Posts by ruggedfalcon2

George Martin70 said:The prices are insane—a two-day seminar is supposedly $200, maybe even more...

You think that’s expensive? 😕 In the States, an hour of private Wing Chun training with a well-known master runs about $150 to $200... it’s all just business... word is, someone like Leung Ting keeps his wallet pretty thick—he charges anyone who travels to Hong Kong to learn a specific technique directly, and he's always on his phone booking sessions 🤣 It's a great business model, and the Chinese really know how to play the game 😁

I woke up a little while ago and the first thing I saw was this thread titled "What do you think about YOUR master?" 😁
I don't really have an opinion on this guy since he's a total stranger to me... You clearly know him pretty well, so it would be fair if you could drop a few words about him for us 😉

By the way—regarding "meaning" and "consolation"... it seems to me that you all might be folks from the martial arts world. You know, the type who started mixing everything together to create MMA because you couldn't find enough sense or satisfaction in what you were originally training... just a passing thought, since we're already on the subject of meaning and consolation 😁 😉

Robin Palmer3 said:All those stories...🙄 that’s just the consolation prize for people into so-called "martial arts." Once they realize how pointless practicing these "skills" actually is, they go looking for solace in some philosophy about inner peace and harmony (of what?), 😕 which is that supposed quality martial sports lack, ha...🤣

Where on earth are you getting this from? Who exactly are you hanging out with... 😁 I haven't met a single person involved in martial arts who thinks like that. So, I'm genuinely curious—where are you finding enough people to make such a broad generalization? Let me clear one thing up right now... even if you were the only practitioner left on Earth... no, I'm not looking for solace anywhere, nor do I need it. I've been in combat sports for decades—primarily Muay Thai and Wing Chun—and I haven't found any "pointlessness" in my training, so I don't need any comfort... seriously, where is this info coming from? What kind of sample size are you using for this hypothesis? Did actual practitioners tell you they realized it was all meaningless and moved on to "inner peace"... or is this just some psychoanalytical theory you cooked up? 😉

jademarlin26 said:If you've reached a stage where you're looking for quality of life within some club—you've got it wrong. You find those things at home, with family and close friends first...

😁 👍

Gerald Rivera60 said:Thanks a ton, 👍
found the link with the schedule too
http://taiji.yanta.net/trening.htm

All good, good luck 👍

Gerald Rivera60 said:Hey there,
Due to some health issues—diabetes, specifically—I need to start getting active again...
Since I spent about ten years ago involved in martial arts and combat sports, it feels pretty natural to look for something in that same vein.
By the way, I’m looking for something that isn't overly strenuous—nothing with intense drills or anything too intense—more of a casual vibe. It doesn't necessarily have to be high-level self-defense, though that's fine if it is... just not a requirement.
Tai Chi popped into my head... does anyone here actually train it? How much muscle engagement are we talking about? (I really just need moderate physical activity).
I see there are some places in Chicago that offer classes. Does anyone have recommendations for a quality spot in the city?
I know some people might not classify Tai Chi as a true martial art, but honestly, the combat aspect isn't my main priority.
Scheduling is also a big factor for me... I can't do anything before 7 PM... I know that sounds a bit specific, but my work schedule makes it impossible to get there any earlier than that.
Also, I'll pass on Aikido... I tried one session once and it just didn't click for me, I guess.
Thanks for any input.

There's Tai Chi over in the downtown area with Master Mickle... don't know the specifics though...

goldenotter3 said:First off, please—just please—stop writing in English using phonetic spelling like you're explaining how to pronounce it. There’s absolutely no need, and honestly, it’s incredibly grating... it actually gives me the chills.😲 😳

Secondly, you have Melasma. I deal with it too; those brown patches that show up all over during the summer look terrible. I picked up a cream from Steifel—I can't recall the exact name right now—but it contains 3% hydroquinone. It's an excellent cream; my spots have almost completely faded because of it.
Do a little digging online.

p.s. The word "information" is uncountable. If you mean more than one, you should say "pieces of information."

tenk ju veri mač for jor informejšns 🙏

(Jack Walker64) said:Hey there!

Here's the deal:
I’m having a hard time deciding which martial art to take up, so I figured I’d lay out the situation here and ask a few questions. Looking for some advice...

I'm looking at three options: Wing Chun, Aikido, or Ninjutsu.

I’m 20 years old and living in a major US city packed with different gyms, so even right at the start, the struggle is finding the right high-quality spot—without breaking the bank. But more on that later...

First, about picking the style... My main priority is effective street self-defense. I want to learn this and seriously train—not just to act like some neighborhood tough guy, but to build my own skills and fill my free time. Basically, I want something that's both enriching and practical...
I did some Wing Chun a while back (maybe for a month), but had to stop when I moved. I like the style, but the gym I was at is way too far now—literally on the other side of town. Plus, I'm not entirely sure how effective it actually is. As for Ninjutsu, I heard there's a great instructor nearby, but I don't know much about the style itself or what the training sessions are like...
To cut to the chase, I generally prefer styles that involve striking over those focused on throws, locks, and such. In my case, that makes Wing Chun look better than Aikido... On the flip side, Aikido appeals to me because of its philosophy and teaching approach. Besides, striking isn't always the answer in a self-defense situation, which gives Aikido an edge.
Ninjutsu feels like a hybrid of Karate, Judo, Aikido, swordsmanship, etc., so to me, it seems like it might be the most effective in real life... What do you all think? I know I'm overthinking this, but I just can't decide!
I’m not a big guy—about 140 lbs and 5'9". That's definitely a factor when choosing a style.

One last question: Are there any reputable, solid clubs out there for Wing Chun, Aikido, or Ninjutsu?
Help please! Thanks.

There isn't a single "right" answer here... You have to put in the work and research what actually clicks with you. You've already taken the first step by narrowing it down to these three... now it's time for the next move. If you want my honest opinion... I’d suggest Aikido from the list you gave. Though, the only Aikido practitioner I ever knew who was a truly skilled fighter doesn't teach anymore... I don't know the current masters. If there aren't any high-quality instructors around, there's no point in doing Aikido...

Jamie Fowler2 said:nah, that’s what I meant. A black belt alone doesn't make you a ninja.

btw, Gramps—you gonna come up with something regarding my last PM, or are we just gonna have to ban you? 😠 😁

swiftsurfer80 said:The question itself is straightforward, but I feel like there’s a missing piece here.

1) yes
2) no
3) not really

Is there anything in between?

For example—maybe I love what I'm training, but I'm unhappy with my technique?

Or:
I'm not totally satisfied, so I'll pick up something else alongside this.

Or even:
I'm happy enough, but certain aspects don't sit right with me, so I'm going to try doing them my own way.

Personally, I lean toward that last one. Constant research, improvement, questioning everything. Kaizen over dominance. I can elaborate if needed...

Best,

Look, I asked a basic question. What you're bringing up now are just the fine details... I was purely interested in seeing how people on this forum approach the topic—and honestly, I got exactly the results I expected.😉

Robin Palmer3 said:Che, UFC training covers everything that actually works in a fight, so any UFC fighter is definitely going to be better prepared for unexpected situations than some hobbyist practicing traditional martial arts.

I laid out a few common street scenarios and didn't even get a response... 😁 what exactly are you implying when you say people from TBV are just hobbyists? 🤣 Tell me—are everyone training UFC at your gym professional fighters or what?

Robin Palmer3 said:It happens to me all the time... as soon as I hear a gong or a bell, I immediately snap into my guard and start circling around—usually while I'm riding the subway!😂 😂 😂

🤣

Robin Palmer3 said:Che, if you saw me in person, you'd see the marks on my face from everything I've been through in life, or as most people write here: in RL.
Aside from sports matches, I've had plenty of fights in RL (🤣 how dangerous those two letters can be), ranging from my childhood right up to today (just three months ago, I "put to sleep" some arrogant criminal from my neighborhood)... so when I read the theories in your posts and those from your supporters, all I can say is that you and your crowd are basically "trying to sell ice to an Eskimo."

Why on earth do you think anyone is trying to sell you anything?😕 Has anyone actually pressured you? Is someone trying to talk you into switching sports? Why do you feel like anyone is offering you something or challenging you? This is a forum for discussing and sharing experiences in martial arts... honestly, it seems like you and a few of your buddies are the only ones spitting on everything else as a discipline, insisting that UFC is the only thing that matters because it's "real"... but fine, people have gotten used to it and actually find it kind of funny... tell me specifically, has anyone from the traditional arts ever tried to recruit you or mocked you by sending videos related to what you love? Think about it and give me a straight answer... it’s actually your own colleagues who constantly start threads just to trash TBV...
It's a shame you're taking this discussion so "aggressively"... you and a couple of your friends have openly mocked Ninjutsu, Wing Chun, Aikido, etc... and did anyone complain? No... in fact, people found it hilarious... so I don't get why someone from the UFC camp needs to feel "threatened" just because not everyone on this forum shares your opinion on UFC... isn't this a democratic forum where anyone can write what they want and read what they want? I have to say, it's disappointing to see you getting so worked up over the fact that people—who have poured their time, energy, effort, and above all, their love into practicing what they love for years—seem to bother you so much. And worst of all, you view it as "selling ice to an Eskimo"... as Donna Brown6 said, it doesn't make sense to me either... instead of posting an actual argument on the original thread, you just label the guy a Japanophile who barely knows anything... I mean, really... what's the point?😢

ruggedfalcon2 said:🤣 Seriously? Which one of my posts hurt you so bad that you have to bring me up every single day? You poor guy—clearly you’ve got nothing better to do than obsess over this.
Keep on being a troll on these forums. It’s probably the only thing you’re actually good at...

I’m heading down to Miami for a beach trip, and by the time I get back, you’ll probably have racked up 8,000 posts.

Where exactly did I even mention you? 😲
Everyone else is making fun of you; all I said was don't lump me in with Caine... seriously, just chill out and go hit the coast. Honestly, it sounds like a better plan since you seem a little paranoid and wound way too tight lately... 🙂 🙂 🙂

PS: Don't worry about my life or my friends... why don't you find something to do at the beach instead? And hey, don't go calling yourself a Pizdek right away... let people figure that out for themselves. 😉

Phones were working fine... but you saw how it went 🤣

GLADIJATOR said:really happy.

👍

Bazooka said:If I had to guess, Caine and Pizdek seem to be the luckiest ones 😍

Btw—don't go grouping Caine in with the unfortunate Pizdek... Caine is a real man 🙂

Bazooka said:If I had to guess, Caine and Pizdek seem to have it the easiest 😍

We'll see—I actually enabled the option to show how everyone voted... there's no point in all this hallway gossip and guesswork. Let's just get the facts out there. Of course, that assumes everyone is being honest, though I'd like to think honesty is usually the best policy 😉

that question is pretty straightforward 🙂

Zachary Mendoza17 said:...so when you crunch all the numbers, it’s pretty obvious that Che Guerrilla just can't stand UFC...😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

🙂 I respect everyone's take—and like I said before, I actually think UFC has finally breathed life back into combat sports 👍 which, in certain instances, had basically turned into "ballet" because of all those constant rule changes😢

swiftsurfer80 said:.

UFC is a sport. And honestly, that’s a good thing.

Exactly 👍—they really ought to lean into that competitive spirit more...🙂