Help in choosing a style?

[Kaju_influenced]

Soo Bahk Do is an ancient, traditional Korean martial art comprising hand and foot techniques. The art is renowned for its disciplined approach and emphasis on the tradition and technical aspects of martial art.

 

Like most traditional martial art systems, Soo Bahk Do has unlimited horizons. Consistent training leads to improvement not only in physical ability, such as flexibility, strength, stamina and speed, but also mental focus and application of will. These benefits develop a sense of calm and quiet confidence in the practitioner.

 

However do not dismiss kempo, i have studied it firsthand and it is known for its lighting fast consequtive striking ability, however now that u know what it is the choice is ultimately yours

 

KEEP TRAINING AND ALWAYS WORK HARD AT IT!

[GreenDragon]

The best schools in my city have Kempo, Soo Bahk Do, they also have Taekwondo but this school is geared for children and not adults.

 

Erik,

 

I too am trying to decide, after having gone to a karate Mcdojo for about a month a realizing the error of my ways. Soo Bahk Do as I understand it is the new name Korea has designated for Tang Soo Do. I hear they gave it the new name to reflect the fact that it has evolved a bit. But I suspect the real reason is that they have never liked the "Tang" being an original homage to it's roots and the Tang dynasty (in China). So, if you want to research Soo Bahk Do, you may have an easier time finding information if you searched for information on Tang Soo Do.

 

Personally, these two styles are highest on my list (along with Krav Maga, but that is a very far drive for me, not practical). Kempo and Tang Soo Do/Soo Bak Do seem to both be fairly modern versions of traditional styles from China and Japan. For me the thing that is tipping the scales in favor of Tang Soo Do is the price (seems that every Kenpo dojo in my town is very expensive, some to the tune of twice what the Tang Soo Do Dojang charges). The other thing that is tipping the scales in favor of Tang Soo Do is that I am trying to get a decent cardio workout as part of class and the Tang Soo Do class spends the entire first half hour of every class on warm-up then fairly intense drilling of the techniques, everyone was sweating and breathing heavy in the class I watched. The Kenpo class, on the other hand told me that sometimes they work up a sweat when doing sparring. But the details, like this will vary from school to school, I suggest a visit to each. The most important thing is not the particular art, but the way the class is run and the expertise as well as regular attendance of the Master. Some dojos/dojangs have student teachers running most classes. Make sure this is not the case.

 

Other points of interest...Soo Bahk Do is a Korean art, you will be learning a little bit of Korean. Some Kempo schools will just use english and in others you may learn a little Japanese. Korean arts like Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do do board breaking as part of the training and it is required for belt progression at mid thru high levels. If you don't like the idea of blasting a board you may not want to choose Soo Bahk Do, as that may be the case for them as well. Again check out the school (that is the single most important piece of information I can give you).

 

GreenDragon

[MantisWarrior]

thats very interesting GreenDragon now that i know what Soo Bahk Do is i can give my advise so thanx.

 

i was going to say kempo but Soo Bahk Do sounds pretty cool. i say(and a lot of MA would say) try a class of each.

 

and if i were u i wouldn't listen to TheSod_88 i have yet to hear anything positive come from him.