Not sure on if this forum is active, but I need to choose between which Art to study

Jlocd

White Belt
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
I've done some research and I've decided I want to study Kenpo or Wing Chun and I need some help deciding, what are your guys/girls opinions? I've never studied a martial art before, but I became interested after hearing about Taekwondo, but soon lost interest and went in search of other martial arts I could study and low and behold it's boiled down between these two. I'm in highschool and my funds aren't great, I live in Kentucky and I've looked at all of the academies around me but still couldn't choose. I'm 16, male, 125 lbs., And 5'5.
 

kuniggety

2nd Black Belt
Joined
Jan 3, 2015
Messages
795
Reaction score
272
Location
Oahu, Hawaii
You'll hear the same response from most folks around here that we really can't tell you which is better for you. The best art for you is the one that you enjoy doing and so willl stick with it. If they both let you watch classes or have a trial period, then I would take advantage of it. Every school is going to have their own vibe which may or may not be for you and you'll never know until you're actually there.
 

Buka

Sr. Grandmaster
Staff member
MT Mentor
Joined
Jun 27, 2011
Messages
12,952
Reaction score
10,444
Location
Maui
Welcome to MT, Jlocd.

Go to the closest, or cheapest, one near you. Let us know how you like it.
 

Tortoise

Yellow Belt
Joined
Feb 5, 2016
Messages
36
Reaction score
6
I've done some research and I've decided I want to study Kenpo or Wing Chun and I need some help deciding, what are your guys/girls opinions? I've never studied a martial art before, but I became interested after hearing about Taekwondo, but soon lost interest and went in search of other martial arts I could study and low and behold it's boiled down between these two. I'm in highschool and my funds aren't great, I live in Kentucky and I've looked at all of the academies around me but still couldn't choose. I'm 16, male, 125 lbs., And 5'5.
My son (also 16) and I have been taking Kenpo for years and enjoy it. I don't know much about Wing Chun so I cannot comment on that.
Have you observed the classes? Honestly, I would go with whoever seems to be the better instructor. Do both of these studios have a lot of male teenagers attending? If not, that is kind of a red flag. I studied at a studio years ago where the teenagers never lasted long. The instructor did not seem to enjoy them and tended to spend time with other students so the teenagers lost interest.
Hopefully, both of these places will allow you to try at least one class to get an idea of whether or not the studio is right for you. I would do this before making a decision. If they allow more than one class for the trial, even better.
 

Monkey Turned Wolf

MT Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 4, 2012
Messages
12,212
Reaction score
6,308
Location
New York
In addition to what others have said, do you have names/websites of the schools? I believe a couple of people on here are from Kentucky, so they may be able to give you their direct opinions about the schools.
 

Steve

Mostly Harmless
Joined
Jul 9, 2008
Messages
21,920
Reaction score
7,475
Location
Covington, WA
Everything everyone else said. And also consider going out for your school wrestling team. You will never regret it. Wrestling will give you a crazy work ethic, a very strong core, and some great foundational skills that will benefit you no matter what style you eventually decide to focus on. And it's free (or mostly free) for you and your family if it's a school sponsored sport.
 

Gerry Seymour

MT Moderator
Staff member
Supporting Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2012
Messages
29,973
Reaction score
10,532
Location
Hendersonville, NC
I've done some research and I've decided I want to study Kenpo or Wing Chun and I need some help deciding, what are your guys/girls opinions? I've never studied a martial art before, but I became interested after hearing about Taekwondo, but soon lost interest and went in search of other martial arts I could study and low and behold it's boiled down between these two. I'm in highschool and my funds aren't great, I live in Kentucky and I've looked at all of the academies around me but still couldn't choose. I'm 16, male, 125 lbs., And 5'5.
Welcome to MT!

You're surely seeing a pattern here by now. What's right will vary from person to person, based on your interests and goals. Folks here can help you look for indicators of both problems and potential if you pass along the websites of the schools you're considering. Beyond that, visit them. Find one that is convenient (so you're more likely to go consistently), fits your budget, and seems fun and/or interesting to you. That last part is probably the most important. If you like it, you'll be more likely to go when you're tired, sore, busy, stressed, etc. Going back the next time is the most important technique you'll learn.
 

Headhunter

Senior Master
Joined
Aug 26, 2016
Messages
4,765
Reaction score
1,598
I've done some research and I've decided I want to study Kenpo or Wing Chun and I need some help deciding, what are your guys/girls opinions? I've never studied a martial art before, but I became interested after hearing about Taekwondo, but soon lost interest and went in search of other martial arts I could study and low and behold it's boiled down between these two. I'm in highschool and my funds aren't great, I live in Kentucky and I've looked at all of the academies around me but still couldn't choose. I'm 16, male, 125 lbs., And 5'5.
Well your weight, height and age doesn't mean anything. Best thing is to go to both styles and see which place you enjoy most. One thing I know Is there a lot of similarities to kenpo and wing chun. I've never done wing chun but I do kenpo and I enjoy it but it's not for everyone. Maybe you'd love it maybe you'll hate it. But it's more about what you want from a style what do you want out of training
 

JR 137

Grandmaster
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
Messages
5,162
Reaction score
3,224
Location
In the dojo
Well your weight, height and age doesn't mean anything. Best thing is to go to both styles and see which place you enjoy most. One thing I know Is there a lot of similarities to kenpo and wing chun. I've never done wing chun but I do kenpo and I enjoy it but it's not for everyone. Maybe you'd love it maybe you'll hate it. But it's more about what you want from a style what do you want out of training

It would mean something if he were looking at competing. Age and possibly weight-class.

But yeah, realistically speaking, doesn't mean much.

Take a look around. Cross places off the list you can't get to, can't afford, and can't make class times. Visit the rest. I'm sure you'll see something that really catches your eye.
 

Midnight-shadow

3rd Black Belt
Joined
May 29, 2016
Messages
928
Reaction score
243
I think it would be quite fun if the OP said, based on his research, what he thinks of the 2 arts he is looking into, and what he thinks they are about.
 

Jenna

Senior Master
MT Mentor
Joined
Apr 30, 2006
Messages
3,470
Reaction score
713
Location
Cluj
I've done some research and I've decided I want to study Kenpo or Wing Chun and I need some help deciding, what are your guys/girls opinions? I've never studied a martial art before, but I became interested after hearing about Taekwondo, but soon lost interest and went in search of other martial arts I could study and low and behold it's boiled down between these two. I'm in highschool and my funds aren't great, I live in Kentucky and I've looked at all of the academies around me but still couldn't choose. I'm 16, male, 125 lbs., And 5'5.
Hey welcome :) I say try the WC for a couple of weeks. If that work for you, you feel comfortable, you like the sifu, get on with the group, great, or if not and something does not quite feel right or comfortable or suitable to you, just go try the other :) Do not worry unnecessarily over any decision you make being final. You have plenty of time to change your mind :) Wishes to you.
 

Langenschwert

Master Black Belt
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
1,023
Reaction score
353
Location
Calgary, AB, Canada
Seconded on the wrestling. You will not regret it, but will likely regret NOT doing it later if you make martial arts a lifelong pursuit. Having a good wrestling base will make your Wing Chun or Kenpo that much better.
 

Midnight-shadow

3rd Black Belt
Joined
May 29, 2016
Messages
928
Reaction score
243
Seconded on the wrestling. You will not regret it, but will likely regret NOT doing it later if you make martial arts a lifelong pursuit. Having a good wrestling base will make your Wing Chun or Kenpo that much better.

How does Wrestling help with Wing Chun?
 

Ben S

Orange Belt
Joined
Mar 26, 2017
Messages
64
Reaction score
17
Location
NE Atlantic Coast
If you posted here, you're interested - martial arts practice is calling to you. As others have said, we can't recommend a particular art. Research them based on your personality - how you think you most want to express yourself - do you want to master serious skills as a soldier or law enforcement personnel might need? Do you want to fight in the MMA? Do you simply want a school where you can 'belong' and practice alongside others and grow with them? Are you a loner? You can find out which styles feature certain approaches or techniques easily here and elsewhere online. I've been at martial arts for 35 years - I'd say, spend some time visualizing YOU yourself as a martial artist - what do you look like? what techniques do you see yourself wanting to execute? - work backward from there. Give something a try to get going - feel free to reject what doesn't resonate with you - try something else - don't give up!
 

Langenschwert

Master Black Belt
Joined
Apr 12, 2007
Messages
1,023
Reaction score
353
Location
Calgary, AB, Canada
Well you wont get taken down with impunity.

Otherwise similar principles.

In addition, I also seem to recall an obscure MMA fighter with a Kenpo and Wrestling background. Might have actually been a champion in some minor promotion or other... what was his name? Chuck something... oh right, Liddell.

Apparently wrestling goes really well with all the trappy WC stuff too.
 

Latest Discussions

Top