Which Martial Art and Why?

[Danjo]

Currently I study Shaolin Kempo at USSD.

What Do I Like About it?

I like the mix of hard and soft techniques. The studio is open 6 days per week from 12 noon to 9pm. My instructor.

What do I not like about it?

The commercialism in the organization, the fact that the serious students and non-serious ones get promoted at the same pace, the price $165.00-$225.00 PER month. The way they try to make the Masters out to be super human, the fact that belt tests are designed more to test your endurance than your skill and that if you can endure the workout then you get promoted which makes those of us who really work on our skill wonder why we bother sometimes ( I remember actually failing my first green belt test in Shotokan years ago). The fact that some belt tests will last for two hours, while others, for the same rank, will last for six.

How did I get into it (two year contract and all)?

It had been so long since I studied that I thought that's all that was out there besides Tae Kwon Do (which seemed pretty commercial to me also, and I didn't want all of the kicking). I didn't see any Shotokan studios to study at in my area, and the San Soo Kung Fu place I wanted to study at had closed down.

What's the Upshot?

I still enjoy practicing Martial Arts after all these years. After My agreement is finished here, I plan to look around and see what else is out there.

 

[XkempoX]

Which Martial Art do you train in?

Shaolin Kempo and Muay Thai/JKD.

Why did you choose this art?

Having trained in Shotokan & Shokokai/Shorinji, I researched more to expand my practice in MA and found Kempo which I trained for almost 4 yrs. I moved on to Muay Thai/JKD because I've heard a lot of good things about it (and it's close to my work, i.e. good class schedule) and also wanted learn FMA within the same school. But my heart still belongs to Kempo (my signature tells everything).

What do you like about it?

Everything, the fluidity and speed of Kempo, the powerful delivery of Muay Thai and the defenses/offenses of JKD.

What do you NOT Like about it?

First of all, I love practicing MA and still searching. There's really nothing I don't like. I'm just really fortunate to have very good Instructor/Professor that trained me. With the exception of getting a new partner and doing the 2 man fist set and the bow kata, hehehe, just kidding.

 

[Cobra]

Which martial art do you train in?

I train in three martial arts: Wrestling, Brazilian Jiujitsu, and Tae Kwon Do.

Why did you choose this art?

I choose these arts for different reasons.
I chose Wrestling because there is more tournaments to compete in (with medals) every week and I also think Wrestling will benefit you the most in a real fight.
I chose Tae Kwon Do so I can learn the secrets of breaking objects (wooden boards, bricks) and the techniques of using the human species most powerful assett, the legs. Arms are to Apes, as Legs are to Humans.
I chose Brazilian Jiujitsu because there wasn't enough ground submissions in Wrestling (the fight doesn't end with a pin).

What do you like about it?
What I like about Wrestling is that it is a very fun sport and a true man's sport (it's ranked the oldest and hardest sport in the world). And by hardest I mean hardest workouts.
What I like about Tae Kwon do is that the kicks in the art look flashy and professional. I feel like those people in martial art movies when ever I do a Tae Kwon Do kick (especially the roundhouse). What I also like about it is our instructer is the most badass and comedic instructer in the world of Tae Kwon Do.
What I like about Brazilian Jiujitsu is that it has a very ancient and traditional feel to it. All the moves feels so traditional and cool. Sparring is great fun as well.

What do you NOT like about it?
What I don't like about wrestling is loosing a match. It very emotionaly painful compared to loosing at competition in other arts (I'm not sure why). There is also not enough submission holds either.
What I don't like about Tae Kwon Do is the competion. I rather go to a kickboxing competion with my Tae Kwon Do than an actual Tae Kwon Do competion where you gently tap the oponent to win a match (Sport is too gentle).
What I don't like about Brazilian Jiujitsu is that if when sparring you get taped out, the limb you get tapped out at hurts for quite some time (like a arm for example).

 

[KenpoSamurai]

I am new so this is my first post.

wich martial art? American Kenpo Karate

Why choose this one? I live in a small town so not much of a choice so i joined Kenpo and learned to like it.

what i like about it? It is taught to internalize and not just memorize

what i dont like? I am not saying nothing is wrong with Kenpo its just that i am new to it and havent been uncomfortable or confused about anything yet.

 

[TigerWoman]

WTF Taekwondo.

My daughter dragged me. I thought I would be a forever white belt.

I L O V E Taekwondo. I was hooked as a yellow belt.

I love the spin heel (hook), jump spin heel, 360 jump back, 360 crescent.etc.
And I'm not a dizzy blonde!!! I also like sparring - I just forget it is exercise.

Alas, what is good for me is also bad for me--jumping--bad knees.

 

[Laxe]

What Martial Art do you train in?

Fujian White Crane

Why did you choose this art?

Because it's a southern style it quite comparable to Wing Chun in terms of principles but the style itself is mixed with tiger elements which it is claimed to cover the gaps in the orriginal white crane system.

Also I wanted to learn an animal style because if you practise it enough (which I admit I can't do during term time at uni) your movements will 'flow' ALOT better.

What do you like about it?

Training is very traditional and very intense! We develop our muscles not through weights (we are actually told NOT to use heavy weights because it'll develop heavy muscles - which aren't the quickest in the world either ) but through the use of small sandbags etc - which kill like hell anyway.

Our patterns (kata) are very simple at the beginning with not alot of moving about - the idea is why would they teach you how to turn and kick etc. etc. when you can't even walk forward properly? They're stylistic yet let you train with the principles of the style (which is I think a very traditional way to train).

It's a soft/hard style which is complemented by the soft style of Suang Yang Taichi. Plus the head instructor is very, VERY scary!

What do you not like about it?

The sheer difficulty of the style is itself a bad point as well as a good one since you'll have to put alot of time into it's principles and techniques in order to avoid common advances such as grappling (which we don't really learn).

That and that I wish I had the time to train more.

 

[Fortis]

Tae Kwon Do

It has always interested me because of it's emphasis on kicks.

Because of all the legwork, it makes for very good fitness and flexibility training. If you get good at it, it sure does look pretty cool (I don't mind admitting it).

Still not sure how "practical" it'll be in any sort of real situation, although to be honest, that is not why I take Martial Arts anyway.

 

[Tony]

I train in Shaolin Long Fist and I love it! the training is very hard so I atleast know I'm getting my money's worth. I've always wanted to study Kung fu because its very philosophical so it fits in with my philosophical mind. Also I like the fact we taught practical techniques and not the flashy stuff you see in films, although we do some of that too! We concentrate on forms a lot but are made aware of how useful they can be. We don't just do them because they're in the system. We have on many occasions tried to break down moves from the forms and use them in hypothetical situations.
Also I find Kung to be very graceful, I guess a lot about it appeals to me than all the other Arts.

 

[datumuluhkahalalhabzar]

Which martial art do you train in?
DULAC (doo-lak) MARTIAL ARTS CONSANGUINITY - an original Filipino martial arts duly registered with the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic of the Philippines with authority to operate as Original Filipino Martial Arts Training Center. Dulac Martial Arts Consanguinity Central Gym can be located at PENTHOUSE FUNCTION ROOM, FUTURE POINT PLAZA 1 CONDOMINIUM, NO. 112 PANAY AVENUE, BARANGAY SOUTH TRIANGLE, QUEZON CITY, Philippines. Telephone Number is (+632) 4131391 and e-mail address is [email protected].

Why did you choose this art?

DULAC MARTIAL ARTS CONSANGUINITY is the simpler form of multiple opponent mixed martial arts combines with practical situational form of self-defense enhanced with Cardio workout exercises that will help your muscle more stronger, improved your reflexes, concentration, stamina and balance.

What do you like about it?

This is the only martial arts in the world that teaches one not only to become master of the art but also of being in harmony and united with oneslf, with GOD and further bring the harmony and unity with other people and to the world.

DULAC MARTIAL ARTS is a martial arts with a HEART. It is the obligation of every practitioner to use only reasonable amount of force when detering opponent/s, control them, bring them to the nearest branch of criminal justice sytem and help them to be rehabilitated and become useful member of the society.

What do you NOT like about it?

Nothing, it absorbs all forms of martial arts in the world and create an environment of ONE common goals, ideals and philosophy which is PEACE IN THE WHOLE WORLD.

Please don't let this turn into a "my art is better than your art" discussion. I'm just curious about the arts we have here and the reasons people train in them.

 

[Cruentus]

It's kind of hard to not turn it into a "my art is better then your art" discussion when you make outlandish claims like, "it's the only martial art in the world..." proceeded by wonderful promises, don't you think?

 

[Gentle Fist]

This is the only martial arts in the world that teaches one not only to become master of the art but also of being in harmony and united with oneslf, with GOD and further bring the harmony and unity with other people and to the world.

My arts now(Kenpo/Jiujitsu) and my art 20 years ago(Aikido) does all of the above mentioned...It is indeed a bold statement to say it is the only one with such offerings...

Currently I love Kenpo and Jiujitsu for the hard training put in week in and week out. I last took Aikido about a decade ago and found it just as rewarding. From my small experiences with different arts I would have to say each art is different yet the same. I heard from a Master years ago, that all roads(arts) lead to the same place.

 

[Gentle Fist]

OOps, I appologize for the bold text guys....:boxing: Didn't realize it stuck when quoting someone esle...

 

[Kembudo-Kai Kempoka]

Hmmm. Almost every Japanese MA I've studied or looked into has had some direct goal or history of preparing the body and expanding the mind for the purpose of creating a more fitting place in which our own little spark of the divine may reside.

A Chinese nationalist whom I studied kung fu with for a couple years stated firmly, at every session, throughout the session, that the purpose of the martial arts was to "stretch the wineskins" of our being, so as to allow more of the consciousness of God to reside within, increasing our personal power for the purposes of doing good in the world ("ours are the hands God has to work with...the stronger the hands, the better the work; the deeper the well, the more it can hold...to be shared.").

Most kenpo seniors I've met have been devout men (occasional aggro-trucker-biker types, but for the most part, spiritually focused in their own lives). Granted, not built inherently into the kenpo technical infrastructure, but Mr. Parkers' idea was to meld martial arts with science...not religion. Why was that so radically different? Because pretty much every other martial art in the world made a direct correlation between spiritual practice, and physical training.

Ueshiba was a member of what was later branded by the press as a "cult"...sound like a life dedicated to being spiritually devoid? Started AikiDO to emphasize the peaceful, spiritual development components of MA training, instead of the technical ones.

Funakoshi, shotokan founder, used to frustrate students by taking so long in his prayers and meditations...detracting from classtime availability.

The guy who ran the Kodokan (judo) after WWII would make challenge-match takers wait outside while he played ping-pong...not for the joy of the game, but for the spiritually transcendent meditative trance he discovered he could appreciate in the course of the activity. Asserted that getting the spirit right first, the body always followed.

I would venture to say that it is harder to find a serious martial artist who LACKS a spiritual (notice I say "spiritual", and not "religious") leaning.

Just a thought for those who believe thier guys will be the only ones playing baseball in heaven.

Dr. Dave

 

[NW Boiler]

Taewkondo- 1. It fits with what I am looking for in a martail art 2. I have very long legs..fits me physically.

 

[Gentle Fist]

Hmmm. Almost every Japanese MA I've studied or looked into has had some direct goal or history of preparing the body and expanding the mind for the purpose of creating a more fitting place in which our own little spark of the divine may reside.

A Chinese nationalist whom I studied kung fu with for a couple years stated firmly, at every session, throughout the session, that the purpose of the martial arts was to "stretch the wineskins" of our being, so as to allow more of the consciousness of God to reside within, increasing our personal power for the purposes of doing good in the world ("ours are the hands God has to work with...the stronger the hands, the better the work; the deeper the well, the more it can hold...to be shared.").

Most kenpo seniors I've met have been devout men (occasional aggro-trucker-biker types, but for the most part, spiritually focused in their own lives). Granted, not built inherently into the kenpo technical infrastructure, but Mr. Parkers' idea was to meld martial arts with science...not religion. Why was that so radically different? Because pretty much every other martial art in the world made a direct correlation between spiritual practice, and physical training.

Ueshiba was a member of what was later branded by the press as a "cult"...sound like a life dedicated to being spiritually devoid? Started AikiDO to emphasize the peaceful, spiritual development components of MA training, instead of the technical ones.

Funakoshi, shotokan founder, used to frustrate students by taking so long in his prayers and meditations...detracting from classtime availability.

The guy who ran the Kodokan (judo) after WWII would make challenge-match takers wait outside while he played ping-pong...not for the joy of the game, but for the spiritually transcendent meditative trance he discovered he could appreciate in the course of the activity. Asserted that getting the spirit right first, the body always followed.

I would venture to say that it is harder to find a serious martial artist who LACKS a spiritual (notice I say "spiritual", and not "religious") leaning.

Just a thought for those who believe thier guys will be the only ones playing baseball in heaven.

Dr. Dave

Well said, very well said!! You're posts are always a joy to read.

Aw, and looks like you have reached brown belt here on martial talk..

 

[Paul Genge]

I now study Systema having spent 12 years learning Bujinkan Taijutsu.

Why the change? Vladimir was the first martial artist I met who could not only defend against two knife weilding attackers during a demo and then answer questions from a third person in the audience, but has drills to teach others how to do the same.

Why do I still train in the System? My goals have changed with time, but this art shows me how to achieve them.

Is there anything in the System that I do not like? No.

Paul Genge
http://www.russianmartialart.org.uk

 

[Adept]

Which martial art do you train in?

Mixed martial arts

Why did you choose this art?

I believe traditional martial arts have holes in their training, and often lack the RBSD element I tend to focus on.

What do you like about it?

Since it is completely open, it gives me everything I can possibly want from the martial arts. If I want to work on my grappling and ground fighting, I can do that. If I want to work on striking, I can do that. If I want to practice locks, throws and chokes, thats fine also.

What do you NOT like about it?

It is often mis-percieved and mis-represented.

 

[Brother John]

Which martial art do you train in?
Why did you choose this art?
What do you like about it?
What do you NOT like about it?

Please don't let this turn into a "my art is better than your art" discussion. I'm just curious about the arts we have here and the reasons people train in them.

I train in American Kenpo Karate, as taught in the American Kenpo Karate International association. (AKKI) If you want to find out more about it, look at WWW.AKKI.Com

I chose this art because...well... I'd been looking for a "Kenpo" school to join for a while. My friend introduced me to an AKKI Kenpo instructor and I was Exceedingly impressed at the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of what was being taught/done.
Still am!

What do I like about AKKI Kenpo??
It's blindingly fast...not just fast motion, but swift response, quick adaptation to need in the flow of action, training drills that increase speed of response and rate of action.
It's increadibly effective in a wide range of situations.
It's very versatile and has a broad base and can be a very deep study.
It's beautiful to behold.
I also really like the general "family" feel of the AKKI association! I'm also greatly amazed at the ability, knowledge and generosity of it's leader, Mr. Paul Mills.

What do I NOT like about it???
hrmmm.....
That my instructor doesn't live closer to my house.

Your Brother
John

 

[Brother John]

Hmmm. Almost every Japanese MA I've studied or looked into has had some direct goal or history of preparing the body and expanding the mind for the purpose of creating a more fitting place in which our own little spark of the divine may reside.

I disagree. I don't think that the Japanese arts have such a "kabbalistic" over-view toward the soul. Improving the self through refinement, OK. Indwelling of the divine spark? Too "Kabbalah" for the Japanese.
IMHO

Your Brother (burning his fingers on his own spark)
John

 

[terryl965]

Started out in Okanawa Karate and Juda for that is what my father tought,swicthed to Tae Kwon do in the early 80's for that was the best school when I moved to California. Stayed with it for the it fits me and my family the workouts are great and the kick are just as good as any other art. looking into Kenpo for the future, I found a great Instructor here in Texas so I;m thinking about taking it up, even through I own my own school for TKD.