Need some advice

[cyberdude__2000]

Hey all, i'm new here... i'm 19years old and i've always been really interested in learning martial arts...but my entire life i've had problems with motivation and self discipline and i can never imagine myself learning the martial arts inside a crowded room with a large group (which is all that's available to me here) (and no offence what so ever to anybody) My question is if anybody knows if it's possible to learn martial arts from a master maybe in japan\china or even somewhere close to where i'm from (Canada B.C) and i say this because i know i need something that i have to put full attention on and almost be forced to do it... i'm looking for someone to take me on as an apprentice or something... and i know i'd do so great if i just tried because i've had friends who're black belts in karate that've been surprised by my agility and nimbleness as well as strength for someone who's 5'11 and weighs a measly 143 (used to weigh more...rapid metabalism makes me skinny when i'm lazy)...phew sorry for the long post i'm gonna stop now any help we be greater then you could imagine

[SloMo]

Well, the old Master/Apprentice relationship isn't very common. In fact, I don't know of anybody who learned in that kind of environment. I'm not sure what the difference woudl be between working with a person one on one and joining a class. You still need to show up. Maybe a one on one would push you more ( like having a personal trainer in the gym ) but you can't get motivation from someone else. They can carry you for a while but eventually your own motivation is what is going to keep you going.

 

Some instructors offer private lessons but these can be very expensive to do. I woudl say that you shoudl join a class. Maybe one of the ones that you have a friend at. A friend can help you get to class, call to see why you weren't there etc.

 

To this day there are times when I don't want to go to class. But sometimes I hate going to class, but I'm ALWAYS glad that I went.

 

Playing junior therapist here. I found that a lot of unmotivated students are that way because they have a hard time looking at their next goal. They look at the finish line and it overwhelms them. I tell them to focus on the next goal. ( whether it be a form, next belt, whatever ) and not worry about what the next five goals are. Having short term goals keeps them motivated and they wind up progressing faster than the average student usually. I don't know if that is you or not but it might be something to try.

 

Good luck!

 

Mo

[strangepair03]

Take a look at some different dojo's and try the one most comfortable...once your there you may enjoy the interaction with others, remember the hardest part of training sometimes is putting your gi on. Once your there you find the motivation.....one more thing, everyone was a white belt at one time. Relax and have fun with it, if it becomes a chore, you should look elsewhere.

 

Good Luck

[Hawkeye]

If crowds are an issue, look around and see if there are any newer dojos in your area. A newer one may not have as many students. As for motivation, if you find you like learning a martial art, you would be surprised how it gets inside your head. There are many things about a martial art that can hook you - improved physical conditioning, improved concentration and focus, an introduction to the spirituality behind the art, learning its history, etc. Some of it may not do much for you, but some of it might. Give it a chance and you might surprise yourself on any number of levels.

[pineapple]

Perhaps your dislike of a group is because you'll be in a group of strangers, however after attending class for a while, the group will change into a group of friends and your friends may take you under their wings and you'll be an apprentice of many. Remember that the instructor is not the only one that can teach you, fellow students can be a great aide in your development.

 

A great benefit to group training is that you get to spar with a varied amount of styles. Even if everyone there trains under the same system, each individual will spar a little differently.

[cyberdude__2000]

Thx for all the feedback guys i think i'm gonna see what's available around here! WOOOOOOOOOO (heh i'm excited)

[cyberdude__2000]

oooooooooo one more thing before i look.... what do you guys think would be a good style for me? i'm looking for like a martial art i can totally use that great on body conditioning and uses both grappling and striking...i wanna get to the point where i'm strong and skilled enough to win your average fights...err hard to explain.... i don't want to hurt people i just want the confidence and know how to like protect myself...or my woman...or anyone else.... soo i'd like to be able to disable someone easily too...(in time of course i'm not expecting to go there a few weeks and be huaahhh bring it on!) and if posiible i'd like to avoid karate...not that it's bad or anything it's just really popular

Edited January 3, 2005 by cyberdude__2000

[WannabeChamp]

Thx for all the feedback guys i think i'm gonna see what's available around here! WOOOOOOOOOO (heh i'm excited)

You school become liek a family really quick don't worry about it. They will encourage you right untill the day yuo leave the dojo a well trained black belt. Even then i'm sure you'll get phone calls, I know I call old dojo members! Good luck. I'm sure you'll do great.