Goju-ryu vs. Shduokan vs. Kenpo

[BKJ1216]

Well I've been calling around the schools to ask some questions about them, styles, sparring, cost such and such. The Goju school I'm not sure about the sparring I forgot to ask ,but it seemed as though it costs a lot of money because he woudln't tell me the price over the phone, he said that I should come down and see for myself. The shudokan I know has a great reputation because of the sensai Moriss Mack. The price is 50 a month, and it's point sparring. The kenpo I really don't have any information on it, I lost the phone book that had it's number. I know for one thing that calling the Goju school asking questions I felt uncomforatble talking to it's sensai, so I'm leaning toward shduokan beacseu I'm very comfortable talking to him. Can anyone help me?

[TJS]

points sparring is like playing a glorified game of tag except it teaches bad habits.

 

I dont know what your goals are but if you want to learn how to fight point sparring wont cut it.

 

So I would check around and see what the sparring is like at the other schools.

[BKJ1216]

Well I mean is point sparring that bad? Because the shcool that I wanted to go to is point sparring. The other school, I'm not sure about it but they sensai kind of scares me he's like way too intense, when I was speaking with him on the phone I kind of wanted to just hange up. I woudldn't be able to learn with him. And the kenpo thing, well it's american kenpo, I thought it was going to be traditional kenpo and well I don't really want to take it anymore.

[TJS]

yes, point sparring is not real fighting.

 

it does more harm than good most of the time IMO.

 

Just tring to give a good piece of advice from my personal experience.

 

I have heard some good tings about kenpo, but like any school there is no way to tell without checking it out.

 

Good luck!

[Control Point]

ok as a practitioner of kenpo i have to say go atleast watch a class. I take American Kenpo and love it. at times i think its best not to judge a school by the style they teach but rather by the ideals and technique they can provide, I knew nothing about kenpo when i signed up, to be honest i still dont, I did know i wanted a school that would teach me no nonsense defense and striking as well as ground work, but i didnt want solely ground work, The Kenpo school i found teaches a hybrid form incorporating greco roman, Judo, aikido. grappling/submission. For the most part they took whatever works in each of those and threw them together into a dynamic form. i couldnt be happier, some nights we run technique, some we spar standup, some its all ground work, its a wonderfull mix. basically just check it out and tell them your goals before you rule someone out because of thier name.

 

Man i feel like a salesman now LOL

[delta1]

I'll refer you to my post under 'Shotokan vs. Kenpo' for an explanation of Kenpo. And the advice I gave there is applicable here, I think. You should invest some time now trying out the different schools to see which fits your needs. But first, you need to decide what you want out of the martial arts. If you want to pursue it as a sport, there's nothing wrong with point sparing. But it isn't fighting or self defense, and that training won't work well even in contact sport fighting. I'd advise keeping an open mind and investigate all the schools in your area, then pick the one that meets your needs. And consider that the school itself is as or more important than the style. Quality of instruction, attitude of instructors and students, condition and availability of equipment are all important. Pick the one you think you can go to on those days you just don't feel like doing anything. The one you'll enjoy being with is the one you're more likely to stick with.

 

Good luck.