Posts by darkgardener4

Keith Davis96 said:Well, I’m based here in the big city. I took a look at that link, and one particular club caught my eye—the Elka-Maksimir group (they're located near the Maksimir area and go by the name Elka). What I am really searching for is traditional training; I want that authentic, old-school Kyokushin approach. Does anyone happen to know just how traditional their curriculum actually is? If nobody is certain, I can easily head down there myself to ask around and get some clarity.

Another thing I was wondering about is whether there are any other clubs out there that aren't listed on the official federation website? Perhaps someone here knows of some off-the-grid clubs?

First off—define what "traditional approach" actually means to you? It’ll make it easier to give you a straight answer.
As for that Elka-Maksimir spot, I'm not totally sure about their senior numbers—not that I know how old you are or anything—but sometimes they have a decent crowd, though who knows what the vibe is like lately...
Then there's our club, Sosai, over on Selska. We've got a pretty big group in the "main" division, so feel free to drop in and check us out.....
There’s also a branch of the Dugo Selo Kyokushin club (same instructor) over at the elementary school on Zvijezda, so see what works best for you—though they're done for this season; they start back up in September.

As far as I know, there isn't anything else left in the city for Kyokushin...

hiddensailor14 said:Why would you recommend a karate club if she wasn't even feeling the Taekwondo vibe?🤷>

With all due respect, Kyokushin isn't even close to TKD—not even in the same ballpark.

Brandon Price6 said:Which part of the city are you in?
I don't think Escrima would really be your thing. It doesn't quite cover everything you're looking for.

- There's Ninjutsu—standing combat, ground work, weapons (knives, swords, various sticks, chain weapons...). The ground fighting is different; it isn't your typical "wrestling." There aren't competitions, and it isn't an "organized sport."
- Israeli military systems: Krav Maga and Defense Survival Jiu-Jitsu (Hissardut). For "civilians," the main focus is effective self-defense; they aim for maximum realism, and the training sessions can be pretty demanding. While standing combat and basic throws (with or without weapons) are the main draw, they do other things too. DSJJ actually has specific competitions that are very similar to ancient Pankration. Classes are often full, though, so there might not be space. There's a Krav Maga seminar coming up soon—check the Bulletin Board if you want to go take a look. I think the topic is women's self-defense. DSJJ is similar. Some clubs have their own gyms or do extra work with kettlebells.
- MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). This provides an excellent foundation for unarmed combat, regardless of your position. They practice boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu... It’s a true sport. Very well organized. How intense it gets really depends on how much you put into it. There are competitions, and most clubs include gym facilities.
- Others (certain Kung Fu styles, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo...) I wouldn't really recommend those.

If you're interested in Kyokushin, we're over in the Trevo district on Kucherova. There are plenty of women/girls (including a few beginners now), so if you want more info, just shoot me a DM.🙂

rowdybison12 said:hey, just wondering if there's any kyokushin karate clubs over in Los Angeles

Closest thing would be in San Diego....

Jeremy Evans80 said:I was already too old to start anything by the time I hit college enrollment.

I've been into martial arts since I was a kid... so I've always regretted starting this late.

But who knows? If they'd signed me up as a kid, maybe I wouldn't even be feeling it now.
I know kids often get a massive aversion to whatever their parents force them into.

That's total nonsense—whoever told you that you were "too old" in high school clearly doesn't know anything. They probably just wanted to exploit some kids to rack up trophies and practice their special moves or whatever.

You didn't start late—what the hell, 22 isn't even old!!

And regarding that last point, you might have a case. Kids hit puberty and bail on training, but it's not always because they're rebelling against their parents—usually, it's just because their hormones are wrecking them.
Otherwise, for those who actually stick with it, those teen years are prime time for martial arts. They really "bloom" in a fighting sense during those years. I was watching this kid train the other day—he's been at it for a few years now and you can seriously see the progress. There’s definitely hope for him to grow into a solid fighter and technician if he stays consistent; it's just a shame his friends are such slackers that they might pull him away.

Rebecca Smith4 said:🤣

😛

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

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!

Rebecca Smith4 said:Yes. 😬
I actually live out that way, I suppose...

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

Rebecca Smith4 said: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.

which demo? the one out in the suburbs or what??

Speaking from experience—Kyokushin karate is brutal. There's a club called Sosai over in the Trešnjevka neighborhood—basically the Cibona Fitness Center (you enter off F. Andraševa)—they run sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:15 PM. You can always hit the weight room afterward if you’re feeling it...
but if you're just looking to drop some pounds, why bother with martial arts?? if you actually want to learn something, then that's a whole different story. Kyokushin will definitely kick your ass while teaching you stuff at the same time...
Just come by and check it out—see if the vibe works for you...

mistypanther322 said:Yesterday I was over at A.G. Matoš for some Kyokushin training, but honestly, it’s just a revolving door of belts at this point—and I'm already twenty-one. While I was there, some woman mentioned there’s a Jiu-Jitsu class held over on the fourth floor. Does anyone actually know the exact location of that?

It’s only been like that for the last two years because that massive group just randomly fell apart. Now you’ve got people drifting in and out—a few big names still train, but mostly it's just hobbyists.

Dugo Selo is actually solid. Until another big crew forms up in downtown Chicago, I’d recommend D.S., though it’s probably a trek for you.

Check out the local sports complex—about six months ago, the "Sosai" club opened up there with one of our top fighters. They run sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM. Use the Rost Sport entrance; they have adult classes too. For more details, hit up