UsagiYojimbo

Hi there. I know I'm getting to this discussion late, but I wanted to add my 2 cents. First off, I'm not a Christian, but used to be. Second, I have a problem with this statement: "A few of my close christian friends were interested in taking up martial arts, and asked their parents. Their parents said that they didn't want them involved as martial arts had close links with demons and the occult. I think they were getting karate confused with witchcraft. :lol:" Now, I don't want to start a fight, but witchcraft IS a real religion, and its followers don't worship Satan or summon demons. The modern movement is officially known as neopaganism, but some people prefer the term witchcraft. Here's a great site on it if you want to learn more: https://www.witchvox.org. Respect to all around here. I'm not going to criticize anyone else's religion, so please don't criticize mine. Thanks. Usagi

Thanks Tibby. It's an Everlast. How do I properly wrap my hands and feet? Usagi

Hi all, I just purchased a heavy bag for training, and have a couple questions. First off, what's the maximum number of days I should train a week? Also, should I use gloves and foot protection while I'm using it? Also, any other tips you can think of would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Usagi

Hey there, Just curious as to what everyone's worst injury related to martial arts has been. In my case, I practiced karate for 1 1/2 years and never had a major injury. Worst I ever had was pulling a muscle from kicking too high, and once I got socked in the eye pretty hard, but no permanent damage. How about you guys? Usagi

Yeah, I'll keep you posted, and will probably be using the board a lot more now that I'm practicing.

Hey there, Just wanted to tell y'all that I found a school that suits me well. It's Shuai Chiao, and offers everything I was looking for. Thanks to all you guys who gave me advice. Usagi

I agree with Granmaster. One of the schools that I was looking at had contracts, and they required that you fork out a bunch of money up front. I just wouldn't feel comfortable with that. If, after a month you decide it isn't for you, you're in trouble. Now I agree that MA takes discipline, but I think that should be on the part of the participant, who's disciplined because he/she wants to be there, not because they feel they have to because they're locked into a contract... oh well. End rant.

I'm checking out a Shuai Chiao school that's associated with the university here. It looks pretty cool. They say they teach alums also (that's me); here's hoping they haven't changed their constitution...

It's not actually $200/month. The $200 is the initiation fee and includes 1st month's pay; thereafter, it's $60/month. Then at the beginning of the next year, you have to pay a $100 continuation fee, which includes that month's pay, then $60 after that. Still, that's way more money than I want to spend up front. Not sure about other schools around here, I'll keep looking.

Wow, thanks for doing that search, KarateKid. I had actually looked up some of those. The reason I was asking for advice is because there are really TOO MANY schools in my area; I wanted help finding the best ones. Bet a lot of people here wish they had that problem, eh?

I might try that, Treebranch, but I kind of get a sense that the school is, well, scammish. To join, you have to pay a $200 membership fee, then a $100 continuance fee. Is that normal? I've never seen a school that did that. But I may try to locate some of the students.

Thanks.

Cool info. I'm looking for a MA school and thought ninjitsu might be interesting; didn't know it had changed its name to Bujinkan. I looked and there's a school really close to me; unfortunately, the prices are astronomical. Faith

Thanks for the tip, Granmaster. I don't get out that way much, but if I end up at a tourney there, I'll be sure to look him up.

Hi there. I'm looking for a ma school and have a question about styles. I have about a year and a half experience studying goju ryu karate (that I've been out of for about 10 years). One school I'm considering is offering Shorin ryu. Can anyone tell me the differences between these two styles? Thanks. Faith

Thanks for the advice. As far as kung fu in my area goes, there are 2 main schools I was considering. However, they're both taught by the same guy, and I visited one of his classes and didn't like what I saw; not that it was bad, necessarily, just not what I was looking for. I also participated in a wushu club briefly, but it was too loosely structured and I didn't really feel like I was learning much. Anyway, I'll keep looking and try this place out. Thanks. Faith (Usagi)

Thanks.

Thanks. Intro'd myself now. Hi.

Hi there, My name's Faith, from Columbus, Ohio. Just posted a question in another forum and was asked to introduce myself here. So, hi. Basically, I'm looking for a school here. I studied Goju Ryu karate for about a year and a half, starting when I was 13. I'm 24 now, so it's been a while. Since then, I've done a liiitle wushu, and some tai chi. I'm looking for a style that's somewhat physically demanding, but doesn't totally neglect the internal aspects. Right now, this place looks like the best candidate, but I haven't been to a class yet: https://www.karateheart.com. Anyone else from Columbus who could recommend a school, or tell me about the one I posted? Looking forward to meeting some people here. Thanks. Faith

Hi there. I'm a first-time poster with a question. I'm looking to take up a martial art again, and I'm wondering if anyone has info. on schools in Columbus, Ohio. Years ago I started taking Goju Ryu karate, and was involved with that for a year and a half. So far, the best fit for me seems to be this school: https://www.karateheart.com. I have briefly taken wushu and been somewhat more involved with tai chi; I'm open to a more internal style, but I prefer something that's also physically demanding. Anyone know of any other good schools I should check out here? Keep in mind, my budget is $50/month. Thanks, Usagi