Karate?
Anyone here get involved in karate? If so, what style? How far did you take it?
I started in Shotokan many years ago and went to shodan but then moved. The next place I lived had several Shotokan clubs but none of them appealed to me as they seemed focused on tournament prep as opposed to the art... so I dabbled in Taekwondo for a while, then joined a Gōjū-ryū club... and then moved again!! I'm not practicing currently but as my fitness level improves, I find I'm thinking about karate again...
I started in Shotokan many years ago and went to shodan but then moved. The next place I lived had several Shotokan clubs but none of them appealed to me as they seemed focused on tournament prep as opposed to the art... so I dabbled in Taekwondo for a while, then joined a Gōjū-ryū club... and then moved again!! I'm not practicing currently but as my fitness level improves, I find I'm thinking about karate again...
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I was in karate for 5 years when I was younger. It was pretty awesome. I want to get back into it but I don't want to pay for it. Lol.0
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you wanna do Karate? Because I think boxing is more combat effective.0
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Never done it, but there is a goju-ryu club here in town that I am considering, but not quite ready to start yet (thinking in January as a birthday present to myself) Haven't decided. Always wanted to try it and it is the style my husband used to practice and he recommends it highly. Ask me again in January!
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i did tae kwon do until i was 18. stopped because i went to college. i'd love to do some kind of MMA or kung fu but i just don't have enough time and or money.0
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@katamus, sometimes there are community clubs that offer classes for free or nearly.
@elprincipito, I haven't done pure boxing but I did kickboxing at the Shotokan club. The chief instructor used karate as the baseline training but was fluent in several other martial disciplines... plus he invited specialists in other forms to teach. He recommended kickboxing to me in order to improve my blocking... and eskrima to improve my hand speed & coordination.
@Pburns-2, do yourself a favour and sit in on some classes before you start participating. That way you'll get a sense of what kind of instructors they have and whether it suits you.
@Captain_Apollo, money & time were a factor in me getting away from martial arts. Now the kids are older and the pennies aren't as tight... Hmmm... kung fu sounds like fun... and I'm built like a panda now...0 -
I've been doing Shotokan for about 13 years and have my nidan. I still love it, but its effect on fitness really depends on your own drive whilst training - it's really easy to go through the motions and not get anything out of it (something a lot of people I train with tend to do, and it frustrates me to no end). I love Shotokan and the principles behind the training; it really appeals to me as a person (but maybe it helped shape the person I am today, given my Dad's my teacher and I started at 8 years old). I've done a couple of kickboxing classes (Muay Thai) which was fun, but ultimately decided to stick with Shotokan and focus on my own individual training on days when we don't have classes.0
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@small_ninja, agreed about the fitness aspect... but that's the same with any activity... The participants who are going through the motions are making their journey at their own pace and will continue to do so whether you are frustrated or not. The best way, perhaps the only way, to get them engaged is to lead by example. I'm glad you do train for yourself in addition to classes since I expect you often end up instructing. While teachers do improve while instructing, it isn't the same as honing your skills in training. It's really important to make time for you.0
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Gichin Funakoshi is one of my inspirations.
I practice a modern mixed style of karate. We are more focused more on self-defense than sport and borrow techniques from other systems. Like UncleMac, my soke has a law enforcement/military background and holds ranks in a couple different martial arts systems, so he is continually updating our instruction based on his street experiences.
But we've kept the tradition and discipline of karate (for example, we practice katas which are based on the Shotokan katas.)0 -
@bushidowoman: Yeah, we're not a sport either.
@UncleMac: yeah, there is an element of that in a lot of exercise classes, but I think that it's particularly true in martial arts based classes given the type of movements involved, compare it to say, standard press ups; if you're made to do a standard press up, and you execute the movement, it's probably going to have the same effect universally. Whereas, a punch can have a lot of variation regarding muscle tension and effort exerted. I think there's a distinction at least, but I just don't waste my time on those that don't appear to want to be there. And you're exactly right, when I'm expected to assist in teaching I get very little out of the training session, which is a bit annoying, but someone has to do it I guess.0 -
I took Wado-Ryu for about three years. Took it up to purple belt before I quit after I graduated high school. Wish I hadn't. It was a great workout and really helped with my inner-peace.0
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I do shotokan too! I've been training on and off for 15 years now, and am a nidan. Shotokan rocks!0
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I took one lesson after a guy knocked on our door selling lessons. We stood row by row in some ****ty cafeteria of some rundown school, and were told to stand in a squating position and hold it for 20 minutes. He said it helped to strength our inner core but, after a close run in with a prolapsed *kitten* resulting from squatting for so long, i decided learning kung-fu wasn't worth it.0
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I was involved in Wado-Ryu, and did everything except for sparring. I was the only one in our district using the Tekken for my weapon. I had to quit after my motorcycle accident. I do miss it (great way to relieve stress), but I have gotten myself involved with a local Legion Pipe band, which now takes up my time.0
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I used to be heavy into Karate and Kung Fu. I tore my ACL sparring and haven't fully recovered. I wouldn't recommend contact sports, and martial arts, in general, tends to attract crazies.0
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@_the_feniks_ & Pualana, I've never seen Wado-Ryu. Is it a softer style?
@ReesesPuffs, I'm sorry to hear your experience was so unpleasant. I usually recommend people sit in on classes before participating so they get to see the teacher(s) and students in action.
@MattTheWaterRat, you are the first person I've heard of who was "heavy" into Karate and Kung Fu that I've heard of recommending against getting involved in contact sports. Most schools of martial arts don't allow full contact sparring until the student is well versed in self defense. In many cases, students can opt out of full contact sparring. Do people get hurt? Absolutely. Is it preventable? For the most part, yes.
In my experience, the crazies are everywhere and not more so in martial arts than any other activity. For instance, I was involved in a car club for a while and the percentage of freaks was higher than any martial arts group I've ever been involved in. Guys who argue for hours on end about petty details and get their knickers in a knot over nothing. I've been with my kids as they've participated in their chosen activities throughout their teenage years. The groups they were involved with had their fair share of crazies as well.
It seems like the human state seems to bring about a certain level of crazies and nothing prevents it...0 -
I can throw myself. Usually that's enough.0
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Six years - mix of Kempo, Shoto-Kan , Gojo-Ryu, Kempo, Aikido, Philipino fighting sticks, Danzan Ryu Ju-jitsu, Rocate Martial Art, Ju-jitsu/Judo, ****o-Ryu, Army Ranger Training, Street Fighting. Moved away so no more of that. Stopped @ advanced purple (had green then brown left). Plus the last year or so it turned into a McDojo
Shihan started to do birthday parties. Meh.
All I can find locally in the formed of a mixed martial art is MMA style. Though - I might consider it once I'm back in fighting form. Gina Carano is my figure hero. Would love to take Krav Maga. I also love weapons, especially firearms. My favorite gun is my AR-15 with a bump fire slide stock.0 -
@yeshualovesme, I've never heard the expression "McDojo" before but it seems strangely apropos. When I moved four years ago, it was to my wife's home town. She suggested we try out her old shotokan dojo.
Like I said earlier in the thread, I don't join up until I've seen the action. The day I watched, they did a half-class and then did promotional testing of four candidates at various levels including one person testing for brown. I know observing karateka during testing isn't always the best way to get a sense of their skills since people get nervous and the tests are less dynamic than a class but wow... The level of skill wasn't great and the person testing for brown got confused a couple of times, stopped and asked for instruction but the McDojo issued them all new belts...0 -
lol I eat boxers for lunch.you wanna do Karate? Because I think boxing is more combat effective.
I'd recommend getting into some more effective striking and grappling techniques if you're into combat. If not, Karate is fine.0 -
If MMA has taught the world anything, it's that boxing doesn't work when you are on the ground.lol I eat boxers for lunch.
I'd recommend getting into some more effective striking and grappling techniques if you're into combat. If not, Karate is fine.0 -
Agreed!
If MMA has taught the world anything, it's that boxing doesn't work when you are on the ground.lol I eat boxers for lunch.
I'd recommend getting into some more effective striking and grappling techniques if you're into combat. If not, Karate is fine.
I haven't ever taken a stylized class like Karate. The closest I've come to that is Judo. But I'm a muay Thai practioner, BJJ student, and fighter. Like I said, if you're in to combat check out some different styles. If not, enjoy. Just my opinion.0 -
@_the_feniks_ & Pualana, I've never seen Wado-Ryu. Is it a softer style?
@ReesesPuffs, I'm sorry to hear your experience was so unpleasant. I usually recommend people sit in on classes before participating so they get to see the teacher(s) and students in action.
@MattTheWaterRat, you are the first person I've heard of who was "heavy" into Karate and Kung Fu that I've heard of recommending against getting involved in contact sports. Most schools of martial arts don't allow full contact sparring until the student is well versed in self defense. In many cases, students can opt out of full contact sparring. Do people get hurt? Absolutely. Is it preventable? For the most part, yes.
In my experience, the crazies are everywhere and not more so in martial arts than any other activity. For instance, I was involved in a car club for a while and the percentage of freaks was higher than any martial arts group I've ever been involved in. Guys who argue for hours on end about petty details and get their knickers in a knot over nothing. I've been with my kids as they've participated in their chosen activities throughout their teenage years. The groups they were involved with had their fair share of crazies as well.
It seems like the human state seems to bring about a certain level of crazies and nothing prevents it...
The amount of crazies is kind of relative. I would think a motorcycle club may have more than a book club (but not always).
The point I didn't get to, was that there are a lot of MA people living a fantasy. No doubt every traditional MA school will sell you some "technique" that is "street effective". So long as someone stabs at you like a robot in slow motion, you may be an expert in self-defense.
In all the traditional MA schoolsI went to, the sparring was like a repetitive game of tag with no force being used. Obviously you can't practice throat chopping, but prancing around gives you a lot of false-confidence.
I can say that MMA gyms do practice at full speed/strength, which can give you a more realistic view of what a fight actually is. That being said, the more "real" you get, the more injuries there are. Lots of MMA guys get their bodies torn up.
You seem like a nice guy, Uncle Mac, judging by your dog picture. Why on earth would you want to learn something that hurts people?0 -
My oldest daughter is heavily involved in martial arts and really wants me to join her. She is currently a brown belt in Tong Hop Moo Sool - a style which combines Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Shotokan, Shorinryu, and Hapkido. They also work in Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, Kickboxing, and some other influences. It's very street-oriented, not competition based, which I really like. I like knowing she will be able to handle herself in the real world, not be one of these people that look good in a competition but have no clue what to do should they be attacked on the street.
I'd love to start taking it one day. Just need to find the time and the finances.
And, oh yeah, I pity the guy who is strictly a boxer and tries to take a well-rounded martial artist on. Wouldn't even be a fair fight.0 -
Love My TaeKwonDo class! Absolutely the BEST thing I have done for my self in regards to my health!! We do Traditional Korean forms, with a lot of sparring, heavy bag cardio,self defense and Jiujitsu mixed in. We spar at least once or twice a month and try to hit as many tournaments as possible. I HIGHLY recommend getting in to some type of martial art.0
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One advantage to being a bit older is perspective. MMA started off as "tough guy" contests... no particular training required, just the willingness to step into the ring... In many cases, the local tough guy got his *kitten* handed to him by someone who trained. Injuries were common. Many people figured it was brutal (it was!) and should be banned (in some case, it was!) yet somehow, they defied the odds and although they're not mainstream yet, they're close. Nowadays, one can watch MMA on tv any day of the week.The amount of crazies is kind of relative. I would think a motorcycle club may have more than a book club (but not always).
The point I didn't get to, was that there are a lot of MA people living a fantasy. No doubt every traditional MA school will sell you some "technique" that is "street effective". So long as someone stabs at you like a robot in slow motion, you may be an expert in self-defense.
In all the traditional MA schoolsI went to, the sparring was like a repetitive game of tag with no force being used. Obviously you can't practice throat chopping, but prancing around gives you a lot of false-confidence.
I can say that MMA gyms do practice at full speed/strength, which can give you a more realistic view of what a fight actually is. That being said, the more "real" you get, the more injuries there are. Lots of MMA guys get their bodies torn up.
You seem like a nice guy, Uncle Mac, judging by your dog picture. Why on earth would you want to learn something that hurts people?
Injuries are part of any sport. Contact sports are no different. I haven't trained in MMA but I would think there is a limit as to how long a club could continue in operation if students are being seriously injured.
I agree with you that giving people unrealistic expectations of the effectiveness of their training is irresponsible... almost as irresponsible as facing life's challenges without any kind of defense whatsoever.
Why do I want to learn to hurt people? I am a nice guy and I love my family.
The vast majority of society's members are law abiding citizens who pose no danger to themselves or others but I recognize that society will always have it's share of criminals who prey on others. I have no interest whatsoever in hurting anyone but if it is necessary for me to hurt someone to keep myself and my family safe, I will do what is necessary to protect myself and those I love... and I would not hesitate to do so...0 -
Was in Wado-Ryu with my kids a few years ago. Tore an ACL in a sparring competition at 1st brown belt. Stayed in for about another year through my 1st degree black belt (Shodan). My daughter went as far as Shodan and my son is a Nidan. He still practices in college but not for further belt advancement. I finally quit because gravity had too good a grip on me and I was afraid of getting hurt again. Since so much of the weight has left, I have been considering going back.0
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Why do I want to learn to hurt people? I am a nice guy and I love my family.
The vast majority of society's members are law abiding citizens who pose no danger to themselves or others but I recognize that society will always have it's share of criminals who prey on others. I have no interest whatsoever in hurting anyone but if it is necessary for me to hurt someone to keep myself and my family safe, I will do what is necessary to protect myself and those I love... and I would not hesitate to do so...
If you really want to protect your family, you should consider buying a gun, life insurance, or both.0 -
Just because you like to learn a style of MA that is street effective doesn't mean you're looking to hurt people.
Hell, I train in MMA because I like to challenge myself, I like to put myself to the test, and I enjoy learning. not because I like hurting people.
edit: also, I've seen this style in action in the typical 'bar scene' where a gun would not have been safe to use.0 -
We train for street type fighting including Brutal arm breaks, throat punches, Takedowns, choke holds etc all while learning Traditional MA style fighting as well. I think it depends on the instructor, My instructor has fought Toughman, MMA and boxing as well as TKD at The Pan-Am games and the Junior Olympics.
I Carry a gun to protect my family in a LIFE THREATENING situation I learn Self defense to better my self as well as protect myself and family from the douchbags that put us in bad but not deadly situations.0 -
Our home is protected with firearms, and my hubby likes to carry... but honestly, a gun is not your go to choice if you need to subdue someone temporarily. I pray I never have to use anything I learn. One of our brown belt girls (before it become so Mcdojo-y) was attacked from behind in a college parking lot. He went to the hospital. Anyway, loved my MA training because I was abused growing up... it boosted my confidence and replaced my victim mentality. Worth it right there.0
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