Posts by Rebecca Smith4

~Sean Chavez~ said:
I started from the beginning, so I didn't really find anything specific. 😁 Then I tried starting from the end, and maybe I found something there.
Thanks.😉

Anyway, don't worry, I'm not one of those delicate girls who cries because she "broke a nail."
To be honest, I barely have any nails left. But, well, that’s beside the point. 😁

Also, if you don't mind me asking... I read that Muay Thai is mostly for the ring. I suppose I need something that might actually be useful on the street. Something effective.
From what I gather, that would be Krav Maga, right? 🙂

Yeah. You know two.
I suspect Krav Maga might be more your speed.

www.profightstore.com -> address

Since you're mostly a house tiger, I'll leave it to you to provide the expert diagnosis.
😉

Does it really have to be from there? We have plenty of local sites here...

www.pride.hr
www.keikotwins.com
www.profightstore.com

I’ve bought stuff from Pride before, though I haven't actually placed an order through them.
PFS handles shipping pretty fast—I live just outside of Chicago, and they had my gear delivered by the next day.
I haven't picked anything up from Keiko yet, but I suppose their kimonos look pretty high-end...

darkgardener4 said:That’s nonsense. Whoever told you that starting in high school was too late clearly doesn't know what they're talking about. It sounds like they just care about using kids to collect trophies and practice their little special moves.

You didn't start too late. I guess twenty-two isn't exactly old.

As for your last point, you might have a case there. Kids hit puberty and quit training, but it isn't always because they lack resilience—sometimes it's just because hormones take over.
For those who actually stick with it, though, the teenage years are a great time for martial arts. They really seem to "bloom" in a combat sense during those years. I was watching a kid train the other day who's been at it for a few years now, and the progress is actually visible. There is definitely hope for him to become a solid fighter and technician if he stays. I suppose my only concern is his friend group; they seem a bit unmotivated, so it would be a shame if they pulled him away.

And listen... I was too old.
Now, I am not.
I guess I've just regressed to a child.
👍

Regarding that idea that "adults forced me into this, so I'm quitting," there are examples of that outside of martial arts.
For instance, I know people who graduated from top music conservatories and never picked up an instrument again. Just an observation.
Or maybe I am only saying this because I regret not starting sooner.
😂

Before I finally enrolled in college, I was getting on in years and felt I needed to start something new.
It turned out the university's Wing Chun club was my saving grace during PE class.
After just a few sessions, I found myself hooked, and I haven't stopped training since.
That isn't really why I keep at it, though.
It was merely the catalyst.

So, why do I train?
Rickson Gracie put it well in his book "Choke."
Techniques are fine, but the true "art" in martial arts is that sense of movement—reading your opponent, maintaining balance, and utilizing refined sensitivity to transition from one technique or position to another without even having to think about it.
That is what truly fascinates me.
The secondary benefits are nice, too:
- It provides physical activity that doesn't feel as repetitive as a standard gym routine (which I need anyway, given my somewhat endomorphic genetics).
- A solid community of people.
- The potential utility for self-defense, should the need ever arise.

I have been interested in combat sports since I was a kid, so I suppose I've always regretted starting this late.
But who knows? If I had been signed up as a child, maybe I wouldn't even be enjoying it now.
I know how kids can develop a resentment toward whatever their parents force them into.

darkgardener4 said:aaaaaaa, you're going because there's "no choice" at Selu... oh no, I'm gonna go tell my sensei, haha😂 😂😂
the real answer should've been: I'm going because I want to train Kyokushin, and god forbid there's actually something decent at Selu since options are so limited, ha
.....jk, I would never snitch on you... just train whatever you feel like!

😂

That’s essentially why I didn't train at all before, and why I haven't picked up where I left off with my old routine back in the city. I guess that's just how it was.
I have to admit, I held some prejudices regarding karate. Maybe I was wrong.
I suppose I have a few more.
It’s a bit more intense, I suppose. Maybe less so for Kyokushin, though—it feels slightly different there.
All of this just gives me more reason to leave. I suppose I might try to convince the good ones to stay and talk some sense into the bad ones. Maybe.
😬

I suppose I am looking forward to it. Maybe.
I was planning to head out sometime this fall, but... college happens.

darkgardener4 said:aaaaa so you "live" there instead of actually training Kyokushin? shame on you.🙂 🤣

🤣

😛

I’m planning to head out once the semester wraps up.
I think I’ve already heard from my mentor, Mr. Ban.

Getting into the city for training is quite a chore since I don't have a car. Between the bus, the train, and all the waiting, I end up losing about five hours per session. That seems like a bit much while I'm still in college.
There isn't much variety here in this small town...
Just some Taekwondo for the kids and Kyokushin.
We'll see, I guess.
😁 -> 😬 most likely

darkgardener4 said:which demo? the one out in the suburbs or what??

Yes. 😬
I actually live out that way, I suppose...

Ryan Fowler6 said:Moving slightly off-topic here...

Kyokushinkai is typically translated as the "society of ultimate truth," which I suppose sounds just as cryptic to an American as it does to anyone else in the West... But, it really is exactly what you described: there aren't any shortcuts or hidden mysteries, just endless, punishing work. To my mind, that might be the actual "secret" behind martial arts—that final truth—which probably applies to pretty much any discipline, if you think about it...

Yeah, I am fairly certain that's gone.
Actually, there is something about that in this .pdf.

Samuel Morales said:Oh, wow, alright then. You definitely caught my attention. 😉
I'll probably hit you up in a DM soon, I guess. 👋

A lot of people seem to have this impression that everyone involved in martial arts started back in elementary school, so they all assume everyone is older.
That was my case for quite a while (I'm 22 now).
But a good portion of people start "later" in life.
Besides, some styles just aren't meant for kids.

I actually caught a Kyokushin demonstration the other day.
Those people are pretty intense.
😬

I realize trying to study every aspect of ring combat all at once might be a bit much without any prior experience in a specific discipline, but maybe it's worth it.

Samuel Morales said:Hey guys, got a quick question. I'm 22 and I've basically lived in the gym my whole life—I'm pretty strong and coordinated, but honestly, my flexibility is kind of non-existent. 😁 Basically, because of some dumb decisions I made, I stopped doing sports seriously, so now I just hit the weight room to keep my cardio and muscle definition somewhat decent. 😢 I'm slammed with stuff right now, but starting next February, things clear up for me, so I want to start training some kind of combat sport recreationally. So, what would you recommend, and is this even doable? I really want the training to be hardcore—like, the more intense, the better—around 3 to 5 times a week, and I’d prefer something where strength plays a big role alongside technique. 😁 Obviously, I don't have any competitive ambitions or anything, and I've zero experience with martial arts. Also, two big questions: where and how should I go about this?

btw I'm from Chicago 😉

My suggestion would be MMA.
It lets you test out a bit of everything.
I think it's important to get a feel for all aspects of fighting first.
If you enjoy it, great.
If not, maybe you can focus on a specific part, like Muay Thai, wrestling, or BJJ.
Reach out to the user Robin Palmer3.
He runs what is probably the most successful gym in the region.
Everyone I know who has trained there seems very satisfied.
👍

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.

Where do I even start?
:///

I once took a hit right to my unit and two (car parts).
I've been dealing with various lingering issues from it for years now.
In a few days, I'm heading in for surgery.

I just want a fast recovery, man!

Robin Palmer3 said:Out of my five fighters, four secured wins by stoppage 👍
while one was disqualified after playing around too much with his opponent and eventually landing an illegal strike that knocked out the guy's teeth.👎

wow.
Kudos to both the club and the fighters, I guess.
🙏

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.
😉

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?

hiddensailor14 said:Are you actually certain that knife is "functional"? I wonder if it isn't just some cheap imitation meant for display purposes only. I suppose there is always the risk that the blade might snap or the handle simply comes loose in your hand.😉

Decorative weapons mostly just feature a thin metal rod running through the handle, so I suppose it’s more likely the blade will simply fly off than the thing actually snapping in half.
It seems like, once in a while, someone actually manages to pull off something decent around here.
It isn't strictly necessary for cutting or making contact, though I suppose it could be useful for Kate or Nesta.
That movie linked over on Replika is legendary, I guess.
XD

quietcobra2 said:I recently decided to fulfill a long-standing wish to own what I consider to be the most beautiful katana ever made.

After a bit of searching, I came across www.replikart.com, which seems to offer some very nice examples.

One in particular caught my eye:

as well as

and

I would appreciate a few opinions regarding the quality and any experiences you might have buying from Replikart. The sword will strictly be for display purposes, given that I have spent far too much time on an operating table in the past.🙂

Thanks in advance for any advice.

😲😲

If it's just for decor, money isn't really the issue.

A few people on here have bought katanas from Replikart before, though they were mostly the cheaper models intended for training.
As far as I know, they were satisfied.

And if you are looking at it for decoration, I suppose you already know which one looks best to you.
Since these are relatively expensive pieces, I doubt any of them are poor quality.

Maybe the ninjas will tell you more if they decide to show up.

(My apologies for making this my third consecutive post, but my colleague just sent over the updated schedule.
I am not entirely sure if it shows as a new post when I edit an existing one to add more information.
While we are on the subject, I suppose I am not certain if editing is even permitted on this forum.>


Women's Muay Thai in Suburbia (Saturdays):

Mondays, 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM: Advanced classes
Wednesdays and Fridays, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: All levels

The membership fee is $33.
There is no requirement to be a student.
Just print out the registration form from www.suburbia-fitness.com, pack your sneakers, shorts, and a T-shirt in a bag, and you should be set.
That seems sufficient enough for starters, I guess.
Of course, you might want to try a few training sessions before officially signing up and paying the membership fee.

placidbison20 said:I believe they accept people even if they aren't students.

Yeah, they do.

I heard somewhere that the enrollment numbers might rise this year for $33.
At least, that’s what I gathered.

The main issue with Saturdays is just the crowd.
I’m not sure if it’s quite as bad in the women's classes, but they probably have to cap the men's sessions because so many people try to sign up every single year.