If you couldn't practice your art anymore...

[Gemini]

Say you moved to a new area that the art you practiced either wasn't available, or the quality of instruction was poor. Say also, any other art was available and with a respectible instructor. What would you study and why?
I have a reason for asking...

[Makalakumu]

The thing is that I've advanced far enough where my training is really a self propagating affair. I would simply find another art that interested me and grow. TSD would be my base.

[green meanie]

The thing is that I've advanced far enough where my training is really a self propagating affair. I would simply find another art that interested me and grow. TSD would be my base.

I couldn't have said it any better. Nicely done. :)

[fightingfat]

I would always go with a quality instructor, style is virtually irrelevant. You can learn any style and be good enough to defend yourself. What is rare is a quality teacher.

[TigerWoman]

If I could switch in my own town, I would right now. I would rather learn a new art under a qualified instructor who wanted to teach. TW

[Flying Crane]

I have always been of a mind that you are responsible for the material that you learn. In this case, if you were no longer able to study with your instructor, in your style, then keep what you have already learned, be responsible to practice it yourself, and make it as good as you can.

That being said, I also agree with the notion of finding a good teacher, regardless of style.

however, all things being equal, I would love to learn some drunken kung fu.

[Flying Crane]

If I could switch in my own town, I would right now. I would rather learn a new art under a qualified instructor who wanted to teach. TW

Is there a reason why you can't switch in your own town, if you are having problems with your teacher?

[IcemanSK]

I tend to want to travel a long way to get what I'm looking for, rather than what's available. I'm not adverse to switching styles, but I tend to seek out what I'm attracted to.

[Flying Crane]

I tend to want to travel a long way to get what I'm looking for, rather than what's available. I'm not adverse to switching styles, but I tend to seek out what I'm attracted to.

There is truth in this. Not every art is for everyone.

[OnlyAnEgg]

I would look to a CMA if my style came unavailable. There's a beautiful fluidity to Chinese styles that has always caught my eye.

[Gemini]

There is truth in this. Not every art is for everyone.
Good point! Different arts offer different things. I also most certainly agree that the quality of instruction is more important than any art itself. However, you also brought up a good point in that I'm far enough along in my art that I could possibly create my own quality and not necessarily have to rely on a quality instructor. Somehow though, that seems ultimately to be a dead end road. After all, if I knew everything there was to know, I'd be a master, which I'm not. If the definition of a fool is "He who knows not, that he knows not", I don't want be be one of those. Lastly, no I'm not at all unhappy with the instruction I've received. I may be transferring to a different area and after already checking out what's available, I was extremely underimpressed with what I found. My reason for asking was so I could see how others might react in a similar situation. Kind of a self sanity check, if you will.

[Kacey]

At this point, I would do what my instructor and a couple of his senior instructors do - work out on my own and meet up with my instructor whenever I could - monthly, if possible. I would also start another class - I love instructing, and it helps me to stay motivated.

[Gemini]

I would look to a CMA if my style came unavailable. There's a beautiful fluidity to Chinese styles that has always caught my eye.
Agreed. But my continual lack of fluidity in my motion has always made me a bit apprehensive about trying Chinese arts.

[Flying Crane]

Agreed. But my continual lack of fluidity in my motion has always made me a bit apprehensive about trying Chinese arts.

ahh, but if you give it a try, you just might develop the knack for it.

[Gemini]

ahh, but if you give it a try, you just might develop the knack for it.
I dunno, my friend. I'm pretty much a brick. I think a Chinese instructor would take one look at me and start shouting "Hopeless baboon, I've seen Yak's with more grace" in Chinese or something. I'm not paranoid or nuttin' though...

[OnlyAnEgg]

I did tkd for a while and Seieikan now; both what I might call hard styles; however, recently we began doing a new kata that has several circular movements in it and, though odd at first, soon felt very comfortable and efficient.

And that's my run-on sentance for the day.

[IcemanSK]

There is truth in this. Not every art is for everyone.

Exactly. I would love to train in Judo, or better yet, Aikido. But I have physical limitations that prevent me from doing throws & joint locks very well. I've trained with folks in these arts to realize this. I've also grown very passionate about stand-up fighting arts. That's why I would seek them out.

[bushidomartialarts]

I would always go with a quality instructor, style is virtually irrelevant. You can learn any style and be good enough to defend yourself. What is rare is a quality teacher.

absolutely agree.

[karatekid1975]

I moved from my beloved TSD. BUT I have been in TKD so long that I don't know what I would do. I know if I moved again, and had the chance to train TSD again, if I could I would. But I'm also exploring (I do Jujitsu also and Judo in the past). So, I can't really say what would happen. I'm really liken Jujitsu lately though.

[Zepp]

I've been in this exact situation at least twice now. I've always tried to keep up with my TKD training on my own, but I also moved on to a different art with a different instructor. The quality of instruction, and the amount of fun I have, have always been my main criteria for choosing a school or club.

Right now, I'm trying out Wing Chun. The training's pretty different from the other arts I have experience with.

[coldsteel87]

If i couldnt practice my art anymore i would be devastated. Shaolin is not an art you can leave at the black belt rank believing you know enough of it. I hope so badly that i have the opportunity to stay with my system all my life. If i had to though i would try and find a similar style of kung fu.

[swiftpete]

I'd give systema a go. Always liked the look of it on the videos I've seen. Of course there'd be more chance of finding my art in an average town than systema as its not too widespread but anyway..

[MJS]

Say you moved to a new area that the art you practiced either wasn't available, or the quality of instruction was poor.

If thats what I was force to do, then I'd have no choice but to continue training the material I've learned so far, to the best of my ability. Just because I may not be actively training in that art, does not mean I can't keep refining my skill. Although this could be difficult and certainly may be something people couldn't do on a regular basis, but I may look into traveling to seek out a qualified inst. Flying to another state for a long weekend of training, would provide you with training, as well as new ideas to keep working on.




Say also, any other art was available and with a respectible instructor. What would you study and why?
I have a reason for asking...

It would depend on what was around and if the arts that were there, met my needs of what I was looking for.

Mike

[MJS]

I dunno, my friend. I'm pretty much a brick. I think a Chinese instructor would take one look at me and start shouting "Hopeless baboon, I've seen Yak's with more grace" in Chinese or something. I'm not paranoid or nuttin' though...

Ahh..I know the feeling. During my FMA class, we'll also work on various kicks, punches, etc. My inst. is using more of a boxing style method of punching and a Thai style method of kicking, so trying to break the habit of years of throwing those same strikes in Kenpo can prove to be frustrating.

Mike

[tkd_jen]

Gemini, I know how you feel. I may be moving to another city that does not have a gym affiliated with my current gym. There isn't much as far as variety either so branching out to a new art may not even be a possibility. However i cannot imagine not training in TKD so I will probably pick the gym most suited to me and when I get there I will work my butt off, for myself and out of respect for my instructor. Ya never know, maybe the new place will let me lead warmups, show some drills, etc.

I know when we have transfers, our instructor is always looking for what she can learn from that student that may help other classes. Hopefully I won't have to worry about this at all, but good luck to you Gemini!

[DeLamar.J]

Say you moved to a new area that the art you practiced either wasn't available, or the quality of instruction was poor. Say also, any other art was available and with a respectible instructor. What would you study and why?
I have a reason for asking...Go for the quality instruction. If you can get good quality instruction in any style, that is a great thing no matter what style.

[Shirt Ripper]

Say you moved to a new area that the art you practiced either wasn't available, or the quality of instruction was poor. Say also, any other art was available and with a respectible instructor. What would you study and why?
I have a reason for asking...

After the first or second week of may I won't be able to. Partly due to schedule constraints and partly due to increase in strongman focus to compete. ...and thus will focus on my "strongman art."

Heh...

[Jenna]

I dunno, my friend. I'm pretty much a brick. I think a Chinese instructor would take one look at me and start shouting "Hopeless baboon, I've seen Yak's with more grace" in Chinese or something. I'm not paranoid or nuttin' though...
You have such a humorous take on the situation that I can't help but agree with as I'm laughing! And I wonder how much of our everyday "roll with the punches" martial arts mentality just dissipates when we have to go back to the beginning and become humble once more?

There's a certain trepidation that's only natural, but looking at it another way, as a beginner to a style, nobody expects. And suddenly we're free to make mistakes and not have everyone run around with their hands in the air! Every misfortune can be an opportunity if you're strong enough to lift your "happy hat" onto your head.

Yr most obdt hmble svt,
Jenna

[Aikikitty]

I've thought of this question before. I'd be really sad if I couldn't do Aikido. But if I couldn't, I'd look for a style of Jujutsu or Judo that I liked. Jujutsu and Aikido have a lot of the same techniques, and I like the grappling in Judo. :) If I had the time and opportunity, it would be neat to cross-train in one of those. Those are my top choices. I wouldn't mind doing other arts or styles, but I'd want to do one that was as similar to Aikido as possible.

Robyn :asian:

[Hand Sword]

Although, I would be extremely sad, I would still like to watch it being done and hear the instruction of the material.