Is Karate/KungFu for me?

[Reakt]

Hi, nice forum.

Well to start off, I live in Britain and I'm 16. I took up Jujitsu last year with a friend, however I've always had a Phobia of going over on my head (landing on my head, breaking my neck etc).

Because of this it took me a while to get used to simple things like forward rolls. This phobia sort of got emphesised when I couldn't do side rolls, I was finding it difficult and I kept getting pushed into doing it, then (this might sound stupid), but I tried, didnt get my shoulder around far enough in the roll, landed vertically on it and broke my Collar Bone in two places, it hurt.

I came back after about 10 weeks but after that I couldn't even bear to be thrown in the simplest ways, plus I was watching the Brown belt guys and they were doing throws and sending people flipping in the air two or three times, I just looked and thought even if I keep going I know I'll never be able to be thrown like that. I can do all the moves on others, but when it comes to being thrown myself in the Dojo and in the Examinations for Belts I really couldn't do it, so I stopped.

I really want a Martial art in which it isnt such a requirement to get thrown everywhere and more importantly have to do side rolls again I know Karate focuses on kicks and punches so I thought I'd look into it.

What really interests me is weapons, I've always enjoyed them such as Nunchaku, Bo staff, Sai's etc. I have a couple of sets of weapons but without the training I've never got very far in being able to use them effectivly.

I have also been trying to find out which Martial arts do weapons training, I found some books about Karate and weapons such as the Bo staff so I asume Karate has weapons involved, plus is there any possible way to just focus on training with weapons, some special kind of Karate or other?

Now for the more personal note, I do have a slight mental/emotional disorder (I wont go into details), so being in an environment where I have someone screaming in my face, I really cant handle it (Hypothetical situation). I know in my Jujitsu class everyone was pretty friendly, Sensei was friendly and joked around, he was easily approachable. Is this the same for Karate in general or is it more like training in the Army?

I'm also interested in Kung fu, I cant find much about it on the net however so could anyone tell me what its about, what it involves and any other info which might be helpful? And more importantly is that a Martial art I could do effectivly based on the situation ive described?

If anyone can answer these questions it would be much appreciated (sorry about the long post), thanks.

[fosforlu]

Hey reakt! I'm sure the more experienced members of the forum will be able to help you better. But here's my experience: I've been practicing shotokan karate for over a year. In my dojo we sometimes do rolls and practice falling etc. ( I'm not sure that it's part of the general curriculum of karate or just specific to my dojo. ) Anyway, I injured my back last summer and had to stop for a few months. My doctor has forbidden me to do the rolls/falls etc. All the sensei know about my condition and they're very supportive. So I just step aside and practice kata or stretch when they're doing rolls. And my not being able to fall hasn't hampered the rest of my karate experience. At least not yet

I think the important thing is to find the right instructors. When I was looking for a dojo, I watched classes and talked to the instructors at several dojos before settling on one. I think that's what you should do before you even pick a martial art. (well, obviously judo and aikido are out )

[Reakt]

Hey reakt! I'm sure the more experienced members of the forum will be able to help you better. But here's my experience: I've been practicing shotokan karate for over a year. In my dojo we sometimes do rolls and practice falling etc. ( I'm not sure that it's part of the general curriculum of karate or just specific to my dojo. ) Anyway, I injured my back last summer and had to stop for a few months. My doctor has forbidden me to do the rolls/falls etc. All the sensei know about my condition and they're very supportive. So I just step aside and practice kata or stretch when they're doing rolls. And my not being able to fall hasn't hampered the rest of my karate experience. At least not yet

I think the important thing is to find the right instructors. When I was looking for a dojo, I watched classes and talked to the instructors at several dojos before settling on one. I think that's what you should do before you even pick a martial art. (well, obviously judo and aikido are out )

Ahh thanks for the Info.

Well the falls are ok, I can do front/back/side rolls perfectly well, It's just rolling or any kind of situation where I'll be 'head over heels', so to speak.

[Sohan]

Every sensei is different, and there are variations within styles. Talk to different instructors at a variety of schools and be candid about your limitations. A good instructor will help you train around your limitations. It's probably even more important for you to take several trial sessions in the regular training environment (not private sessions) to see if it fits you.

I think a decent karate dojo (japanese or okinawan) or a Korean dojang would be fine, because there really isn't that much emphasis on falling and rolling, IME. There is some, depending on the instructor, but this is easily modified because it is not a major emphasis in these disciplines.

With respect,

Sohan

[chiflow]

Reakt,

That is great that you have interest in the world of martial arts.

Every art has things to offer.

Some arts may be more or less your style..

My advise would be to go "dojo shopping"

As you are a younger man you will be limited to what is available in your area most likely.

Almost all public Dojo's will have an open door policy where you can go in and watch a few classes.. Stay for the entire class... watch and observe

Does the instructor take the time to welcome you when you walk in?

Does He/She approach you at the end to ask if you have any questions?

There are many elements that make a good place to train no matter what the art is.

The two biggest factors for begginers is safety and comfort

Does the dojo provide proper instructions to ensure safe training?

Does it look like something you can enjoy while you are learning?

In response to your personal note:

Dojo's close every day as it is hard to maintain a healthy and productive business sometimes with martial arts

I think you will find most dojos to have a warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere.. There are the occasional social click clubs where there is more ego then good training.

Trust your instincts when you walk into a dojo

As you are just starting out I would suggest an art like Karate or shotokan

An art with a good mix of skills

Best of luck in your path