I’m currently hanging out at the Bujinkan dojo here in Washington, D.C. Before I head to sleep, I’m getting some training in with both Sensei Nicholas and Sensei Mike.
Mark Wilson39 said:I’m satisfied with where we landed, but you hit the nail on the head. It was a basic question to start with, because the reality of this topic is much more complex. There are countless nuances and fine details to consider. I have to say, I’ve spent quite a bit of time training in Aikido, jiu-jitsu, Taekwondo, and pretty much everything else you can think of. Right now, I am focusing on Karate, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. My instructor is truly top-tier—a legitimate 6th-degree black belt who constantly pushes us to think creatively. That kind of ingenuity is absolutely vital in martial arts. To be blunt, I believe you need to wander around and try different disciplines before you finally settle down in a specific style or a permanent dojo. Exploring different paths broadens your perspective. It really does have a positive impact on every aspect of who you are as a person. Regardless, it’s a genuinely great question and a solid topic to dive into. Kudos on bringing this up.
Where do you train karate? Maybe check with Sensei Nicholas?
I'm no expert when it comes to wrestling, but if you have any interest in picking up judo, I can definitely recommend the Student Judo Club over on Grip Street.
When it comes to dropping weight, boxing is definitely a solid way to go. As for combat skills, is there anything else you're looking to pick up besides weight loss? Ground fighting, striking with hands or feet, submissions, weapons?
Given your body mass, combining boxing with wrestling would be a really effective strategy.
It’s expensive. Period. We do three two-hour training sessions a week and we pay $67.
I know the gym scene in a city like Chicago is pricey, but prices have definitely started creeping up. It’s happening because the instructors have gotten a little greedy.
There isn't a single famous school out there. And there are plenty of those smaller ones. While we're on the subject, did Aikido ever make an appearance here in the States?
Jonathan Johnson67 said:Does anyone know where I can pick up a higher-quality stick (BO - 180 cm)? Roughly how much would that cost?
If you head down to a local hardware store, you can just buy some wood. Grab a couple of two-meter pieces, find a sturdy tree, and give them a good beating. Whichever one survives the torture is your new BO.
Gerald Smith76 said:They sell combat sports gear; check the website, they have price lists and everything... I was actually at the gym yesterday looking at the price list, but I ended up staring at the groin guards instead... might need them. Anyone have experience or advice? 🙂
Regarding groin guards, it really comes down to how hard you're getting hit and how often. You can get the hard cups that actually stop an impact dead, or the softer ones meant more for accidental bumps.
P.S. I've heard from several guys who do heavy sparring that some use them regularly, since that's usually the first place people aim when they throw a kick.
- Man, if you can find a local gym, I’d highly recommend looking into Kyokushin. It’s easily the most realistic and full-contact style of karate out there.
A good friend of mine used to train Kyokushin Kai, and he absolutely loved it. Personally, I think these guys focus more than any other karate practitioners on executing strikes properly and realistically. Their training is incredibly grueling, too. They are built to take a serious amount of punishment.
The only real drawback with karate is that they mostly just focus on striking. P.S. Here is a link for you www.kyokushinkai.com
Jeffrey Long said:How physically fit does someone need to be before starting martial arts? I'm specifically looking at Jiu-Jitsu or something similar, but I'm not sure if I need to be in peak condition first. I'm a bit more on the heavier side 😁, but I can still knock out 30 to 40 push-ups, and I'm pretty flexible! Thanks 🙂
Go ahead and start training. It’ll take about a month for your body to adjust to the movement, and then you'll be fine.
Jonathan Johnson67 said:You can always drop by and check out a training session there.
The Bujinkan practice Kenjutsu. Some of our local schools have their own specific styles of Kenjutsu, though I can't pinpoint the exact ones off the top of my head right now.
And since everyone seems so eager to chat, why don't you all just head over to the DMs and tell the gentleman who started this thread what's on your mind? I'm closing this one down now.
coppermarlin6 said:This is celebrity worship in its worst form. It happens when followers don't actually know the person they admire, so they just build up this myth from a distance. Get to know the man better and you'll see exactly what I mean.
If I were allowed, I’d gladly show you the contracts these fighters have signed with the gentleman. They are completely one-sided. The club and the boss basically have zero obligations to the fighter, other than taking his money. These deals get signed without anyone even reading them, under circumstances I won't even bother to list. Besides, I've already said too much.
Anyone who signs a contract for anything without reading it deserves to regret it for the rest of their life. That kind of person is a complete idiot. At the end of the day, they only have themselves to blame.