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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/21/2009 7:13:07 PM | Who trains in one of these martial arts? What do you think about it, how has it changed you (for better or worse), and would you recommend any one martial art to any one person?
I've trained in Tai Chi Chuan (Yang long form) for about 3 years now, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I plan on learning all I can on the Shaolin boxing forms, as well as Muay Thai in the future. I wonder, how many of you enjoy the martial arts?  | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/21/2009 8:12:57 PM | I was a martial arts maniac in my 20s, have been away from them for most of my 30s unfortunately, and am hoping to get back into it in the next year or so. I remember the training and sparring was great fun, tons of adrenaline, loved the experience of facing down an opponent and being 100% focused in the moment, both in body and mind. Learning to feel fear and walk straight through it, while knowing that you can take some nasty hits and keep going, was invaluable.
If I were 18 I'd go full bore into Muay Thai and Brazilian jujitsu in MMA...but not as enthused about it now, the thought of taking hammerfists, knees and elbows to the head and body while pinned on the ground isn't very appealing in my old age, lol. MT is lots of fun and has an extremely fast learning curve for basic standup self-defense applications, but it really takes a lot out of you especially if you train to compete. BJJ and grappling in general have always fascinated me, in part because I have very little ground experience, most of my training has been standup. Escrima (or any of the Filipino arts really), wing tsun, pentjak silat, kenpo, and san soo KF interest me because they don't rely on as much brute power as MT yet can be very pragmatic and lethally street-effective.
As for what I'd recommend for any one person, it'd all have to depend on their objective for wanting to do MA. If it's practical self-defense, I'd recommend staying away from stuff like karate and tae kwon do, as well as tai chi and aikido, and probably go into Muay Thai or wing tsun with some type of close-quarters grappling art like judo or jujitsu. Western boxing and wrestling are also very useful. For women looking for self-defense, definitely judo/jujitsu and wing tsun.
For those looking for more of an aesthetic and/or spiritual experience: aikido, TaiChi and QiGong come to mind. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/22/2009 3:13:37 AM | Before I got into martial arts my parents had us living in a seedy area for a few years. That's where I learned how to run real fast, and then I learned that there were times that I couldn't run. I had to fight. Often I got beat up, but then I won a few fights too.
I was a skinny little guy all the way up until I was 18. That's when I started to fill out. The guys that bullied me in the past started to get nervous. They had good reason to be. I was pissed. lol.
I started martial arts training around 1983 (a couple years after I graduated highschool) with Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, practicing off and on throughout the 80's. Late in the 80's I met a Muay Thai guy that started teaching me the basics, which I combined with what I already knew of Jeet Kune Do. Later about 2003 I got involved in Okinawan Kenpo but didn't like the rigidity of it. In 05' I ended up living in a dojo for about 6 months, jumping nearly two belts a month and instructing the lower ranks on the side.
How it effected me? It gave me more confidence of course, but it also gave me more perspective on life in general. I didn't have to rely on outter sources to give me a high, nor did I feel the need to control lifes circumstances and other people. I was a bit more at peace. There were other factors that enriched my life as well, but for now I'll just keep to the subject at hand.
Also, I became very analytical minded about what people do when they fight. I watch the footing, the movements, the expressions, the way they throw their strikes, the way they block, how many different strikes, kicks, or blocks they use. I watch guys get in the ring that are not fit, or experienced enough. The majority of what you see on TV are mediocre fighters. So, I'm not impressed by UFC, MMA, Pride, or whatever else they have out there. Those guys aren't great fighters as much as they are brawlers.
Oh, I failed to mention that I've learned that just because someone has struck me in the face, or head, I don't have to strike him back. In my line of work, that happens a few times a year. I've let guys go even after they've struck me. But then there has been a couple occasions that I've injured someone. Sometimes they don't stop and you have to stop them. And I can stop just about anyone with a single strike. After all, I ain't wearin' gloves.
Nuff said. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/22/2009 9:37:36 AM | | I've been in Taekwondo since 1996 & I enjoy it. I'm looking to train in Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, MMA & I'm also looking at Budo Taijutsu. Confidence is one of the factors I learn. I was pretty much the shy kid growing up. I also learn to be self-disciplined, I always been lazy & never was outgoing. Since I've taking Martial Arts it makes me wanna join a gym to work my strength & conditiong, and also to spend less time at home. It's also a great way to release stress, if you know how school and/or work, in my case both can cause stress, it's a great ay to channel your energy. I think I'll be a much better student & employee. I just have to keep at it. I would recommed but I couldn't tell them which art to take since everybody is different. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/22/2009 6:50:42 PM | I started in TaeKwonDo in 2005, but took 2008 off. I returned a couple weeks ago and am feeling it in every muscle and bone in my body.
Taking up kickboxing and bellydancing, too, might have something to do with the soreness, though ;)
It's been a wonderful stress reliever and, at the dojang where I train, there is a strong sense of togetherness that is very encouraging. Better toned muscles is a plus, too! | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/22/2009 8:32:17 PM | When I first lived alone I felt the need to take some self-defense training. I called a good friend who had studied several modalities of martial arts and he recommended Kenpo. He said that in open tournaments the Kenpo guys kicked everyone' s behinds.
Fortunately for me I stumbled into a great situation for practicing Kenpo at a neighborhood studio with a world champion instructor whose hey day was in the "Kung-fu fighting" days.
An unexpected benefit was that all the kicking and punching helped me let go of old anger and resentments. Very cool. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/24/2009 5:13:14 PM | I joined the Guardian Angels Safety Patrol in May of 1982. Our trainers were mainly black belts in traditional martial arts. This was fine, as most of the trainees had very little background in the field. But, I was kind of surprised that it wasn't very useful on patrol. Since then, the international organization has tried to standardize the training Angels receive, with mixed results. The main problem is that organization still has to rely on trainers available in the local areas.
I started training Angels a few months later and emphasized physical conditioning and concentrated on basic techniques. The complicated stuff was rarely useful, and we had to separate self-defense from arrest and control techniques. Most important was situation training. We saw a LOT of action in those days. I left the organization 1n 1986.
Six years later, with the prospect of rejoining the group at twice the age of most Angels, I took a college PE karate class. I've been training continuously since then.
I am now a 3rd dan in a traditional system.
The main benefits I see are that it's FUN, it helps me stay in shape and it helps me control my stress. I'm not interested in sports and I find that most of the training is not necessary for self-defense.
The main downside I've had is that I am constantly dealing with some sort of injury. Which, of course, means that I'm also good at pain and injury management.  | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/24/2009 6:20:48 PM |
Our trainers were mainly black belts in traditional martial arts. This was fine, as most of the trainees had very little background in the field. But, I was kind of surprised that it wasn't very useful on patrol.
That doesn't surprise me at all. I can't tell you how many traditional martial artists I've met who've reported having their @sses handed to them on the street, especially by any sober person with a little bit of streetfighting experience. Thank God for the rise of MMA and stuff like Krav Maga.
HUGE difference between "martial arts" and practical self-defense. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/24/2009 8:39:45 PM | | KRAV MAGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It rocks. I did this for 3 years. I have been away from it for a year or so and am going to sign back up. It is real fighting. No of this BS of katas and clearing your mind. Its all about finding your rage and destroy. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/25/2009 9:19:52 AM | Let me clarify. The "advanced" techniques were not useful. The simple things: avoidance, blocking, kicking, punching, etc - one-step "white belt" techniques - used in combinations, took care of all of our needs. The most useful thing was was to be able to do a few things well.
This usually means LOTS of repetition. GA training usually lasts only a few months, so we concentrate on the most useful stuff, and then learn combos and spar. Our warmups are calesthenics and basic techniques.
On patrol, actual "fights" are rare. We try to gain control of a situation before the other guy has a chance to even get into a fighting stance. The bad guys can either stand their ground and get taken down, or get chased and dragged down. We sometimes have trouble gaining control of people we capture, especially if they are using something: Speedballs or pcp, for example. We are not allowed to injure people simply for the sake of arresting them.
It's been my experience that "martial arts" and self-defense are not identical, but merely overlap. The same with sports and "martial arts". The traditional martial arts generally address a wide variety of issues involving the body and the mind that many who are trying to address one issue don't have the patience for. They are correctly used to preserve and improve all aspects of life, not just "win" fights. The best way to "win" a fight is, of course, not to be in one.
In all my years, I've never noticed the superiority of any particular system. Those who do well are usually in good physical shape, well-practiced and experienced. Veteran Angels, who can be relied on, are usually fairly controlled during a situation. We usually have to get rid of people who power their fights using their emotions. None of us want to cause unnecessary injury or go to jail.
We regularly send "street-fighters" to jail, along with the rest of the violent criminals. There are a lot of people out there promoting a lot of products using a lot of unsubstantiated talk. I would love to hear from other points of view, especially police officers, who actually have to DO something. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/25/2009 9:46:26 AM |
Let me clarify. The "advanced" techniques were not useful. The simple things: avoidance, blocking, kicking, punching, etc - one-step "white belt" techniques - used in combinations, took care of all of our needs. The most useful thing was was to be able to do a few things well.
I could see that. Had a Shotokan teacher, an ex-boxer and ex-military guy who always stressed "the basics" over and over, and liked to say that all you need in real life is maybe 2-3 techniques that you can do super-quick, super-0accurately, and in your sleep. He also liked to say, "the best defense is not to be there." So awareness and avoidance are the first line of defense. Though he was a high-dan black belt, what he taught was more of a hybrid of Shotokan and a variety of other arts---he didn't rigidly stick to any one system, but was primarily interested in finding and applying whatever works best against a range of different potential adversaries.
Unfortunately I find that such teachers are rare in traditional MA. There are far too many McDojos, especially in suburbian areas. This is why I am so grateful for the rise of MMA. The striking techniques are basically Muay Thai, which means perhaps 2-3 different kicks, and 2-3 different punches, then knees and elbows. All about simplicity and brutal efficiency, and the training gets you into tremendously good shape in a very short amount of time, while the sparring is full-contact so you get used to being hit and are constantly working on the all-important attributes of distance and timing.
Comparing that with the kind of hitting-the-air and kata-dominant training that I underwent at traditional karate/TKD dojos (Olympic TKD is particularly useless on the street), I would wager that the average person who's had six months of regular Muay Thai training would demolish the average person who's had six years of traditional karate/TKD training in a stand-up confrontation. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/25/2009 12:52:00 PM | I agree. The only reservation I have is what's going to happen when the police arrive? And that's an unfair question because it depends on the circumstances leading up to the "fight".
Modern Angels have a training program that includes elements of Muay Thai, JKD and Brazilian Jui-jutsu. As an "old timer", trained "traditionally", I find the program satisfactory. It emphasizes getting into shape, a lot of repetition of a small number of "core" techniques and aggressiveness. Since most (but not all) of our trainees are young men from economically-disadvantaged areas, areas we usually have to emphasize thinking and self-control. Since they love to try to kick the old man's ass, I get a good work out, too.
Now I'm going to defend forms (katas, hyung, etc.) Hitting a target is better than hitting the air, but you have no target. Running is better aerobics than a form, but you can't run. Sparring is better training than a form, but you have no partner. Sitting isbetter for meditation, except you will get fat. Almost EVERYTHING else is better than a form, but you have no time for everything else.
Remember, forms come from a poor agricultural environment where the people are spread out, and equipment and training opportunities are rare to non-existent. Yes, forms are rather silly in our rich society with lots of free time and specialized equipment. They are sort of a jack-of-all trades and master of none. The GA doesn't include forms in it's programs. We do have drills, but we are not training as individuals. A lot of veteran Angels do go on to the traditional martial arts (I'm one), but not because it's necessary to the business of the Angels.  | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/25/2009 5:59:57 PM | Fencing is my favorite martial art. I've been studying both epee and sabre.
I am pretty busy right now, but I hope to find an instuctor who will work with me using a Scottish Claymore. The heavier two-hander is really my goal. I've been getting stronger and I will probably be ready for it by next year. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/26/2009 4:45:55 AM | Thanks, I can't claim I'm responsible for the modernised program. I'm a bit of a skeptic, otherwise I wouldn't have altered the old program back in the '80's. What impresses me is that no two Angels learn the same things from the same program. Also, when they learn things beyond the base training, they never choose the same things.
Iconoclast: I took fencing as a freshman in college, foil and epee. The movement and timing still inform my sparring today. Where do you train? There was a fencing school at the Katy Mills Mall last time I checked. The U of H program disappeared after the instructor killed his girlfriend. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/28/2009 2:12:24 AM |
I would wager that the average person who's had six months of regular Muay Thai training would demolish the average person who's had six years of traditional karate/TKD training in a stand-up confrontation. True statement. Also I'd like to add that what we see on TV; the cage matches with Muay Thai fighters: that's only basic Muay Thai. Those guys in the ring in Thailand are only basic Muay Thai fighters. Muay Thai has a lot more to offer than that.
I also agree with your assessment with the majority of martial arts schools out there. They are McDojo's. Belt schools are mostly bullshot. But a highly effective way to get a lot of money from naive people.
Kicks and strikes, blocking with counter strikes, knees & elbows, grappling, balance, footing, economy of motion, chi, speed, power, endurance, an analytical and creative mind are the main ingredients of martial arts. In my opinion, teach them the basics and let them find their own way. That's where most martial arts styles come from anyway.
And, there's not really any one dominant style as much as there is dominant fighters. That has to do with personal discipline and athletic prowess.
Just my two cents. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/28/2009 11:52:47 AM | One of the problems I've faced in the Angels is when people ask me what do I recommend for martial arts training. I hate the idea that I am about to send someone to some commercial martial arts school in the first place. So I suggest that they go to the Y, or a college or the gym and take a few classes, and see if they like it. Failing that, I suggest they go to the nearest studio and try that for a month.
I accept that I may be sending them to a bad teacher. So I tell them that the student is more important than the teacher, and the teacher is more important than the system. My theme is try it and see if you like it. But your success depends on you.
I train at a very "old school" dojang taught by a man who's been teaching in Houston since 1968. But I don't recommend it, especially as a Guardian Angel, because it's really for serious martial artists. It's not appropriate for everyone. The GM does agree that the basics are all you need, but much of what he teaches isn't directly relevant to sports or self-defense. Or to the Guardian Angels.
So: How do YOU guys answer that kind of question? I want to steal your answers and act like I'm wise. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/28/2009 1:07:01 PM |
So: How do YOU guys answer that kind of question? I want to steal your answers and act like I'm wise.
I tell people it simply depends on what they're looking for. Self-defense, I'd recommend trying Krav Maga, Wing tsun (Leung Ting school), or the Filipino arts. MMA is definitely worth looking into though much of it is geared for NHB competition more than self-defense situations.
Also I'd stress the importance of being well-rounded enough to handle both stand-up and grappling/ground-fighting. But mainly I'd tell them to look out for the tell-tale signs of a McDojo. | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 1/28/2009 1:13:51 PM |
And, there's not really any one dominant style as much as there is dominant fighters. That has to do with personal discipline and athletic prowess.
I always wonder about that, with regards to UFC context. Seems like it's always the same types who dominate: BJJ, wrestlers, kickboxers, etc.---anybody with a balance of striking and grappling skills. Have never seen anybody win on striking skills alone, except maybe Maurice Smith.
Then again, have never seen anyone from the most traditional MAs get in the ring: aikido, kung fu, etc. If I had a time machine and could get Morhei Ueshiba to go face off against Tito Ortiz, that could be really interesting---or it could be a complete joke if Tito flattens the old guy inside of 20 seconds, lol.
This is stuff for endless fun speculation... | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 2/4/2009 8:55:57 PM | Looks like, to answer your question, there aren't very many martial artists out there.
HEY FOLKS, give it a try. In reality, you are NOT going to be attacked in some alley somewhere. (Stay out of the the alleys. Duh.) The true self-defense is being in good health.
Good martial arts training produces good health, and it's not boring. I train and teach at a traditional school, and I love showing people what they are capable of. Most schools that make you bust a sweat and get in good health are great for you.
Never mind what you see in those stupid (but entertaining) chop-socky movies, you won't become a killing machine. You'll pretty much be the same person. Just healthier and happier.  | |
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| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 2/4/2009 10:38:29 PM | I've been involved with Judo since I was 4 or 5, got started in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico. Then I got to do Judo tournaments through Europe, but I dont remember much of it. Then when my family moved to Okinawa when I was 14, I got to learn different forms of Okinawan Karate since it was apart of the actual school. I was only ever really interested in Judo, but Kobudo was obviously fun since I got to learn how to use/mess around with weapons. Then I got more involved in Judo when we moved back to the U.S. since it was pretty popular up in CT, but not so much in NC. Here where I live in Iowa, I still do sparring/randori but all of arms locks and choke holds have already taken its toll on me, lol.
I took a bunch of Krav Maga lessons too, a very real class. It's focus is to combat a real attacker, something I wish I had put more effort into learning incase I ever really needed to defend myself. | |
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Osni
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Joined: 8/25/2008
Msg: 25 | |
| Tai Chi, kenpo, shaolion boxing and other martial arts
Posted: 2/5/2009 3:12:13 PM | | Ju jitsu is my main art. Its helped me massively in terms of control. I have lived in rough areas, having both the ability to defend myself, and the confidence and situational awareness to avoid the situations has been a huge influence in my life for the better. As to its real world usefulness. Hmm. I would say pretty applicable in some instances, but theres alot of moves you would never use in it aswell, either traditional, or just inefficient if the other person isnt playing to clean fight style rules. | |
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