New to the scene

[ahultqui]

Hello Everyone.

 

Well I have finally decided to change my lifestyle, and well I see and believe that martial arts is a nice way to stay in shape while also learning important skills. I have been reading for the past 2 weeks or so, and well I have a rough idea of everything, but since I have only been looking into the whole scene for 2 or so weeks now, I am still very naive.

 

1. I was wondering, in reading about all the styles available, where or how should one determine what is best for them? Is there any way or anybody who would be able to help me here? The reason I ask this, is because of the large amount of styles, I am not completly sure as to what would be the best?

 

2. I am making plans to start training and as well start eating the right foods, excersise and the whole thing, but is it also possible to study or practise by ones self? Or is this not reccomended? I know and would believe that for the time being that it would be better to study under somebody(I have already spoken to a trainer), but in my off time, what would be a reccomended training schedule, or does this depend on your style and form ?

 

3. Eating plans ? Is there a set way or food group and diet plan to follow? Or a reccomended one that I should use?

 

4. LAST ONE Is there anybody from South Africa on this forum that I can talk to? I would like to get in touch with somebody and would really like it if somebody here is from SA.

 

Sorry if my questions are a bit long or a bit stupid :\ I am just very new to the scene as my topic said, and I am just trying to find out all the available information before I plunge head first into the deep end

 

Kind Regards

[delta1]

ahultqui, first you should do a couple of things. Find out what is being taught in your area, and decide what it is you want out of the martial arts.

 

To find out what is available, go to the different schools. Watch some classes, see if they will let you take a couple of classes to get a feel for what they are doing. But tell them up front that you are looking, and want to take your time deciding. Don't be pressured into joining up right now. Find out what they emphasize, how they train, what the atmosphere is in the school.

 

As you get a little exposure to the arts, you will get more of a feel for what you want. You already have an idea- you mentioned health and learning skills. But there are a lot of valid reasons to study the martial arts, and different styles and schools focus on different things. Combat or self defense are two obviouse (and different) reasons. Health, fitness, self developement and improvement are also good reasons. So is sport, from point fighting to full contact.

 

After you've gotten a better idea of what you want and what is available, we'll be able to help you better. There is a lot of good experience here in all styles and types of ma's, and a lot of people willing to help. Don't rush your decission. You want to get into something you can enjoy and stay with. Martial arts are a lot of work, and if you get into something that doesn't 'fit', it is easy to get discouraged and drop out. So a lottle extra time spent now will be a good investment in the future.

 

Also, beware that there are a lot of less than honest people out there that will gladly waste your time and take your money. As you get closer, the folks here can help you avoid the bad schools in whatever style you choose. Most here love to expose the 'McDojo's'- all honest men hate a THIEF.

 

Good luck, and keep us posted.

[ahultqui]

Ya, well in all honesty I would mainly like to start a martial art for or to get a change in my life. Mainly

 

1. Fitness

 

2. Change in lifestyle

 

3. Healthy Living.

 

While defence and combat both really come arm in arm, I tend to avoid a fight unless I have to, sorry but I am not the violent type ! Anyway Yes delta1, as you said, I am planning to go and look at the local schools and see what it is all like, see what they teach and the likes.

 

Anyway, I will have to look at whats available to me and take it from there, but I am or seem to be very fond of Kung Fu. I am not completly sure how it all works, as in if Kung Fu comes in different styles and so on. Maybe somebody could enlighten me (No pun intended).

 

But yes I will have to wait and see what happens and what I am able to find out !

[delta1]

Given those three reasons, (1. Fitness 2. Change in lifestyle 3. Healthy Living) I'd recomend Taijiquan-fa, aka Tai Chi. But only if it is taught as a martial art. Most Taiji is taught as a healthy dance, but they get less than half the health bennifits as those that do it for fighting skills, and none of the martial bennifits. A school that teaches martial Taiji will not only do the form, they'll extrapolate and work the martial applications. They'll do a lot of push hands, work on power generation, and a lot of other things the health and fitness crowd don't do (as well as the all tha things they do).

 

The gong-fu/kung-fu styles would also fit you, as would most of the Chinese based arts. Also, look for any of the Kenpo/Kempo styles, including the American, Japanese and Okinawan systems. For that matter, don't overlook anything that is available, but these would seem to suit you best, based on what you say.

 

Oh, and all (or almost all) the martial arts teach you to walk away if possible. Even the military and combative arts teach (and have for centuries) that the best way to win a fight is not to fight in the first place. A lot of us just learn how, just in case, and because walking away is not allways an option. So don't feel alone in not wanting to go out and try your skills on the street. The only valid reason for looking for trouble is so you can avoid it.

[italian_guy]

Yes I agree that Tai chi chuan is good for fitness if you mean general health. But if you look for some aerobic/anaerobic kind of exercise I think you should try Karate or Kempo. If you are flexible and agile TKD or Northern shaolin kung fu can be a valid choice also.

 

In any case shop around see what's available and then take your decision.

[ahultqui]

Well as I said.

 

I would like to learn a martial art for self defence, not my primary concern, but a added bonus to have if ever put in that sort of situation. Mainly its for fitness, healtyh living, and as stupid as it may sound some sort of spiritual enlightnment.

[italian_guy]

So, good and bad (of what I know from small but direct experience):

 

Goju ryu Karate, good for fitness,not bad as self defence, good for healthy living, quite good spiritual side.

 

Tai chi chuan yang style: not bad for fitness, (at the beginning) not so good for self defence ( it becomes good but it takes 5 or more years of practice) very good for healthy living and for spiritual side.

 

Kickboxing, very good for fitness, quite good for self defence, not bad for healthy living no spiritual side at all.

[Legion]

im practicing tai chi chaun .. its really good im into my 2nd or 3rd month ... the breathing exercises are good and learning the form will take a while

 

oh and martial application it great fun