A question of roots, and paths to take.

[Gozaimasu]

Hi everyone, im new here, names Joseph. I am 18 years old, in decent shape and i've been a fan of the martial arts for quite some time. Due to lack of funds i've never learned traditional fighting at all. What i have learned i often taught myself, and so my technique is lacking. I am rather proficient in the bo staff and the nunchuku since those we're the only training weapons i've ever owned. I have the wooden training nunchuku so its not light and unbalanced, so transitions from one grip to the other is very fluid.I tend to steer clear from fighting at all costs, only to do wso when needed. What im asking is once i have money to spend to go to an actual school, what would be a good style? I dont like fighting, so i wouldnt actually want to hurt the person. Im of a decent build, im fast, have better than average balance,and im about six feet tall, i weigh about 180 pounds. I've heard people say aikido would be a good possible choice, but do any of you have any ideas or suggestions? There is also a shaolin kung fu dojo about half an hour away from me that i might look into as well, as being a fan of traditional shaolin fighting since i was young. any feedback at all would be quite helpfull. Thank you all in advance and for listening thus far.

 

Awaiting your reply,

 

Joseph

[ramymensa]

From your post I assume you're not afraid of some styles that take YEARS to master. They are both great and rewarding. I'd recomend to shop a bit aroud and decide in favour of a good dojo with a nice instructor and good students. And go for it.

 

As for hitting and being hit. I was terrified by this and I overcame my fears. I can take a hit and feel OK when delivering one. If you are attentive, it won't hurt to feel the "spice" a bit.

 

Welcome to KF too. Keep us posted.

 

PS: aikido vs. Shaolin Kung fu? Maybe both

[Fat Donkey]

Welcome, from your brief post it sounds like your up for the challenge. If u like the weapons, then Shaolin sounds like a good bet. For the not seriously damaging the opponent then Aikido. It doesnt matter what u take as long as u enjoy it and have a good instructor. Stay away from places that promise quick advancement or instant self defense. Shop around and always take the instructor over the style. If u get a good vibe from the school and the teacher then youve found your place.

[ramymensa]

I agree with you, fat donkey

 

In Shaolin Kung Fu and Aikido a dojo that offers quick promotion is to be avoided. These two styles are very complex and it really takes some time to get the hang of them. Still I think they worth the effort

[sAtelitte]

I don't know much about aikido but i have to say that shaolin kung fu really worked out great for me.

 

There's not much sparring going on in my school so hurting people won't be a problem (unless of course you would practice iron hand or other "iron" techniques). And if you're fond of weapons i would serieusly recommend shaolin kung fu, we get the basic's with the bo and the shaolin dao (sword). Later on each of us can choose a (shaolin) weapon in which we want to continue our training. This is the way it's done at my school, it could still be different at the one near you though.

 

The best way to find out which suits you best is to go to both dojo's and watch the trainings for yourself.

[aefibird]

Hi! Welcome to Karate Forums.

 

Well, if you've the time and the money, then I'd say that Aikido and Shaolin Kung Fu would be two good choices for you.

 

I'm not very knowledgable about Shaolin KF - I only really know what I've read about it on these forums - but I love Aikido and I'd really recommend it. It's a very complex system to master, but if you have the time and the patience then it is well worth it. It focuses on the defensive aspects of martial arts and using your opponents strength and power to your own advantage. That's why it is suitable for any age or MA experience - an Aikidoka doesn't need to be super-strong or even very flexible. There is also some weapons work too, with the bokken, the jo staff and the tanto being the most commonly used weapons.

[Draven Chen Zhen]

I don't know much about aikido but i have to say that shaolin kung fu really worked out great for me.

 

There's not much sparring going on in my school so hurting people won't be a problem (unless of course you would practice iron hand or other "iron" techniques). And if you're fond of weapons i would serieusly recommend shaolin kung fu, we get the basic's with the bo and the shaolin dao (sword). Later on each of us can choose a (shaolin) weapon in which we want to continue our training. This is the way it's done at my school, it could still be different at the one near you though.

 

The best way to find out which suits you best is to go to both dojo's and watch the trainings for yourself.

 

Totally agree (I'm in the same school )