Rich67

Heavy bag work, and did some weightlifting. Workouts know no holidays!

I can answer that question on two levels: 1) Yes, it helps you empty-hand skills in the dojo. By using weapons, you develop better coordination, strength, and fluid movement. I studied nunchaku, bo(staff) and tonfa and found that they both helped me with my movements in my katas and on top of all that, they were just fun to do. The staff was probably the most practical of the three, since it's pretty commonplace to find a stick or long piece of wood in an area where you may get into a fight. But... 2) I don't think the KNOWLEDGE of using weapons will help you in a street situation, except in rare instances. A street fight is usually hand-to-hand, and is over so fast or is so overwhelming, that you don't have the time or presence of mind to start looking around the area for a potential weapon. Now, I'm not saying it WOULDNT HELP AT ALL. I just don't think it would be a major deciding factor in the fight's outcome. But I have always been a "traditional" martial artist. I believe that everything taught in the martial arts has a purpose. Weapons training is definitely a plus. But in the fights I've been involved in, I didn't use any of my weapons training ;I had to rely purely on my kicking and punching skills (and my very limited grappling skills). But then again, I wasn't attacked with a pool cue or a barstool either. So I would have to say that YES, weapons training helps the martial artist to become an all-around better fighter. But it is not something that should be REQUIRED- it should be done to gear a fighter to a real-life environment. The first thing in martial arts though, is NEVER get involved in a fight that you think you can't win. It's better to walk away than test your ego.

KF San Soo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Thai Boxing, Standard boxing, and any base martial art (ie Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Tang Soo Do,etc.) Nowadays, a good practical fighter has knowledge in a lot of different arts, and knows how to apply them in a situation. That is why the original UFC was classified as a "mixed martial arts" tournament. You can't win a street fight or a MMA tournament simply by knowing how to punch and kick only, or knowing only 1 style. With the new UFC rules though, it's anyone's game now. But back in the starting days when they had no rounds or time limits, BJJ and Royce Gracie always came out on top (or on bottom, but still won). The original UFC was a lot more true-to-life than it is now. Granted, many pure street fighters have no knowledge of martial arts or grappling, but YOU need to be prepared for any eventuality. Do you get a resume from the guy who's about to pound you? You never know who you're dealing with. I'd say start off with a decent stand up fightning skill and also get well versed in ground fighting in case you get dumped. If your opponent wrestled in high school, then you're at a distinct disadvantage.

I agree. I don't know if I'd refer to TKD as a "sport" though. Technically speaking, it is a martial art. The "sport" moniker is just a matter of interpretation. I took Tang Soo Do for 10 years, which is very similar to TKD. I've also been in a few street fights, and I can tell you kicking above the waist is risky and not a good idea in those situations (something that is practiced regularly in TSD). Unfortunately, TKD and TSD have become Americanized/commercialized so much it is like taking up soccer or other sports. Groundfighting is a big component in street fight knowledge. I discovered that in the scraps I have been in, because eventually all fights go to the ground or a clinch. I'm looking at getting into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, since I want to gain a good knowledge of groundfighting in conjunction with my kicking and punching skills. Personally, I feel if you are starting out, TSD or TKD are great platforms that lead well into the other arts. You always have to have a solid foundation to build on, and everyone needs to know how to punch and kick.

Hi everyone, I was curious if anyone here who lives in the Tampa, Florida area knows of a BJJ studio nearby. I live in the Palm Harbor area which is west of Tampa. I am having no luck; it appears most of the schools are in Orlando or Miami ...any help would be much appreciated! Thanks