Posts by Megan White4

Actually, the original purpose of hakama was leg protection. Later on, they became a way to identify samurai—since they were the only ones heading into battle on horseback, wearing hakama helped distinguish them from standard infantry if they ever lost their mounts. There’s also the detail that hakama feature seven pleats, which symbolize the seven virtues of a warrior (sources vary on the specific list, but it's usually things like justice, courage, and humility). There are three different types of hakama, though that isn't particularly relevant here.

Buy some gear 😁

🙄

🙂

the wild beast said:I'm 18 years old and I want to start training either Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai, but I don't know where to begin or which one is better. I think Jiu-Jitsu might suit me more. Would I progress faster with a private coach? Let me know.

Try both. You really should attend a trial class at a few different gyms to see which environment and style actually click with you...

placidbison20 said:Regarding weight loss, boxing is definitely a solid option.

I'm with you on this. You could perhaps pair it with some kind of weight training at a gym... but if the sole objective is shedding pounds, then cycling, jogging, or any form of consistent, vigorous physical activity would likely be perfectly sufficient. Of course, it all boils down to personal preference.

Gerald Smith76 said:That isn't really classic jiujitsu. Classic jiujitsu is either outdated or has been twisted into a competitive sport.
You have Shotokan, various old-school wrestling styles, or even modern MMA gyms out there...

In America, calling it "jiu-jitsu" is a bit like how people use the term "kung fu" in China—it’s just a broad label for fighting arts. I wouldn't go so far as to say jiujitsu is obsolete; there are still traditional lineages (ryu) that have survived for centuries. They might not be as widespread as they once were, or certain schools may have closed their doors, but labeling an entire discipline as "outdated"... well, I'm not so sure about that. 🤔

Aikido, Shotokan, Heaven-style systems, and so on... the list goes on forever.

Jonathan Johnson67 said:I’d say prices for a 1v1 session with a pro are roughly around $33 an hour. Though, they don't host many of those.

I suppose it really comes down to the individual instructor and their specific skill level... but that’s beside the point right now.

So, $83 a monthly rate would be somewhat acceptable if we're looking at two sessions a week—actually, three sessions a week would be perfectly reasonable.

Melissa Williams25 said:Is $83 a month for karate training expensive, or just an average price?

$67 That would be a monthly average, so it could certainly be more or less...

The real question is how many sessions there are per week. For two 90-minute sessions a week, $67 it’s somewhat reasonable ($8.25 per session). $300 would be pushing it, and $400 is definitely overkill ($17 per session)... It’s fairly simple math.

🤔

I have a genuine fear of falling. It’s perfectly normal if I’m on the 20th floor of a skyscraper with a sturdy railing. But if I’m just a foot off the ground on a ladder without anything to hold onto? Well... 😲

www.phobialist.com

Pay her the full settlement from Medicare, launch a formal investigation, and then fire—and criminally prosecute—those responsible for such gross incompetence.

Jamie Fowler2 said:Not a chance.

🙄 ....

Jamie Fowler2 said:Aikido isn't Shaolin or Karate. You won't move forward without understanding.

You won't make progress in Karate without understanding either. Or in any other skill, for that matter. 🙄

Jamie Fowler2 said:If you don't know anything, why the hell are you even training?

I’ll know when I hit enlightenment. Until then, it's hard work. After that? It's still hard work.

😁 😛

I’m certainly no expert... I just show up to train... 😁

Jamie Fowler2 said:... aiki fruit, ....

🙂

And wouldn't you say Xing Yi is an internal art as well? 🤔

Tyler Edwards53 said:Uechi-ryu is classified as an "internal" martial art because its core focus is on utilizing internal Chi energy during combat. Another defining feature is the breathing technique. You expel excess air while making a very specific sound...

That sounds quite similar to Shin-shin toitsu aikido, given the heavy emphasis on Ki (chi) and those specialized breathing exercises—where you also release air with a distinct sound. Of course, the actual techniques themselves are entirely different. 🤔

🤔 Does anyone here train at the College of Kinesiology? I think I spotted some karate practitioners there on Fridays...

Tyler Edwards53 said:If you're looking to train Tai Chi Chuan, check out the website www.uechi-ryu.com

Did you mean www.uechi-ryu.com?

By the way, Tyler Edwards53, do you actually practice this? I noticed their logo is your avatar. How does it differ from other karate styles?

Brandon Carter2 said:There’s a company based out of a small town in the Midwest that handles gym equipment setup—I believe it's www.special.hr. They offer discounts for local clubs and they handle all the shipping.

Thanks.... 👍

Jonathan Johnson67 said:Does anyone know where I could pick up a higher-quality staff (around 180 cm)?
Roughly how much would that run me?

Unfortunately, I haven't a clue.... I ended up picking mine up at a local flea market (it was a rake handle; a bit lightweight, but it gets the job done). Your best bet might be checking a flea market, provided they actually carry anything that long... 🤔

Question:
Just looking for some info... Does anyone know what the current going rate is for new tatami mats? I know Kwon carries a few different varieties, so if anyone happens to have a price list handy, that would be great. Also, does anyone else sell them? 🤔

Roger Smith6 said:I have a question—might be a bit off-topic, though perhaps not quite.

It’s a little off-topic, but I'll give you an answer....

Roger Smith6 said:So: has anyone seen Star Wars Episode IV? The very first one (the start of the original trilogy)? Do you remember Darth Maul and that double-ended lightsaber of his? Well: what kind of skill is that? That staff fighting technique—what is it actually called?

Ray Park, who played the role, is a Wu Shu master, so he certainly brought that expertise to the screen. That said, the actual combat style is largely choreographed, much like most other films in the franchise)....

Melissa Williams25 said:So, I want to get into martial arts, but I have no clue what to pick, where to go, or how to actually start training...
Basically, I'm interested in karate (I'm not sure if there are different styles I should specify since I don't know much about it), and I've been looking at some clubs online, but it seems like they mostly just take kids?
If anyone knows where an older beginner—I'm 21—can start training, please point me in the right direction. 🙂
Thanks.

I’m no karate expert, but I’ll try to help out...

Since you didn't mention where you're located, it's hard to be specific. However, if you're in a major city like New York or Chicago, finding a dojo shouldn't be an issue. You'll just need to reach out to them directly to see if they offer adult beginner classes or if they strictly focus on children.

Just so you know, there are several styles of karate, such as Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Kyokushinkai, though you probably don't need to stress over the technicalities right away. Most clubs tend to teach Shotokan, though you might find others practicing different styles.

Hope that helps a little...

This thread is for anyone looking to get into martial arts but feeling lost regarding the what, where, when, or how. If you have specific questions about gym locations, different disciplines, training schedules, tournaments, or seminars, please feel free to ask.

I’d ask my fellow members to keep things concise here—please stick to answering the questions asked rather than veering into long-winded debates.