Eric-TKD

As far as I know, it's very difficult to find a legitimate Ninjutsu dojo. I spent some time researching, as I too was very intrigued by the art. Unfortunately, the only Ninjutsu establishment I found to be somewhat credible, the "Quest" dojos, are also quite expensive...too expensive. Alas.

I'd say a good ole jump side kick seems to be the easiest way for me to knock over a heavy bag these days. In practical terms, I'd go with the trusty sidekick, or maybe even a back kick.

I.T.F. is the traditional Tae Kwon-Do style founded by General Choi. It's the original TKD basically, before it became an Olympic sport and such. This style of TKD is more aligned with Japanese karate, and while it does have some flashy kicks, there is not a disproportionate amount of time spent on them, or even kicking in general. At least this is how it is at my dojang. After four years I certainly feel confident in my ability to defend myself, but of course I still have much to learn. Hope that helps explain things >_>

I've been practising ITF TKD for four years now, and all I can say is that the image TKD has gained in the eyes of other martial artists is unfair. The art has been generalized too much, even though there are still dojangs that remain traditional and emphasize effective self-defense strategies. I think it's not very smart for any martial artist anywhere to assume something about a fighter based on their art, that is dangerous. Many of you are very experienced martial artists, I think this point should be clear to you.

I'm afraid Asheville is too far away to be in any way convenient I've found another dojo, the instructor there is a nidan in shito-ryu style karate, and was also trained in submission fighting by Ken Shamrock...East Coast Submissions. Might check it out. That place is only $65 a month, I think I'll attempt a free class tonight.

Well, the verdict is in. $115 a month + $35 belt fees = no thank you sir. GAAAAH!! The search continues...I fear there may be no better places to train than the one I'm at now.

Yes, while my dojang does its share of kicking drills and techniques, we also have quite a healthy arsenal of hand and throw/lock techniques. My experience seems quite similar to matt's. And yes, the Quest Center dojo is directly associated with Stephen Hayes, the chief instructor received his godan in Japan where he trained under Hayes and his sensei.

Yeah I'm not sure what to think, and unfortunately it's going to be tough to work out a workable schedule with them, if in fact I do start attending classes. I definitely have a set of questions to ask them friday.

Unfortunately it does cost that much, and the only reason I have continued all these years is because of the quality of the classes and instructors. They really are good at what they do. But I realize it is too much, and with the hiked testing fees, I'm now looking for a new place. However, I don't think this Ninjitsu place is going to be cheaper...I've scheduled an appointment for friday to check it out, so I'll know then. I just wish someone could tell me more about this particular style of "Quest" Ninjitsu, as I am both intrigued and cautious.

I guess I meant the term mastery loosely, I realize that it's an unrealistic goal to completely master an art, but I really meant something along the lines of having at least learned all the hyungs and a sizeable portion of the sparring / self-defense techniques. I'm not sure exactly how to put it in words, but by switching arts I feel guilty of disloyalty to the art, or something like that. I WANT to continue ITF TKD, but at this point my best option seems to be moving to a better dojo that teaches ninjitsu. Hope that makes sense. Any ideas on how hard it is to transition from TKD to Ninjitsu? Also, does anyone know about this To Shin Do stuff?

Hey guys, it's been a while since my last post here, but I've got a question...if this isn't the right forum I hope a mod will move it. >_> I've been taking ITF Tae Kwon-Do for over three years now, however I was not in a mad dash to read my first dan, so currently I am a blue belt. However, I consider myself to be a pretty good blue belt! I make it a point to take time and actually KNOW the techniques, as well as being able to physically do them correctly. I've seen many blackbelts (even at my own dojang) who don't appear to be very proficient (the instructors are amazing though). Anyway, before I drag on too much lemme try to get to the point >_<: My dojang is not a "McDojo," I don't think. However, over the course of my enrollment, the master has become increasingly concerned with business instead of the art, and I've known for a while that his prices are kind of steep. Currently I pay $75 a month for an average of three classes a week, while belt testing is too much for me to even mention (I know it shouldn't even exist!). Now, I really love the classes, I think they are an amazing blend of physical conditioning and solid traditional techniques, as well as practical application. I truly feel I have learned a lot and my confidence is high. But all too often I find myself disenchanted by the dojang's overall attitude toward's getting more money, and lately the classes do not feel as progressive as they used to in the "old days". So I want to switch to a new school. Problem is I cannot even find another ITF dojang in my area, only WTF and ATA. I've looked into both of these and have no interest in trying them. I wanted to stay with ITF to continue towards "mastery," but now I don't think it is possible. So that is my dilemma, and here is the best answer I have found yet (I think): http://www.ncquestcenter.com/ It's Ninjitsu, which I know is completely different, but out of all the dojangs/dojos I have looked into, it seems the most "hardcore" and hopefully it is physically challenging, which is important to me. Also, if anyone knows anything about these "Quest Center" ninjitsu establishments, whether they are quality or not, that would be great to know. I have my doubts but the background info on the site sounds pretty solid to me. So any thoughts on my situation would be most welcome, I am definitely free to more advice, nothing is set in stone.

Hey, I'm back. Since my last post, I have sparred the instructor one more time, last Wednesday night. And amazingly enough, I actually improved. I was able to land a spinning back fist, and it was a nice one if I may say so myself ( ). I don't think he was letting up on me, either, since he looked as surprised as I did when the hit landed. I went into the fight with a lot more caution, and I did I lot of foot movement and stance changing to fake him out. I came out of the fight with a lot more confidence than last time. However, he did in fact still whoop my butt, so to speak. I don't mind. As far as him just being a bully on me, I really don't think that is the case. He did take me by surprise with that first spar, totally destroying me, but I think it did help me a lot in the end. He's a good instructor, but sometimes he is a little unpredictable. Anyway, thanks for all the replies, guys.

Thanks for all the replies. I guess a feel better now, and after thinking my fight over a few times in my mind, I can't wait to get in the "ring" again. I'll probably get another shot next Wednesday, if the class is small.

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've been here, but I just felt I'd share the experience I had tonight. I had an ordinary class tonight, starting out with some stretching / conditioning. Then we (one other student and I) moved on to one-step sparring. I was able to do pretty much all the one-steps below my belt well, and things went smoothly. Ok, then my instructor, a black belt of course, decided we should spar. Me and him. I'm not the most experienced fighter, but I've been sparring for a good while, and I consider myself pretty formidable (don't we all, ha!). At least, I can certainly hold my own against the other students, even some of the new blackbelts. But this guy, my wednesday instructor...He just totally destroyed me. When the sparring began, I was pretty confident. I wasn't fatigued or anything from the conditioning, which often happens, and I was feeling pretty pumped. This sparring was just technique free sparring, no points or any of that business. I had on some punches and kicks, no rib guard or anything, and a little head protector thingy. Anyway, the "match" begins and I start off by jumping to the side and doing a simple turning kick (just to test the waters). I wasn't expecting a hit, and I certainly didn't get one. Anyway, he retaliates, and it's about this time that I lose all chance of even touching the guy, heh. I was able to block about 80% of what he came at me with, but he was only attacking my head. Didn't even try for my torso. Now I would usually think this is an advantage for me, since the torso is the biggest easiest target, but his kicks (and punches) were just amazing. He got me in the head a few times and even made me a bit dizzy with a nice reverse turning kick. As I said earlier, despite my best efforts, I literally never made a solid hit. He was able to dodge everything (and it's not like I'm slow...I don't think). He's superman!!! I can only hope one day to have that kind of control. My question is, I guess, how normal is it for an instructor to just completely obliterate a student in sparring? Has anyone had a similar experience? I kinda feel crappy after that fight, but I guess I shouldn't have expected anything else. Sorry if this is a little long, or if it's already been brought up...

Tae Kwon-Do is definitely about the kicks. How much so depends on the particular school, though. My school focuses on kicks but also incorporates a lot of punch and self-defense techniques. If you want fancy kicks (spinning, jumping, etc.) along with more pracical stuff, TKD is the martial art for you. And, at least in my school, it is definitely geared towards self defense, and not the sport aspect. That all depends on the school. Anyway, heh, yes TKD has plenty o' kicks, and it'll certainly help you focus on those techniques.