ducktapehero

I'm quite a ways from Waynesville. Thanks for the offer though. It will be a while before I start anything. I just started physical therapy on my shoulder today from my last surgery. BTW, what do you do in the Army, I was in from 1990-1993, I was Infantry until I shattered my ankle.

Thanks younwhagrl, I live in Ozark(about 10 miles South of Springfield) and I have talked to the instructor here a time or 2 on the phone. He seems like a great fellow and his price per month is very fair. I don't recall his name but I'll look for it. Maybe you know him.

You're exactly right. The vast majority of martial artists that I've known were not the bragging type. There's always a couple though.

I haven't had a lot of martial arts training but I have been in a couple scraps in my life. I've seen a lot more. I've hung out in plenty of beer joints, bars, honky tonks, dance clubs and such. Some in Germany, and plenty throughout the South and Midwest. I've seen quite a few real life fights, I've been in a few, I used to be a bit reckless and wild. I've since grown up. Anyway, I thought I would share my experiences. Martial arts DOES give you a HUGE advantage, BUT it can also give you a big disadvantage. If you are the type that brags about your abilities then your potential opponents have time to prepare and adapt. If OTOH, you are quiet about your abilities then IF you have to fight then you have the advantage. Your opponent is ambushed by someone who knows what they are doing. I've seen 120 lb black belts whip up on huge guys but I've also seen big black belts who have been beat down by untrained people who simply knew how to fight and could absorb punishment. I think all in all it comes down to the person. But some training never hurts.

Does anyone have any knowledge or opinion of Youn Wha Ryu? From what I have read it is kind of a mixture between various martial arts. I have heard conflicting reports on how mixing different arts can be but I'm not interested in becoming the ultimate fighter. I just want to be able to defend me and my own. Thanks again for your help.

I doubt I will find that where I live but I will check.Thanks to everyone who chimed in. I didn't think that Hapkido would be as hard on my shoulder as Karate but I'm glad you guys told me. There is one here in my little town that teaches Youn Wha Ryu. I called the instructor and he says they have other people with chronic health problems that are training. He says there are even a couple of black belts. I may go check this out. It's certainly close to home and isn't too terribly expensive. Thanks guys, more suggestions are welcomed though. It will be at least a month before I can do anything.

Hey y'all, how are you? New guy here. I am thinking of getting into martial arts and have a few questions. I have a little experience in MA but nothing to brag about. A little Tae Kwon Doe about 15 years ago. 1st my background. I'm 33 years old and physically have a few problems. My biggest problem is my shoulder. It has a bad habit of dislocating. I've had 4 surgeries and am recovering from my last one. Hopefully it will last. I also have some problems with my back and ankle. Neither of these is a huge problem but I'm sure a lot of jumping and kicking wouldn't help them much. Anyway, as I'm getting older my confidence in being able to defend myself and my family has decreased, especially with my shoulder problems. I have thought about martial arts for years but was never settled enough in my life to commit to it. Luckily I've grown up now and think I'm ready. So now my question, which martial art would you recommend I take? I understand the difference between "soft" and "hard" martial arts and my conclusion is the soft ones would be better on my shoulder but I may be wrong here. Me being wrong happens a lot. I don't live in a huge city(Near Springfield Mo) so my options are limited to the more popular martial arts. Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Doe, Aikido, Hopkido, etc. Of these I was thinking Hopkido. The only reason for Hopkido over Aikido is I have a couple relatives that are Korean and might know a bit. So what do you think? Would Hopkido be a good choice? Something else? I appreciate your time and comments.