Martial Arts

[DanGarion]

I was looking for some direction and input regarding getting into Martial Arts. I've always been fascinated with all the forms of the art, and I've been thinking about taking some classes to help me get in shape. I know it takes lots of dedication and time to develop.

One of the places around the corner to us is http://www.ocaikido.com/ and they have been teaching Akido and they have been teaching Akido for 41 years so they sound like a really good place to start, especially since it's more the type of martial art I would like to do, something that isn't attack oriented and is more my style. I really like that this place is a non-profit and that all the instructors are volunteers.

Anyone have any tips of what I should be looking for?

On a side note I used to do Tae Kwon Do years ago when I was a child, but only for about 6 months, so it's not like I remember anything from that.

[Raiders Army]

I think it depends on what you want from the Martial Arts. I have my 1st Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do, but IMHO Tae Kwon Do is more of an art form rather than a self-defense class.

The only other martial art that I have any familiarity with is Judo and that's more of a throwing/grappling martial art. I've always wanted to learn Gracie Jui Jitsu since Royce Gracie did very well in the UFC.

[gkb]

I took Aikido for about a year here in Colorado and really enjoyed it. I've taken various other martial arts, but Aikido suited me the best. That said, some things to look for:

- Do they have an introductory class (that lasts several weeks) where you can get a feel for the dojo and the art (without having to buy a gi and invest an unreasonable amount of money)?

- Do they require you to sign a contract?

- Do they require you to participate in their religious ceremonies, even if those ceremonies may conflict with your own?

- Have you been to some classes as an observer to get a feel for how people interact with one another?

- Do you know anyone who goes to that dojo?

- How do they handle belt advancement?

Those are just a few of the items that I could think of off the top of my head. Best of luck.

[BYU 14]

- Do they have an introductory class (that lasts several weeks) where you can get a feel for the dojo and the art (without having to buy a gi and invest an unreasonable amount of money)?


This would be my first question, most Dojo's offer this now, as competition can be pretty stiff for students in some areas. No experience with Akido, so I can't comment there.

One thing I have found from my families involvement is a some schools now incorporate pieces of other styles. A Shotokan Dojo my Kids trained at also brought in grappling instructors to allow work on take downs and submissions, which I think is a great compliment to a strong stand up style.

Shorin-Ryu is a smoother style that also incoporates some joint locks, though most are initiated from a standing position.

Like Raiders Army said, try a couple of different styles to find what fits your needs. Self Defense, getting in shape, show karate? Many different options out there.

[Glengoyne]

...
I've always wanted to learn Gracie Jui Jitsu since Royce Gracie did very well in the UFC.

IIRC the UFC was essentially created based on a challenge leveled by the Gracie family. Their family had essentially challenged all comers with a fair sized "bounty" over their heads. If anyone beat a Gracie, they got the cash. None of them lost...ever. I believe it was a generations long challenge as well.

Gracie did very well, until that guy that was a religious zealot about broke him in two before Royce got him in a submission hold. IIRC Gracie withdrew from the final event rather than risk being the first Gracie in generations to lose a fight. I don't believe he returned to the octagon.

He was responsible for one of the most brutal moments I saw in the UFC. Some guy was standing against the wall, and had Gracie upside down and looked to have every advantage in the world. Gracie locked the guys elbow out in a submission hold, and the referee wasn't really paying attention to the apparently dominant participant. Before the referee saw the guy submitting, Gracie had popped the guys elbow. That looked painful.

Edit: The bounty bit has apparently been denied. I recalled it being $100k, but googled it to see if time had inflated the number. There was apparently never a monetary reward. They just challenged all comers to demonstrate the dominance of their brand of ju jitsu.

[Edward64]

The reign of the Gracies are over. Their BJJ has been eclipsed by the Mixed Martial Arts training ... Matt Hughes easily handled Royce in a recent UFC match.

Definitely kudos to the Gracies and their BJJ, they opened the eyes of the world to the requirement of ground fighting. Many traditional stand-up fighting schools try to crosstrain in ground fighting now.

dangarion. Unless you want to seriously train to fight/compete, I suggest you start off with what is easiest for you consistently attend classes. Any martial arts is better than no martial arts. High on the list would be (1) cost (2) distance and (3) teacher.

1. Cost. Most schools will require 1-2 year commitment. IMO don't be scared off by these 'McDojos'. Although it would seem that their focus is monetary, most teachers I have met seem to genuinely want to train you in their arts. If you find one that allows you to do month-to-month, all the better.

Alot of times the contract length is negotiable. Even if they require a 1-2 year commitment, talk with the instructor and ask if you can commit to 6 months first.

2. Distance. A great school may be 50 miles away and a mediocre one 2 miles away. Starting off, go with the nearer one. Being a newbie, even the mediocre schools/arts will teach you good stuff. There will be days when you just don't want to go, a close school will make it easier. Try to attend at least 3 classes a week.

3. Teacher. I agree with the other posters, go and first watch a couple classes and then take a free lesson (most offer at least 1 free lesson). If you see high level students look clumsy, stay away.

Don't know much about aikido, I studied TKD, Karate and some Escrima. But loved the earlier Steven Segal movies with his circular motions and the throws. Good luck to you and hope you decide to participate in a MA. I know it changed my life.

[JeffNights]

I just recently got my Second Degree Black Blet in HapKiDo, its an excellant art, has all the throws of Akido but adds alot more self-defense moves and is all about pain-compliance, in addition to strikes.

Right I am training Krav Maga, its a brutal art designed for real world fighting, if you are looking for street defense, this would be it in my opinion.