General Chat & Info Board

Look, I don't think Aikido and Judo really mesh well unless you’re already killing it in at least one of them, especially if you don't have a single instructor tying the whole thing together for you.

There’s enough work to do in either discipline as it is, so honestly, just spend the rest of your time focusing on conditioning, explosive power, stretching, speed, agility, meditation—if you're leaning toward Aikido—weapon drills, and stuff like that.
I'm telling you this from straight-up personal experience since I’ve put in the time with Judo—which I do Jiu-Jitsu now—and Aikido too.
My take is you're going to wreck your back way more doing Judo than you ever would with Ki-ku.😉

But hey, it's your call, train however you want and you'll see, though it's definitely better than just grinding away in a gym.

ruggedlynx162 said:Thanks for the tip, Sandra Martin73. I’m starting to feel like Wing Chun might actually be a better fit for me than Aikido, though I have to admit both styles look pretty cool.

Also, I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea—even though I definitely want to learn something useful for self-defense, that isn't really my main reason for wanting to train. It doesn't necessarily have to be 100% practical for a street fight or anything like that.

Hey, if you're based in the city and looking at Wing Chun, you should check out Malu Idea. They run some intense Wing Chun sessions and blend them with Tai Chi, which is a pretty solid combo.

So, I’ve been doing kickboxing for about a year now at this local fitness center. It’s fine for staying in shape, I guess, but the training has become way too easy for me. I’m starting to think it’s time to find a real club—somewhere with actual intensity. Does anyone here train Muay Thai over at the Tiger gym near the old sports complex? I’d love to know what their sessions are actually like. Is it possible to just join for fun without going pro, and what does the monthly membership run me?
Are the drills and the strikes significantly harder to master than standard kickboxing?

Edit: Also, if anyone knows of any decent kickboxing clubs near the Spanish District, let me know. I was mostly looking at that Tiger gym because it’s the closest thing to my place, and Muay Thai seems like the most logical step from where I am. Honestly, I haven't heard much about dedicated kickboxing clubs around the city...

Hey everyone! Got a few questions... what’s actually the best martial art for self-defense in your opinion? Is there even any point in doing Taekwondo or Karate? Personally, I don't see the logic since they don't seem all that practical... I’d go with Judo instead. Also, what’s the best one for kids?

For self-defense—Krav Maga.
Why?
Because it takes a realistic approach to training, I suppose.
Expect plenty of stress and some bruising.
If someone claims they can teach you without that, I wouldn't believe them.

For kids—maybe Judo or grappling...
I think it's better to instill movements from non-striking disciplines at a younger age.
They can always switch to whatever interests them later on.
Generally speaking... I’m against enrolling children in any "activities" unless they truly want to be there.
Too often, I've seen kids grow to loathe what they were forced into. Whether it was foreign languages, dance classes, violin, or martial arts.

And where can one even find clubs that work with children?
Hmm...
I know Mr. Ban does.
I assume he'll mention it when he stops by the forum.
What age range are we talking about for these kids, anyway?
5, 10, 15, 20, 50?

Look, when you talk about "self-defense"... honestly, true self-defense is its own thing entirely, and just hearing people throw that term around gets my hair standing on end because they don't get it. We’re talking about a system designed specifically so someone can actually protect themselves, which is a huge distinction. Sure, training in a specific sport or martial art might help you out eventually, but we're talking about real proficiency here, and that takes serious time—we're talking years of grind, not weeks.
So, what are we looking at? Krav Maga or something similar?
If you're looking at it from a kid's perspective, Judo is hands down the best way to go. But let's be real, what does a kid actually care about? Usually, they just want to go wherever their buddies are heading.😉
At the end of the day, the connection with the instructor matters way more than the actual techniques being taught, because let's face it, most kids aren't sticking around long enough for the advanced stuff anyway.

So... I have maybe two questions...

Is there perhaps a karate club located in the western part of the city where someone my age—I'm 26 now—could sign up, especially since I don't really have much fitness at the moment?

Also, I was wondering if it’s actually possible to practice karate while wearing glasses?... I mean, would it be okay to wear them during training, or is that generally not recommended?

To give you some context... I used to train karate back when I was 12 and 13 years old over in a suburb near the outskirts, and I actually made it to a green belt, but I ended up quitting because that was right around the time I had to start wearing glasses, and if I remember correctly, I wasn't allowed to wear them during class due to sparring and how intense the sessions could get.

I'm interested in getting back into it because I still vividly remember the basic strikes and movements, and even the counting... though I've completely forgotten all the katas.

I'm not really looking to learn karate for self-defense purposes, but more just to engage in a sport, and I've always held onto such wonderful memories of karate because the training sessions were just so great.

Rebecca Allen49 said:So... I have maybe two questions...

Is there perhaps a karate club located in the western part of the city where someone my age—I'm 26 now—could sign up, especially since I don't really have much fitness at the moment?

Also, I was wondering if it’s actually possible to practice karate while wearing glasses?... I mean, would it be okay to wear them during training, or is that generally not recommended?

To give you some context... I used to train karate back when I was 12 and 13 years old over in a suburb near the outskirts, and I actually made it to a green belt, but I ended up quitting because that was right around the time I had to start wearing glasses, and if I remember correctly, I wasn't allowed to wear them during class due to sparring and how intense the sessions could get.

I'm interested in getting back into it because I still vividly remember the basic strikes and movements, and even the counting... though I've completely forgotten all the katas.

I'm not really looking to learn karate for self-defense purposes, but more just to engage in a sport, and I've always held onto such wonderful memories of karate because the training sessions were just so great.

As for a specific club, I suppose I wouldn't know. Regarding the age... well, I don't think all these martial arts clubs focus exclusively on kids and teenagers just to scout talent for future championships, though I guess I am noticing that trend becoming more common lately.

Glasses? I worked alongside plenty of people who wore them. My own instructor used to wear them too. They shouldn't really be an issue during regular training, though I suppose it isn't particularly wise or advisable to wear them during sparring. You can probably guess why. An accidental hit to the head with glasses could cause some damage, I guess. But then again, you probably aren't so blind that you can't see an opponent standing two feet in front of you, right?

Hey there.
For quite some time now, I’ve been thinking about picking up a martial art. Not because I have any interest in tournaments, medals, or competing—that's not my thing. I've just heard it can really help with focus and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After looking into various styles, Ninjutsu seems to be the one that resonates most with me. Could anyone offer some insight? Also, is it too late to start at 18? And does anyone know if there's actually a way to learn this here in town? Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone.
I've started training kickboxing lately, and I'm actually enjoying it, though my coach won't let me work on my splits. He thinks my leg height is fine for high kicks, but I'm aiming for a full split. I guess I'm still about 10 inches short of where I want to be. Does anyone know how to approach this or how much stretching is required?
I train three times a week for two hours per session, but I don't hit the gym because I just don't have the time.
So, I was wondering if someone could suggest a routine—maybe a specific program or some exercises I can do at home?
Thanks.

I suspect you might be better off asking this in a community dedicated to gymnastics, yoga, or ballet.
Since splits aren't really a requirement for martial arts, I doubt anyone spends too much energy obsessing over them.
Maybe some Taekwondo practitioners, though—they seem to enjoy kicking at the sky.

I don't see how a gym would have much to do with achieving the splits, honestly.
Weightlifting can sometimes have the opposite effect if people neglect stretching or other activities.
Stretch only as far as your tendons allow.
I wouldn't force it; you don't want to do something foolish.
As for specific exercises, perhaps look into one of the disciplines I mentioned.
😉

You can't even whip up a simple plate of spaghetti... *sigh*... you really can't do anything right.

Rebecca Smith4 said:I suspect you might be better off asking this in a community dedicated to gymnastics, yoga, or ballet.
Since splits aren't really a requirement for martial arts, I doubt anyone spends too much energy obsessing over them.
Maybe some Taekwondo practitioners, though—they seem to enjoy kicking at the sky.

I don't see how a gym would have much to do with achieving the splits, honestly.
Weightlifting can sometimes have the opposite effect if people neglect stretching or other activities.
Stretch only as far as your tendons allow.
I wouldn't force it; you don't want to do something foolish.
As for specific exercises, perhaps look into one of the disciplines I mentioned.
😉

Splits matter if you want your kicks to look clean.

Don't try to force a split without warming up first. Just try to relax—don't let your legs tense up. Always go right to the edge of your pain limit. Don't push past it, that's dangerous. Work on it during every break in training (I mean those little 10-20 second gaps). If you want a home workout, grab a hoodie and some comfy sneakers and just go for a run. Once you've finished a two or three-mile jog, you can work on your splits as much as your heart desires.

Thanks, everyone. I guess I’ll try to get some more practice in and see how it goes. Maybe I'll let you know the results later.

Hey there!
Does anyone here happen to have any intel on the Tai center over in Našička—here’s the link . I originally went looking for some Tai Chi classes, but once I started digging into it, I found myself getting sucked down the rabbit hole of other martial arts, and now I'm actually considering mixing Tai Chi with some Uechi Ryu karate. My thinking is that Tai Chi isn't exactly a grueling workout, so combining them shouldn't be too much to handle, especially since I'm just starting out. Anyway, if you know anything about the instructors there, or if you’d personally recommend this club at all, I’d really appreciate the insight 🙂. Thanks

Can anyone tell me where I can pick up some MMA gloves here in the US? I’ve been poking around online but haven't had much luck finding a local shop...

Can someone recommend a decent boxing gym in Los Angeles for a total beginner? I've had a fascination with the sport my entire life, but I've never actually stepped into a ring. Also, do you think starting at 19 is too late? Thanks in advance.

It isn't too late, of course. Unless, I suppose, you are aiming specifically for a professional career.

1. You go to www.profightstore.com and check their directory.
2. Take a look at where the clubs are located.
3. Visit any that might be worth considering based on location. Perhaps try out one or two training sessions at each.
4. Decide which team seems to have the best atmosphere.
5. Train there.
6. ????
7. I guess you'll turn a profit.

Hey, I’m new here. I’m looking to connect with people who actually take Tai Chi seriously—and when I say serious, I mean hitting the mats for 5 hours a day, plus at least two meditation sessions, and having a solid grasp of Taoism. If there are any of you out there living that lifestyle, I’d love to link up and swap some insights.

Eric Cox73 said:Hey, I’m new here. I’m looking to connect with people who actually take Tai Chi seriously—and when I say serious, I mean hitting the mats for 5 hours a day, plus at least two meditation sessions, and having a solid grasp of Taoism. If there are any of you out there living that lifestyle, I’d love to link up and swap some insights.

I doubt you're going to find anyone like that on this forum.