Trying to decide between two martial arts in my area...

[bigscottius]

Okay, i've looked into joining a Martial Arts for a while. I wrestled since I was 6 years old (we had to start at 8, but my father was the coach!). Anyway, I played college football the last 4 years, and I am now done. Somethings I have done: I wrestled, played football, and boxed for 3 years (in the spring and summer when I was doing the other two). Now the two i've seen are Shaolin Kempo and Hapkindo. I was wondering what your objective take on these two arts. If I go to the Shaolin Kempo class, i can also attend the Ju Jitsu class they teach there (which is a plus since being on the mat is more comfertable than walking heh). I could do Shaolin Kempo and Ju Jitsu, or Hapkindo. Also, there is a chinese teacher in my area that does Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Swai Chio (not completely sure what this is) that i could take. Someone please help me out by outlining pros and cons and what they intail. I've looked into eacha little, but Shaolin Kempo leaves me a bit confused. Thanks for any response.

[bigscottius]

OH, and also, i'm not completely concerned with self defense. I've been in many fights, and my boxing and wrestling have proven me more than capable of handling anyone that would want to attack a 290lb football player (luckily most avoid fighting me, and i don't go looking for fights, i'm not like that). So strickly for self defense isn't really something I need. I am more looking to expand my knowledge and challenge myself in something new that i have been interested in for a while. Also, for self defence, a full arsenal is the best defence, so I'm not saying it won't help me...

[bushido_man96]

If you are looking for the physical challenges of the arts, I think that the Shaolin Kempo may offer more along those lines. The jujistu will be more along the lines of self-defense, but I think the Kempo aspect should give you more of a challenge. As for the Hapkido, in my exprience, it isn't quite as physically demanding as other styles, but you may want to check it out, just to see what it has to offer. There are some Hapkido styles that do some quite extensive kicking. Otherwise, I think that the Hapkido and Jujitsu would be very similar in the joint locking techniques that they offer.

Finally, if you have not already done so, I would recommend going to each of the schools that are available to you, and watch a class of each, and then see if you can sit down and ask each of the instructors your questions that you have stated here. We can offer lots of advise, but without actually seeing what each has to offer, all we can do is speculate.

Welcome to the Forums!

[SBN Doug]

I agree with bushido, except I would watch 2-3 classes each. At least 2 in different parts of the week. Many schools do different workouts on a Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur basis, and you may get to see more of what they are practicing this way.

Personally, I like the Hapkido better. But that's because I like all the standing grappling (joint locks/breaks, pressure points, etc.). We dabble in JJ type floor work, but I have no idea what the Kempo class will be like. So definately watch a couple.

[Daisho]

i had misread your follow up post.

Edited October 19, 2007 by Daisho

[bushido_man96]

I agree with bushido, except I would watch 2-3 classes each. At least 2 in different parts of the week. Many schools do different workouts on a Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur basis, and you may get to see more of what they are practicing this way.

Ah, this is a very good idea. I didn't think about that. I would follow this logic.

[bigscottius]

Thanks for all the replies. I am going to watch several classes of each this week (one starts as the other ends) so I will feel it out. I will also talk to the instructors, and try to make sure they are for real. Thanks again.

[SBN Doug]

Remember to come back and tell us where you've decided to go and why.

[bigscottius]

I will. I go to the classes this week, and I found another school, a shotokan school. I'm going to check out multiple classes of each, I've already called the schools. Shaolin Kempo, Hapkido, or Shotokan, it is a toss up. The end result will come from which school impresses me, and which classes impress me that i watch. I don't know enough about the arts to judge without seeing. So, you will hear from me on this thread again in a week. Thanks for all your input.

[bigscottius]

Alright guys, first update. I went to Shaolin Kempo, and, I dont want to badmouth someone, but it didn't seem to suit me. I didn't feel comfortable with the whole thing. I mean, i don't know if this is a big deal, but it didn't sit well with me having 3 black belts about 10 years old (maybe younger).

So anyway, this friday I get to go to a Shotokon class here. THe place is real nice looking (i've seen pictures and drove by it), and it seems very qualified. The Shotokon guy is a 4th dan, and is under the AAFK. He does alot of work, including the AAKF/ JKA tournaments (i mean he refs, he is a little bit older of a guy, like 55-60) And he is always leading self defense siminars and stuff in the area (mostly for highschools and colleges). I'm not jumping the gun, but he is affiliated with a great program, and has been invvolved in a rediculous amount of Shotokon stuff. I mean, i think the AAFK, from what i've read, is really reputable. Any input?