-ass mofo (5'11", 6'4 1/2" wing span) and that reach has helped me quite a bit. My flexibility has been very useful especially in BJJ because it's all about submissions and a lot of it is using legs. Long legs + flexibility + good body sense = awesome.
agh im jealous >.<
I used to be a flexible little midget back when I was a kid, but i've lost all that
i've tried out some grappling (If judo counts lol). I've been interested in starting muay thai for a very long time and probably will, but I'm curious, how strongly would you recommend BJJ? It sounds pretty interesting, but all I have are leg and arm strength, and I think (unless my opponent is vastly weaker than me) it would be damn hard to get out of submissions etc because of my lack of flexibility.
It's funny, all while I'm learning BJJ, my girlfriend (who is the president of the club) is learning it with me. However, she is a 4th Degree Black belt in Shaolin Kempo (I think), so she knows how to fight pretty well, haha. Her brother trained BJJ with Team Link for a while.
I learned WingTsun for a few years, now I am looking for an alternative since my association isn't represented where I moved to. I cannot judge in what respect it prepared me for serious interaction (never got into a fight, don't intend to), but in terms of precision and bodily awareness, I am quite happy about it.
I used to be a flexible little midget back when I was a kid, but i've lost all that
i've tried out some grappling (If judo counts lol). I've been interested in starting muay thai for a very long time and probably will, but I'm curious, how strongly would you recommend BJJ? It sounds pretty interesting, but all I have are leg and arm strength, and I think (unless my opponent is vastly weaker than me) it would be damn hard to get out of submissions etc because of my lack of flexibility.
Well, I am very new at BJJ, so I'm not exactly sure how great my recommendations will be =P
But there are a few huge things I have noticed that I like a lot more in BJJ than wrestling. First, strength does not nearly play as big a roll. My coach is a skinny, 130 pound grad student, and he can take on some of the biggest, strongest guys in our group. Second, I like the pace a lot more. Wrestling is much more frantic and aggressive (which is very noticible when I end up rolling with some of the wrestlers that attend), and BJJ is much slower, more methodical, and more strategic. This leads into my third point: You can breath in BJJ. When I was wrestling, I would be able to go for 6 - 10 minutes and be dead exhausted afterwards. When I'm grappling though, I can roll for a good 15 - 20 minutes straight, and be tired, but be ready to go a few minutes later. (Granted, I am much more conditioned now than I was a year ago.
But if the biggest thing you're worried about is being overpowered, then it's a pretty good day for you, haha. My best friend is a little lighter than me, but a great deal stronger than I am, and I am slightly better than him (in part because I have much longer limbs than he does). BJJ is all about reading your opponent and capitalizing on the way the body works. I love it, and I would highly recommend at least trying it.
On April 03 2010 00:23 YouMake wrote: My Name is Brendan Weafer. I actually run with my friend and business partner. A BJJ and Maui Thai Gym. I fight professional also
Not sure if I'm being trolled or not, but man that was a nice KO. You were ON him afterwards *clap*
Also, I'm not good or anything but I like kickboxing for the workout. No mumbo jumbo philosophy like in Kung Fu. Not saying thats bad, but it isnt for me. I do enough philosophy on my own.
Ive always been interested in martial arts but never had a former teacher. I just read a lot of books on Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee and the philosophies behind it. That and I fought a lot in the school yard for experience haha.
ive doing muay thai and boxing (not sure if it counts as a martial art) this past year. ive also been doing some rudementary bjj. but i prefer not to take the fight to ground. my grappling is oriented to taking the fight back up to my feet
Trained Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu for two years. Our teacher didn't give a crap about the belt grades, so I don't know how far I got Really fun though, since you had to learn the mindset of "nothing is ever fair". If you know you're gettin in a fist fight, bring a knife. If you know you're gettin in a knife fight, bring a gun. If you know you're getting in a gun fight, kill them in their sleep the day before.
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is the new name for Ninjutsu, in a way. The 80s weren't kind to ninjas, so I think the grandmaster changed the official name so it wouldn't be associated with the movie type ninjas. Basically, the combat system is more or less describable as classic Jiu Jitsu. The modern one is adapted for tournaments, competition and todays laws of self defense. The classic variant was to literally break legs, stab eyes and crush throats of the old Samurai warriors. For example, in modern Jiu Jitsu, you can grab your opponent and swipe his/her legs. That's changed from the "old" style, where you grabbed him/her and then broke the leg with a kick. Arguably more effective, but DEFINITELY not legal today
(EDIT: So, yeah. If you're training Bujinkan, you're doing it for fun. If you want to learn how to defend yourself, go for Jiu Jitsu or something else.)
Would love to try out Capoeira too, or Wushu. There are truly few martial arts that make you look hella cool while beating the crap out of someone. I'm probably not flexible enough for either though :/ Other than that, I actually want to try out regular boxing. Or bareknuckle boxing, unless that's illegal or something, which it probably is. Would be pretty cool though.
On April 03 2010 00:07 Navi wrote: Taekwondo, because the only thing noteworthy about me in terms of martial arts is my fast kick speed; it makes for really fun sparring lol.
started when I was a kid as well, took a huge break and got my black belt... the reason why I took it up was because the two strongest people in a fight I knew were both black belts, and tho i'm physically "stronger" than one of them now, he would still hand my ass to me in a fight cause of his knowledge lol
But having continued gymnastics, you'll be at a huge advantage; other than the "fit" - ness that comes with constant exercise, you'll be awesomely flexible... I used to be able to kick above my head (albeit a bit slowly) but if I try it now, it is difficult (because of the size of certain muscles and my lack of flexibility). This means your effective reach is kickass (although I don't know if it is of extreme importance in BJJ)
Oh, I have absolutely noticed an advantage from gymnastics. I'm not very strong at all, I just don't have the right body type to have huge strength. However, I am a lanky-ass mofo (5'11", 6'4 1/2" wing span) and that reach has helped me quite a bit. My flexibility has been very useful especially in BJJ because it's all about submissions and a lot of it is using legs. Long legs + flexibility + good body sense = awesome.
LOL did you post for me?! Im also 5-11 with a 74 inch reach. I have a black belt in TaeKwonDo- (got when i was 9), Swtiched to BJJ and MMA at 14 and have been training on and off for the last 10 years. Got my first amateur kickboxing win in Novemeber. If anyone in New Jersey/NY area is lookin for a sparring partner- PM me! =)
Wrestled for a year and took judo for a semester and got my blue belt. Judo was a lot of fun, love all the throws and then ground work is super fun too.
LOL did you post for me?! Im also 5-11 with a 74 inch reach. I have a black belt in TaeKwonDo- (got when i was 9), Swtiched to BJJ and MMA at 14 and have been training on and off for the last 10 years. Got my first amateur kickboxing win in Novemeber. If anyone in New Jersey/NY area is lookin for a sparring partner- PM me! =)
Haha, that's hilarious! I'm not sure how much you weigh, but I fluctuate from 145 to 150.
I've never been one for the striking arts. Although my reach would help, I feel like I would get caught off guard way too often and get destroyed. I like keeping my opponent close and wrap around him rather than trying to hit him from afar.
I would love to learn some Ninjitsu, I think that stuff looks so cool.
I did Hap Ki Do for 10 years, but ended up quitting before getting my black belt due to not having enough time for my competitive skiing. I've been considering going back, I could use the fitness
LOL did you post for me?! Im also 5-11 with a 74 inch reach. I have a black belt in TaeKwonDo- (got when i was 9), Swtiched to BJJ and MMA at 14 and have been training on and off for the last 10 years. Got my first amateur kickboxing win in Novemeber. If anyone in New Jersey/NY area is lookin for a sparring partner- PM me! =)
Haha, that's hilarious! I'm not sure how much you weigh, but I fluctuate from 145 to 150.
I've never been one for the striking arts. Although my reach would help, I feel like I would get caught off guard way too often and get destroyed. I like keeping my opponent close and wrap around him rather than trying to hit him from afar.
I would love to learn some Ninjitsu, I think that stuff looks so cool.
I did TaeKwonDo for 12 years. During my early-mid teens I was pretty good - placed in the state tournament every year and would win a match or two in the junior olympics and then later the US open. Then work and college got in the way >.<
Before I got into StarCraft I did TaeKwonDo for a few years until I got my black belt. Interestingly enough, my uniform says "Pro Gosu" on the front. Apparently I a gosu in TKD. I just need to make that gosu in SC and I will transform into a Korean.
I was raised in tae kwon do, we moved frequently when I was a child though so it made it very difficult to advance. Even though I've only a 1st degree in freestyle tae kwon do and another in olympic, I've been training since I was five. Had won back to back state championships in arizona in forms and sparring when I was 14 & 15 (04 & 05) and started competing in NASKA training for the us open and olympics, but the knees gave out in 06, and I was unable to continue. Attempting to make a comeback I started training again a year or so a go, and I won the TASK circuit championship just a few months ago, but the competition wasn't nearly as tough as in arizona or colorado, so it's whatever. I've given up tae kwon do for the most part, tried switching to mma, and I loved it, but my legs refuse to cooperate. Any who, I'm an architecture student now, and I have to say that its the scholarly equivalent to martial arts, so I'm happy.
I've done PakHokPai Kung Fu for 7 years and have a deep understanding in other chinese kung fu. I post some videos on youtube of other styles on youtube too.. www.youtube.com/airforceonex
I'm a blue belt in BJJ and have been training muay thai/dutch style kickboxing for about two years now. Trained in Kali/JKD for about 6 months prior to all of the above though.
edit: i was actually thinking about posting instructionals in the blog section demonstrating a little dutch style kickboxing technique. I wasn't sure how many people would actually be interested though.
On April 03 2010 00:23 YouMake wrote: My Name is Brendan Weafer. I actually run with my friend and business partner. A BJJ and Maui Thai Gym. I fight professional also
On April 03 2010 00:23 YouMake wrote: My Name is Brendan Weafer. I actually run with my friend and business partner. A BJJ and Maui Thai Gym. I fight professional also
I use to train in the White Crane style of Gung Fu. I stopped due to life getting really busy. Biggest regret of my life. I was so close to my black belt. Once I determine whether or not I will be remaining in this city I plan on starting my training again. edit: oh, and I also trained in Kick Boxing if that counts. edit2:
On April 03 2010 00:23 YouMake wrote: My Name is Brendan Weafer. I actually run with my friend and business partner. A BJJ and Maui Thai Gym. I fight professional also
Not sure if I'm being trolled or not, but man that was a nice KO. You were ON him afterwards *clap*
Also, I'm not good or anything but I like kickboxing for the workout. No mumbo jumbo philosophy like in Kung Fu. Not saying thats bad, but it isnt for me. I do enough philosophy on my own.
I never learned any philosophy in my training. I am sure you could find a martial arts instructor in your area who only teaches the moves/techniques without any eastern philosophy.
I used to practise shotokan up to my brown belt (2nd kyu) a long time ago but i stopped that. Now i have been practising seidokan for 4 or 5 years - it's a few masters from bjj, ninjutsu, muay thai, and 2 old school door men that's joined up to take the best from each style. I guess you can call it MMA, we do almost purely BJJ / dirty tricks on the floor, and a nice mix of styles standing. A few of the guys compete but i don't have the guts myself. I usually get pummeled at practise so i think i would die in the ring :D.
On April 03 2010 00:07 Navi wrote: Taekwondo, because the only thing noteworthy about me in terms of martial arts is my fast kick speed; it makes for really fun sparring lol.
started when I was a kid as well, took a huge break and got my black belt... the reason why I took it up was because the two strongest people in a fight I knew were both black belts, and tho i'm physically "stronger" than one of them now, he would still hand my ass to me in a fight cause of his knowledge lol
But having continued gymnastics, you'll be at a huge advantage; other than the "fit" - ness that comes with constant exercise, you'll be awesomely flexible... I used to be able to kick above my head (albeit a bit slowly) but if I try it now, it is difficult (because of the size of certain muscles and my lack of flexibility). This means your effective reach is kickass (although I don't know if it is of extreme importance in BJJ)
Oh, I have absolutely noticed an advantage from gymnastics. I'm not very strong at all, I just don't have the right body type to have huge strength. However, I am a lanky-ass mofo (5'11", 6'4 1/2" wing span) and that reach has helped me quite a bit. My flexibility has been very useful especially in BJJ because it's all about submissions and a lot of it is using legs. Long legs + flexibility + good body sense = awesome.
agh im jealous >.<
I used to be a flexible little midget back when I was a kid, but i've lost all that
i've tried out some grappling (If judo counts lol). I've been interested in starting muay thai for a very long time and probably will, but I'm curious, how strongly would you recommend BJJ? It sounds pretty interesting, but all I have are leg and arm strength, and I think (unless my opponent is vastly weaker than me) it would be damn hard to get out of submissions etc because of my lack of flexibility.
Why wouldn't Judo count? You realize that BJJ came out of Judo right?
The functional difference these days is that Judo tends to specialize in standup (throws/takedowns) while BJJ focuses on groundwork. These differences are largely the result of the evolution of competition rules.
No martial art is dependent on strength. The idea is always to maximize your technique so that you can get the most out of your extant strength - as such, good martial arts training is probably particularly helpful for people who are naturally quite weak. Also, there is nothing to stop you from getting stronger - this will happen by itself if you start Judo/BJJ.
If your Judo club was any good you will probably have a hard time noticing any difference between Judo groundwork and BJJ. As you get more advanced I imagine you will begin noticing a higher technical level in (most) BJJ groundwork.
Been doing Aikido since 5 and a half year, minus one year during military service. Picked up BJJ "by accident" last summer too so I'm currently doing both Aikido and BJJ, giving me five trainings a week (ever weekday) and training with friends (they're thai boxers) once a week. And sometimes with some submission wrestlers once a week too. I don't have time for it, and I didn't even want to start BJJ from the beginning, I just felt like trying it out "two free training sessions!" and fell in love and can't quit now! Proud 3rd kyu in aikido (meaning I'm wearing the fancy wide black pants that you might have seen) and a passionate white belt in BJJ.
Did judo as a kid for a total of six years but was never any good at it. Got green belt. Thing is, I started when I was 8, and I was just "playing judo". When people starting getting up in their teens everything got more serious and I lost interest. Picked it up again when I was 17 and went on for about six months but stopped due to my body simply not coping to do both judo and aikido at the same time back then (small injuries that never had time to heal between practices).
So yeah, martial arts are my biggest passion in life. Can't say I'm good or anything, but everything I lack in talent I compensate for with passion. I practice way more than I have time for, but hey, it's just that fun.
This summer I'm going to Japan and going to be Uchi deshi (live-in student) at an Aikido dojo over there for two months. Going to be awesome. Never been outside Europe (unless you count Caucasus), and now I'm going to spend my entire summer practicing Aikido in Japan. Really really looking forward to it!
Weird question: Does anyone feel that they have any advantage from being a starcraft player when doing martial arts? I feel that my view on how to practice and what mindset to keep in a match that I acquired through sc helps me some to understand how to better practice in both BJJ and Aikido. Like, it's better to master one BO fully than knowing a lot of them "ok". Same with martial arts, in a match it's a lot better to know the basics really really well than to know a lot of tricks and high number of techniques "ok".
If your Judo club was any good you will probably have a hard time noticing any difference between Judo groundwork and BJJ. As you get more advanced I imagine you will begin noticing a higher technical level in (most) BJJ groundwork.
I feel there is a huge difference in the clubs I've practiced at. Basicly, judo groundwork is a lot more static since you can turtle on your stomach and win by pins and not just submissions, while BJJ gorundwork is a lot more fluid. Doesn't mean my old Judo club was any bad (hell, the national team practiced there). Kodokan judo that is. If you want to see good judo groundwork, check out Kosen Judo. I hear it looks basicly like BJJ. They kept the older rules when Kodokan limited time on the ground and made rules to prevent jumping and pulling guard.
Weird question: Does anyone feel that they have any advantage from being a starcraft player when doing martial arts? I feel that my view on how to practice and what mindset to keep in a match that I acquired through sc helps me some to understand how to better practice in both BJJ and Aikido. Like, it's better to master one BO fully than knowing a lot of them "ok". Same with martial arts, in a match it's a lot better to know the basics really really well than to know a lot of tricks and high number of techniques "ok".
I feel like because of StarCraft I think about the strategy involved in BJJ/Kickboxing more than most of my peers. I'm always trying to think 3 or 4 steps ahead of my opponent or trying to outsmart them.
If your Judo club was any good you will probably have a hard time noticing any difference between Judo groundwork and BJJ. As you get more advanced I imagine you will begin noticing a higher technical level in (most) BJJ groundwork.
I feel there is a huge difference in the clubs I've practiced at. Basicly, judo groundwork is a lot more static since you can turtle on your stomach and win by pins and not just submissions, while BJJ gorundwork is a lot more fluid. Doesn't mean my old Judo club was any bad (hell, the national team practiced there). Kodokan judo that is. If you want to see good judo groundwork, check out Kosen Judo. I hear it looks basicly like BJJ. They kept the older rules when Kodokan limited time on the ground and made rules to prevent jumping and pulling guard.
Kosen Judo is not actually in existence anymore - Kosen Judo refers to a competition rule-set which was used in vocational school competition which emphasized newaza more than normal. There are certainly schools which specialize in newaza today but they aren't really "Kosen Judo" (look up the word "Kosen" - it will lead you to this understanding. Also, if you're interested I can find you links to extensive discussion on judoforum.com).
I've never practiced at a Judo club where people turtled all the time while rolling - maybe the fact that your club had a lot of high level competitive players encouraged this bad behavior. In my club we roll for 15 minute rounds and it is very "BJJ-like" - jiu-jitsu guys who practice there are very at home.
Also, the differences you speak of are circumstantial rather than essential - Judoka who turtle all the time do so because in competition they can get the ref to stand it up very easily. However, the techniques and the underlying principles are identical, and I think this fact should be especially apparent to a beginner (it felt that way to me, at least). Obviously BJJ ultimately takes things to a higher level because that is its specialty.
TKD for 4ish years at UCB's martial arts program I'm a red belt ;3 It's really fun and I hope to continue in college. I'd love to try something new though, maybe like Yongmudo or Judo? TKD is mostly speed and requires practically no upper body xD
@Freyr, I agree it's a matter of how things are taught in each dojo rather than the actual styles. Just wanted to point out that not only bad dojos neglect the newaza part, and that if you are from a club focusing on competition the newaza would look really different from bjj. As you said, it's mainly due to too many judokas focusing primarily on competition.
Concerning Kosen Judo you are probably more knowledgable than I am, but I'm pretty sure there are som dojos labling themselves as Kosen Judo in Japan at least. Though I could be wrong.
I did wrestling for 3 years in high school, I was the varsity captain my senior year. Because my high school wrestling coach was also a Judo instructor I ended up doing a little bit of judo for about a year after high school. At the same time I also joined a club wrestling team and went to a few tournaments. After about a year my Judo instructor and his family moved away, but before he left he got me in touch with a BJJ instructor. For the next three years I trained in BJJ and went to a few tournaments. I never really did exceptionally well in them, but they were all fun and reminded me of wrestling in high school. I just love the feel of competition.
i did taekwondo for 1 year when i was like 12 years old and i was pretty good, i got green belt (5th cup?) after 2 testings (or how you call that in english).
when i think back it was very funny and i still like those kinds of sports, but somehow i decided it got boring. it seems like the only sport i can do for longer than 1 year is football (the real one, soccer), which i have been doing for about 8-9 years now.
I study Isshinryu and Ninjitsu. Rank tests for going up a belt have been the hardest things I've ever done in my life and I was a state track and basketball champ--even been through basic training for military(it was the easiest indeed) I'm not sure how good I am in comparison to other martial artists. I won a sparring tournament and kata in branson, MO. I went to observe a taekwondo class and rank test. I thought it was retarded and the people paying for it are ignorant. A child who is 7 had a black belt. It takes getting your ribs nearly broken and 7+ years just to get the first grade of black in my system. We were traditional and invite only taught by a guy from Okiniwa. I just disagree for people learning taekwondo. I'm sure after 10 years or so, it's very helpful for somebody. It's just too fancy and you won't find yourself doing rabbit kicks to someone's head in a real altercation. My advice to people interested in learning. Don't dish out 150-300$ a month just to learn how to punch and kick a pad and run circles around your gym. Go find a traditional place that will offer you the hardest workouts you've endured thus far in your life. By doing that, you'll learn a lot about yourself and become physically fit, healthy, tough. I was a Yellow belt in my system when I entered the black belt sparring contest in Branson. They were slow--they got extremely tired after 2 matches. 2 sneaky full contact blows to the ribs and they grow fear and fail. That is a result of paying for bad martial arts learning.
edit: of course i think the sparring things are just games of tag.. nothing useful
On April 03 2010 03:48 statix wrote: I'm a blue belt in BJJ and have been training muay thai/dutch style kickboxing for about two years now. Trained in Kali/JKD for about 6 months prior to all of the above though.
edit: i was actually thinking about posting instructionals in the blog section demonstrating a little dutch style kickboxing technique. I wasn't sure how many people would actually be interested though.
I would be interested haha, dutch kickboxing is what you see a lot in K-1 correct? Lots of hand/kick combos. I'm a fan of K-1 Max.
I had a dream as a child doing a martial art using the energy of your opponent, somehow i got introduced into aikido by my little sister, doing it for some years. good for balance, using your full weight as advantage, you learn how to fall (very important in everyday non boring life), also getting a basic idea of how to react and use the force someone throws at you fluently. sadly no punches or kicks. then i stumbled into wt, wingtsun, and i would guess i found what i wanted long time ago, with aikido beeing a very good preparation. you simply train your muscles to react to a force thrown at you by themselves, you learn to watch what your body is doing while he attacks an opponent who decides with his actions how you beat him beeing formed by his energy. fun is an understatement.
On April 03 2010 11:05 VabuDeltaKaiser wrote: I had a dream as a child doing a martial art using the energy of your opponent, somehow i got introduced into aikido by my little sister, doing it for some years. good for balance, using your full weight as advantage, you learn how to fall (very important in everyday non boring life), also getting a basic idea of how to react and use the force someone throws at you fluently. sadly no punches or kicks. then i stumbled into wt, wingtsun, and i would guess i found what i wanted long time ago, with aikido beeing a very good preparation. you simply train your muscles to react to a force thrown at you by themselves, you learn to watch what your body is doing while he attacks an opponent who decides with his actions how you beat him beeing formed by his energy. fun is an understatement.
Looks up Xian Yi (which akido decended from) It is one of the three Chinese internal arts, along with the Tai Chi's and Bagua. Seems like what you are looking for
I'm practicing WingTsun, too. It's real fun but I am missing some physical aspects so I train at home with a sandbag and I randomly tell my gf to hit me in the stomach for 1 minute as hard as she can because if you get in a real fight all your mad techniques won't help you if you don't know how to take blows I would like to pick up Kendo, a classmate used to practice it and he was just scary with a stick in his hand but I don't have the time/money to start with it atm
I got brown belts simultaniously in TKD and Judo when I was a kid, but after dropping out I forgot most of it and lost all my flexibility. Later on when I was about 20 I've gotten interested in MMA through some friends, and I started training Muay Thai in a club + BJJ with a blue belt friend.
Nowadays I'm training almost everyday and I'm preparing myself for my first amateur Muay Thai fight.
Did kickboxing for 2.5 years, which was the best thing sport wise I ever did. I didn't compete in fights but the fitness aspect was insanely good. If anybody cares the training was with Regina Halmich's coach. Saw her stopping by there 2 times as well.
Then I moved and the new city didn't offer anything close to the training I was used to :-( Haven't done anything for 2 years but just now tried some introductory muai thai on a trip and now I am determined to resume (kick)boxing once I am home again.
1st degree TKD, been doing it since I was 10, so about 12 years now. Started training in Japan, got my black belt in Hawaii, competed in the mainland and branched out into MMA/Aikido/BJJ/Boxing/Muay Thai. Now I just base all of my fighting on what we call a "false crack" in Hawaii.
Did Karate for about seven years, looking back I wish I had done say gymnastics or ballet instead for the hot chicks. Seriously, I could never do BJJ - too much man on man love for my tastes.
When I was younger I was in Karate for about 2 years. At the time I found it kinda boring. I was easily the biggest in the class and that was probably why. I was around 12 at the time. Not really sure as to what style of karate. I took a couple Shotokan karate classes, but my friend grew bored and I had no way of really getting back there on my own. Took a few Muay Thai classes at the place I originally learned karate as a kid, but it's pretty damn expensive so I was only able to go for a trial period.
On April 04 2010 12:48 Jaime Raine wrote: Did Karate for about seven years, looking back I wish I had done say gymnastics or ballet instead for the hot chicks. Seriously, I could never do BJJ - too much man on man love for my tastes.
I've been practising hard-style karate for about 9 years now, and I've got to say, It's a blast. I'm a jr black belt (I turn 18 this September), and I've made the podium in several local tournaments. The dojo I practise at is fairly informal, with less focus on traditional Katas and more on sparring, grappling, weapons fighting, and kick-boxing. It's not a huge place but the senseis are awesome (one made gold at an international martial arts competition last year), and I can't wait to get a few more styles under my belt (no pun intended).
i did taekwondo for 7ish years, was about to test for my 3rd degree black belt but i had to quit since i was too busy with school stuff during senior year of high school.
I have four years of hapkido training and a black belt. Hapkido's an eclectic Korean martial art, with both "hard" and "soft" techniques, strikes and breaks and throws. What exactly you learn varies based on your studio and master, but where I trained, I learned some muay thai style eight-point boxing, some taekwondo style kicking, and a lot of jujutsu style breaks, throws, and weapons use (nunchaku are awesome).
I stopped training when I went to college, because commuting to both was too much, but I've been meaning to get my scrawny ass in shape and start training again once I have the money to spare. This time around I'm torn between going to a traditional jujustu or Northern wushu school and an ultra-modern krav maga school. I like krav maga more stylistically, but jujutsu and wushu more philosophically. My build is pretty well suited to either - or, really, anything I choose to learn that isn't Brazilian jiu-jitsu or competitive MMA (too tall for the former, not bulky enough for the latter; you need a lot more muscle mass to be effective when you're not allowed to use incapacitating force). Luckily, neither of those has any appeal to me.
For anyone considering martial arts training, I can absolutely recommend it - it's been hugely useful to me in a huge number of ways, from general fitness, strength and flexibility to self-confidence, awareness, and mental discipline. However, it is important to find a style and studio that fit your temperament and build. If you don't feel like during the research, a summary's below.
If you want something traditional and practical, you can't go wrong with wushu (traditional Chinese martial arts). If you're tall and skinny, you want a Northern style; if you're short and bulky, you want a Southern style. Jujutsu (traditional Japanese martial arts, not to be confused with Brazilian jiu-jutsu) is also extremely good, but tends to vary much more by dojo; some will teach nothing but unarmed combat, some will teach you everything from basic strikes up to guns and binding with ropes. The quality is generally incredible, but if you don't know what you're looking for it's easy to get stuck with something you aren't really suited to.
If you want something modern, no-nonsense and practical, krav maga has your name on it. It focuses nearly directly on one of the most important principles of combat, incapacitating your opponent before they can do harm. Everything else is suborned to that goal. Be warned, though, of the harshness that attitude can imply. If you pull punches, ever, krav maga is not for you.
If you do pull your punches and don't like the idea of learning something that could end up hurting someone, I suggest you take up aikido. Its focus is on resolving conflict while doing the least amount of total harm; unlike many other styles, it doesn't write off any damage your opponent takes as acceptable. An excellent style if you practice martial arts mainly for mental health and discipline.
Finally, if all you really care about is competition and impressing people, I suggest you find yourself an MMA trainer. You won't learn anything that you can use to reliably defend yourself, but you'll be great in a brawl and you might even do okay in a cage fight if you get yourself into the right shape.
It's been a year and a half since I went to practice with a group that practices wrestling and grappling (bjj). Then, I went to study muay thai. Sadly, it's been on and off for me learning martial arts. Luckily, I was able to get back and preparing for a fight that I'm hoping to happen.
If you want something traditional and practical, you can't go wrong with wushu (traditional Chinese martial arts). If you're tall and skinny, you want a Northern style; if you're short and bulky, you want a Southern style. Jujutsu (traditional Japanese martial arts, not to be confused with Brazilian jiu-jutsu) is also extremely good, but tends to vary much more by dojo; some will teach nothing but unarmed combat, some will teach you everything from basic strikes up to guns and binding with ropes. The quality is generally incredible, but if you don't know what you're looking for it's easy to get stuck with something you aren't really suited to.
I would be interested haha, dutch kickboxing is what you see a lot in K-1 correct? Lots of hand/kick combos. I'm a fan of K-1 Max.
Yeah. The main difference if I had to pick one between Dutch kickboxing and Muay Thai is the emphasis dutch kickboxing places on changing levels. By this I mean throwing combinations like 1 to the head, 2 to the body, 3 to the head, and a 10 to your opponents lead leg. I
t's not uncommon to see guys like Andy Souwer or Melvin Manhoef end every combination with a kick because even though you know its coming, its hard to defend it when your thinking about the punches he just threw at your head/body.
This is the numbering system we use and most kickboxing gyms use.
Shodokan Akido for me. It has a pretty high emphasis on sparring.
I spent somewhere around 7 years in it, I should have a black belt, but an external complication preventing me from being graded for it, and forcing me to drop out. That was about 6 or 7 years ago now though.....
I placed well in several competitions when I was active, and was invited to participate in a tournament in India (I didn't go though). I also was part of a weapons-training class. Some really cool stuff.
I would be interested haha, dutch kickboxing is what you see a lot in K-1 correct? Lots of hand/kick combos. I'm a fan of K-1 Max.
Yeah. The main difference if I had to pick one between Dutch kickboxing and Muay Thai is the emphasis dutch kickboxing places on changing levels. By this I mean throwing combinations like 1 to the head, 2 to the body, 3 to the head, and a 10 to your opponents lead leg. I
t's not uncommon to see guys like Andy Souwer or Melvin Manhoef end every combination with a kick because even though you know its coming, its hard to defend it when your thinking about the punches he just threw at your head/body.
This is the numbering system we use and most kickboxing gyms use.
On April 03 2010 00:23 YouMake wrote: My Name is Brendan Weafer. I actually run with my friend and business partner. A BJJ and Maui Thai Gym. I fight professional also
Gota say that out of all the martial arts I've tried, I like boxing the best. Right now I'm doing random goes at boxing, muay thai, sub wrastling and bjj. Enjoy them all but boxing is the funnest for me.
I did 3 years of Taishan Kung Fu back home in Brazil. Had to stop since I'm studying in Italy for now. It is a northern kung fu style, that focus a lot in kicks, and I really improved my flexibility while practicing. I am also interested in practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the future, if my job leave me some spare time. The most famous BJJ academies in Brazil are in Rio and in the South, but i think I can find a nice one in Sao Paulo, where I will live.
On April 07 2010 02:12 nbMifu wrote: I did 3 years of Taishan Kung Fu back home in Brazil. Had to stop since I'm studying in Italy for now. It is a northern kung fu style, that focus a lot in kicks, and I really improved my flexibility while practicing. I am also interested in practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the future, if my job leave me some spare time. The most famous BJJ academies in Brazil are in Rio and in the South, but i think I can find a nice one in Sao Paulo, where I will live.
Dude go train with Fabio Gurgel in Sao Paulo. He's supposed to speak fluent english, he has crazy bjj skills, and he's the teacher of one of the best grapplers ever (Marcelo Garcia).
Damnit, I was just about to make a Napolean Donymite 'bo staff skills' joke.
I took some Aikido for a while. If you are short and skinny it's probably a good style... it focuses on redirection of energy instead of brute force, so you don't have to be strong to be good at it. One of my sensei's once was this old woman who looked like she should be teaching kindergarten, and she could friggin' throw me or anyone else across the room.
Edit: Well, it's cool even if you're not skinny, heh. Btw, it also focuses on nonviolence.
Playing cello is probably cooler and more useful than anything else in this thread.
I've already used bjj/wrestling in real life to defend myself/others twice...I don't think playing the cello in those situations would have helped anyone.
On April 07 2010 02:12 nbMifu wrote: I did 3 years of Taishan Kung Fu back home in Brazil. Had to stop since I'm studying in Italy for now. It is a northern kung fu style, that focus a lot in kicks, and I really improved my flexibility while practicing. I am also interested in practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the future, if my job leave me some spare time. The most famous BJJ academies in Brazil are in Rio and in the South, but i think I can find a nice one in Sao Paulo, where I will live.
Dude go train with Fabio Gurgel in Sao Paulo. He's supposed to speak fluent english, he has crazy bjj skills, and he's the teacher of one of the best grapplers ever (Marcelo Garcia).
Nice, I'll search for him. And since I'm Brazilian, no problem if he does not speaks english I also heard that Macaco Gold Team is good, and it is in Sao Paulo too.
On April 07 2010 08:10 jeddus wrote: Former Gracie jiujitsu blue belt and thai boxer.
Amateur MMA fighter 2001-2004.
Modest comeback in 2006.
My takedowns are terrible.
On December 29 2009 16:42 jeddus wrote: Oddly enough, I don't "lol" at Zerg_Russian or find him completely offbase.
And my purple belt is under Renzo Gracie.
.
???
We knew you were lying then and I know you're lying now.
If that really was you in that video you're not a blue belt. A blue belt wouldn't get taken down and land on the shitty part of side control. A blue belt wouldn't flop his legs around for 3 second and then try to get to guard. A blue belt wouldn't completely jump over a guy to take his back.
On April 07 2010 02:12 nbMifu wrote: I did 3 years of Taishan Kung Fu back home in Brazil. Had to stop since I'm studying in Italy for now. It is a northern kung fu style, that focus a lot in kicks, and I really improved my flexibility while practicing. I am also interested in practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the future, if my job leave me some spare time. The most famous BJJ academies in Brazil are in Rio and in the South, but i think I can find a nice one in Sao Paulo, where I will live.
Dude go train with Fabio Gurgel in Sao Paulo. He's supposed to speak fluent english, he has crazy bjj skills, and he's the teacher of one of the best grapplers ever (Marcelo Garcia).
Nice, I'll search for him. And since I'm Brazilian, no problem if he does not speaks english I also heard that Macaco Gold Team is good, and it is in Sao Paulo too.
Thanks for the info statix.
Yeah no problem bro. Honestly you're not going to go wrong with any BJJ school in Sao Paulo. If I were you though I'd definitely go to Gurgel's just for a chance to meet Marcelo. The guy weighs like 160 lbs and tears through absolute divisions.
took tae kwon do for about 7 years b4 i moved on to track in HS. was a 2nd degree black belt b4 i stopped. was fun competing in tournaments and it was somewhat useful in one instance during high school
reading through the thread and alot of people learning really intresting styles that sound really ancient and way more interesting than TKD lol
On May 29 and 30, there will be a NAGA (North American Grappling Association) tournament at the Mass Mutual Center In Springfield, MA, USA. My roommate, my girlfriend, and I, as well as some friends are planning to attend. I will only be competing in the Novice league, but I just wanted to let the TL community know just in case anyone was nearby and wanted to go check it out.
My school's MMA club is starting up again tonight, and I have to say, I'm super psyched. This past weekend I was watching my brother at a wrestling tournament, and I have been wanting to roll so badly ever since.
We've just hired a new coach who specializes in Muay Thai, so I'll actually be getting some striking experience now, although my love is still with BJJ.