Martial arts

[Slashin_]

in a few week i decided i want ot start taking martial arts again i just had a few questions on diffrent styles and what the focuses are

muai thai = kickboxing(thai land)
hap-ki-do= self denfence,throws(korean)
wu shu=?
wang chun= ?

and is there any styles just solely bases on kicks...as i lack arm strength.....

and any place where i can learn 3 section staff,nunchaku,staff?

[Carlo]

tae kwon do focuses alot on kicking

[ecstasy_civic]

If your interested in Muay thai, check out my sig, great trainer, just about ready to open.

[smontyLS1]

your lack of arm strength could be solved by a little working out.

[The Cosworth]

Originally posted by Carlo
tae kwon do focuses alot on kicking

thats what I was thinking

Lighting family martial arts, with chris howes in the SE is awesome! went there for over two years


see:

http://www.lightningtkd.com/

[DC2Legend]

lol, if u have weak arms, doesnt mean taking tae kwon do is a good choice

take wing chun, its great self defence and it focuses less on full strength, and ive taken both tae kwon do and wing chun, wing chun for the more practical, cause kicking is rarely used in a real fight, even if it may look cool or look powerful, its rarely rarely used

[The Cosworth]

Originally posted by DC2Legend
lol, if u have weak arms, doesnt mean taking tae kwon do is a good choice

take wing chun, its great self defence and it focuses less on full strength, and ive taken both tae kwon do and wing chun, wing chun for the more practical, cause kicking is rarely used in a real fight, even if it may look cool or look powerful, its rarely rarely used

Tae Kwon Do was an awesome work out though, if you are wanting to learn to fight to kick peoples asses, go to Kick Boxing.

[Slashin_]

muai thai
hap-ki-do
wu shu
wang chu
takeing all 4 no matter what.......i don't have incredible weak armstrenthen i just perfer kicks insted...as when i was in highschool i was doin 300lbs on leg press compared to 180lbs max bench press....

any buddy seen 3 section staff training i wanna learn that looks fun

its just an interest.did it when was younger regeted that i quit so i wanna start it again.....just wanna be more fit and flexable and maybe doing some flips

[Kritafo]

http://taoofpeace.com/

They have great adult classes, lot of self defence. My kids are just learning stick fighting and joint manipulation.

Here is run down of what they do from their website.

http://taoofpeace.com/curriculum/selfDef.php

[Slashin_]

^^ doesn't sound like they know about about it.....
plus 108 buck per a month.......

[nj2Type-S]

www.bdbma.com

ecstasy_civic actually referred me to that place about 1 1/2 yrs ago and i've been going there ever since. the people there are really awesome and nick (muay thai instructor) is awesome! :thumbsup:

[Shaad]

I was thinking of getting into somthing here in calgary as well.

Was hoping to find a very traditional kungfu with a school more based on the art with no overly flashy tournaments or anything.

I dont want to impose on your thread but I thought it pointless to start a whole new martial art related one focased on kungfu.

[msommers]

Originally posted by ecstasy_civic
If your interested in Muay thai, check out my sig, great trainer, just about ready to open.

PM'ed

[Vagabond142]

If you want to learn a martial art that requires no strength at all, look into Aikido. I get my workout at work, strangely enough, so I like the peacefulness of an aikido class over a physically intensive art.

THAT SAID... I've been in martial arts since I was ~7. I've done renbukai karate, both types of jujitsu (brazilian and japanese), muay thai and both hapkido and taekwondo. If you're looking for arm strength, focus on the punching and grappling arts. If you want to learn speed and agility, taekwondo does involve punches but focuses on kicking and striking hard and fast. Hapkido is similar except it's more of the in close type of fighting where your legs might not be able to be used to their fullest, and focuses on joints and throws.

If you want the best art for hard striking self defense, then Muay Thai is the way to go. Be warned tho, you WILL get hurt in the art if you want to go full out; it's part of the art. If you want just workout, you can do the light classes which have no matches or intensity training. If you DO go all out, then your shins, forearms and ribs will be aching for quite a while ;) Just warning you ahead of time.

And lastly, if you want a very intensive, fast and reactionary art, look into Kendo. Downside of this art is that it gets RIPPINGLY expensive and requires severe dedication (as you buy your own armor and have to maintain it, as well as follow the rituals of the art). Upside is that it hones your reaction times, reflexes and focus to a razor's edge.

There's my views... take it as you will :)

Addon: As for weapons... don't think that they are all that. If you want to start using a (fake) sword right away, look into Kendo and Iaido. As for major weapons... don't, and I seriously mean DO NOT, expect to even be let near a "weapon" other than a rubber knife in any beginning level class of most arts. Muay Thai doesn't even have any weapons, but it is the best workout. Taekwondo has no weapons. Hapkido has no weapons. The Aikido classes I take uses shinken (for experienced students), iaito, bokken, jo, bo and naginata in training, but stresses the tenet that if you don't know what you're doing, start with the "dead" weapons, then progress to "live" weapons when your confidence and experience allow usage of live weapons (dead = no blades, fake, training, etc... live = actual shinken (carbon steel swords with very very VERY sharp blades, aka katana)). We don't do "sword fighting" as in Kendo with their shinai, but the live blades are used for Iai kata.

[Kritafo]

Tao is a great studio. Owner/Instructor Chris Leigh Smith is a fantastic teacher. Probably one of the nicest studios I have been to in Calgary. Lot of instructors = lots of variety.

It's in Varsity and totally worth every penny we have spent there.

[Vagabond142]

Not meaning any disrespect, but I have always had an iffy feeling about Tao of Peace. I mean, I know of people that swear by the place, and attend classes regularly, but it just seems too.... North American, in the style of the teachings and philosophies. Then again, everyone is entitled to their opinions. I'm more a follower of budo and bushido vs the "modernistic" philosophies of the newer age schools. (shrug)

I also STRONGLY disagree with charging for martial arts as a whole, despite understanding the commercialistic need. However, $108 a month is just insane. At most, I would pay $30 a month, and that was if the school was incredibly good. My iai and aikido classes are taught as sensei to students, who are there not because they have a financial obligation, but because they truly WANT to be there. Only costs are those you put on yourself if you want a hakama, obi and gi, and if you want a shinken, iaito or your own bokken, which you get on your own time with your own dollar.

[Vagabond142]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN_-hjoKlck

This is an interesting look at the katana, and a talk by one of the true masters of tameshigiri (cutting) and iai in world, James Williams

[Kritafo]

Well it may seem north american, but we live in north amercia. The head instructor has been to asian many times and lots of his instructors are a mix of backgrounds.

I would like to know what studio charges $30/month. You should check out the prices in the states they are double or triple Tao. It use to cost us a small fortune for 2 kids.

There are hundreds are studios in Calgary. Many of them come and go. Lots of studios have trial classes, go and watch many before deciding.

We picked Tao for 2 children, I am not saying it's great for everyone. We use to do both Peaceful Warrior and Tao. 6 times per week I hauled 2 kids to both.

Tao might now be as physical as some of the studios but if you want a good beating there are several traditional schools who will let you practice stances for hours at a time!

Or you could always sign up with Mike Myles.

[RUQUIKR]

Originally posted by Shaad
I was thinking of getting into somthing here in calgary as well.

Was hoping to find a very traditional kungfu with a school more based on the art with no overly flashy tournaments or anything.

I dont want to impose on your thread but I thought it pointless to start a whole new martial art related one focased on kungfu.

You may find that the wing chun academy of calgary is what you are looking for. Very traditional, good prices and class availabilty. Sifu Lewandy has been a great master to train under for myself.

[Vagabond142]

Kritafo: Like I said, no disrespect intended. I just didn't like the vibe I got from the place. It may be the best thing since sliced bread... just not for me, and I felt that people going to the school to try it out should keep an open mind.

And as for charging for martial arts... I still find that despicable, but I understand that sometimes in our commercial world it is necessary. I never said I had found a studio that charged $30 a month... I said that is what I would pay. Right now I pay absolutely nothing to attend iai and aiki classes, as they are taught totally and utterly free.

[RUQUIKR]

Originally posted by Slashin_
in a few week i decided i want ot start taking martial arts again i just had a few questions on diffrent styles and what the focuses are

muai thai = kickboxing(thai land)
hap-ki-do= self denfence,throws(korean)
wu shu=?
wang chun= ?

and is there any styles just solely bases on kicks...as i lack arm strength.....

and any place where i can learn 3 section staff,nunchaku,staff?

I would reccomend wing chun (tsun chun, ving chun) based on the fact that it is designed for a smaller less powerful person. I'm not overly big but if you use the techniques properly you can easily fend off a larger opponent. Also As far as I know , wu shu translate into marial art. Not sure if there is a system known as wushu. Kicks are not something your going to use in a real fight unless you are extremely proficient with them. PM me if you'd ike me to set you up a intro for Wing chun.

[Slashin_]

Kritafo thanx for the help and all but i am gonna have to side with vagabond.....tao look like welll a non traditional school,as prices are quite pricey,when i was little it was like 150 for an year,1 hr a week,my friend tell me of many places that are free,but the teacher don't go very deep into there teachings. and the word "peacefaul warrior" make it SUPER GAY and non traditional, as all maritial art teaches self-displine to not use waht you know to start shit

i ain't hating on you but plz tao is in no one traditional martial arts,and god damn there pricey

[RUQUIKR]

Be expecting $80-100 on monthly or about $15-20 a hour if you go by class.

[Kritafo]

So I am interested in the iai and aiki classes. Do they teach that to children as well?

sorry if I was hostile. It wasn't meant to be, but Tao is exactly what we were looking for, for our children. I would however like to introduce them to something else as well.

Thanks for your time,

[Sprinter]

Originally posted by Carlo
tae kwon do focuses alot on kicking

:werd:

Wing Chun is good for self-defense... but its more on techniques... maybe if you wanted to learn the "one-inch punch" :dunno:

[Sprinter]

Originally posted by RUQUIKR


You may find that the wing chun academy of calgary is what you are looking for. Very traditional, good prices and class availabilty. Sifu Lewandy has been a great master to train under for myself.

:werd: X4

Best Martial arts place I've seen... Sifu Brian Lewandy is insane

[RUQUIKR]

Originally posted by Sprinter


:werd: X4

Best Martial arts place I've seen... Sifu Brian Lewandy is insane

Thats pretty much what I implyed.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Kritafo
So I am interested in the iai and aiki classes. Do they teach that to children as well?

sorry if I was hostile. It wasn't meant to be, but Tao is exactly what we were looking for, for our children. I would however like to introduce them to something else as well.

Thanks for your time,

Douglas Skoyles Sensei is by far and above one of the greatest teachers I have ever encountered, in all my years. He is INFINITELY patient, great humor, and believes in you, no matter your experience level.

His philosophy is to teach to those that wish to learn. I have seen people come for only one class and that's it, and there is a core group that has been there almost from the beginning. He will teach to the youngest child or the oldest elder, as long as they wish to learn what he has to teach. And he doesn't want any recompense. In fact, one of the major tenets of Aikido in specific is that no instructor or sensei may ever take payment for teaching others.

I will be frank, the way of aiki and iai is not for everyone. In fact, there is not a single striking motion to be found in the repertoire. Aikido is the only martial art that has absolutely no offensive part. It's purely defensive. In physical terms, it uses body physics to control an opponent so that they may be subdued with the minimum amount of harm done. It teaches defense against common attacks and uncommon ones. There is a lot of spirituality and body energy involved, if you believe in such things. Most importantly, aikido is mostly about centering oneself and benefitting from it.

The iai aspect comes from the saying "the sword and the swordsman are one." It's integral to the Nakayama KoAikido Kai (our school) in that we follow that tenet, as most aikido movements follow sword cut motions. Understand, there will never be combat. Swords are used only to understand the deeper meanings of the movements of the art.

I know I am waxing on philosophical, but aikido really is that important to me. It's the best art I've ever trained in, it's calming and enjoyable, and you learn more about the human body and what it can do with the slightest touch than in any other art. Personally, I think children, if they listen to the lessons, will benefit massively from what Skoyles Sensei has to say about centering and focus.

It should be noted, however, that Skoyles Sensei is also a semi-retired priest, and as such sometimes gets a little TOO spiritual, but he never forces it on anyone, and if you feel uncomfortable with the direction he takes it, he'll listen and concede most of the time. He just takes joy in passing on his knowledge and his skills to others so that they, in turn, may pass them on. He demands great respect not from asking for it, but simply being a great teacher :D

If you want further information, feel free to PM me and I'll make sure that you will feel comfortable in his class. He has no problems with letting people watch, try things out, see if it's for them.

[Isaiah]

I understand Billy Blanks has a comprehensive Tae-Bo program.

[kdwebber]

I'm suprised none of you guys have recommended brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ). This is an awesome martial art and unlike a lot of the martial arts listed above this one you can actually use if you get in a fight.

[Isaiah]

Originally posted by kdwebber
I'm suprised none of you guys have recommended brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ). This is an awesome martial art and unlike a lot of the martial arts listed above this one you can actually use if you get in a fight.

I think he wants to learn to kick ass, not roll around on the floor like a monkey Royce Gracie style.

[RUQUIKR]

Originally posted by Isaiah


I think he wants to learn to kick ass, not roll around on the floor like a monkey Royce Gracie style.

LOL, truth be known, ju-jitsu can be very effective. Not to many guys will want to still fight if you toss them on their head. Lacks in striking though.

[TimG]

+1 for can-ryu jiu jitsu. There are two good jiu jitsu schools in the south that i've been to (in no particular order) Goshin Martial Arts (www.goshinma.com) and Calgary Budo (www.calgarybudo.com)

Both of these jiu jitsu styles are based on can-ryu and Bissette jiu jitsu and are heavily biased towards self defense at the lower levels and then as you advance you see more of the art. One of the instructors at calgary Budo is an active duty CPS officer and the head instructor at Goshin is at currently at the RCMP boot camp in Regina. There is a strong foundation in western boxing in terms of punching, parying, blocking, stances, etc. At Goshin, the head instructor also has a background in Arnis so there is some filipino stick/knife fighting in the curriculum. I'd say that jiu jitsu is the most well-rounded art out there and by it's nature prepares you to handle pretty much any situation. Aikido, judo, aiki jiu jitsu, hapkido (i think to some extent.. correct me if i'm wrong) are all derived from jiu jitsu.

Vagabond142: do you train in aikikai aikido? I've tried that and yoseikan aikido (Yoseikan Budo) and I prefer Yoseikan Budo over Aikikai aikido. i understand the philosophy behind traditional aikido, but i just found it too... fluffy for me. not that it's bad, but it wasn't suited for me. +1 for Kendo tho. I took some classes and loved it. you're right about it being prohibitively expensive.. a used Bogu will run you over $500.

and to Slashin_: I've seen it many times when a novice will come into a class expect to leave like Bruce Lee. when he realizes that he isn't Bruce Lee and that he's going to have to dedicate a lot of time and effort into training, he gets frustrated and doesn't come back. Please don't go to any martial arts school with the mentality that you will be a master in a few weeks. Also, IMHO, any martial arts school (styles like kendo and iaido which are only weapons styles not included) that tries to teach novices how to use weapons before they know the basics are McDojos and you should run away. A weapon is intended to be an extension of your hand, and if you don't have the empty hand techniques down, the footwork (which IMHO is the most important part), or the control, then you're not going to get anything out of weapons training and you'll most likely hurt yourself or your partner in the process.

Good luck in your quest. :thumbsup:

[Vagabond142]

TimG: To be honest, we don't really belong to any of the major ryu's. From our information pamphlet:

"This is a meeting place for members of the Nakayamakai Dojo. The dojos of the Nakayamakai exist to pass on the traditions of Nakayama KoKyuho Aikido."

It's a smaller ryu, but still very active.

[Vagabond142]

For those interested, this is INCREDIBLY good kendo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-myBW-ubCiU

It isn't choreographed, but it is a traditional practice routine, opening with ji-keko (sparring), then kakari-geiko (one opens, the other attacks it, in this case the sensei opens, the student attacks), and then ends in kirikaieshi, which is a clash, then yoko-men back and forth (the fast striking of the shinai) and ending with a shomen cut.

It should be noted that the video shows three different skill levels. A junior kendoka starts, then an intermediate, then a senior. It shows the progression of years of practice on speed and precision.

This is one of THE best kendo videos I have found on the net to show people just how fast and how active it is.

[Vagabond142]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUKXN2MG9Ok&mode=related&search=

Whilst searching more, here's an actual kendo match if you're interested. And before you judge it, remember: the kiai (yell or scream during attack) is part of the art. It's an intimidation tool (hence the kiai's back and forth when in the clash) and also a signal to a judge that your attack was intended to hit.

Enjoy an excellent match :)

[Vagabond142]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3376121683866324371

Another excellent video. This one shows a lot of the different japanese martial arts out there, everything from kempo to karate to some of the specific weapon arts like jukendo (kendo using jo staves). The aiki section (as I'm an aikidoka :D) is at 2:28 :)

[ecstasy_civic]

Originally posted by nj2Type-S
www.bdbma.com

ecstasy_civic actually referred me to that place about 1 1/2 yrs ago and i've been going there ever since. the people there are really awesome and nick (muay thai instructor) is awesome! :thumbsup:

Hey man im happy your liking it.
Nick is a phenominal instructor.

Ive done both muay thai and bjj, honestly, I prefer striking vs. sub grapping. I actually prefer MMA lol the knowledge to use both is an amazing feeling. Unfortunately, ive hit a road block in my training, and was choked OUT on Saturday by a training buddy, and it shook me up a bit :nut: Scary feeling when you come to and your lips are still blue:rofl:

Ill be back in the gym tommorow, anyone who is interested in coming to check out Peak, its worth the drive. IMO after taking 8 months off, going back and having some quick refreshers from a great coach helped alot.

Let Darren know Scott sent you:bigpimp:

[Isaiah]

Do any of the schools teach the 5-point palm exploding heart technique?

[nj2Type-S]

Originally posted by ecstasy_civic


Hey man im happy your liking it.
Nick is a phenominal instructor.

Ive done both muay thai and bjj, honestly, I prefer striking vs. sub grapping. I actually prefer MMA lol the knowledge to use both is an amazing feeling. Unfortunately, ive hit a road block in my training, and was choked OUT on Saturday by a training buddy, and it shook me up a bit :nut: Scary feeling when you come to and your lips are still blue:rofl:

Ill be back in the gym tommorow, anyone who is interested in coming to check out Peak, its worth the drive. IMO after taking 8 months off, going back and having some quick refreshers from a great coach helped alot.

Let Darren know Scott sent you:bigpimp:

yeah, nick's freakin' awesome, man! he's actually in saskatchewan right now as he's with my buddy for his first amateur muay thai fight tomorrow.

[msommers]

Originally posted by Isaiah
Do any of the schools teach the 5-point palm exploding heart technique?

beep beep "Uma Therman line 1....uma therman line 1"

[maplelodge]

anyone know if there is any "mix martial arts" instructor out there?

[ecstasy_civic]

Originally posted by maplelodge
anyone know if there is any "mix martial arts" instructor out there?

Theres a few, but id only trust 1 or 2:banghead:

Again, Nick Ring's name comes up again for that from BDB.
Undefeated in MMA.

Alot of muat thai gyms are looking into it because of the popularity of mma.

[inthesky]

ah, probably don't do wushu. likely too old to start..

[liquidboi69]

Hey sorry to intrude, anyone got some suggestions for Judo class, Aikido looks like something fun to, but does Aikido do any of those like... submissions like Judo does. I like both these practices cuz its about tossing and what not :D

[TimG]

aikido does nothing on the ground apart from performing techniques from a kneeling position and some wrist and arm throws.

why not take jiu jitsu? aikido and judo are both derived from jiu jitsu, anyway.

[liquidboi69]

I dont wanna take jiu jitsu, cuz due to it being popularized by MMA, its so expensive, im not sure what i want yet, competing would be fun, but that means more time must be put in training and such.

[TimG]

not all JJ is MMA.

traditional japanese JJ is just that - traditional jiu jitsu.

[craigcd]

Originally posted by liquidboi69
Hey sorry to intrude, anyone got some suggestions for Judo class, Aikido looks like something fun to, but does Aikido do any of those like... submissions like Judo does. I like both these practices cuz its about tossing and what not :D

HIRO's Judo, they have been in Calgary a long time and a great group of people. Pretty sure they are non profit and the price is reasonable i think it is 300 for 4 months and that includes your Gee, its cheaper if you already have one.

Great work out also, wish I still had time to go.

[liquidboi69]

What i mean, is its become too mainstream, thus the people teach it Jack up the prices, places like Mike Miles for Muay Thai and that BDB place for Jiu Jitsu is wayyyy too expensive for me, i jsut wanan learn a bit of it here and there and have fun. Those 2 places are like... more so for ppl that learn to compete and such, i dont got all that time and money to do that.

Something like one of the other posters up there would be cool, how he has free classes, i wouldn't mind paying a bit jsut to drop by when i want and learn. That would sound much more fun than paying 100+ to learn jiu jitsu.

*edit* Didnt see the post above, hmmm 300 for 4 months... thats liek 70+ a month, thats pretty steeep. I was lookin around under 50 a month, that doesnt require me to go to every class.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by liquidboi69
Hey sorry to intrude, anyone got some suggestions for Judo class, Aikido looks like something fun to, but does Aikido do any of those like... submissions like Judo does. I like both these practices cuz its about tossing and what not :D

Aikido does have submissions, but not in the jiujitsu style. It's more joint locks and application of pressure.

What I would honestly do is come to an aikido class and give 'er a go. Aikido, it must be said, is a purely defensive art. There are throws, joint locks, pressure points, but no permanent pain. There IS pain, however. It's how aiki submissions work. But as soon as a technique is stopped, the pain stops.

If you're interested in trying out an aikido class, gimme a PM and I can give you details :)

Oh, and the school I go to (Nakayama KoAikido Kai) is totally, 100%, no bullshit free. No charge at all. The way a martial art should be :D

[TimG]

Originally posted by liquidboi69
[B]What i mean, is its become too mainstream, thus the people teach it Jack up the prices, places like Mike Miles for Muay Thai and that BDB place for Jiu Jitsu is wayyyy too expensive for me, i jsut wanan learn a bit of it here and there and have fun. Those 2 places are like... more so for ppl that learn to compete and such, i dont got all that time and money to do that.

like i said, you're only looking at MMA and competition JJ places. There are plenty of JJ clubs in town that are $60-70/month. The club i attend will give you cheaper rates if you can't make every class.



Something like one of the other posters up there would be cool, how he has free classes, i wouldn't mind paying a bit jsut to drop by when i want and learn. That would sound much more fun than paying 100+ to learn jiu jitsu.


IMHO that is a bad attitude and you'll never learn the techniques properly if you only go "when you feel like it"

[liquidboi69]

Im doing this for exercise and extra knowledge on my own time :P
Not here to learn everything about it haha.

[Vagabond142]

About the no-charge aiki classes:

We at the dojo believe that if you wanna be there, you'll be there. The whole tradition of aiki is to be clear of any worries except learning. You are there to learn, not be there because you paid to. If one comes with the proper attitude to classes, one learns well. If one comes saying "COOL! FREE!" and just jacks off all class, then yes, techniques will not be learned as well as if you wanted to learn them. :)

I don't know how it applies to other arts, but aiki is very strong in the tradition of "Teach for nothing, learn for everything" (if you understand that, then you're well on your way to being in the right mindset for aiki :D)

Just thought it could use a bit of clarification.

[liquidboi69]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
About the no-charge aiki classes:

We at the dojo believe that if you wanna be there, you'll be there. The whole tradition of aiki is to be clear of any worries except learning. You are there to learn, not be there because you paid to. If one comes with the proper attitude to classes, one learns well. If one comes saying "COOL! FREE!" and just jacks off all class, then yes, techniques will not be learned as well as if you wanted to learn them. :)

I don't know how it applies to other arts, but aiki is very strong in the tradition of "Teach for nothing, learn for everything" (if you understand that, then you're well on your way to being in the right mindset for aiki :D)

Just thought it could use a bit of clarification.

Hey vaga, do you know of any classes for aiki? cuz i would like to enroll in some, and do they take donations and such??

[Vagabond142]

I'm still confirming the dates and location of the dojo I am part of (they moved whilst I was working to resecure my finances so I had to drop classes for a few months), but yes, they do take donations (like $5 from anyone that wants to give) to help defray equipment costs (mats, bokken, jo, etc)

Fire me off a PM and I'll get back to you with the info within 48 hours