Selecting an art

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nube

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I haven't started Martial arts yet because I am having trouble
selecting one. There are so many out there!
I'm 46 years old and more than just a little over weight.
Around here there are mostly TKD schools but they seem to be
frequented mostly by youn buff male types. Not too sure of the
type of reception I'd get there.
Would any of you please give me an idea on an art or system
that I could get into that is not too strenuous to start, but can
get more so as I get into better shape?
I know this is asking guite a bit, but I feel I have a better chance
of getting some good answers on this forum rather the on someplace like rec.martialarts.
Thanks!
 

Bob Hubbard

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If you are "seriously" overweight, see a doc first...make sure the ol ticker is in good shape. Ask his advice on what pace you should pursue.

If you're like me, (spare tire around the middle, and a pants size or 3 bigger than you'd like) look for a school that has a low-impact cardio program. It'll help burn some cals.

I've found that Modern Arnis, and Kenpo both offer a decent workout during class without many of the "oh god!" moments I personally hate. Bring water or a sports drink, and be certain that if need be, you can take a moment to catch your breath during class.

Be sure to look for a school that lets you go at a comfortable (not lethargic or hyper) pace. If 1 pushup is all you can do, you don't want to be intimidated because the guy doing the warm ups can do 50, marine style.

For a low impact, gradual work out, try Tai Chi. I think of all the arts I've taken, I burned more calleries there, than the others, but never even knew I was doing it. :)

Regardless of the art, make sure you feel comfortable taking those breathers (a couple min to catch breath). If you are comfortable in training there, you're more likely to train more and longer and stick with it.

Good luck, and thanks for the compliment. Welcome to Martial Talk. :)

:asian:
 

arnisador

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Tae Kwon Do is usually taught as a sport and that may not be right for you. As you will be told wherever and whenever you ask this question, the instructor makes the biggest difference, and the art less so. You should be allowed to observe a lesson at any school; they may ask if you'd like to participate but you should be allowed to decline. As with anything you might ask around for advice. I agree about rec.martial-arts but you might try a local newsgroup like boston.general.

If your physical conditioning is an issue I would suggest you consider Tai Chi as a possibility. It isn't strenuous but the continuous movement will give you enough of a workout to start and it's a great base for whatever art you eventually go into, in my opinion. Check your local hospital; they often have a group doing it for hypertension or for physical activity for seniors. You can certainly move on to another art from there but by the time you're doing a long form (88 or 108 steps, taking half an hour or more) you'll be getting a workout.

It varies from instructor to instructor, but you may find a Filipino martial art less physically challenging (arnis, kali, escrima) as well as certain styles of kung fu. Iaido (Japanese sword-drawing art) often starts off slowly. You'd need to visit the school in each case to see. Tai Chi schools will also vary! Consider also contacting the YMCA which deals with this issue relatively often or a community college or other continuing education program which offers self-defense courses.

If it is not essential that it be a martial art then consider also yoga or some type of (kick)boxing aerobics to start off.
 
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K

Kirk

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I'm in the same boat as you, nube. I've lost about 6 lbs per
month so far (minus december .. who loses weight during THAT
month?). I started out with TKD, and there's a lot of jump and
do this, jump and do that .. I vividly remember the jumping
front snap kick, which just about killed my shins (sp?). It was
just too much for a big man to do. I take kenpo now, and it's
been fairly low impact. There's one called a chicken kick that's
a bit rough on a big man, but nowhere near the stuff we did
in TKD. I went looking for an instructor that realized what I
wanted to do, said he could help, and understood that I can't
do jumping jacks, jumping kicks or jumping anything until I lose
weight. I stated that I wasn't in any hurry to get belt ranks, and
he was fine with that, too.

If you're not in as bad a shape as I am, and can do jumping
kicks, or jumping jacks without pain, then TKD will probably
be okay for you, if your only goal will be to lose weight. It
was SERIOUSLY intense!
 

deadhand31

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Well, I have to admit, I've got more around my middle than I would like, but that hasn't stopped me from moving closer to the ground in splits, or slowed down my kicks.

As a TKD student, I would have to give you the same caution. Some schools will teach sport TKD, and others will teach it as self defense. Before you join, have a chat with the instructor, try to find out where their emphasis is. Find out what stipulations might be in their (ugh) contract, and make sure that if something happens to you, that you can back out of it.

The reception that you'll get is also a good indication of the school's attitude.. If it's a school that will want to help you, and assist you in your martial arts education, then that would be a postive place to be. I'm sure that you'll find some out there.

Also, in our school, there's a 56 year old male with a little extra meat on his bones, but he does a phenomonal job. All I'll say, is if he's moving to punch you, you better block it or get the heck out of dodge!

:erg:
 

arnisador

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Originally posted by Kaith Rustaz
If you are "seriously" overweight, see a doc first...make sure the ol ticker is in good shape. Ask his advice on what pace you should pursue.


Sound advice. Having a physician monitor your progress is a good idea in addition. Rapid weight loss can lead to gallstones but there is a possible preventative treatment for it (note, I am not a physician or health care specialist).


Be sure to look for a school that lets you go at a comfortable (not lethargic or hyper) pace. If 1 pushup is all you can do, you don't want to be intimidated because the guy doing the warm ups can do 50, marine style.

One of the most important things I took away from my study of isshin-ryu karate was my instructor's insistence that in karate "The only battle is to improve yourself" and the fact that he demonstrated his belief in those words constantly. You and your instructor most both be prepared to have you proceed at your own pace. This requires patience, persistence, and a good attitude on both sides.


For a low impact, gradual work out, try Tai Chi. I think of all the arts I've taken, I burned more calleries there, than the others, but never even knew I was doing it.

I am largely in agreement with this--it's a better workout than you'd think (if you're doing it correctly) and will burn ore calories with less stress/sweat than just about anything. It's not that it's easy, it's that it's different. As kaith indicates, if you'r eonly a little overweight your options are not really all that limited. If the weight is a big concern, consider starting with Tai Chi.

Let us know what happens--we will be happy to provide you with encouragement.
 
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no fefe

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Another option might be to look into joining the local YMCA. The YMCA's in my area have Martial Art programs. The programs vary from Y to Y but they often have several programs that include TKD, Aikido, Tai Chi and Karate. One of the YMCAs in my area also has another Korean Martial art class and a JKD type class but the 2 others don't. Another reason I suggest they Y is that you get two benefits 1 - a place to do additional cardio,weight lifting, swimming and other excersizes. 2- The martial arts classes shouldn't cost anything extra since you are a member of the YMCA, the only think I can think of that you may have to pay for is your uniform,gear and probably belt tests.

Robert K.
 

Pappy Geo

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Nube,

I am 57 yrs old and started Martial Arts when I was 52 realizing I had to do something to have any quality of life. I went to Golds gym and saw all those hard bodies lined up to the mirrors and I just turned around and walked out. By accident I somehow fell in with Datu Kelly Worden and discovered Filipino Martial Arts. That got my body moving and brought my coordination back, built my arms and leg muscles up. I still have a pot belly which probably never go away. The gray hair and belly give me stealth! I found the arts so much more interesting than pumping a bike in front of the mirror and the Arts can be just as aerobic.

The last 5 years I spent enough time training in the Arts to get a college degree! and probably half way to a college masters degree. I love it and it becomes a way of life. Just because you are older don't let that hinder you as you probably learn faster than the younger guys. They just have more endurance.

I get respect from all the people I train with, young and old, and I am an assistant Instructor teaching Combative Arts to the Special Forces Green Berets, America's Finest! What an honor!

I would recommend staying away from the boot camp type places and young kids who want you to call them sir and order you around. Find a teacher with a lot of patience who will let you proceed at your own pace. Somebody who will make sure you don't over do it and will be willing to nurture you.

6 months will begin to make a difference in quality of life and as time passes it just gets better! I am pushing 60 and I am hating it, thank God I found the Arts. And don't forget beside the health issues you will be learning to defend yourself and protect your family. I could go on for ever but you get the drift by now!

Good Luck on your choices,

Pappy Geo
 
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B

Bob

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Originally posted by Pappy Geo
Nube,
I get respect from all the people I train with, young and old,

Everyone:
Don't let Pappy Geo fool you, he beats the respect out of us!! :)
 

tshadowchaser

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In general I would say one of the internal Chiness arts of a Filipino art. Fisrt you must figure out what you think you want out of this practice. Are you looking for a wway to get in shape, become muscular,
kick the crap out of someone, defend youslef,etc. Then goout and watcha few (not one) classes at each of the schools you think you might be interested in joining. If someone questiond why you have come back a 2nd or 3rd time to watch tell them you want to make sure you get a good picture of what they do and not judge your commitment on a one night stand.
 
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nube

Guest
Id like to thank everyone for the information and advise. I already
plan on getting a phsyical before starting. I can still kick and move ok but I want to stop any more weight gain or muscle loss.
I have been reading the posts on the board and notice a lot of intrest in filipino arts. Does anyone know of a school on the north shor of Massachusetts? I'd like to check this art out as it seems to be interesting.
 
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I

Icepick

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Nube -

If you're interested in FMA, try here.

http://www.martialartsresource.com/filipino/filframe.htm

This forum is definitely skewed toward FMA, because many of us are here through the efforts of Renegade. Word has spread most quickly through the FMA circles, but we're trying to achieve a more representative population.

BUT, just because we're biased, doesn't mean that we're wrong about FMA being the best... ;)
 

tshadowchaser

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In North Quincy, Jason Silverman.
You might also try looking through "Eskirma Digest" or getting on the Eskirma Digest mailing list, they provide good information on a number of subjects.
 
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nube

Guest
Thankyou for the leads. The only places I have found are either in Quincy or Boston. These are quite a drive 32 or 3 times a week. Gitting in and out as well as around Boston can take an hour or better from Essex. Too much for an hour or two class after working inn Gloucester all day.
I haven't gotten Escrima Digest yet. I'll try to subsribe later to see if it can help.
Looked at a couple schools around here but not very impressed by whatI see so far. Have to keep looking. Thanks again!
 
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nube

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I'm still looking for a MA school. The Doc says OK.
There are a few schools in my area that I will be looking at but
none that teach Arnis as a main art. Only two teach it at all but they don't do much.
So it looks like Ill be looking into karate as it and and TKD seem most prevalent.
There are a few schools around here that are affiliated with
Fred Vollari that I see advertised on TV, does anyone know about these schools?
 

donald

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[
If you're not in as bad a shape as I am, and can do jumping
kicks, or jumping jacks without pain, then TKD will probably
be okay for you, if your only goal will be to lose weight. It
was SERIOUSLY intense! [/B][/QUOTE]
Kirk,
So how is it going? Have you gotten to the point of "chicken snap", I don't care about no stinkin chicken snap? I know them babies can be rough. The tough ones for me these days are low stances, wide kneel etc., ichee mama... Any way just wanted to drop a line of encouragement.
Salute in Christ :asian:
 

donald

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Originally posted by nube
[ Would any of you please give me an idea on an art or system
that I could get into that is not too strenuous to start, but can
get more so as I get into better shape?


Nube,
Have you considered training tapes to get an idea of where you want to try? I watched one called Essentials of Karate, with Chris Thompson of the .U.K. It gave a preety good overview of what you could generally expect from a traditional karate dojo. The only thing I had a problem with was a portion of the stretching segment. They did quite a bit of bouncing, and from what I've learned over the years, that is very detrimental. Check out your local library. Thats where I picked this one up at. Enjoy the hunt.
Salute in Christ :asian:
 
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K

Kirk

Guest
I execute it when I must, but it does hurt a bit. Hopefully I'll
be back on the right track now, in my journey to a healthy
weight.


"Why musta everything that's a so good for me .. taste a so
bad" - Chef Boyardee (fictionaly character)
 

Steve

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I haven't started Martial arts yet because I am having trouble
selecting one. There are so many out there!
I'm 46 years old and more than just a little over weight.
Around here there are mostly TKD schools but they seem to be
frequented mostly by youn buff male types. Not too sure of the
type of reception I'd get there.
Would any of you please give me an idea on an art or system
that I could get into that is not too strenuous to start, but can
get more so as I get into better shape?
I know this is asking guite a bit, but I feel I have a better chance
of getting some good answers on this forum rather the on someplace like rec.martialarts.
Thanks!
So how did it go? This is your 20 year check in.
 

Rich Parsons

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So how did it go? This is your 20 year check in.
Hi Steve,

As it says Guest under the account it was old and not used multiple versions of Forum SW ago.
I do not thin they could even recover the account without some interesting work.
So I would not expect an answer.
 

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