Razor11

I got married to a great cook! Also, I can only train 3X per week as opposed to the "6" when I was teaching full-time, and spend much of that time helping teach. I do try to work out with a partner for awhile after each class if possible. My instructor used to weigh 300 lbs. (he is still about 260 @ 6'1") but he has incredible dexterity and hand speed. His kicks are also fast and "mule-like" so while he is a better martial artist now that he is thinner, he has always had devastating technique, speed and power. I am now 6'3" 250 lbs. so my goal is to get down to about 230 and replace some fat with some muscle. I think many martial artists train harder up to and right at Shodan (1st degree) and by that time other facets of life seem to surface. Many students are in their teens or early twenties, so work, marriage, kids, job changes all take a toll on our training thus what kind of shape were in- I decided that I want to be better than I ever was before (which probably was not that good anyway) so I stopped drinking soda, am slowly changing my diet and started doing Yoga and lifting weights also- Train for life!

Of the 3 mentioned, Hapkido would be my preference, Shotokan next and TKD (trad. or sporty 3rd) TKD is home to the best kickers in the world- and you will become flexible (if not already) which hlps to avoid an injury Shotokan teaches solid foundation, linear techniques, and low yet devastating kicks. Hapkido is a good mix with many restraints/locks and take-downs. Techniques that start standing up and end with a takedown are good to know. I am a Kempo guy and also see GM Mas Oyamas style is popular on here as well, but go with what you will enjoy, cuz if you enjoy it you have a better chance of sticking with it Cheers! jamey

tsdshep- Said it best I believe, it is about the person foremost. Now, there are watered down martial arts or arts that simply are not practical for self-defense but when folks talk about the best art, that is subjective. Each style has its share of efficent individuals and weak individuals- No art can fix that! American Kenpo is a great martial art, and no I do not study it--- But the movements seem scientific and practical, which makes sense. Keep in mind there are MANY Kempo/Kenpo styles out there and some have more differences than similarities. So we do not practice all the same movements- To each his/her own, Jamey

Deeming certain arts the "deadliest" or "most effective" is arbitrary. Many folks think their art is the most effective, but the effectiveness lies in the practitioner- Not simply the art. Kajukenbo is based on self-defense, and takes parts of many arts to become a well-rounded one. I have trained a little with folks who come from San-Soo, some movements actually seem similar to Kempo, they also said they sparred quite a bit, maybe it varies with each school. I think both are adequate and sufficiently "deadly" if that is what you are shooting for- Jamey

Well it appears you have trained in Shaolin Kempo, Aikido, and Tai-Chi? those are pretty deep and philosophical as far as I am concerned. (Philo Sophia or Philosophy means lover/seeker of knowledge) One could train for a life-time in each style you have listed and you say you've been at this for about 1 year? And you have practiced all 3? I am not sure what you are looking for but I would recommend visiting as many schools as possible to find one you like- I would also recommend staying awhile when you find a good one, even the most philosophical and complex arts seem simple and almost boring at first--- Where I train most folks quit at or around advanced Yellow belt (Yellow and Purple), not because the lack of techniques or poor instruction but because they think they are progressing too slowly in rank! In other words I do not usually spend a lot of my teaching time on philosophy or history (which I really enjoy by the way-), but rather helping the students understand and master the basics which will provide a solid foundation when we get to the more advanced tech's. I have been training 13 years and the "set" of techniques I am learning (clumsily) now are like nothing I have ever seen before, if I had quit after a year or two I would have no idea these exist! I would possibly be on this board saying what you are saying now--- Whatever you do, take care and train hard! Jamey

Yes, GM Kuoha has completed two books, the first is about the basic stances, strikes, kicks etc. the 2nd is about KI principles. (As Chris from CT mentioned) These books are not designed to be training manuals as much as a description and example of the movements found in our art. He made a video about the history of our art but it is pretty hard to find I think... Take care everybody! jamey

Shorin Ryu Sensei: I know you were not asking me but I know Sensei Rod, he was in Billings MT. when I last was out there--- He has been Kara-Ho longer than me, and that is awhile- Take care, Jamey

Professor Chow

Howdy Kempo folks! My roots: Professor Chow GM Sam Kuoha Sensei Jeff Hayes (My teacher) Me Cheers!

He is not referring to Kajukenbo--- Homeboytg: I have been studying Kara-Ho Kempo since 1993 and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have- I have heard of Sensei Mike but have not met him (I don't think) I train here at Kara-Ho home base under Sensei Kaimi and Sensei John Dewitt. Hope to hear from ya, S Jamey