plainwhitets Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 Alright, I'm super new to martial arts, as in, i've never taken a class but i'd like to. alright, i've done some research on the topic of martial arts and correct me if i'm wrong be everything like kempo, kenpo, judo, jeet kune do, karate, are all forms of martial arts. okay, basically i want to learn martial arts to learn how to defend myself, and i think it's something that would help me deal with "life's little troubles." anyways, I really don't know how martial arts works like in a sense of competition. so i have a few questions and if anyone can answer them, that'd be awesome. 1. I want to learn forms, does each form of martial arts have their own specific forms/kata, or is that only for certain types like taekwondo and/or kempo? also, when competing, are there like specific comeptitions like only contests for students of taekwondo or are their open forms/kata competitions? 2. What is the best style for learning kata/forms? 3. which style is best if one would want to compete in kata/forms? 4. how long would it take to train for an amature competition? any information that would help me would be greatly appreciated, i've tried looking this all up online but the more i research the more confused i get!
markusan Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 most traditional martial arts have forms. Kata for the Japanese arts, Hyungs or Poomse in TKD. Many of the moves in TKD forms have strong similarities to Karate Kata, generally Karate forms are done in deeper stances. Allstyles competitions have open forms sections, even sections for forms that you make up yourself. Personally I love doing forms but am not big on kata competitions, but plenty of great martial artists are, it's just a personal thing. Though I have not studied them myself, the Okinawan Karate styles have great forms combining pressure point striking, blocking, and self defence moves. My advice is to find a dojo and instructor you like and who has good skills and good students and start. You're not a martial artist till you start.
italian_guy Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 I agree with markusan about Okinawan karate forms (I'm doing an Okinawan karate style). Check out also for chinese martial arts Northern Shaolin has very nice and acrobatic forms, and if you like grace and fluidity in forms I raccomend you also Tai chi chuan (which is my second MA).
AngelaG Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 I think enjoyment of a martial art comes down more to the Instructor you train with and the other people that attend. It's vital that you feel comfortable in your surroundings. Don't let people tell you that X art does this and Y art does that, because each centre will be different. It's best to try out a few and settle with the one that you feel suits you best... you may be utterly suprised as to what that is... I started out looking at TKD... ended up doing Shotokan Karate! Tokonkai Karate-do Instructorhttp://www.karateresource.com Kata, Bunkai, Articles, Reviews, History, Uncovering the Myths, Discussion Forum
swooshfinn Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 Plainwhite, not sure where you are located, but you might want to look into Kuk Sool Won. As a brown belt I can say that our hyungs up to the brown belt level are a very good mix of skill and athletism. Also the techniques that you will learn are very comprehensive and incorporate arm bars, pressure points, and joint locks. You can look for schools on the website: http://www.kuksoolwon.com or there might be a club that is not listed on the website, in that case you can contact Association HQ in Houston. Kuk Sool Won Jae JahJah Ddi (Brown Belt)
granmasterchen Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 as far as i've seen the kung fu schools do very well in tournaments,....but it is still possible to do well with a taekwondo, tangsoodo, karate, or other style. It all depends on how hard you are willing to train and what your instructor has to offer....if you like what the instructor has to sell, then buy it. That which does not destroy me will only make me stronger
aefibird Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 If there are any Karate, TaeKwonDo, Kung Fu or Tai CHi Chuan schools in your area then check them out. All those arts incorporate forms/kata/hyungs/poomsae. I'd recommend that you go and visit each martial arts school in your area and check them out before making a firm descision as to which MA you want to study. As AngelaG said, each club is different - you may decide you really want to do Kung Fu, then start training in it and decide you hate it. Having a look round at what's available in your area and trying out classes in each will give you a good idea of what each school will be like and whether you could see yourself training there and enjoying it. "Was it really worth it? Only time and death may ever tell..." The Beautiful South - The Rose of My CologneSheffield Steelers!
plainwhitets Posted July 28, 2004 Author Posted July 28, 2004 thanks you all, you've been alot of help. I'm going to visit a few schools this weekend and later next week, i'm excited!!!
SBN Doug Posted July 28, 2004 Posted July 28, 2004 Moved to "Getting Started". Kuk Sool Won - 4th danEvil triumphs when good men do nothing.
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