Martial Arts

[S. Yelle]

I tried finding a similar thread on this but I couldn't, so I apologize if this has been asked before.

I've been looking recently for a good gym that teaches martial arts, I've narrowed it down to Muay Thai or Taikwondo (I know these are 2 completely different systems) but I haven't found one I liked yet.
Does anyone here at CP know of any good places that teach either of these and are decently affordable?

Location doesn't really matter.

[SHOGUN]

..

[calumniate]

I'd say muay Thai as well if only because it's a better workout usually. They are both great disciplines though

[FlamingHomer]

I may be biased because I'm involved with it but Muay Thai hands down. I can honestly say because of the nature of the sport you will be a better person after a short period of time. The two best would be Mike Miles and Trevor Smandych as far as true Muay Thai training. Many gyms have it as a sideline with other martial arts.
Having said that, location is very important. If it's not easily accessible, the desire to continue going may be compromised.

Good luck with it and who knows, maybe I will be judging one of your fights in the future.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Muay Thai is an unreal sport. Super fun and challenging, and it kicks your butt.

Mike Miles knows exactly what he is doing and has a great facility. There is a competitive and non-competitive stream, so you can go either way. Team Smandych is a very good group as well - I think they operate out of Stenia health and fitness near Chinook now but I am not sure. You can get access to great Muay Thai coaches at Arashi Do as well - I recommend Chris McMillan. Arashi Do is great because they've got high quality, competition proven instruction and offer training in multiple styles (Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, Karate).

There are some pretty good MMA/wrestling gyms in town too if striking isn't your thing.

I have to ask - what are your goals? Why did you narrow down your choices to MT of TKD? The culture of MT definitely "encourages" its participants to compete and get into cards which is definitely not for everyone.

After training in Shotokan for 20+ years I have recently got into ninjitsu with a friend who is the manager of a private dojo. Their rules have been changing lately about how open their membership is... if you're interested in that I could ask him about inviting you out.

I like the ninjitsu because I wanted something that allowed more freedom of movement and had a weapons element. Well, I got that and more. The Sensei is also a Shinto Priest and his dojo is literally a temple. The group is super tight and there is as much philosophical/mental training as their is physical. I love it.

[Barbecue]

You have to ask yourself, who would you rather avoid fighting?

A guy who's studied Taikwondo?
or A guy who's studied Muay Thai?

hands down everyone would rather avoid the Mauy Thai guy and it's not even close

We have a joke in our discipline about ever getting into a fight with a Tai kwon do guy. Just shoot for their knees/ankles and watch the TKD guy cry as he realizes he cant jump and kick you anymore

[_Q_]

I've kind of been thinking about doing muay thai as well. I'm 32 now and have no martial arts experience. Is this an issue? How much does membership cost?

[Coys1882]

Great thread - I've been thinking of signing up for some MMA kind of BJJ stuff with my son. I'm 41 he's 8 and we live in Cranston - any suggestions for a gym in our area with competent instructors?

[Francis's Hairpiece]

Go with Muay Thai. It's far more realistic.

Mike Miles is the pioneer and his gym is great.

Good luck. It's a very rewarding experience.

[Crazy Flamer]

I have a friend who trains at Champions Creed Gym and he is always raving about it. I guess they teach Muay Thai and Jui Jitsu there.

I've been wanting to get into this myself, its a goal of mine for 2015.

[GGG]

I keep picturing Kramer fighting 8 year olds.

We are all the same skill level.

[AcGold]

Mike Miles is not a good instructor IMO. Too hard on the newbies not letting people get their bearings whatsoever before hitting them in the face. I think he's looking for someone to train to as a champ and will beat down people to find one, might be wrong, just my opinion. Find a mua thai instructor that instructs.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

Great thread - I've been thinking of signing up for some MMA kind of BJJ stuff with my son. I'm 41 he's 8 and we live in Cranston - any suggestions for a gym in our area with competent instructors?

There is a Gracie Jujitsu off 52nd street in Forest Lawn. BJJ is really useful in real life situations. I studied BJJ, boxing and freestyle wrestling. The hardest from a cardio standpoint though and the best workout is freestyle wrestling.

[Coys1882]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Mike Miles is not a good instructor IMO. Too hard on the newbies not letting people get their bearings whatsoever before hitting them in the face. I think he's looking for someone to train to as a champ and will beat down people to find one, might be wrong, just my opinion. Find a mua thai instructor that instructs.

You're not the first person I've heard that from. I know a guy who runs a dojo in Red Deer and he said that very same thing. I also worked with a guy who went to Mike Miles and allegedly on his first week Miles himself heel kicked him in the mouth and split his chin open from the bottom lip to below his chin. Sounded a little much for a newbie.

[Northendzone]

a Maury thai gym in forest lawn. Guess you can apply your skills in real life almost immediately as you make your way out to the car.......

Do any of these gyms sell affliction gear in the pro shop?

[LGA]

Originally Posted by Coys1882

You're not the first person I've heard that from. I know a guy who runs a dojo in Red Deer and he said that very same thing. I also worked with a guy who went to Mike Miles and allegedly on his first week Miles himself heel kicked him in the mouth and split his chin open from the bottom lip to below his chin. Sounded a little much for a newbie.

I've heard some of these rumors before, but I have never run across any situation like this. I've been training at Mike Miles on and off for about 6 years and always felt good about being there.

[S. Yelle]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

Muay Thai is an unreal sport. Super fun and challenging, and it kicks your butt.

Mike Miles knows exactly what he is doing and has a great facility. There is a competitive and non-competitive stream, so you can go either way. Team Smandych is a very good group as well - I think they operate out of Stenia health and fitness near Chinook now but I am not sure. You can get access to great Muay Thai coaches at Arashi Do as well - I recommend Chris McMillan. Arashi Do is great because they've got high quality, competition proven instruction and offer training in multiple styles (Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, Karate).

There are some pretty good MMA/wrestling gyms in town too if striking isn't your thing.

I have to ask - what are your goals? Why did you narrow down your choices to MT of TKD? The culture of MT definitely "encourages" its participants to compete and get into cards which is definitely not for everyone.

After training in Shotokan for 20+ years I have recently got into ninjitsu with a friend who is the manager of a private dojo. Their rules have been changing lately about how open their membership is... if you're interested in that I could ask him about inviting you out.

I like the ninjitsu because I wanted something that allowed more freedom of movement and had a weapons element. Well, I got that and more. The Sensei is also a Shinto Priest and his dojo is literally a temple. The group is super tight and there is as much philosophical/mental training as their is physical. I love it.

Ninjitsu sounds interesting... where is it located?

Originally Posted by northcrunk

There is a Gracie Jujitsu off 52nd street in Forest Lawn. BJJ is really useful in real life situations. I studied BJJ, boxing and freestyle wrestling. The hardest from a cardio standpoint though and the best workout is freestyle wrestling.

What kinds of styles do they offer here?


On further thought, location might actually be important for me. What gyms in terms of Muay Thai, JJ, etc. might I find in the NE/inner city?

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by S. Yelle

Ninjitsu sounds interesting... where is it located?



What kinds of styles do they offer here?


On further thought, location might actually be important for me. What gyms in terms of Muay Thai, JJ, etc. might I find in the NE/inner city?

They have classes for kids 6-13, fundamentals, advanced and no gui. Gracie is one of the top names worldwide for BJJ. If your going to do BJJ I would highly reccommend this place.

http://www.graciebarracalgary.com/

*They moved locations

6031 3rd St SE
Calgary, Alberta Canada

[Robotic]

I've thought about trying BJJ, but have zero experience and feel a little intimidated about joining as i have no idea what to expect. Any suggestions, or advice?

[CaptainCrunch]

Yeeesh Boooy

I will take you on as my learner and teach you the deadly arts.

There are 1000 ways to kill a man with your bare hands.

I will teach you 999 the other I may have to use on you someday.