transcend Posted July 19, 2004 Posted July 19, 2004 Hi all, First of all, thanks for viewing my post. Please, don't hesitate to post any comments, any feedback is greatly appreciated. After reading great responses from other threads, I've decided to post and seek for advice in finding a suitable art to practice. Some quick facts about me, I’m 19, 1.7m tall, and weights about 190pounds , I’m not sure about the % of my body fat, and my whole body is flabby. Yes, I’m a couch potato since childhood and took up smoking while I was in my early teens. I’m neither agile nor flexible, used to do weights training because of sports commitment, and able to do nonstop 30 push ups, 5 chin ups, and 12 dips. Been playing rugby for the past 3 years while I was studying in Australia, all these activities seems to be very taxing for me. About a month ago, I decided to change my life, so I quit smoking, took up a low carb diet, and started doing brisk walk around my neighborhood for about 30 mins , 3 times per week, still trying to build up the pace. I’ve just enrolled in my school gym and found out that they offer various martial arts classes every week, e.g kickboxing, boxing, ju jit su (spelling), judo, karate, taekwando, kendo, wing chun, muay thai, and tai chi. Now, I would like to know which form of martial which is suitable for me to pursue. I’ve seen some dojos in the neighboring suburbs, but can’t recall which form they practice. I would like to be able to defend myself, and my loved ones, and at the same time shape up my body to be toner. I appreciate your time on reading my long winded post. Many Thanks in advance. sorry for the emotions, just thought that it might lighten up the post abit.
aefibird Posted July 19, 2004 Posted July 19, 2004 Firstly, welcome to Karate Forums! Well, all of the martial arts listed will help you to get fit and learn self defence. It more depends on exactly what you're looking for in a martial art as to which would be best for you. For example, if the thought of grappling and ground work leaves you cold, then JuJitsu or Judo wouldn't be your thing, where as a primarily striking art might be better. If you think you'd be more into 'modern' martial arts and don't wish to have all the traditional stuff (such as katas and forms) then Karate or TaeKwonDo probably would't be for you either - Kickboxing or Muay Thai would be a better choice. The best thing for you to do would be to check out all the martial arts clubs in your area and go watch a lesson or two at each - probably even try lessons out at each place too. That way you'll be able to see exactly what it is each place offers and you'll also be able to make price comparisons between places too. Remember, the most expensive instruction isn't necessarily the best. Good luck in your search for a martial art; I hope you find one you enjoy! "Was it really worth it? Only time and death may ever tell..." The Beautiful South - The Rose of My CologneSheffield Steelers!
Rotten Head Fok Posted July 19, 2004 Posted July 19, 2004 Welcome to KF !The best thing for you to do would be to check out all the martial arts clubs in your area and go watch a lesson or two at each - probably even try lessons out at each place too. That way you'll be able to see exactly what it is each place offers and you'll also be able to make price comparisons between places too You must be stable and balanced in your foot work, if you have to use your martial knowledge in combat, your intent should be to win. If you do strike, you must release great power! The martial arts are easy to learn, but difficult to correct.
BJJShotoshe Posted July 22, 2004 Posted July 22, 2004 Hello! To be completely honest.... you should try karate or TKD, then move up to kickboxing, judo, jiu-jitsu, or boxing. The four I just mentioned are very fast paced arts and could be ever more taxing then rugy and maybe too much at the beining. karate or TKD teaches you techiques and trains you mentally. If you have any personal questions about Karate e-mail me, I know some stuff , all you have to do is ask I hope I helped! shodan - ShotokanBlue Belt - Jiu-JitsuWhoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care the themself without that law is both. For wounded man shall say to his assailant, if I live I will kill you, If I die you are forgiven-- such is the rule of Honor.
transcend Posted July 22, 2004 Author Posted July 22, 2004 Hi Thanks for the feedback guys, yeah I've thought of that too, i think i will start with either tkd or karate. once again appreciate your help thank you
Guest Posted July 25, 2004 Posted July 25, 2004 takes lots of discipline to get out of the couch potato lifestyle...but you can do it if you really want it!! Good luck!
torris Posted August 14, 2004 Posted August 14, 2004 I was a PC Junkie. Not much different. LOL! Man, the best thing about your position is the choice that you made. That you don't have to be. Any MA will do miracles on the flab (for sure) and you are going to learn some great self defense, and gain mental and physical confidence. Just find the style that fits you. For me, it was TKD.
WapCaplet Posted August 17, 2004 Posted August 17, 2004 It's funny, but before I started karate, I used to come home, sit down in front of the computer and not get up for hours. I could play all day. Now that I've been taking martial arts and getting more active (for the past couple years), I find that I can't sit at the computer for more than 20 or 30 minutes before I get bored and have to get up. Well....it's either karate or I'm just getting older. Wap "Fighting fighting. Same Same""But you know karate!""Someone always know more..."
BritNoob Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 That's exactly how I feel! I used to spend nearly all my free time playing video games. Now I'm disgusted with myself for wasting so much time of my youth. I wish I'd taken the jump and started Karate 10 years ago.
SoulAssassin Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 I would watch some of the classes before you decide. Sometimes people think theres no point to grappling, but when you see some of the stuff they do it might intrigue you. Then again you might just like more cardio so boxing or muay thai might be the way. Wing Chun is fun though to *edit - not saying boxing an muay thai is only cardio, because they are some tough opponents, just from my experence a helluva workout. -SoulAssassin"I aint gonna eat, I aint gonna sleep, aint gonna breath till I see what I wanna see and what I wanna see is you goto asleep, in the dirt permanently"
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