Any Martial Artists In Here?

[moshe_levy]

All-

 

Just curious, given the nature of this excellent group, if there are any martial artists in here. I'm wondering about your specific art, how long you have been practicing, and what benefits you've noticed.

 

My own story, to start things off:

 

Upon finally finishing up at NYU grad school in 2005, I was extremely out of shape, and suddenly "free" of the usual endless demands of homework and projects which that degree demanded. I happened to wander into a dojang a mile away from where I worked, where Chinese Ba Gua Zhang Kung Fu was taught in a very traditional way. The physical was about 10% of the coursework. There was reading, philosophy, even homework assignments. There was mandatory meditation, something that was totally new to me. There was also Chi Kung, a slower form similar to Tai Chi.

 

To say that school completely changed my life would be a serious understatement. I was going through the toughest personal period of my life then, and the philosophy, meditation, and general lessons helped me see things in a new way, which was tremendously beneficial to me on every level. Besides family support, were it not for that school, I would not have made it.

 

Sadly, I did not appreciate it as much as I should have, so when my job transferred 60 miles away, I quit, seeking something more local so as to limit my commute. I had not even scratched the surface of Ba Gua during my 2 years there. At the time I figured it was "all the same" (if I only knew then what I know now....)

 

So, I found a local school which specialized in Gojo Ryu, an Okinawan karate art. No philosophy, no meditation, no Chi Kung none of that. It was physical and interesting, but not beautiful to me, like the Chinese arts are. After a year, I missed the Chinese style so much that I quit, and searched again for Kung Fu, coming full circle.

 

Since 2008 I have again been studying Kung Fu again, this time a Dragon style based mainly on northern Shaolin called Lung Jop Pai. I curse myself often for not practicing nearly enough, but with the babies and work schedule I do what I can with the time I have. This school, too, lacks the "total immersion" of the first, but I've learned to supplement the physical of this school with my own continued reading, research, and so on. It's working out fairly well and I hope someday, years from now, to attain some degree of proficiency.

 

I still miss the first school so much - don't know what you've got till it's gone, I guess. But for the short time I was there, my eyes were opened to how deep the arts can be. There are such profound lessons in Kung Fu, equivalent and usually superior in my eyes to any formal religious, academic, or life training. How to think clearly, how to react calmly, how to judge, or more accurately, not to. In many refreshing ways, it is completely antithetical to the superficial "quick fix now" Western mindset, instead taking things one step at a time over very long periods where only brute perseverance, will, and effort will see you through.

 

Kung Fu literally means "effort over time." So applied, everything becomes Kung Fu. I would feel pretty empty without it.

 

I'm curious what you guys have experienced.

 

-MKL

[MotorinLA]

I did Combat Hapkido for awhile a few years ago, to maintain some hand-to-hand combat skills and get some more physical activity into my weekly routine. Although the skills were applicable to my line of work, I became discouraged by the staff at the school, who seemed more interested in pushing for the next level test, than actually thoroughly teaching all the techniques. It was clear that the goal was to make money for the school, rather than actually teaching the skills. There were students with high level belts, but their skills were useless when the opponent did not react exactly as expected by the student. Thus, the real life application was limited. The high cost and lack of any apparent real interest by the school staff to create true martial artists, caused me to quit after reaching an intermediate skill level.

 

I think the philosophy that you described at the first school you attended is the most important component of martial arts. It should be a life-style, not a sport or game.

 

 

[yabadabapal]

I have some friends are are martial art instructors. I have never indulged in the martial arts myslef. But I subscribe to

a point in the philosophy of martial arts which I think is fundamentally the most important aspect. I saw a moveie a few week ago called IP Man. It was amazing.

[ArmyGuy]

I studied and taught Hapkido in Korea and Combat Hapkido in the states and the focusing of the 'KI' was an important part of both classes. Not knocking Combat Hapkido but it is a business which makes the Grand Master quite a bit of $$. I've also studied Ryoko Jiujitsu where a big part of the class was the 'spiritual' side of the martial art as well as the physical. Focusing and honing your mind....I have had moments of clarity during class and always left class with a smile and feeling good. I miss it but still occasionally work out with a long time military friend. The best class I ever took was Hapkido in Korea. The Master lived in the gym and it was open 24/7 and made just enough money to pay the rent and put food on his plate. He didn't teach for the money and was always there to talk, philosophize -albeit in Korean and broken English, and work out. He is still my friend of over 20 years.

[Patallaire]

I took Krav Magra for a few years, very very intense with only one purpose, if attacked, kill or maim first and ask questions later! Also took Akida, different philosophy, very defensive, but also if the script was not followed than no one knew what to do. I miss some of it, but as my flexability is not what it was when I was 20 and since I never needed any of it, I stopped taking it. For the exercise it was great, for the other stuff, for some people it would be great.

[Polo]

I started on Goyo Ryu at 17, Shodan.

Continued with Kung Fu, no rank.

Shoto Kan, Shodan.

Iaido, Nidan, still practicing.

Kendo, no rank, practice occasionally.

Kyudo, no rank, practice occasionally.

Judo, Shodan.

Aikido, Sandan, and still learning.

 

Definitely a mind over matter thing. Humbling and centering.

[CoarsegoldKid]

I wouldn't call myself a martial artist. Studied TaeKwonDo for 9+ years with my sons. I was 36 or so when we started. I never got to be as flexible as I wanted to be. Competed a few times a year. I mostly did it because I wanted my sons and I to be doing something, besides backpacking, on a routine basis and it was a great cardio exercise. I think we all became stronger for it. Now at age 60 I love the yoga workouts with my wife.

[beemerman2k]

If movies count for anything, then consider me an 8th degree black belt in numerous martial art styles from Kung Fu (Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Donny Yen of IP man, the Kung Fu Panda cartoon character), Korean Karate (Jhoon Rhee), Northern Chinese Karate (Chuck Norris), Korean Hapkido (Bong Soo Han of "Billy Jack" movie fame, Angela Mao of "Enter the Dragon" fame), Aikido (Steven Segal)

 

Dude, I'm deadly! Stay back or someone will get hurt

 

Ouch, my back! I can't walk...cancel the fight...

[AviP]

I am self taught. I practiced with a friend who was a nut like me. We just tried out different techniques of judo, aikido, karate, krav maga, etc. from books. We'd practice for 2-3 hours almost everyday for about 5 years. Most of the techniques focused on self defense as opposed to offense and are similar to krav maga. For offense, I can use a number of weapons fairly decently including 2 nunchuks simultaneously.

 

Since I have never taken formal training, I always wondered how I would hold up in a real situation. That did happen a couple of times back in the day and my reactions were surprisingly natural and non-robotic. I was able to control the situation and walk away without a scratch.

 

I feel US schools focus on achieving belts rather than technique. I do feel I could win a fight with the average brown belt at a US school though I'll probably never find out.

 

Knowing I can deal with any situation does wonders for the confidence and is something I would not change if I could go back in time.

 

P.S. I came up with this simple self defence weapon idea that I think is worth sharing. Put your keys (or any hard object) in your socks and swing the sucker. In a pinch, it works just like a nunchuk. A belt and buckle might also do the trick.

[Polo]

I am self taught.

 

P.S. I came up with this simple self defence weapon idea that I think is worth sharing. Put your keys (or any hard object) in your socks and swing the sucker. In a pinch, it works just like a nunchuk. A belt and buckle might also do the trick.

 

But what if you're wearing flip flops at the time?

 

Truth be told, it reallly is the size of the fight in the dog what counts. But better yet, the best defense is to recognize the potential of danger and walk away before it happens. Discretion IS the better part of valor.

[AviP]

I am self taught.

 

P.S. I came up with this simple self defence weapon idea that I think is worth sharing. Put your keys (or any hard object) in your socks and swing the sucker. In a pinch, it works just like a nunchuk. A belt and buckle might also do the trick.

 

But what if you're wearing flip flops at the time?

 

Truth be told, it reallly is the size of the fight in the dog what counts. But better yet, the best defense is to recognize the potential of danger and walk away before it happens. Discretion IS the better part of valor.

It's funny you mention flip-flops. I always wear shoes when I'm outside my home. I've resisted sandals and flip-flops for years, much to my wife's annoyance. It's not because of the socks but to have ability to run or chase. And what my wife really hates is that I don't wear my wedding ring. I say it's because it gets in the way of my punching fist. She thinks that's plain weird. I can't disagree but I still feel the ring gets in the way.

[Jake]

And what my wife really hates is that I don't wear my wedding ring. I say it's because it gets in the way of my punching fist. She thinks that's plain weird. I can't disagree but I still feel the ring gets in the way.

 

If you'll permit me an observation/comment, the chances of making your wife happy by wearing your wedding ring is likely 100%, where the chances of a wedding ring getting in the way of a properly executed fist strike (in the off chance you will need to use one) borders on zero.

 

Consider taking some formal training and make good use a makiwara board, you'll learn real quick what a proper fist strike is. The good ones hurt, the poor ones hurt worse. Your ring finger should be safely tucked away.

 

I like the keys in a sock idea, but I can't imagine my assailant providing me with the opportunity to assemble such a weapon when attacked. Plus, there's not much mass behind a set of keys. Remember "Bad Boys" with Sean Penn? Soda cans made for a nice impromptu weapon, but he knew the fight was coming, and, well, it was a movie.

 

Okinawan Shorin-Ryu in college. Should have stayed with it, but never felt it was a study of self defense. For that I would have taken boxing and Judo, and have had plenty of real sparring/competetive experience with real people intent on beating me. A good friend of mine (female) is an exceedingly accomplished Judo practitioner. I said to her once "So, you can flip people, huh?" She said, "Honey, I flip pancakes. I THROW people!" Yes, you do, ma'am.

 

I've enjoyed reading Moshe's experience - it seems to me that is what studying the Martial Arts could and should be.

[Spartan]

I practiced Kenpo karate for 10 years at a local dojo. About two years ago I decided to take a break and now I just practice at home. Most every week I participated in a group class, had a private lesson from the sensei (8th degree) and worked out one on one with another student. Kenpo and this dojo were a good choice for a 40+ year old. There were lots of different hand strikes and techniques. We were learning how to focus our energy and move seamlessly while maintaining position all without thinking about moving. The list of benefits is long. The focus, awareness and reaction time can be applied in everything you do, including riding motorcycles.

[Polo]

[quote=JakeConsider taking some formal training and make good use a makiwara board, you'll learn real quick what a proper fist strike is. The good ones hurt, the poor ones hurt worse. Your ring finger should be safely tucked away.

 

once "So, you can flip people, huh?" She said, "Honey, I flip pancakes. I THROW people!" Yes, you do, ma'am.

 

 

Index and middle knuckles, edge or heel of hand. But in Aikido, you acrtually hit them with the Planet Earth, better than your fist.

[Mike]

I've done a bit of Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu, but I have always relied on my exceptionally well-developed sense of cowardice for self defense. Both of the dudes under whom I studied were extremely accomplished (8th degree BB and a national champ mixed martial arts guy), but Kung Fu seemed more adapted to actual fighting/survival skills, whereas the Tae Kwon Do that I studied emphasized competition and, of course, discipline.

 

My Kung Fu instructor imparted his knowledge of Chi, of course, but was pretty straightforward about it; he was pretty adamant that there was nothing mystical to any of it, but rather that what the ancient masters referred to as Chi and/or energy flow was nothing more than an understanding of the central nervous system and biomechanics.

 

Not that I ever got anywhere near to this point, but there are Kung Fu techniques that can totally incapacitate an opponent by disrupting the respiratory and/or cardiovascular system. The instructor dude I trained under never ventured into this area, but he did, on one occasion, zap me with a relatively minor application of pressure that caused me to collapse in a heap.

 

That was fun.

[beemerman2k]

I've done a bit of Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu, but I have always relied on my exceptionally well-developed sense of cowardice for self defense.

 

There was a very funny book that came out sometime during the '70's entitled, "Self Defense for Cowards". It had all sorts of humourous actions you could take when your life was being threatened: run, have an impromptu argument with your wife, crack some jokes, etc.

[moshe_levy]

The beating down of people or even self defense aspect of the arts is far down on my list.

 

The spiritual aspects are what do it for me. The lessons I use every day, especially while riding. We had one assignment where we had to practice awareness - not speak to anyone for an entire day, take note of all sounds, sights, smells, etc. and write a long thesis on it. Practice long focused vision or short range wide focus. Pay attention to even the most nuanced differences from moment to moment. You'd be amazed how much we just let pass by without noticing, and how amazing it is to finally stop and really pay attention.

 

I use that lesson all the time. MSF instructors often ask "what's your line of defense" and inevitably people say swerving, braking, etc. No. Your first line of defense is awareness. Not riding around thinking about the mortgage and all the trouble your wife's giving you. Real, 100% in the moment, honest to goodness awareness. Focused on one thing, and in the same realm on everything. Like anything else, if you practice it, you can get quite good, and the benefits are incredible. At least, I think so.

 

That's what martial arts is, to me. It really is a neverending mental challenge to be better at everything you set out to do.

 

-MKL

[Mister Tee]

I have trained in mixed martial arts for several years, and kickboxed semi-competitively for a couple seasons years ago. This was before the current popular MMA leagues. Fighting takes a toll on your body. Like moshe_levy, I focus my efforts now on the spiritual and mental aspects of martial arts.

 

I occasionally do part time instruction in Tai Chi and Chi Kung. Most of the people I teach are older, and want to improve their health. Occasionally I will train kids that are aspiring fighters, so they have the proper background in meditation and energy direction, prior to engaging on a training program in an Eastern fighting style.

 

One gripe I have about some local martial arts schools is that many of the instructors do not have a background in, or even a belief of Chi energy application, which is the basis of most Eastern martial arts forms. They might as well just teach boxing.

[terryofperry]

I'm 58 years old. Our son started Taekwondo 3 years ago at age 8. He was too short to play any of the other sports and requested something to do. After 6 months my wife, our daughter age 11 and I signed up. There are so many types of Taekwondo one needs to be careful which program to choose. We looked around, went to several different places and settled on one. Traditional Korean with an "old school" instructor. Most places one can obtain a black belt in 2 years, with him it is 3. Some places set their testing frequency up to make more money and progress through the ranks. He does not. Not ready to test, you do not test. In 2 weeks our son will test for black belt. It will be another 6 months for us, if we are deemed ready. I'm in no hurry.

 

The physical part can be rough sometimes, the mental part is the key. Belt color means nothing to me, I am an old man and needed to exercise. I could go to the gym, pay the money, exercise, go home. I now get the workout while learning something for the same money.

 

What have I noticed? Physically my back has not hurt in 2 years, normally a monthly episode. My stomach muscles enable me to ride longer which is probably the biggest thing. Mentally I have more situational awareness regarding people and places. I've learned a great deal, it has been worth it for me.

 

It is not for everyone. It is a "hard" contact discipline, but the sparring and self defense work. It is amazing how quickly it can be over and with no long term consequences for the attacker, unless that is what you want.

 

Talk first, run second, fight last, you never know how good a stranger walking down the road is.

 

All of the arts are good, it comes down to what suits your taste.

 

Ride safely

 

Terry

[hANNAbONE]

i kICKED somebody once...

[beemerman2k]

i kICKED somebody once...

 

What was that, an exhibition? We must yield emotional content, not anger! It is like a finger pointing away to the moon...(slap!) Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory! Do you understand?

 

No, not really :confused:

[moshe_levy]

The Western fascination with belts has never appealed to me. One of the reasons I left the Gojo Ryu school was because they tested every 3 months like clockwork. I actually refused to do it. To me it is all a distraction. It means nothing.

 

To this day getting my white sash (lowest rank) in my first Kung Fu school is what I'm most proud of. The testing was done individually on a Saturday and took 2 hours - for a white sash! The higher the fruit is to pick, the better it tastes when you finally reach it. When I found this newest school I told the instructor my feelings about belts and testing and he smiled and said, "Finally." In this school testing is done when the instructors feel you've earned it. Could be months. Could be years. Could be never. Testing costs nothing. Advancement costs nothing. This makes sense and takes the profit motive out of the equation. When you move up in rank you feel you've earned it, not paid for it.

 

In China, from what I read, most systems don't have any sashes. For others, you start with a white sash, and with experience and sweat it turns black with wear and age. That makes alot of sense to me. I actually "forget" to put on my sash from time to time, and am scolded for it, but I do it just often enough to get my point across without actually saying it.

 

-MKL

[Mister Tee]

The Western fascination with belts has never appealed to me. One of the reasons I left the Gojo Ryu school was because they tested every 3 months like clockwork. I actually refused to do it. To me it is all a distraction. It means nothing.

 

To this day getting my white sash (lowest rank) in my first Kung Fu school is what I'm most proud of. The testing was done individually on a Saturday and took 2 hours - for a white sash! The higher the fruit is to pick, the better it tastes when you finally reach it. When I found this newest school I told the instructor my feelings about belts and testing and he smiled and said, "Finally." In this school testing is done when the instructors feel you've earned it. Could be months. Could be years. Could be never. Testing costs nothing. Advancement costs nothing. This makes sense and takes the profit motive out of the equation. When you move up in rank you feel you've earned it, not paid for it.

 

In China, from what I read, most systems don't have any sashes. For others, you start with a white sash, and with experience and sweat it turns black with wear and age. That makes alot of sense to me. I actually "forget" to put on my sash from time to time, and am scolded for it, but I do it just often enough to get my point across without actually saying it.

 

-MKL

 

+1 I trained in a system where your rank was determined by your win-loss record.

[Polo]

The Western fascination with belts has never appealed to me.

-MKL

 

When started my Aikido training it was said that 1 in 5,000 beginners would stay on long enough to aspire to Shodan (1st degree black belt). It took about 8 years for me.

 

There is no competition in Aikido. Half the training is to become the attacker and take the punishment w/o getting hurt-(taking Ukemi). Hence the above mention about "if the script isn't followed nothing happens". It is full contact from day 1, if there is no script at first, injuries would be too numerous. Even with so called scripts, I have broken toes on both feet, I had thorn ligaments in elbow and shoulders; I broke somebody's arm once, took and gave multiple knuckle sandwitches and wooden sword and staff strikes over time.

 

It really takes years for the body to respond to different attacks at different speeds w/o the brain getting in the way. It isn't uncommon to see people frozen trying to think of what technique to apply to a surprise attack. It looks scripted, but it is a slow process of body conditioning which is entirely conter-intuitive.

 

Some of you may remember the scene in the grocery store in Steven's Segal's 1st movie. One of the few real Aikdo moves is when this guy tries to kick him, and then hit him, and Segal aparently clothes-lines him to the floor. The guy taking the punishment Matsu Oko, is an incredible Aikidoka and Ukemika; not a double. BTW, Segal does not allow any contact from advanced students, much less Shodan; most real Aikido Sensei pick anyone at random from the crowd, selecting between white belt, or Yudansha depending on the degree of difficulty the Ukemi requires.

 

Some isolated schools use the colored belts system. Most do not, the organization I belong to does not. You're a white belt and are allowed to move to the right and forward of the ranks as you advance in Kyu.

 

When you reach your Shodan, then you can wear a Hakama , then it got tricky not to trip over it.

[moshe_levy]

One day at the Gojo Ryu school, the Sensei brought in his friend who owns an Aikido school, and he taught the class in basics that day. I remember thinking how beautiful, efficient, and graceful the movements were vs. the usual straight line Japanese style karate. It was, to me, closer to the Kung Fu I love. It would be something to be proficient in Aikido, for sure!

 

-MKL