Posts by placidbison20

Kate Ramos3 said:I am curious to know where one might find kickboxing studios throughout all of Chicago...

http://www.profightstore.com/directory...=Kick%20Boxing

rustyangler02 said:Here’s the deal: A long-time friend and training partner of mine just moved to the city, and now he’s hunting for a new club to pick up where he left off with martial arts.

I jumped at the chance to help him out. After spending a few years hanging around this forum, I feel like I have a decent handle on the local scene and what might actually fit his vibe. We’re talking about a guy in his 40s, a combat veteran, who isn't looking to step into a ring for competition. He’s in great shape and has nearly a decade of kickboxing under his belt.

From our chats, I can tell he wants to level up his existing skills. Since he also has an interest in grappling, I’m definitely not going to point him toward another stand-up striking school.

My first thoughts are MMA, since it’s the most well-rounded option, or maybe Ninjutsu for that complete warrior skillset. I’m also considering Kyokushin Karate or BJJ—though, from what I hear, those guys mostly take on new students at the start of the season.

Regarding MMA clubs, these come to mind:
UFK Dubrava, UFK Trešnjevka, and Kajzerica (which seems like the best bet since the guy lives over in Lanište).

For Ninjutsu, there’s Bujinkan and the club that > comes from (not sure where they're located).

Finally, there's the Kyokushin club where > trains, though I don't know their location either.

If anyone here belongs to these clubs, could you please drop your location and a contact number? Also, let me know what you think about someone with his background joining your crew. Specifically, do you guys welcome "hobbyists," or is the focus strictly on competitive athletes and kids?

www.bujinkan.com

I don't want to sound blunt, but in my experience, everyone over 30 who starts training here tends to drop out pretty quickly.

Nicholas King said:So, what's the point? ☕

Nobody is out there screaming, "Let's punish the mods, damn everything about America and the English language!" It’s just not happening. So why is it treated like an impossibility to simply point out that some unpunished moderator posts are clearly breaking the rules?

Is it really necessary to show?
Of course they exist. It’s just like those user posts that get flagged but never actually face any consequences.

Timothy Castillo6 said:Forget about anything happening in America!
You can get your damage payouts and helmet claims sorted out without any drama at all.
I’m actually in the middle of a legal fight with USA/Ford Motor Company over an accident (not me personally, but my client)! 👎

I've been with State Farm for a long time. I've had a few small payouts for both comprehensive and collision, and there have never been any problems.

Also, when I was transferring the paperwork for my motorcycle, the insurance policy somehow got lost in the shuffle. They sorted it out incredibly fast. They really went out of their way to help, even though the policy was only worth a couple hundred bucks.

Taylor Fowler5 said:I’m working an 8-to-4 shift at the office. Honestly, it’s constant psychological warfare—people just riding my nerves all day—and I can't even take a quick break to step out for a second. By the time I get home, if my wife gives me even a slightly off look, I just... snap. I guess you could say I’ve been feeling incredibly high-strung lately.
I need a way to blow off steam, maybe some kind of outlet to just vent all this built-up energy. What would you guys suggest?
I wouldn't call myself an athlete, and I'm definitely not in peak physical condition...
Something maybe twice a week to just let it all out. I was thinking about martial arts, but I’m open to other ideas, too.😉

Using exercise just to manage stress isn't quite enough motivation to stick with martial arts long-term. You should try to find a style that actually interests you; once you enjoy the craft, you'll find plenty of other reasons to keep showing up.

Are you more interested in striking and footwork, or would you prefer grappling, throws, and ground work?

neonotter18 said:Anyone around here currently training Wing Chun, and if so, what’s the actual vibe like? I’m curious about how the techniques hold up in practice.
I know it’s hardly a definitive metric, but I still find myself wanting to ask—how effective is that skill actually when you're out on the street? I'd love to hear some thoughts or real-world perspectives on this.

If you're looking to pick up practical self-defense skills quickly for the streets, Wing Chun isn't the path for you.

Chloe Hughes2 said:I wasn't quite sure where to direct this question, so I figured I'd just ask here, assuming nobody minds 😁

Here's the deal; are you allowed to use strikes from something like karate in Muay Thai, kickboxing, or similar stand-up combat sports (assuming they aren't strictly prohibited, like elbows in certain kickboxing leagues), or are the strikes required to follow specific "official" technical rules?

Which exact strikes are you talking about?
Anything that follows the rulebook is fair game.
As for how you actually execute the strike itself, that’s entirely up to you...

I’m leaving these posts right here as a response to the questions from our new members. If you want to keep the conversation going, head over to the Wing Chun thread.

Please keep the chat and spam out of this. Just stick to questions and direct answers.

For the first one, you already know where to go...

boldscout7 said:Beijing —from August 18th to the 23rd, Beijing hosted the 6th World Shito-ryu Karate Championships. Twenty-six different national teams showed up, including our very own American team representing the Shito-ryu Federation of America. Our lineup included Bruno Katavic (boys 9-10) competing in both kata and kumite, Klara Katavic (girls 11-12) in kata and kumite, Igor Vukovic (senior -75 and open categories) in kumite, and Emir Pretnar (men's) in kata. We saw some solid results, bringing home one podium finish. Klara Katavic secured 3rd place and a bronze medal in kata. Igor Vukovic made it to the 1/16 finals in both his categories, and Emir Pretnar also reached the 1/16 finals in kata. Considering this was the first time for everyone on the team, and seeing as some other countries brought crews of over 50 people, it was a massive success.
We also have to mention that the Shito-ryu Federation of America received a major honor from the top brass at the World Shotokan Karate Federation (W.S.K.F.). Our national coach and technical mentor, Jun Shihan Bogdan Lipic, 6° Dan, was appointed as the W.S.K.F. representative for Europe. That is easily one of the highest honors or positions anyone can hold within the W.S.K.F.
While we were in Beijing, we were even hosted by the American consul. We received recognition from the American embassy for representing our country with such dignity and class during the competition.
The next World Championships will be held in Japan in three years. Our team is already looking toward starting a new training cycle to build on this success and aim even higher next time.

Anyone got any footage?
Post something on YouTube so we can check it out...

Lisa Bailey41 said:Can you train Krav Maga if you're under 18?

I think 16 is usually the cutoff for those types of martial arts where age limits actually apply.

briskmarlin59 said:Where can I find a decent Krav Maga club in the city?

There were two options at the trade show. I don't have their exact contact info handy, but someone will likely drop a recommendation in here soon.

Please direct these kinds of inquiries to the main "Information—You Ask..." thread.

neonranger said:Hey everyone.
I’m looking for some insight from anyone involved in the martial arts community.
I want to pick up a discipline, but I have zero interest in going pro or competing at any serious level.
I'm 26, and my main goal is to work on breath control and better physical coordination...
Personally, I tend to jump to conclusions too quickly and struggle with hyperactivity, so I'm hoping to find something that teaches me how to stay centered and find a bit of balance.
Is there a specific style or discipline you'd suggest for someone like me? Since I'm based in Los Angeles, any local gym recommendations would be appreciated too.
Thanks.

Since it sounds like the combat aspect isn't your top priority—and you mentioned wanting something akin to meditation—Aikido seems like a solid choice for you.

There are a few people from the LA area who train Aikido, so maybe they can chime in with some details about local clubs.

If Aikido doesn't grab you, Judo is another good option, provided you find a club that welcomes recreational students.

ambercrane32 said:Does anyone know if there are any other ninjutsu clubs in Washington, D.C. besides Boise and Caterpillar? Someone mentioned there’s definitely another one out there somewhere, but I can't seem to find a single scrap of info on it.

There is actually a dedicated ninjutsu thread where people have discussed this extensively. I am going to close this topic, so feel free to move over there.

There is also a Genbukan dojo in Washington, D.C.

Casey Wilson2 said:Hello everyone. I am 21 years old (m) and I have recently developed a profound interest in Judo. After observing the people around me and seeking guidance, almost all the advice I receive points toward the Mladost Judo Club over in the Jarun area of the city. Since I am an absolute novice when it comes to Judo, I am truly curious about where I might find the highest quality instruction in town and whether Mladost is considered a top-tier club. For what it's worth—though I'm not sure if it matters at all—I stand 5'11" and weigh around 185–200 lbs. Also, once you actually start training, is it necessary to have a gi ready and waiting for that very first session, or can that wait? While researching Judo, I stumbled upon a vast array of blogs, comments, and posts debating whether one should practice Judo strictly as a competitive sport or as a martial art. I am genuinely interested in understanding the fundamental difference between the two, and I wonder if there is anyone in the greater metropolitan area who teaches Judo purely as a martial art rather than a sport.
I am also quite curious to hear your perspectives regarding my age and what kind of success one might realistically achieve in Judo, because several people have already told me that I am far too old to ever truly master the craft. Regardless of whatever response you might offer, I fully intend to begin my training regardless; the more I read about Judo, the more deeply invested I become, and I have developed a genuine desire to refine these skills. Thank you for your replies.

I think you’ll need a gi pretty quickly, if not immediately.
You aren't too old for recreational martial arts, but competing at a high level is a different story.

Either way, go check out at least two different clubs so you can get a better sense of the landscape.

rustyangler02 said:I thought that previous post was pretty funny 🙂

Interval training 🤷 isn't really my specialty... but try digging up that 'Training' thread where I started pulling info from Koryua—he knows his stuff. I bet he has something to say about it.

You could also just shoot him a DM or check the Ninjutsu thread; he's been active there lately.

He really knows his way around these topics. It's pretty much his specialty.

Bradley Morales33 said:Good afternoon

I tried Googling this first, but I couldn't find anything concrete. Are there any clubs in San Francisco that teach any of these martial arts?

I know about Jiu-Jitsu, but what about the others mentioned? Is there any actual plan to open a Krav Maga school? I heard some rumors floating around...

Thanks

You can find Microsoft Thai training at some underground gyms over at Pitbull. There's also a kickboxing club near Central Park.

As for Ninjutsu or Krav Maga, I don't think there are any plans on the horizon.

P.S. No need to start a new thread for every single question.
Just check the "General Info..." megathread and ask there.

If you all want to argue, please take it to the chat spam...

Honestly, you all are a bit too overcomplicated for my taste.

I can't quite tell if you're being serious or just kidding around here.🙂