I want to start in MA....

[yeahbutImDrinkinMilk]

but I am just not sure I want to do what's available in my area.

 

I have a friend who is a Black Belt in TKD. I"ve been talking to him a lot lately about joining, so I went and watched a couple of classes. I was less than impressed.

 

So now I am stuck. Do I start, and simply do what I know is correct and not worry about whether or not this is a great school, or do I simply wait another few years like I have this time?

 

Will I do more damage to myself in the long run, or can I simply use it for what it is, a great way to get in shape as long as I am not planning on starring in any blockbuster action flicks or taking on the mafia armed with nothing but a roll of scotch tape and a Pez dispenser?

 

I am SOOOOO torn, it's unbelievable.

[AngelaG]

Why not look around at other schools in your area? There's usually a large range of choice around.

 

What kind of thing do you want to do? What failed to impress you about your friend's school?

[pineapple]

I would never join a school that I watched and was not impressed with because your effort in the school will probably be less than 100%.

 

Don't wait years, just keep looking, when you see the school that you like, join and give it 110%.

 

The type of school that you are seeking is really dependent on what your primary goal in training in martial arts is. Perhaps you can tell us more of what your primary reason for wanting to train is.

Edited January 7, 2005 by pineapple

[SloMo]

Sorry your friends school didn't do anything for you. Don't discount TKD because of one school though. Because it's so popular, there are a lot of not so good schools out there that forget the basics that the art came from. But that isn't to say that TKD is for you. I personally believe that finding the right MA is like finding a good pair of shoes, they have to fit, you have to comfortable in them and you need to be able to wear them for a long time!

 

Pineapple's question is a good one. What are you looking to accomplish?

[Infrazael]

Dude, what's available in your area???

[Bama Crimson]

Just keep looking. As one said don't dismiss TKD because you did not think the friend's school was that great.

 

Ask yourself what you are interested in. Do you want to do a more traditional art, do you want to strike or grapple/wrestle, etc....

 

Then find out what is available near you. Chances are you will keep with it if the school is closer to you.

[1kickKO]

Look for a good school, never join something you're not happy with, it will be bad in the long run. Find a good school, with a good instructor and a good atmosphere. Find what you're looking for in the art, kicking, punching, grappling, throwing, knees/elbows, etc...

[aefibird]

Maybe you could try out your friends school for a couple of lessons - you never know, you might like it after all. Even if you don't then you'll know for sure that that place is NOT for you. If you decide that you don't like it, there's not a lot of point in you attending for more than a couiple of lessons - save your energy for training in a school that you do like.

 

Other than that, you need to do a detailed investigation into what is available in your area. Then go and train in a few classes of each until you know for sure which one is the one for you. You'll probably get a good 'gut feeling' about a particular MA school - that'll most likely be the place for you.

 

Just out of interest, which martial arts are the ones that you're most interested in?

[ShotokanKid]

Keep looking and watching

 

Good luck