Karate? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

K1LLswitch · 06-23-2009, 10:59 AM

I used to do Karate a few years ago, and I'd be interested in getting into some type of martial arts again.

Any recommendations? If you're involved with a particular style / dojo, please post your experiences (ie. what you get out of it and why you do it).

Thx!

LChoy · 06-23-2009, 12:55 PM

It sort of depends what you are looking for.
A great workout, traditional martial arts form, MMA and "real" combat techniques, self-defence...

I'm taking a bit of a break from it, but I was doing ninjitsu here in Edmonton and it's really kind of neat the stuff we learn.
http://edmonton-bujinkan.com/

K1LLswitch · 06-23-2009, 02:01 PM

Thanks - I guess it would be more of a traditional martial arts form....the body/mind & technique stuff and some workout vs. MMA "real" fight stuff.

If a Mod could rename the title to something like "Martial Arts - recommendations" that'd be appreciated - it doesn't have to be Karate I'm looking for, but realize my original post makes it look like that.

Just looking for anyone with any experience getting training in Calgary. Thanks!

LGA · 06-23-2009, 04:45 PM

I'm doing kickboxing at Mike Miles, that's a really good workout.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 06-23-2009, 04:54 PM

I'm no expert, but isn't it Ka-Ra-Tay?

4X4 · 06-23-2009, 06:17 PM

That reminds me. I need to wax my truck.

Phaneufenstein · 06-23-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGA

I'm doing kickboxing at Mike Miles, that's a really good workout.

Roger that...

And there's a small weight room there too

flip · 06-23-2009, 07:39 PM

Buff · 06-23-2009, 09:16 PM

I've always had an interest in Tae-Kwon Do. My parents used to clean a hall that was owned by a group that they were once members in. That group rented out the hall to a Tae-Kwon Do school. There were times that I would go with my parents and I would watch the Tae-Won Do lessons. As with any martial art, you certainly have to be disciplined if you want to go up through the levels. I picked up a few things by watching, like proper punching and kicking techniques and such. I don't know if I could take martial arts, as the instructors seemed strict and hard (but not abusive) and I don't like dealing with that sort of instruction.

LGA · 06-23-2009, 09:30 PM

Since this is a MA topic, has anyone here tried the Canuckles MMA gym? I'm thinking of going there in combination with going to Mike Miles, haven't found anyone that goes there though.

wooohooo · 06-23-2009, 09:35 PM

I did Sho-jo or something like that when I was a kid. It was very boring as it was more arts like form and 'katas' which are like karate dances haha. I would suggest something more interactive like tae-kwon do or Jujitsu. I might go join some Jujitsu when I'm back home cuz they do pretty cool stuff like throwing and street fighting techniques.

Nage Waza · 06-23-2009, 09:59 PM

I have done a few martial arts, lots of Kung Fu and currently in Judo (competitive).

Kung Fu (Wing Chun) was really good at getting me in shape, taught me to really throw good punches and combos, and kick a man very hard in the huevos. I mean really really hard. I became very aggresive since my school was very aggressive. You could show your friends a few tricks. At the end of practice I would jog home.
Judo is much more about training through sparring and getting in fighting shape. A Judo black belt might be the hardest of all the martial arts to get. I know a preteen girl who just finished her second black belt in Tae-kwon do, this took all of three years for both belts. I estimate Judo for someone training hard and fighting would be about eight years. If you bust your but and are really really good, maybe five. Either way, it is a mammoth committment. At the end of practice you can barely walk and you are injured non stop...you get thrown over and over again, you get choked over and over again, and you get submitted over and over again. If you can handle that, you might make it to your first belt. Then you can go fight in tournaments! You cannot really teach your friends much of what you learn, since they clearly won't know how to handle a throw and you will likely hurt someone.
Every seems to know Jujitsu because of the UFC, but Jujitsu and Judo and basically the same thing, with some modifications. Judo came from Jujitsu; it is a modified version so people could compete without getting their noses broken as easily or their ankles busted as easily.
I have had a popping sound in one ear for a year, damaged fingers, broken toes, sore everything, one ear that was torn, and cutting weight every few months to compete. If you are into that, go for it. But it is a huge committment.
If you want to be able to tackle a buddy and submit them, take Judo! But if you don't feel like a major committment, then go elsewhere.

Slava · 06-23-2009, 10:40 PM

^That sounds like a different version of Wing Chun? Wing Chun is a form that is the furthest from getting you in shape. Strength, speed and things like that are not generally emphasized in that system and basically it is a system that relies on economy of movement and correct positioning to be effective.

I'm aware that there are a few ways of teaching this, but this sounds quite different.

wooohooo · 06-23-2009, 11:15 PM

I watched some movie a while ago and it was using elbows and knees and killing people with punches. It was all bs but it looked nice so if you want to show off do it. I think it's called muay thai or something to that manner

My cousin is really into UFC and sometimes I watch it with him and they always talk about brazillian Jujitsu. What's the difference?

LGA · 06-23-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wooohooo

I watched some movie a while ago and it was using elbows and knees and killing people with punches. It was all bs but it looked nice so if you want to show off do it. I think it's called muay thai or something to that manner

My cousin is really into UFC and sometimes I watch it with him and they always talk about brazillian Jujitsu. What's the difference?

Muay Thai is one of the less showy martial arts. There are knees and elbows, but it's about being brutally efficient and knocking out your opponent with whatever body part you can before they can knock you out. Just thought I'd clarify for anyone thinking they'd look really cool doing Muay Thai by yourself, if you want to look cool and show off, there's always Capoeira.

K1LLswitch · 06-24-2009, 12:25 AM

I've heard of Mike Miles from another friend.....thats kick boxing right?

Nage Waza · 06-24-2009, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slava

^That sounds like a different version of Wing Chun? Wing Chun is a form that is the furthest from getting you in shape. Strength, speed and things like that are not generally emphasized in that system and basically it is a system that relies on economy of movement and correct positioning to be effective.

I'm aware that there are a few ways of teaching this, but this sounds quite different.

Not sure how anyone would teach a martial art without getting the class in shape. If they are not working you, go elsewhere. A concept from Judo is to take someone down and let them struggle for about 20 seconds. After that, you can do whatever you want to them, since you train for several five minute battles. The average guy on the street would be so winded after that brief struggle you can choose to choke them out, knock them out or simply walk away. Most martial arts want to make it so that you can endure a prolonged battle, Wing Chun included. You can throw about 50% of everything you learn in Kung Fu, you simply use your foot work and attack. Judo will likely use everything they taught you, although you might have a couple favorite throws.

Like I said though, at the end of the Kung Fu class I could jog home. After a Judo class, I often need someone to take me home!

Nage Waza · 06-24-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGA

Muay Thai is one of the less showy martial arts. There are knees and elbows, but it's about being brutally efficient and knocking out your opponent with whatever body part you can before they can knock you out. Just thought I'd clarify for anyone thinking they'd look really cool doing Muay Thai by yourself, if you want to look cool and show off, there's always Capoeira.

Muay Thai is really good as well, it is basically kick boxing. You will do a lot of sparring, as long as you are alright with that, then try it.

SeeGeeWhy · 06-24-2009, 07:25 AM

How old are you (range) and what part of the city would you be willing to train in?

I've trained in Shotokan Karate since I was 14 (well beyond 10 years now), although I haven't done it lately. I also wrestled competitively for 3 years in school, which gave me some good exposure to grappling.

I can tell you that your experience depends greatly on your instructor and the "culture" of the dojo.

I could go on and on. Are you interested in weapons training or competing?

Slava, Akido sounds very similar to what you're describing.

I've been interested in taking up Kung Fu or Capioeria to try something a little more acrobatic once I'm through with my masters.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 06-24-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGA

Since this is a MA topic, has anyone here tried the Canuckles MMA gym? I'm thinking of going there in combination with going to Mike Miles, haven't found anyone that goes there though.

If you're looking for an MMA gym, I'd suggest Calgary Fight Club.
I've got a few buddies who go there, and they all quite like it.