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#176885 01/21/05 10:03 PM
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Carissa Offline OP
Amoeba
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I want to get into some form of martial arts. I'm not in the best of shape right now, but I've always been very strong and am working towards being more fit. Anyways, I'm not sure what style would best fit me, I know I don't want to do a lot of ground fighting. Also a big problem I'm having is finding out where in my area any sort of martial arts are taught. It's a pretty small community and I'm wondering if there's any tricks to finding out where they would normally be taught and how to late them. Any help would be great. Thanks! fish

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#176886 01/24/05 10:42 AM
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I invite others to answer as well but I can tell you personally I started with a few simple ways. The first way I started Martial Arts was actually through some adult classes held at my local high school. There are also classes being held in various YMCA's and local community centers these days. The way I found my current system that I'm with is actually through the phone book. I just picked up the yellow pages and looked under "karate" and found a kung-fu school. Go figure.

If you don't want to start with a lot of ground fighting, I would recommend staying away from Judo then. However, beyond that, it's a fairly open slate. You don't need to be in the best of shape to start, but you do need to patient with yourself. Martial Arts isn't something you learn overnight.

You may want to check out some of the tips I provided in my articles here: http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/6764.asp


- Sifu Caroline
Martial Arts
#176887 02/02/05 04:10 PM
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Carissa Offline OP
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Actually I'm in luck. The bartender at the restaurant I'm a server at well she told me in march her soon to be fiance is teaching a long term karate class at one of the health clubs. He's a 3rd degree black belt. I'm so excited I can't wait, especially since my now ex boyfriend and I split up and I kicked him out of my house. lol. Also I had looked in the phone book and there's really not anything around here, it's a pretty small town. Thanks for all your help. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

#176888 02/03/05 12:29 PM
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Good luck Carissa! Would love to hear how your training goes as he gets it started up so stop by again =).


- Sifu Caroline
Martial Arts
#176889 03/02/06 09:14 PM
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Quote:
The first way I started Martial Arts was actually through some adult classes held at my local high school. There are also classes being held in various YMCA's and local community centers these days. The way I found my current system that I'm with is actually through the phone book.


Although I started through the community education program, too, it was a class taught by the Police Athletic League instructor, and he later moved the class to the PAL building. Hundreds of PALs across the country teach martial arts.


Lloyd Brown
www.lloydwrites.com
#176890 03/29/06 11:43 PM
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Hello,

I am also wanting to start. I am 37, and just had my second baby. I am not overweight, but I am a bit out of shape. I always wanted to do this, but did not know where to start or what kind of martial arts to go into. I thought maybe Jui Jitsu. Can anybody give me some advice?
Thanks!

#176891 04/04/06 01:55 PM
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Got a minute, Leonora?

The phone book lists most schools. The adult education programs feature others. Colleges and YMCAs might also have martial arts clubs, too--check those out.

Finding a local tournament from the outside is sometimes difficult. Tournament marketing is directed 100% toward existing students. If you do find one, though, check it out. Look at patches, talk to students, talk to judges, etc.

As far as finding the garage-dojos that can be some of the best (or worst), you're out of luck being a stranger.

Once you have a nice big list of possibles, check them out. Ignore certifications and trophies. They're so common as to be meaningless.

Look for higher-rank students (brown & black belts in karate). If the class is all lower belts, it's either new or the students are dropping out before they advance.

Watch how the instructor treats the students. Does he lose his temper? Does he play favorites? Is he insulting? Don't sign up there! Look for someone who's fair, supportive, and encourages learning.

Watch how the students treat each other. Are senior students elitist toward their juniors? Do they work together? Are beginner separated from experienced students, even for a while (that's good, because they can benefit from some close attention before joining the rest of the class)?

Watch the activities. Is there sparring? If so, is there contact? Is that what you want? Do the students work primarily on their own, or with a partner? Does the class take safety precautions? Do students pay attention?

I would not recommend ju jutsu unless you are very flexible and have good insurance. Grappling styles, like ju jutsu and judo, have more serious and more frequent injuries than striking arts like karate or tae kwon do and most kung fu styles. Grappling injuries especially include joints, like the wrists, knees, and ankles--injuries that are long-lasting, life-affecting, and slower to heal.

Sorry for the long post, but you asked the $64,000 question. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Lloyd Brown
www.lloydwrites.com
#176892 04/06/06 01:15 PM
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Excellent answer Lloyd. Thanks for chiming in. I actually advise sometimes to look for classes though that have lower rank students. It's often nice to start with a lot of people at the same level as you and not feel so "behind".

Leonora, there's a section on my site that also has more tips/guides available to starting Martial Arts.

You can find them here: http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/6764.asp

As for jui jitsu specifically, I have had many friends start with that art and be very happy. So I think it can work. The key really at the start isn't so much the style but the instructor and your level of comfort with the classes.


- Sifu Caroline
Martial Arts
#176893 04/06/06 03:50 PM
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As for jui jitsu specifically, I have had many friends start with that art and be very happy. So I think it can work. The key really at the start isn't so much the style but the instructor and your level of comfort with the classes.

Absolutely! I don't mean to put forth the idea that all grappling styles are bad for students. I just think people should go into it knowing about potential safety issues. Even striking styles like karate do use some grappling moves, and the same problems could come up in karate classes, too. It's just a question of how likely. Some intersections are more dangerous to drive through than others; it doesn't mean you're safer walking.


Lloyd Brown
www.lloydwrites.com

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