What brought you into Martial Arts

[terryl965]

I was wondering why people got into the Arts and stayed in it??? Myself it is the satifaction that I have taken in from the Art itself, Now that I teach it's more satisfring to me to give back some of the value's that I learned... Thanks and God Bless America

[Chrono]

What brought me into martial arts? Well, basically, the only thing I can say that did was I was watching American Ninja and I thought, "How cool would it be to learn how to do that?" And so I came online and started doing some research on different styles. I will say what got me to stay in the arts. It's the whole "Be a better person" thing, really. That and the mental conditioning.

Jon

[Michael Billings]

http://www.ramonschenk.nl/dellgoldkeywhitman/magnus.htm
and/or
http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/magrbt.htm

-Michael

[Dronak]

I think I've always liked martial arts, thought it would make for an interesting study, good exercise, hopefully learning some useful skills, but didn't have much desire to really do it until recently. To help me handle stress, I tried meditation, then yoga, then tai chi, learning things on my own from books and videos. I really liked tai chi and when I found a club on campus that planned to teach it later, after a kung fu style as the main focus, I decided to join. I'd get the tai chi eventually and it would be from a good teacher who knew the martial arts aspects of the form. Though the kung fu wasn't the big draw for me, I did enjoy doing and learning it. So I guess if you boil it down, I started looking into martial arts because I needed something to do for stress relief. :)

[TigerWoman]

I watched classes and sooner than later, my daughter and son got me into joining TKD. Then I discovered the challenge and that I could rise to each goal or problem and work on it to solve it. At this date, the part about the indomitable spirit, much to the chagrin of my master instructor, keeps me in. I also would like to teach and give back the joy that practicing TKD gives me. I've taught on and off but I want to establish a class for women.

[shesulsa]

When my brother was watching Bruce Lee on TV, I would make a yucky face, tease him, then hide around the corner and watch - what really fascinated me was that he could fight off anyone.

I've been attacked 5 times in my life, 4 of those by people I knew. The most recent was by my now ex-husband who was a Kenpo 4th degree at the time - I thought he was going to kill me and I knew he would know how to do so. So I moved 1,000 miles away and started looking...didn't find a dojo that felt right until I joined a fitness center and found my current teacher teaching Hwarang Do. I had never heard of it, of course...but I am extremely lucky to have learned what I have.

And since that time, my brother and I embraced and he immediately tried to throw me (we've never gotten along). I just took the slack out of his wrist, used neck pressure points and dropped my center...he went down instead.

It sucks when your family is your enemy, but now my martial arts class is my family.

[Tony]

I've always been interested in Martial Arts since I was very young watching all the cool stuff on tv. I especially like the philosophies and eastern mysticism. I started in Judo because my mum made me do that to help me defend myself when i was 10 but I really couldn't get into that. But about 6 years ago I started Kung Fu because until that point I had only taught myself from books because I was too shy and felt so imtimidated to join any Martial Arts class. One day after not having the courage to walk into a Tang Soo do class I was all ready to give up when I saw a poster on the wall at this Leisure centre for Kung fu, so I didn't waste a minute in calling and went, and I have bee training for 6 years in shaolin Long Fist!

[Ninway J]

I'm part of the group of people that watched Kung Fu movies on "Blackbelt Theater" on tv every Saturday night, as well as Bruce Lee movies as a kid, and thought how cool and that I'd wanted to do that someday.

Now I train in martial arts as a total lifestyle of self-defense, exercise, spirituality, philosophy, mental-challenge, culture, and social life.

[mj-hi-yah]

I took a kickboxing class and the instructor was awesome...I loved it. I learned a lot about basics from her and was thinking of taking it further and then a school opened up down the block and it was a natural transition.
MJ:asian:

[mj-hi-yah]

I've been attacked 5 times in my life, 4 of those by people I knew. The most recent was by my now ex-husband who was a Kenpo 4th degree at the time - I thought he was going to kill me and I knew he would know how to do so. So I moved 1,000 miles away and started looking...didn't find a dojo that felt right until I joined a fitness center and found my current teacher teaching Hwarang Do. I had never heard of it, of course...but I am extremely lucky to have learned what I have.
It sucks when your family is your enemy, but now my martial arts class is my family.
Maybe people should have to pass a pshychological test before being awarded a black belt - especially a 4th degree who would then use it against his own wife.:xtrmshock I'm sorry for what happened to you, but glad you were able to move on. :)

MJ:asian:

[OUMoose]

What started me down the path? Massive amounts of Alcohol. :D

Just kidding. A group of good friends (who just happened to imbibe some alcoholic substances once in a while) was my main reason. From there, curiousity took over and pulled me deeper into training.

[shesulsa]

I'm sorry for what happened to you, but glad you were able to move on. :)

MJ:asian:
Thanks, MJ

[Flatlander]

A poster that said "learn Bruce Lee's art". I can't really recall precisely what it said. Of course, knowing who Bruce Lee was, I found this intriguing. I went to check it out. I stayed because I realized the positive effect that learning MA was having on my self esteem. Its really changed my life. I used to be very timid. I found the confidence to open up to people. Its really contributed to my success.

[MichiganTKD]

I got tired of being a physical and verbal punching bag in school. This was back in the days before it was easy via the Net to shop around. The one school I went to was the only school I went to.
For me, Tae Kwon Do was like giving air to a drowning man. Don't really know where I'd be without it. Actually, yes I do.

[Flatlander]

I just read my last post. I sound like an infomercial.

[Cruentus]

I just read my last post. I sound like an infomercial.

:rofl:

[Cruentus]

When my brother was watching Bruce Lee on TV, I would make a yucky face, tease him, then hide around the corner and watch - what really fascinated me was that he could fight off anyone.

I've been attacked 5 times in my life, 4 of those by people I knew. The most recent was by my now ex-husband who was a Kenpo 4th degree at the time - I thought he was going to kill me and I knew he would know how to do so. So I moved 1,000 miles away and started looking...didn't find a dojo that felt right until I joined a fitness center and found my current teacher teaching Hwarang Do. I had never heard of it, of course...but I am extremely lucky to have learned what I have.

And since that time, my brother and I embraced and he immediately tried to throw me (we've never gotten along). I just took the slack out of his wrist, used neck pressure points and dropped my center...he went down instead.

It sucks when your family is your enemy, but now my martial arts class is my family.

Wow. Domestic violence sucks. I hope you are never in a bad situation again.

:asian:

[Cruentus]

I got started because I was a hyper, uncoordinated kid who got beat up a lot.

Now I am a hyper, uncoordinated adult who acts like a kid, who gets together with a 73 year old man every week and gets beat up....then goes to another Dojo run by a 50-something year old to get beat up some more....

Hey! WTF is going on here! :rofl: Well...at least I teach also, so I get the chance to beat SOMEBODY up!! :wink1:

The reason I stayed was simple....the desire to learn and good quality instruction!

:asian:

[shesulsa]

Wow. Domestic violence sucks. I hope you are never in a bad situation again.

:asian:
Thank you so much, oh exhalted one! You're cool, Tuli! :asian: :asian:

[Shogun]

Like most Kids, I loved MA movies. I loved Mortal kombat, and all that. I used to imitate the movies at school, and people thought I knew martial arts so I guess I just started in order to catch up with my reputation. that and as a kid I befriended a handicapped kid who was picked on. I used to protect him from bullies and so ...... the thing is I never lied to them and said I knew martial arts. I started TKD at 9, but thought the repitition was boring, so I got involved in Gymnastics. I also trained with the kids next door to me. (USKO black belts, right next to gymnastics, hooray). Today, at almost 19, I do Aikijutsu, Jujutsu, Ninjutsu, and Tushkahoma/Red warrior.

[Flatlander]

Li Today, at almost 19, I do Aikijutsu, Jujutsu, Ninjutsu, and Tushkahoma/Red warrior.I'm interested in the Red Warrior program that you say you've trained in. This is a Native Art, is it not?

[Flatlander]

I mean no disrespect here, but it looks like Roman sells belts according to this:

http://www.adrianroman.com/red_warrior_franchise_info.htm

[kenpo tiger]

"I've been attacked 5 times in my life, 4 of those by people I knew. The most recent was by my now ex-husband who was a Kenpo 4th degree at the time - I thought he was going to kill me and I knew he would know how to do so. So I moved 1,000 miles away and started looking...didn't find a dojo that felt right until I joined a fitness center and found my current teacher teaching Hwarang Do. I had never heard of it, of course...but I am extremely lucky to have learned what I have."

Dear Shesulsa,

I am so sorry you have had such bad experiences in your life.

Yes, we kenpo stylists are taught all sorts of ways to dispatch our attackers permanently, but I am absolutely appalled that your ex would use his martial skills against you - especially at his level and knowing what he does. I hope you filed a police report before moving away. Also got an order of protection.

I also hope you are happier and at peace where you are now. KT

[kenpo tiger]

Oh yes. What got me into martial arts. My younger son, then 15, and I were driving by a shopping center where a new karate school was opening. I pointed it out and asked him if he was interested. He said he was, but was I? I said I was too old - 44 - and his response was "That's true. You wouldn't be able to do it."

See my quote below.:ultracool

[oldnewbie]

I've wanted to do martial arts since I was a kid watching Kung Fu on TV and Brue Lee movies. Never had the courage to walk in a Dojo and say "Sign me up"

When my son said he wanted to try, I took him to class. I kept asking the intructor questions, and he finally told me to shut up or join.:) I said...I'm 39 years old, I'm too old....he promised me big changes in 3 months, 3 years later, still seeing big changes!

[David4516]

I was interested for a number of reasons...


First off, I'm a big gun nut. I do alot of target shooting and hunting. I also carry a concealed handgun. But I got to thinking that shooting the bad guy might not always be the best way to handle things. I wanted a second option, so I figured a martial art would be a good place to start...

Also, I needed a PE credit (I'm a college student). So I signed up for my community college's TKD class. Two birds with one stone, right?

Well that was 5 years ago. I'm still in that same TKD class. Why? Good question, probably because I'm stubborn. I don't like to quit or do things half way.

I was forced to quit for a year due to an operation I had, but I came back. My classmates were suprised to see me again. I guess most people are gone for good once they leave...

Coming back was weird though... all my friends that started at the same time as I did now outrank me. Not to mention that I had lost alot of flexiblity from not streching for a year :(

But like I said, I'm stubborn and I didn't want to just give up. Besides, TKD is alot of fun, and it's good for you... so I plan to stick with it for as long as I can...

[Chrono]

I did take Aikido for a few months but had to leave because school was starting. Now I'm taking Tang Soo Do, which their classes I can pretty much fit between school and work. The thing is I never intended to take a Korean art. I found out about it, went there to try it out, and now I can't get away from it. I love it much!

Jon

[shesulsa]

[QUOTE=kenpo tiger
Dear Shesulsa,

I am so sorry you have had such bad experiences in your life.

Yes, we kenpo stylists are taught all sorts of ways to dispatch our attackers permanently, but I am absolutely appalled that your ex would use his martial skills against you - especially at his level and knowing what he does. I hope you filed a police report before moving away. Also got an order of protection.

I also hope you are happier and at peace where you are now. KT[/QUOTE]
I did both, and when he violated the restraining order, I had him arrested and he spent the night in jail. I am happier here away from him and think the situation could only have gotten worse if I'd stayed in the vicinity.

Thanks for your concern and well-wishes.

Sincerely,
Georgia

[white mantis]

I was Introduced to the martial arts at about 5 or 6 years old My parents wanted me to learn discipline so they put me in some Tae Kwon Do classes. I with the attention span of a 2 year old at the time got bored and stop taking TKD not even a mounth into it. Now that I am 16 years of age I do Mantis Kung Fu as a way of expressing my self and enjoying myself doing it to.

[Bammx2]

"Kung Fu Gold" with Bruce LI! circa....long time agohttp://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif in a tiny cinema in Dunn N.C.I was 6 and THEN I found out about Bruce Lee(who was still alive at the time)
But when I saw Bruce Li beat up about 300 people....I wanted to do that!
But then reality hit me......more like a guy named andrewhttp://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif.
I knew then, I wasn't ever gonna beat up 300 people like they did on BB theater.
I stayed because it fit me.............I have never gotten bored with it and I love to learn from it.
And now I teach as well as still learn.
and thats been over 30yrs ago:asian:

[Cryozombie]

I wanted to be a Jedi. :jedi1:

I got to be a Ninja... Its a close second. :ninja:

[MartialArtsChic]

I've always wanted to do it. My father did it, my brother did it and the year I turned 30 I thought, why not me? So I did it. Started out in TKD for a year, left and waited for 2 years and found the place where I'm at now, courtesy of big brother. Combat Hapkido and its awesome and still doing it.

[Tony]

For me one of the most important reasons I learn the Martial Art I'm learning is to be able to defend myself as well as keeping fit. But there are so many people who merely learn to become more dangerous, to have the skill to hurt people. And these people are still training up to black belt level. I have a certain friend who like me was bullied at school so learning how to defend himself was obviously logical option. But from one incident many years ago where he completely lost control with his tormentor (at school) he is a bit of a hothead and seems to enjoy violence. I think he has started to learn Taekwondo as a way of making himself more feared. The sad thing is it has not helped him confront his demons and so many times he has had to be pulled out of sparring by his instructor for excessive contact.
Its so sad when there are a lot of people who misuse their Martial Arts skills, but I guess instructors can't afford to turn anyone away!

[kenpo tiger]

...there are so many people who merely learn to become more dangerous, to have the skill to hurt people. And these people are still training up to black belt level...a bit of a hothead and seems to enjoy violence. I think he has started to learn Taekwondo as a way of making himself more feared. The sad thing is it has not helped him confront his demons and so many times he has had to be pulled out of sparring by his instructor for excessive contact.
Its so sad when there are a lot of people who misuse their Martial Arts skills, but I guess instructors can't afford to turn anyone away!Hi Tony.

To address everything above (I excerpted from your entire post) - isn't/shouldn't it be up to the instructor to temper this type of person's violent tendencies?? My sifu always tells us - and the kids especially - that you should walk away from the fight. That is also why we aren't encouraged to compete. His philosophy is that the type of kenpo we do isn't a sport art and therefore we should not compete. The emphasis is on self defense IF NECESSARY. As an instructor for the children in our school I have to answer their questions and try to point out to them when they talk about bullies in school that their karate skills aren't for showing off during recess. I stress to them that they should not be the agressor and also try to talk their way out of the situation. Of course, the boys always want to know what the "cool" techs look like - i.e. Sleeper, Leap of Death, Dance of Death, Grip of Death - and I won't show them for the simple reason that they will learn them when it's appropriate. The last thing I'd ever want to happen is for one of my students to be injured or to injure someone else for no reason. I will sometimes sit them down for the last five minutes of class to discuss things like this in an informal manner so that they will talk about them and learn from each other's experiences.

I hope your friend will come to realize that he doesn't need to be a BA. Some people never understand that, and some of us needed a long time to realize it. KT:asian:

[KenpoBruce2006]

Started in 86. I was in the service (US Air Force) as a security policeman. Obviously you can't shoot everyone and what the service was teaching was incomplete at the time (also wasn't reinforced.) So I went shopping. Decided on the TRACO system of Kenpo under the AKKA (American Kenpo Karate Academies). Have studied under Tracy's and the IKCA (yes I am a video student). Then came upon a hybrid system of Kenpo and Jiujitsu (called Siu Lum Chi Kwung Kenpo). Long name, simple system. 60 techniques to 1st Black, a system Master Form, Jo form (4 foot stick), knife skills and basic throws. I've added a few things of my own (strike and kick sets and added some of the traditional forms). I started initally to add some skills outside of what I had with me and found that I enjoyed it so much I wanted to open a school of my own. Ended up doing it in 2002 in a little town in North central Wisconsin called Bruce. Been here ever since. I average about 30-40 students depending on the time of the year. Have ten students to 1st Black with five preping for 2nd Black.

KenpoBruce2006 (thats my story and I'm stickin' to it)

[Hand Sword]

Watching Kung Fu theater back in the day, and copying the moves in front of the T.V. and a book that I wasn't supposed to look at it http://martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif--LOL!

[AceHBK]

lol@hand sword

For me it was Kung Fu theatre specifically films by the Shaw Brothers.

Five Deadly Venoms and Master Killer aka The 36 Chambers (feat. Gordon Lui)

After watching all the shaw brothers movies I was pretty much determined to find a shaolin teacher who lived in the woods and wouldnt feel right unless he had 1 more student to teaching everything to!!!

[Hand Sword]

I always wanted to have the sound effects of those movies in my movements! Jumping and having that flapping soound too! http://martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

[AceHBK]

I always wanted to have the sound effects of those movies in my movements! Jumping and having that flapping soound too! http://martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon10.gif

LMAO!! Me too!!!
I like have a new uniform or gettin mine from the dry cleaner and hearing that sound when i kick or ounch.

Thos eold movies and Bruce Lee gave me my sound effects for when I hit someone.

[Hand Sword]

LMAO!! Me too!!!
I like have a new uniform or gettin mine from the dry cleaner and hearing that sound when i kick or ounch.

Thos eold movies and Bruce Lee gave me my sound effects for when I hit someone.

I think that stuff influence3d a lot of people. I remember tons of people in class, seminars, or whatever, (instructors also), that would make sound effects when striking someone--LOL!