Mtal

Hi all, I done different martial arts, but right now, I do not have a lot of time and would like to at least keep up my self defence skills. So far my choices are Systema (I could probably do a 1 1/2 hour class once a week, maybe twice), Krav Maga (probably the same as above time wise), or a self defense class based on JKD (which I have done a little bit of, it's a 1 1/2 class.) What to take? Systema looks interesting, Krav Maga looks pretty no non sense, JKD has all the ranges. Then I worry about time, since I can only go once a week, maybe that should be one of the reasons why I should go with one style over the other. I would also like something that deals with multiple attackers. Well not that I wish that to ever happen, but nothing I have taken really taught me much on how to deal with that, and I figure if I am in a self defence situation, it's probably going to be more of them than me and what if I get cornered. Oh and something I learn knife defense. Always scared that if I cannot run what do I do. I also seen so many knife defense that do not work etc... Well any thoughts would be great. It would help me compare. Oh and if there is another combative I should consider, let me know. I would take classes in NYC so if anyone knows a good school please let me know.

Hi all, Ok I am not sure what the term is for it, but looking at videos of street fights, it seems most people just brawl, throw many multiple punches as fast as they can. It might be actually a good strategy if your bigger or stronger. Anyway, I was wondering how you would defend against something like that, being that it might be something one can possible face. Thanks.

I was reading that the founder of Wado Ryu started off in Ju Jitsu, but then went on to train in Shoto Kan cause he wanted to add more striking. So what is Wado Ryu like? I done Shoto Kan and Ju Jitsu, I would say there teaching was done in different ways. Shoto Kan we did lot of practicing our punches, blocks, kicks, and kata. Ju Jitsu, lot of partner work, some practice of punches, blocks, and kicks. So what is a Wado Ryu class like?

Hi, I was wondering, what are the differences between Go Ju Ryu, Uechi Ryu, and Shorin Ryu? Does one have more White Crane influnce over the other? Do they all do the sanchin Kata? Is one more harder on the body? Do they all incorporate some throws and locks? Well I am looking to get back into Karate. I used to do Shoto Kan years ago. I was kind of looking for something different. Okinawan Karate looks pretty cool. I like the White Crane influnce (would take that, but no schools around) and the hard and soft aspects. I am also in my upper 30's. I hear there are not really that many high kicks or deap stances. I also hear there are some joint locks and throws (sounds like to me making it more rounded). Oh, and I need something that gives me a good workout. It's been a little hard finding out the differences. Go Ju I probably know the most of, and did try a class years ago. I see there is some locks in it, and the sanchin kata looks a lot like white crane. I also here they do some exercises like push hands (I have done tai chi). Oh but I also hear that sanchin might be bad for your blood pressure. I dont have a problem, but hate to cause one. Shorin Ryu, all I get is that it is just like Go Ju. Is that right. Uechi Ryu, actually I just came across it. It looks kind of interesting. They do not do as many Kata's as the other ones. It is newer, so I hear some stuff is changed in it. I also here is is very self defence oriented (do not know why that was said, that is all I read). Then I also hear that its roots are very close to white crane, but then I read somewhere else that it is not cause it is a newer style, so it is actually farther away from the white crane influence. Well any info would be great. I am going to start to look at some schools, but I wanted to have an idear of what I am looking at before I go. Thanks.

Does anyone know about this style, Hakutsuru Fukasa-Ryu Karate or "Profound White Crane Empty-Handed Art". It is supposed to have a lot of Crane in it and it is from Okinawa(maybe it is more like Crane Kung Fu) . I was thinking it is related to Go Ju Ryu, but just finding out about the style, I heard they don't do Sanchin (which I believe is a core Go Ju Ryu Kata). Well if anyone knows what the style is like, please let me know.

Looks like a nice recorder, but I was looking for something small, and I do need a digital camera too. Thanks.

I want to take care of two things at once and get a digital camera that takes good video. I just like the fact that they are so small, so along with taking pictures, in case I every need to take a video (does come in handy for someone taking martial arts), I have the option. The thing is, when you look at these camera's, they don't seem to say much about the video part. I was also wondering if it really matters what camera you get, that most the options are the same and you get pretty much the same quality? So, what features do you look for when getting a digital camera when you want it to also take good video? Any models or brands that are recomended? Thanks.

Opps, yeah that's what I meant. Thanks, when I get a little extra cash, I will probably pick some up.

Hi, has anyone tried those Captain Crunch Grippers? I like to buy one, but I was wondering which one I sould get. Ok I can do the ones you by in any typical sports store, with the plastic grips. I was wondering how the captain crunch ones compare. Thanks.

Has anyone tried the Strength Training Gyro Exerciser? Is is some kind of gadget. It is in the shape of a ball, you put this pull cord in it, pull it out to make it start the inside moving, and then you hold it, and it supposed to help your grip get stronger. Ok it sounds to good to be true, but just wondering. Thanks.

I was wondering, for a martial artist, what is better, weights or body weight exercises? I guess I am asking from a self defence stand point. I mean I practice my martial arts, but I am sure if I come accross a better conditioned opponent, I would be a little worried if I was not in good enough shape. Now for grappling and striking, does weights over body weight exercises make a difference? I used to hear that pro boxers never touched weights. I am sure they can hit hard. That weights would tighten them up and they would not be fast and hit hard. Then I hear these days boxers are putting weights in there workouts. Also, what about those MMA people, Muy Tai, and wrestlers, do they hit the weights or just do body weight exercises? Maybe weights are more sutied for grapplers, trying to over power there opponent, submitting them, etc........ I also think about this, when I see those big dudes that lift weights, they look strong and solid, it just looks like better benefits for a fighter (ok I dont know too many top fighters so I dont know there workouts and what they can do, but I do see big dudes in the guy that look in good shape and would think there conditioning would be beneficial in a fight). Well any toughts would be great, thanks.

I get shin splints when I run. Also I have flat feet and my sneakers seem to wear out on the outside of the sneaker. I hear they make sneakers that help with this. Does anyone have any experience with a good brand and could make a reconmendation. Thanks.

What type of mantis do you practice?

Thanks. Is it more for defending against kicks, or just sweeps, someone trying to get you off balance?

What are RBSD styles? Thanks all, I will check some of the styles out that you talked about. Oh I did do shoto kan way back, but did not too much trapping, I was only a green belt, maybe it comes in the higher levels.

I was wondering if there are any other martial arts out there with trapping like JKD or Wing Chung. Just like to look into some. Thanks.

What is sticky feet? Is it a two person drill? Is it in Wing Chung, Tai Chi, or is it in a different style? Is it good training in how to defend against a kick? Thanks.

Next time I am by the book store I will get the exact name and author of the book. I think it is called Okinawan Karate but could be wrong. Gave alot of history, with some talk about each style. This was all under the Go Ju Ryu chapter. Oh I thought Shorin Ryu had these Kata's too. Just cause when I ask what the differences are between that and Go Ju, people say they are pretty much the same.

I was in the book store today and I was reading a book on Okinawan Karate. It was saying the Kata's that do all that Dynamic Tension are bad for you. It said that it can give you high blood presure, it is bad for you joints (said that master doing the style for a long time can hardly pick there arms over sholder level), you get hemroids from squeezing you spinter muscle (since you squeeze every muscle in your body when doing it), you can get stomaugh cancer from the tighting it has someone hits you there (I guess it is some kind of way to harden you stomaugh from what the book said). Now I was thinking of studying Shorin Ryu. To me those kata's look so good for you. Plus I see a lot of old masters on Utube looking pretty good. So anyone hear of this? Should I let it discourage me? I am in my late 30's, and want to practice something that will keep me in shape for a long time, and also be able to defend myself. I do Ba Gua and Tia Chi, but was looking for something a little more self defence oriented (but I am learning alot in those styles). Well also I used to take karate years ago, and kind of want to finish what I started. Thanks.

I am looking to get into Tai Chi again and found a school which teaches Wu Style Tai Chi. Has anyone studied it? What is it like? How does it compare to other styles (I do know with the stances the weight is more on the forward foot than the back)? What about the applications? Push Hands? What benefits do you get from it? Thanks, any info would be great.

So are you saying doing more reps? Oh thanks for the help everyone. Actually, I been working the bys and hitting the lat pull down machine. I tried to do some pull ups the other day and I did 3 good ones. I am still working at it.

I am trying to pick a style. These are the ones that are fitting into my schedual. I like to hear what everyone thinks. I am really looking for self defence. I want a style that pretty much will prepare me for diffrent situations I might come across. First off there is a kali class, twice a week, hour and a half class, they might add a class. I did try a class. They did some stick work, then we learned how to get out of wrist locks, and then a little ground fighting. If I make this Kali class, I probably also go back to my old JKD school. The teacher lets you pay by class, so when I have time, I can pop in. I can also pick a systema class. I have not observed one, but I am a little hesitent about it. When I look what people post about it, its half and half about how good it is. Well this class is 3 times a week for an hour and a half. From what I read, systema is all about self defence. Also if I did this class, right after it is a Go Ju Ryu class (twice a week, probably an hour and a half). I was thinking of taking both, get the self defence in Systema, and a good traditional karate workout, but it might just be too much for me in one day, and I probably could not do to my schedual. Then the next choice is Kempo. I dont know much about the art. It looks pretty traditional. Kind of karate with locks in it, but I really need to learn more about it. I think this is 3 times a week too, hour and a half. I am still looking, right now that is what I have found. Thanks, any thoughts would be great. I am just trying to think this all out and figure out what would be good for me.

If you are training 3 times a week, what exercises should you do on each day? Oh, should you pyramid when doing this type of workout. I want to change my workout myself. I pretty much workout like a body builder (well thats what most books sugest). I do like 4 exercised per body part when I work out, maybe 4 or 5 sets. I wanted to cut down on my workouts (doing my routine now I should be there 4 times a week) cause doing martial arts too, it's hard to have time for everything. Also, I want to workout in a way thats going to be helpful to my martial arts (and whatever other activities I do) and I would like to get stronger. Thanks, any thoughts would be great.

Thanks everone btw. Sohan (or anyone else), one thing, should I be working on pull ups or chin ups. I mentioned pull ups cause from what I hear they are a little eaiser to do than chin ups, but if one as more benefits than the other, should that be the one I be doing?

What is a press up? Bench press, I max out about 200/205. I have not done push ups in a bit, but I can do about 30 or 40 in a clip. Today I did shoulder presses, got up to 120, did 5 of them. Oh, should I be working on pull ups or chin ups? Is one more beneficial than the other?