Lonesome

Sorry kunyongdo, offending you was not my intention. I guess I am just a little wary of that kind of stuff after some other situations that I've seen. And the "Lifetime Membership" certificate made me question it. Anymore, it just seems like you don't see many new arts, but instead new schools teaching the old arts. I understand that everyone has to start somewhere though, and I agree that we cannot judge until we see. I am unable to do so this summer, but I may check the class out in the future, because it seems like it is offered every summer. Good luck with the class and the art.

I will try and visit the classes once I get to school, and see how they are. I was just wondering if there is one in general that really stands out more than the others. I guess it's kind of hard to assume though. I'm really interested in Krav Maga, but it isn't offered as long or as much as the others. Maybe a combination of Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, or Capoeira would be fun. Also, I just found out that the class that is offered is Capoeira Mandinga do Sertao. Thanks

Fitness would be appreciated along with self-defense. I have a friend who is doing capoeira, and from what i've heard...it's just not the best thing for that. The aikido that is available over summer is Seidokan Aikido and the one available at school is Aikikai Aikido and the Sensei is affiliated with the USAF. Thanks

Sorry, I forgot to mention that it's 3 months out of each semester. So I would like to do this for each semester that I'm at the university. After college, I would also like to continue, but that would depend on where the art is offered. At this time, going to the studio wouldn't be very easy because it is a rather far distance and I do not have access to a car. But I would be able to take the class each semester. Krav Maga seems to be more of a self-defense type art (not sure if it's considered an art), but it does not seem like there is much training time. I've always thought that Aikido would be a fun art to learn, but from what people say, it takes much longer to master for self-defense, and I'm not sure if that's what I'm currently look for (I may be wrong, any info?). Jiu-Jitsu has always sounded like fun to me and they've never offered it in my area, this would be good for self-defense and not something that takes years to master? Also, I've heard wing chun can be good for self-defense, but I question how it's taught since I am unsure of the rank or qualifications of the professor that oversees the club. I may try emailing him (even though it didn't work to well when I was in his class, lol). Just a kind of disclaimer for what you may think after reading this. I am not looking for something where I will be able to completely defend myself after a month. I understand that it takes time to learn and understand, and that I will always be learning. I just know that some arts take more time than others, and at this point in my life, I'm not sure if I have the dedication to spend that time. Thanks again

Ok, just a couple quick things to add that I was thinking about. First, I am not sure if any of these arts will actually focus on the meditation and stuff like that. I don't think that's what I want though, atleast right now. Second, I said that it was about self-defense and feeling safer. It's also somewhat about self-esteem and feeling better about myself that I could protect myself in a situation (if that makes sense). Third, I have long legs. Not only am I tall, but I have longer than average legs. Now that doesn't do much, since I'm not that flexible, just something to add. I don't want that to mean that I should do an art that's mostly kicking, because that's not what I want. I would like it to be well-rounded. Thanks again

Hi everyone. I'm 19 years old and about to go into my sophomore year at college. I will be at home until mid-August and have some questions. I've always been interested in starting martial arts, but never really have. I took two classes of Tang Soo Do at the YMCA but the time didn't work out. I am 6'3" and weight about 145, so I am rather skinny. I do not have much muscle either. I wanted to start martial arts my freshman year, but I just didn't do it...probably lack of motivation. I've decided that no matter what though, I will make time for it this year because it is something I really would like to do. Probably the first thing that I am looking for is self-defense. I never have been, nor do I plan on getting in any fights, but I would just feel better knowing how to take care of myself, especially at college. After that, I would like for it to be a good workout. I know that martial arts aren't a good way of building muscle, but that would be a plus if possible. I would definately like to get more stamina though. Also, I am not very flexible, and I would love for it to help me in that area. Ok, now on to the options. Being home until mid-August, here are my options for over summer. -There is a Tae Kwon Do class at the local community college which runs for 7 weeks, once a week, 1 1/2 hours, $70. Tae Kwon Do does not really interest me though, as I am looking for self-defense and I've heard it is a lot of sport. Another thing is the teacher is a 10th degree blackbelt in his own art (Kun Yong Do) and you get a lifetime membership...Sounds a little odd to me. -Our city offers Aikido and Shotokan Karate. Aikido is $40 for one month, two 1 1/2 hour classes a week. Shotokan Karate is $107 for 10 weeks, three 1 hour classes a week. -I could just not take anything and wait until I get to school, where training would be more often and there are more options. (Sorry for the length, almost done ) When I get to the university, here are my options. -Aikido: Taught by a guy who also teaches at a studio. 3 months, 2 1 1/2 hours classes a week, $45. -Capoeira: 3 months, 2 2 hour classes a week, $70. (Doesn't really seem like self-defense to me, more fitness, cool nonetheless) -Jiu Jitsu: Just over 3 months, 1 2 hour class a week, $45. -Self Defense - Krav Maga: I think it's taught by a person that teaches at a local Jewish center. Just under 2 1/2 months, 1 1 1/2 hour class a week, $40. -Wing Chun Kung Fu: All semester pretty much, $40, 2 classes a week, not sure how long though. I just found out that the advisor is one of my math teachers from last year. I had heard that he did some sort of martial art, but didn't know what type. He is from the Ukraine. The only thing to add about those options, is that all of them are classes at the rec center except for the last. It is listed as a club that meets at the rec center. I'm not sure of the difference, maybe it's just the type of instructor or something. Sorry again about the length, but I do appreciate any help that you guys can give. I know that I need to go and actually see the classes, but I think that I can make a pretty good decision before hand and if anything about the class looks bad I can always switch then. Again, I appreciate the help! Have a great evening!

That's the problem, there aren't many clubs near me. I'm still looking and calling places, but a couple that I've talked to don't seem to be true clubs. I'm still looking though. For me it's a turn off when the club won't tell you prices or even what arts they teach over the phone. It's sort of frustrating too, because I look at some sites that list dojos around the Phoenix area, and places like Tempe seem to be full of clubs, but out here we don't have many at all! I'd love to have a Krav Maga or Jiu Jitsu place out here, but I haven't seen anything yet. I keep watching the gymnastics clubs to see if they maybe advertise some sort of karate because I've heard of teachers who rent out those types of places. I plan on checking out the gym once it's open. Even if their karate class looks more like an aerobics session, I could always try kickboxing. Thanks for the help!

Hi everone! I've been looking at these forums for a while, seeing everyone's suggestions and stuff, so I decided to finally post and try to get some advice. I've been looking around for places, and haven't found any that interest me and are relatively close. I can't go someplace that is too far away, due to transportation issues. I hope to also find a place that isn't too expensive or a mcdojo. I know these requests seem like a lot, but from what I've read, there are people teaching martial arts just because they love them and they love teaching. I live in Glendale, AZ, so if anyone knows of a good place around here, please let me know. I was also wondering if anyone knows where to look for private lessons or lessons from people who don't have facilities. I've seen people say they've been taught by cops, or just people that live near them and don't have a facility, so they teach it in their garage. I've looked at the classifieds, but I didn't see anything and don't even know if I was looking in the right section. I want to get into martial arts for a few reasons, but mostly self defense. It would be nice to get in better shape too. I know that they are building a fitness gym (like an L.A. Fitness, not a boxing gym) down the street from me, and they are planning on having karate. Are these type of karate classes just workout classes, or do they actually teach real "martial arts" at gyms? Thanks for the help!