NationStates Jolt Archive

What have been everyones' experiences with the wide variety of martial arts styles? I'm considering starting taking some sort of martial arts, and I'm curious what each different style is like.

I did Shaolin Kung-Fu for ages, but I don't recommend it unless you're a masochist. I'd personally advise Ju-Jitsu. Just make sure you're getting taught a Progressive Style rather than a Traditional one, otherwise you'll be able to do pretty moves, but they'll be utterly useless.

Of the seven I've worked with I've enjoyed them all greatly. They are a wonderful way to bring focus and energy into ones life. it depends on your reasons for taking them up. for Fun I suggest Tae kwon do, Karate. For relaxation, focus and control I suggest Tai chi. For defense Akido or juditso (sp?). For weapons Nijitsu, or Tae Kwon Do.

Yeah, I'd far rather be able to use the martial arts effectively than show it off. Besides, showing it off is counter-productive, you'll lose your advantage of surprise against them.

Are there any styles that emphasize practicality and the use of your environment? I keep thinking back to The Bourne movies, and wondering where they teach that style.

ALthough I have not seen any Bourne movies, I fairly sure Steven Seagal uses aikido. The best i've seen for defense is either Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga or the russian one used by the russian special forces. Not sure how big it is where you are but any MMA Gym usually runs several classes in individual and combined styles

I personally recommend Rhee Tae Kwon Do

Australia's first, biggest and best.

It's a common sense simple application of force through blocks, punches and kicks.

simple effective powerful techniques taught in a no-nonsense non-mystical approach.

Give it a try!

I took Kenpo for a while. I sucked. It was interesting in that the way it was taught, basicly break as much as you can as quick as you can and leave. (If you watch Jeff Speakman movies, seems like he could save some energy if he'd stop hitting unconcious people...)

I took something I never caught the name of for like two lessons until the guy teaching it had to take care of his divorce. So I guess you could argue that I never really took it...

Tai Chi is the only thing I've 'used.' Without really thinking about it I really became a lot harder to impact, which came into play in crowds. It wasn't the moves, I guess, but the motion.

Here's the thing-I've been on the planet for a bit now. I've lived in some hairy areas and walked through some hairier ones. Neeeeever been in a fight. Not once. Martial arts is a good work out, good for the confidence and gives you something to really focus on. And, it is kinda cool. If Ultimate Fighting Challenge has taught us anything, it's that 'real' fighting looks silly and is really a lot of hugging. Go with something that you enjoy, don't be afraid to do one that just looks cool. I wouldn't have guessed that Tai Chi (and I'm talkin' crazy guy in the park Tai Chi, too, so...) was the one I would actually 'use.'

Really, don't worry about being able to kick anyones ass. Go for the one that rings your bell.

I've had at least some instruction in Okinawan Karate, Akido, Ju-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do and Catch-as-catch-can wrestling. All are good but different in foci.

I'm actually looking forward to learning Krav Maga (the martial art of the IDF) when I move to the DC area. So far, from what I've seen, it's the best for all around self defense against all kinds of attackers (including knives and guns) and also happens to be a great cardio workout. It's not big on ideology/spirituality like other martial arts, but for pure utility, it's the best.

ALthough I have not seen any Bourne movies, I fairly sure Steven Seagal uses aikido. The best i've seen for defense is either Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga or the russian one used by the russian special forces. Not sure how big it is where you are but any MMA Gym usually runs several classes in individual and combined styles


I could be wrong but I believe the Russian art your refering to is called "Sambo" or somthing along those lines.
There used to be a UFC champion who used it.

Those are all solid styles.

My favorite would be Jeet Kun Do.
The solid core of asian martial arts, with all the useless form taken out.

I took Kenpo for a while. I sucked. It was interesting in that the way it was taught, basicly break as much as you can as quick as you can and leave. (If you watch Jeff Speakman movies, seems like he could save some energy if he'd stop hitting unconcious people...)

I took something I never caught the name of for like two lessons until the guy teaching it had to take care of his divorce. So I guess you could argue that I never really took it...

Tai Chi is the only thing I've 'used.' Without really thinking about it I really became a lot harder to impact, which came into play in crowds. It wasn't the moves, I guess, but the motion.

Here's the thing-I've been on the planet for a bit now. I've lived in some hairy areas and walked through some hairier ones. Neeeeever been in a fight. Not once. Martial arts is a good work out, good for the confidence and gives you something to really focus on. And, it is kinda cool. If Ultimate Fighting Challenge has taught us anything, it's that 'real' fighting looks silly and is really a lot of hugging. Go with something that you enjoy, don't be afraid to do one that just looks cool. I wouldn't have guessed that Tai Chi (and I'm talkin' crazy guy in the park Tai Chi, too, so...) was the one I would actually 'use.'

Really, don't worry about being able to kick anyones ass. Go for the one that rings your bell.


Would it surprise you to know that Martial arts movie stars such as "Bolo" Yeung's prefered style is Tai Chi?

Its most definately a "Soft" martial art, but it can be used very effectively in a fight.

Would it surprise you to know that Martial arts movie stars such as "Bolo" Yeung's prefered style is Tai Chi?

Its most definately a "Soft" martial art, but it can be used very effectively in a fight.
Bolo rules!!! He rules almost as much as Mako!!! mmmmMMMMMMAKO!






so I'm a fan of asian character actors...a-aparently....


Didn't know that he was into Tai Chi. That's pretty kick ass. I need to go find me another crazy old man in the park...

I've never gotten into too many of the martial arts, except for sword fighting.

its wonderful not matter what the style practiced, and its applications include hand to hand fighting because all the moves and motions carry directly over, lunges, slashes, are all redirected swings of the fist.

Its also very cardio and helped many people in my class to lose a good amount of excess body fat. The only down side is that its hard to find good teachers, as I learned quickly. I ended up being mainly self taught, with videos and books, and then applied them when I did find other sword fighters.

Lots of fun, and you can make money at it if you get good.

I agree with some previous posters that judo and other grappling/use-your-opponents-own-force-against-them styles are probably best for self-defense.

I studied Shukokai style karate for nine years, which is similar to the more widely known Shotokan (sp?) as far as I know. It was another of those no-nonsense applications of force with blocks, punches, kicks, and a few grabs/throws. I would also recommend this style for self-defense, since it focuses on coordinating the entire body to maximize force and speed of movements instead of flashy jumping kicks and the like (but if you are someone who keeps in really really good shape, you may find flashy kicks more useful). It's also easy to apply at least some of the principles early on (though it takes a long time to master) and emphasizes keeping a solid base to prevent being thrown, outgrappled, or flanked.

Some of the more "hoppy" styles I've encountered, such as Tae Kwon Do and some forms of Kung Fu, while undeniably effective in the hands of an expert, can leave the novice open to throws, footsweeps, and generally being thrown off-balance or overpowered. Another factor is that Shukokai-esque karate styles can also be useful for people who are not in exemplary shape, while some other styles are a bit more dependent on the physical conditioning of the practitioner.

I've never seen a "bad" martial art or one that seemed overall inferior to any other. It just depends on what you are specifically looking for. Good luck!

I took an Okinawan style called Shorin Ryu for years. It's a nice, direct style, but I'm really not able to comment on its utility. Once I learned it people wouldn't fight me anymore. I used to get into fights all the time, but then peope just started walking away and then cursing at me when they were too far away to throw things at them.

My teacher said that's how you know it's working, but damn it's anti-climactic.

Learn win chung(sp?)!


I don't know it, but my brother used it to beat me up regularly, he could block all my punches with his eyes closed, really (though just as an example, i was only punching not kicking and we we're standing still, still it was pretty impressive, he's not even a particularly high grade at it).

I intend to learn it when i get the chance.

I enjoyed my time studying kenpo (kempo), which is in close, fast, and a little bit of over kill (guy grabs your shoulder, you end up breaking his arm in three places and possibly colasping his windpipe), but it is a lot of fun. My sensei emphasised basics and combonations to use what you had, but also the logic of NOT getting into fights in the first place.

If you're looking for something a little less agressive, try akido.

I took Taek won do years ago and do swordfighting now, but in looking back i'd recommend wrestling for unarmed martial arts. Not that show bullshit, but the traditional greek-roman. Nothing better for in-fights, which is what most non-formalised combat boils down to.
Farang Mu Sul is pretty much an allround art, combining locks, throws, kicks, punches and training with both traditional and improvised weapons. It excels at nothing but is usefull in nearly all combat situations.

I've studied Karate, Judo, Kendo, Kenjutsu, Tai Chi, and some Ju jitsu.

I recommend focusing on one core art to learn the basics of using your body effectively, then branching out into other disciplines only after you have attained a respectable level of profeciency in your first art.

Try to find a style that focuses on your strengths, then learn how to make up for your deficiencies through dilgent studies. For example, scrawny men or tiny, petite women will have a harder time adapting to "iron body" styles like Karate. It would be much easier to find a flexible and dynamic, or perhaps even a "soft" from first.

No matter how much you train, if you are not utilizing your body's advantages and covering for your weaknesses, your style will not lend you any power.

I used to do kung-fu. I don't anymore. 'nuff said.

I tried Tai Kwon Do once, and as HeadScratchie alluded to, I didn't like how off-balance I felt whenever I tried kicking, which is probably due to my 5'12" and lightweight stature.

Jujitsu, Tai Chi, Krav Maga, and Farang Mu Sul seem intriguing. I want the focus of my training to be on utility in a variety of situations. The different situations that I consider a possibility (and hence want to be prepared for) are:
-Some (drunken, insane, etc.) idiot attacking me for little reason
-Someone extorting money from me at knife/gunpoint
-Being kidnapped at gunpoint
-Held hostage
-Attempted murder
-The above happening to someone else (and me trying to protect them)

As well, I've heard that meditation techniques (something else that I want to learn eventually) is sometimes taught in martial arts. I'm not too concerned with talking my way out of a fight, I've been able to avoid a fight for my entire life so far, I just figure that physical training would best be combined with a direct purpose - hence the interest in martial arts.

If you want it for more self defence purposes, I wouldn't suggest just one style, but more take one art that takes your fancy and go on a self defence course as well, as learing a martial art and being able to actually use it are two very different things.

Thats the reason I like Jeet Kun Do.

The whole idea is to have a "formless form".

It incorporates moves from nearly every existing martial art, and puts them all together.


The fancy, and pretty forms and katas are removed, and direction and effectiveness are added.

What about Shaq-Fu? http://exotica.fix.no/gallery/games/images/s/ShaqFu-t.jpg

Thats the reason I like Jeet Kun Do.

The whole idea is to have a "formless form".

It incorporates moves from nearly every existing martial art, and puts them all together.


The fancy, and pretty forms and katas are removed, and direction and effectiveness are added.

Good good.

My experience in martial arts is more historical, mostly with the study of medieval swordsmanship as well as wrestling techniques. But its more study rather than belts and self defence.

Good good.

My experience in martial arts is more historical, mostly with the study of medieval swordsmanship as well as wrestling techniques. But its more study rather than belts and self defence.


Indeed.

"The only thing belts are good for, is to hold your pants up."
-Bruce Lee.

What about Shaq-Fu? http://exotica.fix.no/gallery/games/images/s/ShaqFu-t.jpg
I'll match you Shaq style with my-
http://www.cinescene.com/reviews/images/gymkatapstr.jpg
GYMKATA!

The skill of gymnastics, the kill of karate!!!

Indeed.

"The only thing belts are good for, is to hold your pants up."
-Bruce Lee.

Precisely...

...half my study is digging around in books and interpreting the techniques described in them. Still more people are joining the growth in western martial arts so its keeps me happy :D

[QUOTE=BackwoodsSquatches]I could be wrong but I believe the Russian art your refering to is called "Sambo" or somthing along those lines.
There used to be a UFC champion who used it.

Actually I think the one used by the Russian military is called Ross. I could be wrong, I have some friends taking it and thats what they have told me.

[QUOTE=BackwoodsSquatches]I could be wrong but I believe the Russian art your refering to is called "Sambo" or somthing along those lines.
There used to be a UFC champion who used it.

Actually I think the one used by the Russian military is called Ross. I could be wrong, I have some friends taking it and thats what they have told me.


I do know that A Russian UFC champion used Sambo.
Its quite possible that different branches of the Russian military use different forms of unarmed combat.

What have been everyones' experiences with the wide variety of martial arts styles? I'm considering starting taking some sort of martial arts, and I'm curious what each different style is like.
The variation between the instructors' interpretations of any style is huge. So go to any clubs in your area, try them out and see what you like.
My favourites are Shorinji Kempo (close, practical, nasty) and Ju-Jutsu (close, practical, nasty). However, Kenpo has a lot of form work (USELESS!) and the JuJutsu club I was at last night was little more than Aikido (spin and throw, spin and throw). It can still be fun, but it is not very applicable in a self-defence scenario.
Watch out for overly cooperative attackers. That is, they throw a nice slow, wide punch and leave it hanging out there for the demonstrator to grab and manipulate. It may look great for the demonstrator but it is not much use in a real fight.
Jeet Kune Do is of course great, but that's because it is a philosophy as opposed to a strict martial art. From my readings of his books, Bruce Lee's attitude could be summed up with "whatever works". If it worked he liked it and trained it, if it didn't he didn't and he didn't.

I've studied Karate, Judo, Kendo, Kenjutsu, Tai Chi, and some Ju jitsu.

I recommend focusing on one core art to learn the basics of using your body effectively, then branching out into other disciplines only after you have attained a respectable level of profeciency in your first art.

Try to find a style that focuses on your strengths, then learn how to make up for your deficiencies through dilgent studies. For example, scrawny men or tiny, petite women will have a harder time adapting to "iron body" styles like Karate. It would be much easier to find a flexible and dynamic, or perhaps even a "soft" from first.

No matter how much you train, if you are not utilizing your body's advantages and covering for your weaknesses, your style will not lend you any power.

I've found that my arms and legs are shorter than average, while I have a much longer torso than average. I ended up in judo and jiu-jitsu because my body is made for grappling (I also have an enormous grip strength). I just don't have the reach to make punching or kicking possible while staying out of range. I'm also extremely limber (which I think comes from being Korean), and my joints have an unexpected free range of motion (I can dislocate either shoulder just by shrugging and it doesn't hurt).

Sure, I get hit on the way in, but then I'm in, and I like to go to the ground as soon as possible, because most people don't like to fight on the ground. That, and if you make the choice to go to ground, it really cuts down on further abuse by people who like to throw and do leg sweeps - you're only going to fall down once and only when you decide to.

I would advise sticking to the simpler moves that work - don't bother with a lot of the stuff you see at demonstrations or in the movies. You won't remember every move you've been taught, and you won't do all of them well. So, if they teach you a lot of locks, breaks, and throws, stick to the ones you know you can do fast, strong, and without thinking. Your body will fall back to those in a real fight.

The only problem I have with hand to hand or knife fighting is that no matter how good you are, you're probably going to get hit or cut even if you win. So get used to the idea of being punched, kicked, slapped, and cut.

Go with what you feel is right. Go to a few leasons in each, the first is normally free at many clubs. Once you have found your style you will know within a few leasons.

Try everything. I started with the 'hard' martial arts, karate etc, because I was told that what I would be good at because of my body type (6'2" 15 stone with little fat). But it was not until I tried thi chi that I found the one I liked and the one that I was good at. There are many styles depending on the family that it originated from ie Chen, Wu etc. Their are also two types of weapons, hard, swords spears etc and soft fans, flutes etc. So in total hard, soft, weapons, hand what ever just find what you like.

The one thing about grapling is that it is very effective against one opponent but don't use it in a bar brawl as when you are choking a guy out his mate will be stamping on your head. Keep you feet, clear a space, then leg it to a door as soon as you can!

The one thing about grapling is that it is very effective against one opponent but don't use it in a bar brawl as when you are choking a guy out his mate will be stamping on your head. Keep you feet, clear a space, then leg it to a door as soon as you can!

After having the crap kicked out of my ribs when I was 28, I learned not to get into bar brawls at all. People always have friends, and friends will always take a free shot.

Agreed. Never got into one myself. Just seen it happen twice, not pretty at all. Never liked fighting, Ihave some strange thing about not liking pain.

I do kung fu since some years
and I can tell you this: if you want to have results, you have to put a LOT of work into it, but the the results come out

and just for precision... NOTHING in the traditional martial arts is useless, EXPECIALLY the form work

I took up isshin-ryu karate 'bout half a year ago - it's great

Agreed. Never got into one myself. Just seen it happen twice, not pretty at all. Never liked fighting, Ihave some strange thing about not liking pain.

Oh, I don't like pain. But being young, stupid, and drunk isn't a good combination for maintaining your common sense.

They eventually got tired of kicking me.

Oh, I don't like pain. But being young, stupid, and drunk isn't a good combination for maintaining your common sense.

They eventually got tired of kicking me.

All I can say is OW! Once you have seen one guy being kicked by three you realise that getting into a fight is last thing you want to be doing.

I do kung fu since some years
and I can tell you this: if you want to have results, you have to put a LOT of work into it, but the the results come out

and just for precision... NOTHING in the traditional martial arts is useless, EXPECIALLY the form work
Pretty much all of the stances in traditional MA are crap.

they are crap if you aren't able to understand their sense and develop it
but for understanding and developing you need years, so the most people simply get tired of practicing form work and stop, thinking that it's all crap
and so they will never understand the core of their martial art, but will only be able to give some kicks

I know a little Jiu Jitsu (still learning) - it's pretty cool. Simple and effective. Relies on technique rather than strength.

they are crap if you aren't able to understand their sense and develop it
Funny, I understand their sense and I still think they are crap.

but for understanding and developing you need years, so the most people simply get tired of practicing form work and stop, thinking that it's all crap
and so they will never understand the core of their martial art, but will only be able to give some kicks
Ah yes. The old "Training begins at black belt" argument. Obviously having to spend 4+ years studying self defence before you can be taught self defence is perfectly reasonable. :headbang:

I am a yellow belt in jiu jitsu and kickboxing and i am quite proficient in the ways of Karaaaazy :D

Funny, I understand their sense and I still think they are crap.

Please. Masters who practice since 60 years say they still have to learn more about the forms, and you pretend to have caught everything? Please.

Ah yes. The old "Training begins at black belt" argument. Obviously having to spend 4+ years studying self defence before you can be taught self defence is perfectly reasonable. :headbang:

Aha, now i understand. If someone wants to learn self-defense, I suggest him to get some kickboxing lessons, and it's done. But reducing the whole tradition of Kung Fu and Martial Arts in general to self defense is ignorance.

Please. Masters who practice since 60 years say they still have to learn more about the forms, and you pretend to have caught everything? Please.
I was talking about stances. Do forms contain many and varied movements and applications? Yes.
Are all these of value? No.
Is the practice of forms the most efficient means of training? No.


Aha, now i understand. If someone wants to learn self-defense, I suggest him to get some kickboxing lessons, and it's done. But reducing the whole tradition of Kung Fu and Martial Arts in general to self defense is ignorance.
What the hell do you think they were invented for??? Peace, love and tolerance? :rolleyes:
Martial arts were invented for one of two reasons:
1) To injure/cripple/kill people.
2) To injure/cripple/kill people trying to injure/cripple/kill you.

I was talking about stances. Do forms contain many and varied movements and applications? Yes.
Are all these of value? No.
Is the practice of forms the most efficient means of training? No.

Stances are a fundamental part of the forms, actually withouth the good training of stances you cannot do forms well
Believe me, every single movement in the traditional form is of value: I used to think like you, but I have been contradicted several times as I slowly realized that in every movement there's a precise meaning. The forms weren't developed by some idiots, they were built up by the best masters of history in many years of study
Is the practice of forms the most efficient means of training? YES IT IS! Ask every master in China, and he will asnwer YES! In the forms and stances lies the very core of Kung Fu, hidden in them like in a "box" that you have to open


What the hell do you think they were invented for??? Peace, love and tolerance? :rolleyes:
Martial arts were invented for one of two reasons:
1) To injure/cripple/kill people.
2) To injure/cripple/kill people trying to injure/cripple/kill you.

It's obvious that you know absolutely nothing about martial arts and their history. In fact, peace love and tolerance fit closer to the purpose of martial arts than the crap you wrote

My two cents:
The teacher and his methods are more important that the style.

Any school that hands out belts or rankings like cand is worthless.

Both sparring and forms/kata are important. They feed off each other. Forms and kata should be training muscle memory and automatric responses. Sparring teaches the application and the pain. If you have one and not the other, your training is going to get you hurt in a fight.

Tai Chi taught properly is surprisingly effective. Most classes teach it as exercise.

Training in multiple schools is a good idea, but have one down well first.

Real training must be done every day.

Never trust anyone who tells you they've studied Ninjitsu.

I've know four guys who I'd put up against multiple assailants. One was my Tae Kwon Do instructors teacher. The second was my younger brother's Kung Fu sifu. Bothe of them trained in traditional styles in the their home countries. Thed third was a US Sambo fighter who was here studying jujitsu and aikido. The last was a good friend who was a former pro Muy Thai fighter. Those two I have seen in action in bar fights against multiple assailants.

Stances are a fundamental part of the forms, actually withouth the good training of stances you cannot do forms well
Believe me, every single movement in the traditional form is of value: I used to think like you, but I have been contradicted several times as I slowly realized that in every movement there's a precise meaning. The forms weren't developed by some idiots, they were built up by the best masters of history in many years of study
Is the practice of forms the most efficient means of training? YES IT IS! Ask every master in China, and he will asnwer YES! In the forms and stances lies the very core of Kung Fu, hidden in them like in a "box" that you have to open

While the UFC is restricted by rules, it is the closest we have to a real fight. Traditional forms and stances don't win. Get someone who only trains in forms to beat someone who trains in the 'modern' fashion and I'll reconsider about you being wrong.

It's obvious that you know absolutely nothing about martial arts and their history. In fact, peace love and tolerance fit closer to the purpose of martial arts than the crap you wrote
I have studied the history of Korean and Japanese MA. I freely admit I don't know much about Chinese MA. Except that the Shaolin developed their form of Kung Fu as an extension of health exercises with the intent of self-defence.

So what you are saying is that Chinese MA were invented for a totally different reason than any of the other MAs in the region? A truly spectacular claim.

While the UFC is restricted by rules, it is the closest we have to a real fight. Traditional forms and stances don't win. Get someone who only trains in forms to beat someone who trains in the 'modern' fashion and I'll reconsider about you being wrong.

Both trainings are necessary, with a little more accent to the forms. The problem of doing what you propose is that in the end it's the person that counts, not the style: if you work harder, you fight better

I have studied the history of Korean and Japanese MA. I freely admit I don't know much about Chinese MA. Except that the Shaolin developed their form of Kung Fu as an extension of health exercises with the intent of self-defence.

So what you are saying is that Chinese MA were invented for a totally different reason than any of the other MAs in the region? A truly spectacular claim.

Telling you the full story would be too long, so I try to make an essencial summary:
- the principles of the Chinese MA were taught to the Shaolin Monks by an Indian warrior, Da-mo, which taught them 16 exercises to strenghten their energy, because he was disappointed in seeing that these buddhist monks were too weak to substain hours of meditation
- the Shaolin Monks developed the theory of the energy (the famous Chi), trying to find new ways to incanalate it and to use it, for the health and resistance of their bodies, and as a form of meditation (in a sort of "melting with the world" principle)
- the Monks started also to observe nature around them, noticing that animals and elements proposed interesting aspects of the energy
- summing everything up, the created the first Martial Arts, which at that time weren't "martial" because there was still no fighting applications for them
- in that age, it was quite common that monasteries were attacked by brigants: at that time, the Monks started to think that maybe the arts they developed could also be used as a fighting method: so they further developed the aspects taken from the animals, trying initially to emulate their ways of fighting (intended as their ways to move the energy when fighting), and adding all the aspects they had developed at that time; their Arts became Martial, and were named Kung Fu

PS: all other martial arts were developed after the diaspore of the Shaolin Monks, who taught their knowledge in the rest of the world
in China there's a proverb which says "Every martial art is born under the sun of Shaolin", meaning exactly this

there was then a period where the martial arts became very popular, and almost every master started to develop his own style
this the reason we have so many today, not calculating all the lost styles

Never trust anyone who tells you they've studied Ninjitsu.

Why ninjitsu is BS: http://pen15media.contagiousmedia.org/

Oh, and one more thing to add:

In a real fight, the odds are VERY good that you're going to go to the ground. Make sure that whatever "style" you pick has some strategy as to what to do when you're on the ground (aside from getting your ass kicked).

My two cents:
The teacher and his methods are more important that the style.

Any school that hands out belts or rankings like cand is worthless.

Both sparring and forms/kata are important. They feed off each other. Forms and kata should be training muscle memory and automatric responses. Sparring teaches the application and the pain. If you have one and not the other, your training is going to get you hurt in a fight.

Nail on the head award.
I learn two, tai chi and a modern synthesis of Wing Chun, Tsing Yi and Bagua. Mainly Wing Chun. Where I am learning that there are no belts at all. Just learning. Of course that makes it hard to know how good I am but since the lesson is tailored to me personally and not a syllabus that more than makes up for it. The biggest thing is I learn one on one so I learn quickly and bad habits get spotted early. If you can find a very small club or someone who teaches individuals and is a good teacher who understands other martial arts - their strengths as well as weaknesses - then I would say it almost doesn't matter what style they teach.

I have never taken a martial art but would probaly take a heavy one not all floaty and jumpy

ROSS undertakes training in 8 directions:

Russian-Style Close-Quarters Combat and Survival
Renovated SAMBO
Executive and Close Protection Training
Bayonet-Fencing
Advanced Sports Biomechanics
Acrobatic Dance, Stunt and Theatrical Combat
Russian System of Health and Wellness
Russian Fisticuffs

Achieved a 3rd in in Jiu Jitsu a few years ago, the style i practice is a progresive art.

However i can't remember who on this board said that you should take a progressive form to a traditional style, this i think is total rubbish. I travelled to Japan to take part in training of my style (or at least it's roots) and did my best to smash the head in of my instructor...he kept putting me into the mat...lots of times over and over and over again.

I think what alot of people forget with some of these arts is that they were developed on the battle field, if they were not sucessful then the art died off (litterally)

Is this thread just reserved for eastern martial arts?

(to say that only the east has them is childish so dont bother)

Is this thread just reserved for eastern martial arts?

(to say that only the east has them is childish so dont bother)
Doesn't say so. I have come across a very interesting medieval English martial arts society, but no where near where I live so I can't tell you what its like or if they are any good :)

tae kwon do, i was a black stripe last week or tai chi, wing chun

or Systema - the russian martial art as practiced by the spetz natz

Doesn't say so. I have come across a very interesting medieval English martial arts society, but no where near where I live so I can't tell you what its like or if they are any good :)

Oh good...well i studied a bit of fencing at am quite skilled with a claymore...and bayonet drill (but unfortunatly thats not a martial art)

yes... i take TAE KWON DO

i used to take KARATE.. but it was not my style.. it is not elegant and realistically useful.. in my case (due to my shortness, karate is a logical 'no no' since karate uses many unique and powerful hand techniques)

i take TAE KWON DO, b/c the legs are the most dangerous and most lethal part of the physical body (mind would be the most.. but not a physical part)
since, and tae kwon do specializes in foot and leg techniques.. with weapons training..

i also take GUMDO.. a korean style of samurai-ship.. so i get my weapons training from GUMDO.. and martial art of the body in TAE KWON DO

also, many of you have suggested 'ninjitsu' to the person who started this topic thread and this is HIGHLY unrealistic considering that only natives can be taught this.. BUT there are some 'foreign people' in the art of ninjitsu.. but it was probably very difficult for them to be accepted..

Oh good...well i studied a bit of fencing at am quite skilled with a claymore...and bayonet drill (but unfortunatly thats not a martial art)
My brother (who is my kung fu instructor) dabbled in fencing (2 lessons), he was partnered with a lady in her 60's who he said was unbelievably good. She was simply in the right place at the right time without needing to move fast. He said he would have carried on if she was an instructor but unfortunately she wasn't.

Oh good...well i studied a bit of fencing at am quite skilled with a claymore...and bayonet drill (but unfortunatly thats not a martial art)

wait. did you say CLAYMORE????? hhahahahhaha.. wow.. that is awesome..
are you talking about the CLAYMORE MINE??/???/???? that is awesome..

My brother (who is my kung fu instructor) dabbled in fencing (2 lessons), he was partnered with a lady in her 60's who he said was unbelievably good. She was simply in the right place at the right time without needing to move fast. He said he would have carried on if she was an instructor but unfortunately she wasn't. Interestingly, I did Fencing for seven years and also Shaolin Kung-Fu, I found they worked together quite well. Then again, you could relate fencing to many other martial arts as well.

And to the guy who said my opinion on Progressive Style Ju-Jitsu was blatantly wrong. Well that could be so, but I'm only relaying the advice of a whole bunch of my friends who did it, as well as a guy who taught Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. I imagine that when facing off, the progressive technique can be undone by the traditional, but the progressive is more suited to today's environment (eg not swords and spears but knives and guns).

wait. did you say CLAYMORE????? hhahahahhaha.. wow.. that is awesome..
are you talking about the CLAYMORE MINE??/???/???? that is awesome..



:headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

the mine was named after a scotich broadsword ....although i do know how to lay i mine...i was not reffering to one ...peasant!...>.> <.<

I did Kyokushinkai Karate for 3 years. It's very disciplined and can be tough, but I do not regret in the least the skills I picked up as a result. I had to quit for health problems (glandular fever), and haven't found the time to go back to it...it's probably not worth it anyway - i've kept the lightning reflexes and can defend myself. It's all you need :)

It depends on whether you're comfortable using your legs though. If you want to rely on your fists, boxing could be just as good. Though a light tap with your foot in the side of someones head is a pretty good way of convincing them that you're probably not worth getting into a fight with. And if they persist, you can give them a sterner warning. (Of course, i'm a pacifist, so i'd rather talk my way out of it, but sometimes people don't listen.)

i prefer eaton boxing to tai boxing

And if they persist, you can give them a sterner warning.

Such as a light tap with your foot in a more sensitive area?

:D

Interestingly, I did Fencing for seven years and also Shaolin Kung-Fu, I found they worked together quite well. Then again, you could relate fencing to many other martial arts as well..
He found that the stepping from Jeet Kung Do was extremely similar to fencing. Not what he teaches BTW but one of many he has incorporated into what he teaches. Our syllabus is mostly based on Wing Chun but with a vertical stance which allows simulataneous blocking and hitting - no need to bridge the gap. This suits me as I am quite short and need to get inside the reach of any opponet, elbow distance works for me.

Such as a light tap with your foot in a more sensitive area?

:D

Such as a roundhouse kick to the temple, a hammerfist to the jaw, a special kind of uppercut punch to the solar plexis, winding them, and a side-kick to the kneecap followed by the traditional, almost stereotypical, arm-lock hold....but hey, yours could work too. :p

Fortunately never actually had to do that, but I theoretically could. Maybe. I'm out of practice.

i prefer eaton boxing to tai boxing
How does eaton boxing differ to Marquis of Queensbury style boxing?

What have been everyones' experiences with the wide variety of martial arts styles? I'm considering starting taking some sort of martial arts, and I'm curious what each different style is like.


I'v taken progressive Tang Soo Do for ages at a local place in town. I love it, but I can't recommend much else, since it is the only martial arts style I've ever taken.

How does eaton boxing differ to Marquis of Queensbury style boxing?

Because in Eaton Rules you get your father to rig the match :p :p :p

...no not really. there is no difference but "eaton rules" is the standard term for public school boxing rules.. :D ...or so i gather..as always this information is only based on what i have heard...

Because in Eaton Rules you get your father to rig the match :p :p :p

...no not really. there is no difference but "eaton rules" is the standard term for public school boxing rules.. :D ...or so i gather..as always this information is only based on what i have heard...
Lol.
So amateur boxing rules perhaps?

Lol.
So amateur boxing rules perhaps?

No..not really.."Eaton Rules" differ from what you get taught in amature clubs..i am not to sure on the rules however i shall endevor to find a difference for you.

Cool because all I can find are boxers called Eaton ;)

Cool because all I can find are boxers called Eaton ;)

well i have asked my dad and he says that when they did eaton rules in the army that there were very slight differences between amature and Eaton (which for sake of argumen we shall now call public school rules)

Now...In eaton rules the manner is more offensive as opposed to the ever so slightly more deffensive amature disciplin...thats enough on disciplin..rules however i am afraid i to can not find...if there were differences between the two then they are probably only know by public schoolers by now...shame...

Thank you, interesting. I shall have to find out more.

Thank you, interesting. I shall have to find out more.

Well i wish you luck...

My brother (who is my kung fu instructor) dabbled in fencing (2 lessons), he was partnered with a lady in her 60's who he said was unbelievably good. She was simply in the right place at the right time without needing to move fast. He said he would have carried on if she was an instructor but unfortunately she wasn't.

Reminds me of the Terry Pratchett character "Cohen the Barbarian." I thought he was just making it up.

Reminds me of the Terry Pratchett character "Cohen the Barbarian." I thought he was just making it up.
Lol, exactly what he said! He said it changed how he saw martial arts, that someone could really be like Cohen....well, slightly like him ;)

I prefer Rincewind myself.....or possibly Rob Anybody

Someone mentioned Systema training.

In a curious side note, I happened upon an article in the Journal of Asian martial arts on Russian Systema training as the brain's mechanical understanding of stimulus. Very interesting. It basically dissected the Systema's training method to examine how it differed from more traditional "kata" forms and sparring sessions.

The article and its conclusions fascinated me. I was talking to a friend of mine in the Army Rangers, he mentioned seeing the article as well and mentioned that he was going to introduce it to the Rangers in his unit, perhaps creating a training course on it. We had a long discussion about the various facets of Systema, and I decided to try it out on my leading Kendo pupil.

He performed miraculously! Within 45 minutes he had leared how to effectively redirect force from his vital areas using just his hands and limited torso movements. My methodology was this; We stood against a wall and I swung a stick at him, very slowly at first, allowing him to get the hang of placing his hands on the sides of the stick (we considered it a "live" blade), back of the stick, and on my wrists and arms.

After he got the hang of the basics, we increased speed gradually, before long I was swinging at around 80% speed and power. Generally speaking he would disarm me or "kill" me with his counters in the majority of cases. This was a vast improvement on his old, usual routine of dashing backwards and hoping for a hit as he lunged in again.

Systema is a fascinating method, something that surely will be exploited and explored further in coming years. While it cannot replace or surpass traditional forms of training, it could be an amazingly useful supplement.

It really depends on your goals. For self defense the question of which style is the best has pretty much been answered with the rise of mixed martial arts tournaments. The answer is, blended styles are superior. Styles that mix grappling techniques with striking techniques consistently come out on top in full contact mixed martial arts tournaments. Styles like Kayukenbo and Kayukenpo are great examples of blended styles. Although it is not technically a blended style, Aikido is also very good for self defense in real world situations and can come in handy if you ever need to disarm an armed attacker.

If you want to practice martial arts for exercise purposes, then tai chi is an excellent style, as is Capoeira. With Tai chi you can exercise your body and relax your mind simultaneously. With capoeira you can work on your cardio vascular health, stay fit, and learn "crazy dance fighting". Neither of these styles is of much use for self defense until you have achieved very high levels of expertise, but both are great for exercise until you do.

If you are interested in the art aspect of martial arts, then I recommend you get into the styles that use more elaborate techniques and implement traditional weapons. There are many types of Kung Fu to choose from, and you cant go wrong there if you seek something that puts the art in Martial Arts.

Finally, if you want to practice Martial Arts as a sport then you can go two ways, you can either go with a purely striking style like Tang Soo Do or Tae Kwon Do, or you can go with Judo. Depending on your age, if you want to do this as a sport, then you may want to stick with Tae Kwon Do or Judo because both of those feature competitive university and olympic level competition.

You know i would actually participate in some of these if only they had different names...still i sooner trust in my walther

This is awesome, thanks for all the help!
Is this thread just reserved for eastern martial arts?No. I am curious about any and all of the wide variety of martial arts.
In a curious side note, I happened upon an article in the Journal of Asian martial arts on Russian Systema training as the brain's mechanical understanding of stimulus.Would there happen to be an electronic copy of that article? More broadly, does anyone have any places they can reference for gathering more information about the variety of martial arts styles, comparing them, contrasting them, and pursuing them? Clearly I have a lot to learn.
Interestingly, I did Fencing for seven years and also Shaolin Kung-Fu, I found they worked together quite well. Then again, you could relate fencing to many other martial arts as well.

And to the guy who said my opinion on Progressive Style Ju-Jitsu was blatantly wrong. Well that could be so, but I'm only relaying the advice of a whole bunch of my friends who did it, as well as a guy who taught Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. I imagine that when facing off, the progressive technique can be undone by the traditional, but the progressive is more suited to today's environment (eg not swords and spears but knives and guns).I just started fencing recently and am enjoying it; it certainly would be great to have that carry over to other forms of martial arts.

If I were to choose between traditional and progressive styles, I would choose the progressive style due to it's adaptation to the more prevalent threats.

It really depends on your goals. For self defense the question of which style is the best has pretty much been answered with the rise of mixed martial arts tournaments. The answer is, blended styles are superior. Styles that mix grappling techniques with striking techniques consistently come out on top in full contact mixed martial arts tournaments. Styles like Kayukenbo and Kayukenpo are great examples of blended styles. Although it is not technically a blended style, Aikido is also very good for self defense in real world situations and can come in handy if you ever need to disarm an armed attacker.

If you want to practice martial arts for exercise purposes, then tai chi is an excellent style, as is Capoeira. With Tai chi you can exercise your body and relax your mind simultaneously. With capoeira you can work on your cardio vascular health, stay fit, and learn "crazy dance fighting". Neither of these styles is of much use for self defense until you have achieved very high levels of expertise, but both are great for exercise until you do.
If you are interested in the art aspect of martial arts, then I recommend you get into the styles that use more elaborate techniques and implement traditional weapons. There are many types of Kung Fu to choose from, and you cant go wrong there if you seek something that puts the art in Martial Arts.

Finally, if you want to practice Martial Arts as a sport then you can go two ways, you can either go with a purely striking style like Tang Soo Do or Tae Kwon Do, or you can go with Judo. Depending on your age, if you want to do this as a sport, then you may want to stick with Tae Kwon Do or Judo because both of those feature competitive university and olympic level competition.

That the key with tai chi, in most martial arts you are considered good after 3-6 years. With tai chi some people I know say that you only really start to get good after ten, and that is if you do it every day.

Oh good...well i studied a bit of fencing at am quite skilled with a claymore...and bayonet drill (but unfortunatly thats not a martial art)

Which type of claymore? Basket hilt double edge, basket hilt backsword (curved or straight) or the two handed type?

If its the basket hilt, do you use modern military sabre drills or is it more a specific school, such as Angelo or Silver?

I studiesd a form of ninjutsu in high school. It had quite a few grappling moves, not so much in the way of kicks, but Sensei was a cool guy, telling many stories about life and his daughter was a good friend of mine.

<snip>
In a real fight, the odds are VERY good that you're going to go to the ground. Make sure that whatever "style" you pick has some strategy as to what to do when you're on the ground (aside from getting your ass kicked).
I've heard conflicting reports on that. Most people who claim fights go to ground are grapplers.
Whatever, you're right and you should learn ground fighting.
<snip>
However i can't remember who on this board said that you should take a progressive form to a traditional style,<snip>
Interestingly, I just found out that traditional JuJutsu is more practical. The modern forms tend to be more like Aikido while the traditional forms are still break the wrist/kick out his knee in the battlefield Samurai tradition.
My brother (who is my kung fu instructor) dabbled in fencing (2 lessons), he was partnered with a lady in her 60's who he said was unbelievably good. She was simply in the right place at the right time without needing to move fast. He said he would have carried on if she was an instructor but unfortunately she wasn't.
A friend of mine told me about a similar thing. He was in a fencing club and one of the champions (a guy in his 20s) was fencing with one of the old experts (a guy in his 60s). The old guy's mobile phone starts ringing so he turns slightly away, answers it and proceeds to hold a conversation while still fencing with the young guy!
Interestingly, I did Fencing for seven years and also Shaolin Kung-Fu, I found they worked together quite well. Then again, you could relate fencing to many other martial arts as well.
<snip>
That's one of the things Bruce Lee did to make Jeet Kune Do. He noticed that it was really hard to tell if a sword was coming at you if you could only see the tip, so he used a lot of jabs. And the footwork.

A friend of mine told me about a similar thing. He was in a fencing club and one of the champions (a guy in his 20s) was fencing with one of the old experts (a guy in his 60s). The old guy's mobile phone starts ringing so he turns slightly away, answers it and proceeds to hold a conversation while still fencing with the young guy!

Sounds like my old Kendo sensai, he was a WW2 veteran yet is still amazingly fit and healthy. Was beating kids 50 years his junior by simply out lasting them, as well as his vastly superior technique and his ability to know what strike you were going to do was uncanny.

Sounds like my old Kendo sensai, he was a WW2 veteran yet is still amazingly fit and healthy. Was beating kids 50 years his junior by simply out lasting them, as well as his vastly superior technique and his ability to know what strike you were going to do was uncanny.
Yeah I remember seeing a video of this ninety (90) something year old Kendo guy beating everyone he fought on discovery.
Any idea what his name was?

Yeah I remember seeing a video of this ninety (90) something year old Kendo guy beating everyone he fought on discovery.
Any idea what his name was?

tbh no I can't, but he was a brit who had gone to japan in 1946 and stayed there and learned Kendo whilst he was there, before coming home and starting up his own club.

Would there happen to be an electronic copy of that article? More broadly, does anyone have any places they can reference for gathering more information about the variety of martial arts styles, comparing them, contrasting them, and pursuing them? Clearly I have a lot to learn.
I just started fencing recently and am enjoying it; it certainly would be great to have that carry over to other forms of martial arts.

If I were to choose between traditional and progressive styles, I would choose the progressive style due to it's adaptation to the more prevalent threats.

You know, I doubt they'll have it online seriously. Its a scholarly journal, and for the most part they hold their secrets dearly ;) But in all seriousness, you can go to their website and look around, perhaps you can find it... www.goviamedia.com My suggestion is that you should try to get a subscription to that journal (which is utterly fascinating, a true joy to read), because it does precisely what you ask for. Despite its name, it actually takes an educated look at ALL martial arts from every nation, I've seen everything from Russian, Isreali, and Iranian fighting houses in the past and present to styles of Mongolian and Chinese staff fighting covered.

Heck, the US is no exception, it recently (a year ago or so) had an article detailing the UFC's (Ultimate Fighting Championship, a televised cage match popular in the US) fighting methods, and actually did an analysis of the grappling issue in fighting. In the UCF grappling IS a significant factor, most of the victors were consumate in-fighters.

Oh, and the issue with systema training is Volume 13, number 4 in 2004. BTW if you want, I suggest you go to your local Barnes and Noble if you have one close by and check their magazine section under sports. That is where I discovered this journal so many years ago; if they don't have it you can request they start stocking up on it, no obligation to buy. When I was poor I could go read the issues I missed just in the store. :)

As for Kendo, it sounds like my first instructor. I never, NEVER could disarm that wonderful old man, and he could take my sword from me like I was giving it to him. He said he picked up the trick a long time ago, and studied like crazy until he felt right about it. I don't know exactly what he did...but he was over twice my age, roughly my size, and ten times my skill.

I believe that Daistallia 2104 mentioned that instructors count for more than styles. I must say he is absolutely right; each of my many instructors have been a boon, but those who were truly effective teachers stand out in my mind no matter how many years pass. When confronted with difficult situations in training I look back on their personal teaching, their words and motions, for advice.

Of course, truly great instructors are probably rare, but you'd be surprised who is one. One of my best instructors was a young black belt who was a year younger than me, roughly 1/2 my size and female. She had been training a long time in one style, a variant Karate/Judo hybrid. Her control over her body, her accuracy and pin-point power allocation were phenomenal. In hand-to-hand combat she was possibly the best warrior I have seen. She could summon force in her hands that would take me my entire body to generate. I was awed by her skill, and signed up to be her pupil. Sadly, I only recieved 2 years of her instruction before we parted ways after college ended.

Tried Kyokushinkai and Muay Thai for a couple of years.
If you don't "like" the idea of gettin hit really hard and really often, look for something else. You also have to be quite flexible with all the high kicks which become lil bit difficult when you get into your late thirties. (Trust me on this one!)

Does anybody around here know about pankration? Seems to be revived by the Japanese style shoot wrestling.