Martial Arts

Hey, does anyone here practice martial arts?

I have just started with Goju Ryu.

Anyway, if you have any tips, that would be really nice. Maybe a good way to practice punching, a few tricks...

I know that mostly it is pure hard work. Still, it's nice to not be compeltely alone...

//T.L.//

I used to practice karate, Arjuken style.
I quit 'cause I got too busy, but I regret it now.
You're right, martial arts are hard work, but you also must be eager to learn and endure and push yourself.
I don't know too many good tips, but I always stretched and practiced everything I learned for at least an hour if I did not attend the class that day.
It's all pretty much practice.
I just realized how I must sound like I know a lot.
Sadly, I only reached green belt -_-"
Haha. Sorry, but I hope what I contributed helped you.

SOUL --

I practice and teach Wado-Ryu karate: a japanese style like the one you're practicing.

Tip: don't just think that karate is about getting your black-belt asap: it's not. For every hour you practice in the dojo (training hall) make sure you practice the same amount of time at home.

Tip: when you punch block and kick always feel and think you are hitting an opponant who has attacked you - this way you build strength of mind and body.

Tip: read and watch as many martial arts videos and books as you can to inspire you.

Tip: try other styles of martial arts as well as your own - they all have something to offer.

Good luck. The martial arts are for life - I hope you enjoy them.

Thank you so much, Mel.

So far I have not received my first belt, but I will study as hard as I can. Your tips were very good, I realize that I need to practice as much at home as in class.

I am not studying martial arts just for belts, although my teacher offered that he teach me this way, giving me tests every once in a while to mark my rank. But he also offered to teach me just for the self-defense part.
I am no expert, but I imagined that if I had to study for belts, then it would mean more work, and encourage more discipline, or not?
Before I can get my yellow-and-white belt I must break wood. That is a bit worrisome for me. I mean, it does look as though you could break your hand...but, as my sempai said, it involves a special way of breathing.

Thank you again for your help.

//T.L.//

Mmmm, Go for the belts, they're a good way of knowing how you've progressed within the style.

The wood you break will be pine. It breaks easily and is there to give you confidence.

However, remember what Bruce Lee said in 'Enter The Dragon' : "..boards don't hit back".

I've been in Judo Kai Kan Jujutsu for nearly 4 years. I've tried Tai Kwon Do too. Mostly, you have to want to be there and try, hard. When you're punching, kicking or blocking do it hard and like you mean it, it's good to pretend you're actually fighting someone. I dont know what stances you do in your martial art, but in ours we have a sort of horse stance position, theyve always taught us we have to be low and have our knees bent so they cant be broken as easily. Make sure you breathe out everytime you hit or get hit, it will keep you from getting winded. When you fall, slap the ground with your forearms, it will help absorb some of the shock so you don't get hurt. Also, when you fall, keep your chin tucked in a make sure you cover yourself up as soon as you hit the ground.

Hoped that helped

--Steph

I've got a black belt in mortal combat 3, and a red belt in Street fighter 2.

Seriously, done a few years of Tai Chi Chuan. Think martial arts are a great way to stay healthy mentally and physically.

Also, it looks cool eh?

I'm a black belt at taekwondo, and will be training in yongmudo pretty soon.

Mel has good advice.

As far as breaking pine boards, when ever you punch or kick one, kick THROUGH it. Don't make your target the board, make your target just beyond it. If you imagine the board as your target, you might subconciously slow down as you reach it. Confidence and focus are important. You'll be fine.

Thanks so much, everyone. My teacher, or sempai, demonstrated how the breaking of the wood was down, how you breathed in and released slowly, and he also mentioned that your target has to be beyond the wood.
My only other worry would be that I do not pass the exam and have to repeat, but I don't suppose everyone makes it the first time.

Rei.

//T.L.//

You'll pass with flying colours

I used to be in Tai Kwon Do.

I used to practice Ryu Shotokan. I was a blackbelt before I quit.

-- Maharani of Angels

I was wondering if anyone thinks that 13 is a little old to start.
I am not too worried, as I mainly wish to learn to defend myself, and it would help to get fit.
Though, a black belt would be a long way away, or almost impossible when you start this old,no?

//T.L.//

I am a yellow belt in shotokan karate and my big brohter is a 2nd dan black belt. he takes the class on a friday sunday and wedsenday and john takes it on thursday monday and tuesday.

its good for self confidence and makes you feel good about yourself as well. also good for keeping fit.

no yuo not to old to start chris got a new person 2 weeks ago and he is 17. your never to old to start karate. and it only takes 4 years of hard work to get to black belt,, anyone can do it....even you!

GO FOR IT

13 is around the ideal age to start karate: your body is begining to grow, as is your mind.

Thanks a lot. I wasn't sure whether to ask my teacher Am I too old?? He has enough teaching me, without my insecurities. I am glad to know that I stand a chance. Sometimes it is a little bit unnerving how violent karate can be, but I know that I need it. I think it is a skill worth learning in life.

Thanks.

//T.L.//

karate is not half as 'real violent' as a live confrontation/fight is. you must train as close to that 'realness' as possible without getting hurt.