eGO Martial Artists!

[CrankCantankerous]

Hey guys, I've been inactive for a while, but I'm thinking about getting back in to my martial arts training. I'm debating whether to go back to something I've studied previously, or to move on to something else... so I was wondering, if you do (or have) been a martial arts student in the past, what are your experiences, your preferred style, and what do you think are the pros and cons of that style.

My background is in TKD, Shotakan, Aikido, and Krav Maga. TKD I enjoyed the least (though from what I understand, it was likely the instructor), and I enjoyed Aikido and Krav Maga (two wildly disparate styles) the most.

 

[trykael]

I studied TKD for several years, and ended up teaching for about 3 years before finally deciding I just didn't have the time I needed to dedicate to go on to the next level.

I enjoyed TKD mainly as a competitive sport...I loved tournaments. Yeah, there was a basic level of self-defense you learned - but unless your instructor was willing to go off the beaten path TKD is really a tournament fighting style.

 

[Glitch]

I was in aikido for a number of months, but I quickly realized that my long, frequent trips to England wouldn't allow me to progress any farther. And I don't know about you guys, but $75 a month for training where I'm gone two weeks out of the month just didn't seem worth it.

In any case, I absolutely loved it. I had a blast each time I went to class. It was relaxing to me, rather than some kind of intense workout. Pros: simple, elegant style that doesn't take physical prowess to master. Cons: Let's be honest, you will get your butt pwned by someone who trains in an offensive martial art. Also, the movements you do seem so unnatural to me, rather than the natural reflex of kicking or punching.

 

[J_landry]

Fencing, that's all I have to say

Yes I am a fencer, even though it's pretty near impossible to find a program for it if you're not at a state university. It's a fun sport, as well as martial art if you take it that direction.

 

[Legend]

Mixed Kempo + Jujutsu for me.

Its basically my life. If I am not on my computer or out with friends I am at karate. I love it, its a wonderful way to clear my mind. Its a place away from the other world. If you asked me if you should get involved in the martial arts. I would say defiantly yes.

 

[Konvict]

i boxed for 6 years and took jiu-jitsu and vale tudo, gives you a mix of fighting on your feet and ground technique

 

[sokO]

I did TKD for roughly a year. My instructor was not the best, and I think that is why I quit. I REALLY want to take something other than TKD again, for I do not want to participate in tournaments.

 

[KiraGami]

I got to the orange belt on TKD, but then I had to quit. I'm planning to start it up again soon.

 

[Carmine]

I have practiced Tae Kwon Do (spell it out you lazy people) for a long time and I have my black belt. I had a great instructor and I really enjoyed it but I quit recently... I may get back into it one day.

 

[CrankCantankerous]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I think I'm going to go back to Krav Maga, but I'd like to supplement that in the future with something that really emphasizes ground techniques, and I've been told by several people that jiu-jitsu might be the way to go.

 

[imitation]

My dad's a black belt in TaeKwonDo and also learned how to fight with a bamboo stick and nunchucks. He taught me a little, but i'm not some martial art genious.

 

[Sgt. McAwesome]

I train in the style of Ninjutsu.

Well, MMA, really, but we incorporate ninja movements within it.

I'm currently Blue Belt and I've been training for two years running.

 

[Ruh Roh]

My Dad reached 5th dan in Shotokai (if that's how you spell it), not really sure about his background but he's told me stories about tournaments and what not, I trained a little bit but just couldn't get into it lol, not my cup of tea, took up boxing for 4 1/2 years before i quit to go to a sports academy for bball.

 

[imitation]

I need an opinion. Judo or TaeKwonDo. I've always favored TaeKwonDo because i grew up seeing some of it, but which one do you guys think i should do?

 

[5starGeneralAlphaSnake]

Im a blackbelt in something. But Krav maga is the best.

 

[Mr. Dogma]

I've dabbled in a lot of stuff
Tang Soo Do (Dear sweet jebus, I did not enjoy that)
Judo
Jiu-Jitsu
Tae Kwon Do
Kenpo

Never really spent a lot of time with any of those, except Kenpo because my dad is actually an instructor.

 

[TwistedZ]

TKD - Blackbelt. Nuff said

 

[**AngerMagnetic**]

I took TKD for about 8 years. As others have said before it's mostly for tournaments. Thats mostly correct. It depends on what organization you get into. My syle taught ju-jisu, weapons, joint manipulation, pressure points and lots of "self defense". I have my 2nd degree black belt and was about a month away from my 3rd degree. I ran a school with 100+ students while I was doing it. I have been thinking about getting back into it myself. Either the style I know or a different one. I would just read up. What are you looking to get out of it? Depends on what you are wanting to get out of it and what your goals are. Read up online about various schools in your area and the kind of styles they offer. Then check out the schools. If you have any questions feel free to PM me or add me to friends.

GL

 

[Britishbrat1993]

Shotokan Karate...this will be my 10th year comming up

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