Judodad_karateson

Are sites that let you make groups and communities killing sites like this? You search for a web community now adays, all you get are these massive conglomerate sites like Facebook and facebook clones. Most sites like this are pretty void of life, say for the Admin and a close nit group of veteran posters. Thoughts?

Great Let us know how it goes I can't speak for other classes and I only studied for a short time (2 years) but our class was structured as follows: - Basics and Qigong exercises as a warm up - Detailed look at individual postures or maybe some push hands exercises (pair work) - Practice of the 24 form - Free practice All in our classes were around 2 hours long. What does "free practice" consist of?

I'm interested in the movement theories on Tai chi. Does anyone have any good books, videos, Youtube channels, blog, etc that explores the 8 gates and the 13 movement in more detail?

I completely agree. For me, this kind of question would be a huge red.flag if I were taking JKD. OF COURSE JKD guys should do ground work. What are they teaching you in class? What do you think JKD is, exactly?

Thanks for the tips, guys. Based on what you have said, I definitely think I'm going to enjoy learned the 8 gates and all that. It wil be very different from the arts I know (as you can see under my name on the left)The instructor seems to understand what I was looking for. He asked if I looked in to his Southern Mantis class (Not trying to sell me, just making sure I had the right class for me) I told him I've had I fill of standing in line and kicking when I was in karate. Not that there isn't more for me to learn, but I want another type of MA. I'm 30, I want to branch out and explore things I've never tried before. Anyways, the class is tomorrow. He said no uniform required. Should be interesting... what should I expect the class structure to be like? I picture it being a lot like yoga but a kata instead of a pose.

I don't look down on them at all, but when looking for a school, I tend to favor ones with connections. The tournaments and the resources offered to a network of schools offer so much more than a lone school can. Of course, there are plenty of bad feds, so..

Hey guys! I don't often talk about this aspect of myself, but I am a hardcore atheist skeptic. I don't believe the chi, and I think anything useful chi offers can be explained via sports medicine and sports psychology. I don't say this to start an argument or to offend anyone who does, I say this because to want to do Tai Chi. I've never done a Chinese Martial art, but I want to try, and Tai Chi is so far removed from the arts I'm use to (karate, judo, and boxing) that I really think I'd enjoy the change of pace in my training (plus it just look cool). My question is, can I get the full enjoyment from such an art with my stubborn, skeptical world view? How vital is the belief in chi to mastering Tai Chi? I can visualize and I've got a great imagination, but I doubt I will ever fully believe it. Should I look into something else? Will Tai Chi be lost on a skeptic like me? Extra info, the styles offered at my local Kung Fu school are Yang Empty Hand, Chen Style (cannon fist) Empty Hand and Traditional Yang Style Walking Stick Tai Chi Chu'an.

Yeah, that's a HUGE red flag. I understand the need for uniformity in things like gis, and sparring gear and other safety equipment, but Accessories like weapons? I mean, is it cheaper in comparison to Century or something?

Like MMA? No, but an open format where all(most) styles are welcome to attend. These will include a wide range of styles. I'm not sure where in TX you are, but here are some I know of.... Houston - http://www.jamallnationals.com/#!home/c14q Grapevine, TX - TForce Elite Internationals 8/13/16 San Antonio - http://www.yellowrosenationals.com/ Austin - Lonestar Open normally in October Also check the NBL site - http://www.nblskil.com/pages/tournamentlisting.html And these sites too - http://theaok.org/Tournaments.aspx, http://www.texaskarate.com/tournaments.htm, http://tklonline.com/tournaments.html And finally, if you use Facebook follow 'Buckeye Karate Tournaments, Seminars, & More'. Folks post a lot of tournaments there. Wow, good stuff! Thanks!

A franchise called Tiger Rock Martial Arts just opened up in my town. Has anyone ever heard of these guys? It just looks like a TKD master trying to rebrand the art for a more MMA focused market, high possibility of being a McDojo. Thoughts?

I like the idea. But of course, don't forget go purchase insurance for your tournament. Yeah, not a bad idea, but there is a difference between simple lack of a tournament and lack of demand for a tournament. The area I'm in can barely keep Boxing gyms open. Most TKD and all karate is taught in churchs, schools, YMCAs, etc, because hardly anyone can cover overhead for 5geir own gym. It would be awesomr to have a nice big tournament, but I don't think it would work out. We don't evem do toughman around here anymore.

Honestly, its not in the budget. I know he would love bjj. I did judo forbtears, grappling engages the mind is such a different way. But the BJJ school around here have bad kids programs or just cost too much. Anyone have any thoughts on switchjng to TKD, though? Hoe much different is it for a kid?

Like MMA?

Interesting input, guys, very insightful. Can I compete in ITF, WTF, and ATA tournaments if my school isn't a part of their group? What are the chances of a school that doesn't list membership in one of these groups still regularly attend their tournaments? Also, how good is tkd for engaging the kids? I know TKD and karate are similar in many ways, but my 5yo is bored with karate. Do you think tkd could liven things up for him?

Not from what I can tell in Texas. You can find a Lot of BJJ and TKD around here, but everything else is limited.