Martial Arts - advise

jaye944 · 08-07-2008, 15:42

hi guy's

thinking of doing some martial arts, for a few reasons,
self defense, confidence, fitness.

have a history of lower back probs, but since doing back exercises been a lot better,
doc suggested doing exercise to keep me supple., also not a youngster anymore (43!)

was thinking of Taekwon-do.

any one got any advise ?

as a self-defense what is it like ?

mikegray · 08-07-2008, 17:41

Taekwon-do is a good overall martial art in my opinion. It helps with fitness alot

as they do alot of pad work. It teachs you alot aswel to do with self defence and techniques. As for confidence it builds up very quickly, for example, if you have to kick something you have to kick it no question. You feel abit cautious to begin with but it soon goes. Pressure points are great fun

There are lots of different martial arts out there, I think it would be good for you and if it doesnt quite fit the bill can always try others.

Go for it mate!

Slowwy1 · 09-07-2008, 07:34

It's more of a martial sport than art, so naturally is a bit softer that others. Try and see what you think. You need to be quite stretchy though, esp. if it's WTF Taekwon-do.

**Orange Peel** · 09-07-2008, 07:57

Taekwon-do would be a good start. Its one of the MA's where contact is a main part of the learning process. Some are none-contact until grading, if at all. These are good but you never really learn to hit anything. Great if you want to show off your skills but can be pants in a real situation.

I did Shotokan Karate for many years. I really enjoyed that but I'm thinking about trying something more technical including Tai Chi which although commonly though of as a relaxing MA is one of the more effective when used in combat.

chip · 09-07-2008, 08:24

Depends on the governing body, ive trained under a couple of different ones for Tae Kwon Do and there is a varying level of contact with each one, alse dependant on the teacher.

Ultimately its a martial art refined by the korean military with the sole intention of killing people as quickly as possible with no weapons, and a translation of the name is "hand and foot", its got a lot of kicking in it, which does mean that initially its hard to learn as you need to be flexible first.

Fantastic for fitness and great as self defence too, in fact I wish Id never given it up, as I wouldnt be such a fat old git now, lol

Rik · 09-07-2008, 10:22

you might be better with Krav Maga for self defence or Aikido.

jaye944 · 09-07-2008, 11:50

thankxs all for the advise

spudgun · 09-07-2008, 12:15

my local gym do classes like that, but i u get a note from your doctors you get it half price!

(council / local authority gym that is)

**Melv** · 09-07-2008, 14:29

like Orange Peel I also did Shotokan Karate. Excellent imo

CortraGTE · 09-07-2008, 15:16

Combat Sambo

jaye944 · 28-07-2008, 13:36

ok tommorow I'm going to start.

Taekdo.

Now I'm also diabetic so a bit of general advise,

its a 2 hour session, warm up, lesson, cool down

I need to have some energy (re my blood sugar) so was thinking a couple of bannanas, also have my glucose tabs on me.

anyone know what I should expect? or any other recomendations ?

ta

chip · 28-07-2008, 13:37

First lesson typically will be very tame indeed.

Bananas are a good plan, quickly turned into energy by the body.

ol'_200sx_thing · 28-07-2008, 15:35

Im also diabetic, and used to do IAKSA Kickboxing.
Great fitness and can teach you some very good and powerful moves.
Just make sure that whoevber is teaching the class knows what to do should you hypo

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaye944

ok tommorow I'm going to start.

Taekdo.

Now I'm also diabetic so a bit of general advise,

its a 2 hour session, warm up, lesson, cool down

I need to have some energy (re my blood sugar) so was thinking a couple of bannanas, also have my glucose tabs on me.

anyone know what I should expect? or any other recomendations ?

ta

jaye944 · 28-07-2008, 17:13

kool thankxs alot guys

tom_moran · 29-07-2008, 13:35

i do thai chi to keep supple and build inner strength then do kung fu (shaolin) to unleash the beast! lol!!!

seriously though before i started i was depressed unfit and generally really unhappy. now i feel so good, fit healthy happy and my knees dont feel weak anymore which they did before i started. the thai chi will help your back a lot too, it will stretch it and gradualy build the strength up. try and see if the is a nam yang uk club near you, its who im with and they are a fantastic club

jaye944 · 30-07-2008, 14:29

ok so last night was my trial lesson

had my insulin shot , 2 bananas and a mars bar

no problems,

but fk me, you gotta be fit boyee !

did a some running, warm up stretches, then the martial arts stuff

stances, punches (not actually at anyone) learning how to stand, how to breath, chanting etc etc

legs feel sore today

dont know if I'm too old to become a martial artist.
really wondering how much I need to do before I become able for example to use it in real life.

although the fitness and strcthing is good.

cheers in advamce for the advices

tom_moran · 30-07-2008, 16:00

it took me a few months before i started to feel confident and for my legs to stop hurting afterwards! but tbh just learing the basics will help you if you even need to use it for defense. the first thing i was taught was how to avoid a fight though, and that the skills we learnt were the last resort, but if we needed to use them we were told "be relentless"

good luck!!

we should ahve a migMMA sparring club lol!!

nickyboy · 30-07-2008, 17:01

andy_sri_andy is the best person to ask, he ran a martial arts club in Bracknell for a while

jaye944 · 31-07-2008, 14:10

yeah my legs are still hurting ! both upper inside thighs.

think it was a stance called "riding horse style", you have to plant yourself and punch as well.

also was having problems standing with both feet together (heels touching), kneeling down and sitting on my haunches and getting up without using my hands, I've got knock knees, Gosh I feel so old

I'l try and endure the first 6 weeks.... just hope I'll get fitter (GULPS)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom_moran

it took me a few months before i started to feel confident and for my legs to stop hurting afterwards! but tbh just learing the basics will help you if you even need to use it for defense. the first thing i was taught was how to avoid a fight though, and that the skills we learnt were the last resort, but if we needed to use them we were told "be relentless"

chip · 31-07-2008, 14:18

Realistically, you will take 6 months before you start to gain the fitness and a bit of confidence that would actually allow you to use any of it in a violent situation.

And realistically the best thing you will learn during that 6 months that you are likely to put into practice, is being better at running away!

lethal · 31-07-2008, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rik

you might be better with Krav Maga for self defence.

...and leave a trail of bodies

lethal · 31-07-2008, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip

And realistically the best thing you will learn during that 6 months that you are likely to put into practice, is being better at running away!

Couldn't agree more. The best weapon available for street combat is the ability to run like the f**kin wind and keep running longer than your assailant.

It saved me before

jaye944 · 31-07-2008, 14:40

also does anyone have any tutorials/books internet resources

I wanna pracice some stuff at home, prior to lesson.

I can't always remember stuff, also like the korean things where supposed to count/sohout say etc

cheers

jaye944 · 31-07-2008, 14:42

hence are warmups !

but I dont think we warmed down though ??

Quote:

Originally Posted by lethal

Couldn't agree more. The best weapon available for street combat is the ability to run like the f**kin wind and keep running longer than your assailant.

It saved me before

Rik · 31-07-2008, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaye944

hence are warmups !

but I dont think we warmed down though ??

You'll find it helps to stretch afterwards.