Please help me choose a style

[Albert_Wesker]

id like a little competition but not heavyily based, i dont care if it takes years to learn, Self defense, Effective techniques, maybe just a little flashy lol

[Shorinryu Sensei]

id like a little competition but not heavyily based, i dont care if it takes years to learn, Self defense, Effective techniques, maybe just a little flashy lol

 

Something "newbies" don't realize about karate schools is this. Every instructor is going to tell you that their school/system is the best. Period! If they didn't think so, why would they be doing it...right? So keep that in mind. Ask questions...a LOT of questions when you go in. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask before you go in.

 

Watch several classes, preferrably beginners and advanced both. Are they affiliated with any organization? Is the instructor "uppity", or is he/she a human being and treats you as such? Can you take some free classes to try it out? That's always a good thing.

 

What is the emphasis of the system? Sport? Self-defense?

 

Don't be impressed by a lot of black belts running around. Be very wary if you see really young kids walking around wearing black belts. That isn't an indication of a good school. Same goes for a lot of trophies on the walls. Some of the best styles and instructors are teaching in their basements or garages, so look around for those. Having a flashy storefront with mirrors, training equipment and (SHUDDER) contracts does not make a good school either.

 

Good luck...it sounds like you have a lot of choices out there.

Edited September 10, 2004 by Shorinryu Sensei

[Albert_Wesker]

i no there is no such thing as a best style, but i just want to now a style that would suit what i would like to do. if i joined i wouldnt say it was the best, i would say its the best FOR ME....

 

good advice thanks, when i can ill look around some of the schools/dojos to see the best one after i find a style i can look at different schools teaching that style

 

and its just that i would like my style to have a balance of punches and kicks, not be too competition based and i dont care if it takes years to learn, i want it to be self deffence based and be effective in fights

 

but look as good as it can

 

lol but the latter isnt really that important lol

[Shorinryu Sensei]

i no there is no such thing as a best style, but i just want to now a style that would suit what i would like to do. if i joined i wouldnt say it was the best, i would say its the best FOR ME.... good advice thanks, when i can ill look around some of the schools/dojos to see the best one after i find a style i can look at different schools teaching that style

 

What is best for you is up to you. We can't help you with that decision of course.

 

As I said, I'm partial towards Okinawan systems myself, having been involved in this one for nearly 30 years now. They tend to be very effective for self-defense, limited flashy garbage techniques (in my opinion anyway), realistic rank promotions (you earn it rather than pay for it), usually more laid back and easy going during the class than Japanese and Korean systems (which is my preference), but you'll get a great workout, learn to be an effective self-defense fighter, and hopefully, enjoy yourself!

 

I need to take off and go pay bills *UGH!* I'll check back later.

[Albert_Wesker]

lol thanx

 

EDIT

i would like my style to have a balance of punches and kicks, not be too competition based and i dont care if it takes years to learn, i want it to be self deffence based and be effective in fights

 

but look as good as it can

 

lol but the latter isnt really that important lol

 

(and yes i no..... i quoted myself lol)

 

from saying this i think i have narrowed it down to two

 

Shotokan or Lau Gar

 

I think they suit my style, so i have narrowed it down a lot lol yaay

[aefibird]

If you're looking for Shotokan then there are 2 excellent Shotokan clubs in your area. Both are members of my organisation, the Federation of Shotokan Karate. One is based in Laceby and the other club is based in Grimbsy itself, at the leisure centre I think.

 

Go to FSK for more details or send me a private message and I'll let you have more info about the 2 FSK clubs in your area!

 

Good luck deciding on a martial art - I hope you find a club that you like!

[Albert_Wesker]

wow thanks! would it be wise to do both Shotokan and Lau Gar, or maybe do Shotokan/Lau Gar with Aikido?

[aefibird]

Yup, but I wouldn't recommend starting them both at the same time if you've never had any previous martial arts experience.

 

I'd say that you'd need to train in Shotokan (or Lau Gar) for a couple of years before adding Lau Gar (or Shotokan) to your training. That's because some of the techniques in Shotokan will be different from techniques in Lau Gar and vice versa, which could be confusing to you. You may be OK training in Shotokan or LG along with Aikido, as the techniques in Shotokan and LG are too different from those in Aikido to be easily confused.

 

If you're unsure which art to take then try out a few sessions of each and see which you like the most.

[Albert_Wesker]

thanks, ill take Shotokan/Lau gar with Aikido if i can

 

or have enough money lol,

 

hopefully i can find a good quality place thats cheap.

 

im know somebody said there are many Lau Gar places in grimsby (sorry i 4got ur name) but i cant find any on the net, does anyone no n e Lau Gar places in my Area that i can go and check out?

 

Thanks you're all being really helpfull, i appreciate it!

[aefibird]

Try phoning up all the local leisure centres, church halls, gyms, schools etc etc in your area to find out if they hold martial arts classes there.

 

Also, try looking in the Yellow Pages or the Thompson Directory for more info!

 

Ask around people you know, too, as they might know of a place in Grimsby that teaches Shotokan or Aikido or Lau Gar.