Martial Arts

[Phantom]

I get the impression that more then a few of the members here study some form of the Martial Arts. After class tonight I was sort of re-afirming why I joined, and began to think why others might as well. So, the questions posed are;

1)Have you studied a martial art, whether it be an oriental art or the Pentathalon?

2)Why did you start? And why that particular form?

Guess I 'll go first. I joined mainly for the exercise value, to increase my endurance and to learn something new. My interest in history was also a factor, its sort of a living history lesson as well. There was also the self assurance/reliance and to achieve a better "mental state".

Why I chose Karate...I live in a city of about 20 000, not many dojos around so in this case I was limited in choice. But, I certainly don't regret it.

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In the Praetors Name!

[KlingonZ]

You did not say what style of karate you pratice. I have studied Kenpo Karate for quite a long time. I achived the rank of Shodan or first degree black belt. I began learning for self defence. I thought it would help me in my law enforcement career, and it has. I have also studied Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Judo, Ninjitsu and Hung Gar Kung Fu. The martial arts teaches self restraint, confidence and conditioning. Deligent study will benifet anyone.

[Doombot]

I've studied Wing Chun/Ving Tsun, Iron Butterfly, Tai Chi, Hung Gar, and Lotus Fist. Luckily, I was able to find a Sifu/Master(Sensei) who was very well versed in many chinese arts. Since I don't live in California, these arts, with the exception of Wing Chun and Tai Chi, are not too common here in Michigan.
I got started doing it as a form of exercise, however, it now is a very important part of my life and after 7 years still attend class regularly and teach a few people myself.

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[This message has been edited by Doombot (edited 07-27-2001).]

[mactavish]

I've studied ju jitsu since I was seven (over two decades, for those keeping count).

I orignially began my study because I was a spaz and my parents thought it would help even me out. It certainly helped focus my mind and helped get me into shape (I was a little porker... not that I'm slender now, but nonetheless...).

Plus I know how to defend myself with my bare hands if that ever becomes necessary.

mactavish out.

[This message has been edited by mactavish (edited 07-27-2001).]

[Keeper]

I hold a first degree black belt in Shao-lin kung fu, having specifically studied tiger and mantis forms, with a healthy dose of bo staff training. I started at age eight, and am now 27.

Honestly, it's more for the art than the martial; I'm also in the military, and in the times when it matters, I tend to use the tactics I've learned since my enlistment rather than the kung fu. Sometimes you don't have time to be pretty.

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Man is to man a god when he recognizes his duty.

[This message has been edited by Keeper (edited 07-27-2001).]

[calguard66]

I've studied Akido, Tae Kwon Do, and Uechi Ryu Karate... most of my time has been spent on Uechi Ryu. I got into it for the exercise and agility (I'm 6'4", 280lbs... I'm strong but not fast). Probably why Uechi Ryu suits men best.

I've never studied in a formal setting, just with friend I've known in the service who have various degrees of black belt... a group of us does full-contact sparring (w/ pads) where I hold my own. I've been told I have the basics down well, and that part of my success is that I mix up my styles more than those who have been formally trained... but in any case I'm getting exercise, which is the point.

I'd like to find someplace to learn Krav Maga.

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"I'd rather die standing than live on my knees..."
Shania Twain

[qerlin]

Akido. Advanced hand-to-hand traing (never can remember the freakin' name -- some Israeli guy taught us.)

Chose akido because it was more defensive. If I want to be offensive, then I use gun fu.

[This message has been edited by qerlin (edited 07-27-2001).]

[Robert Lai]

Closest 'martial art' was fencing in college. They wouldn't allow the maestro to teach saber because of liability issues (mainly because of the cutting/slashing moves of saber fighting).

[calguard66]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by qerlin:
Akido. Advanced hand-to-hand traing (never can remember the freakin' name -- some Israeli guy taught us.)

[This message has been edited by qerlin (edited 07-27-2001).]</font>

Probably was Krav Maga... it's the official hand-to-hand style of the IDF. The US Coast Guard, FBI and several state and local PDs also use it.

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"I'd rather die standing than live on my knees..."
Shania Twain

[Phantom]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Robert Lai:

Closest 'martial art' was fencing in college. They wouldn't allow the maestro to teach saber because of liability issues (mainly because of the cutting/slashing moves of saber fighting).</font>

Always wanted to learn fencing. Nowhere locally teaches it. Oh, well.



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In the Praetors Name!

[Kvan]

I've never studied any form of Martial Arts but my dad did !
I have a question what is Wing Chun/Ving Tsun? I've never heard of it. Could someone describe the style?

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"Kindness only stirs hope among the vanquished."

[Captain Zymmer]

I have studied Tae Kwon Do, Ryu Kyu Kempo (sp), a bit of Shodokan Karate and some Hapkido. I was a bouncer for a about 10 years of and on and let me tell you, I wish I had studied wrestling instead

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Captain Zymmer
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Visit Star Trek:Strange New Worlds at;
http://www.geocities.com/aslan_collas
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[qerlin]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by calguard66:
Probably was Krav Maga... it's the official hand-to-hand style of the IDF. The US Coast Guard, FBI and several state and local PDs also use it.

</font>

Bingo, cal! Thanks. I ALWAYS forget the name. (Must be the Arabic language blotting out the Hebrew in some kind of cranial west bank linguistic war...) Learned most of it in the PD, but had another course in it in the military. (And, thinking 'oh, I already know all this', got my butt handed to me repreatedly for about a week.)

[Phantom]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by KlingonZ:
You did not say what style of karate you pratice. I have studied Kenpo Karate for quite a long time. I achived the rank of Shodan or first degree black belt. I began learning for self defence. I thought it would help me in my law enforcement career, and it has. I have also studied Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Judo, Ninjitsu and Hung Gar Kung Fu. The martial arts teaches self restraint, confidence and conditioning. Deligent study will benifet anyone.</font>

You are right I didn't. When I was taking classes originally (about 10years ago) I believe it was Shotokan Karate. During that time a few minor changes were made to the style, the techniques are all familiar so I guess it still is Shotokan...Never asked if the name had changed.

I have to say I'm impressed we have alot of highly trained people out there. WOW. And all fairly diverse styles.


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In the Praetors Name!

[Paul]

I practice/study/train in Go-Kan-Ryu Karate. I started just on a year ago. My wife and I started learning at the same time. I have recently graded to Green Belt.

I started for the self defence and fitness...my wife for pretty much the same reasons.

A friend of mine studies three different arts...Karate, Kung Fu, and Hapkido. Don't ask me how he copes come grading time...

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"...and more controversial than Oolon Colluphid's trilogy of philosophical blockbusters Where God went Wrong, Some More of God's Greatest Mistakes, and Who is this God Person Anyway?"
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