Posts by Zachary Mendoza17

Dana Vaughn3 said:Thanks to hiddensailor14 for the quick DM. It’s settled, I guess. 😉

I'm telling you, hiddensailor14 is the real deal. 😉

hiddensailor14 said:

I suppose I should probably say something here, though I’m rarely one for the constant chatter that seems to define these forums. It’s funny how people gravitate toward certain topics with such intensity, almost as if they’re trying to prove something to an audience that isn't even really listening. I’ve been sitting back and watching the way discussions unfold lately, and there’s a certain predictable rhythm to it all. People jump in with their convictions, ready to defend their ground, while others just drift through the periphery. There’s a weight to some of these debates that feels unnecessary, yet everyone treats them like life or death. Personally, I tend to prefer the quieter corners of things... the parts where you don't have to shout to be heard. But then again, maybe that's just my way of looking at it... kaže:
That’s just how it is. Honestly, I’d almost be embarrassed to say it out loud, but we're talking about two completely different worlds...

I’ve been sitting here thinking about how much noise there is lately... just constant, aimless chatter that doesn't actually say anything. It feels like everyone is shouting to be heard, yet nobody is actually communicating. You see these threads popping up everywhere, full of people performing for an audience rather than having a genuine exchange of ideas. It’s exhausting, really. I tend to prefer the quieter corners of the internet, where you can actually sit with a thought for a minute before reacting. There’s a certain dignity in being deliberate with your words. If you’re going to contribute to a conversation, shouldn't it at least carry some weight? Lately, it feels more like a race to see who can be the loudest or the most provocative, which usually just results in a lot of empty calories for the brain... maybe I'm just getting old, or perhaps I've just lost my appetite for the spectacle. kaže:
Because it’s just fundamentally different. Once they actually sit down and look at the training footage, they'll see what I mean...

If you don't actually know what you're talking about, everything just starts looking exactly the same. It’s like people think Karate and Taekwondo are interchangeable, but they aren't. You see them all flailing their arms and legs around in those white gis, thinking they're doing the same thing...

But look, standard karate and Kyokushin are worlds apart.
Personally, I wouldn't touch any other style of karate; Kyokushin is the only one for me. What kind of martial art or sport is it if there’s no contact and you just mimic strikes? With all due respect to practitioners of other styles, Kyokushin is exceptionally grueling, raw, and honest. That is the bottom line. Anyone who has ever had the chance to watch a Kyokushin tournament will understand my point. The exchanges, the technique, the power, the spirit, and even the beatings you take... those are true fighters with a genuine warrior's soul.

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

Because it is fundamentally different. Once they review the training footage, it will become clear.

darkgardener4 said:With all due respect, Kyokushin isn't even close to TKD—not even in the same ballpark.

Exactly. I'd go as far as to say they are two entirely different worlds.

Benjamin Robinson3 said:Alright, here's the deal.
I'm 14, female, and I currently have zero stamina—let alone any actual strength. 🤦
What kind of martial art would you recommend for just getting in shape, building some muscle, and stuff like that?
I used to do Tae Kwon Do, but that was ages ago and I wasn't really a big fan. 🙂

I would suggest Kyokushin Karate. There is an excellent club called "Sosai" near the Panorama Hotel. They have a highly skilled instructor and a great group at training. Just drop by and see. You should also look into other martial arts options.

ruggedpanther27 said:he lost to Valentic via the judges' decision

The first round went to Valentic, the second to Šančić, and the third was a toss-up. Valentic took it by a hair because of those solid crosses at the end (just my take).

As for the fighting itself, Spirak is a top-tier technician with super power behind his punches. It was a pleasure watching him work. It’s a shame he gassed out toward the finish, but in my eyes, the win was earned.

I should also mention Zoray, which honestly isn't a surprise... he's just a brute. His whole philosophy seems to be: move forward, move forward, and just keep moving forward.😁

super, damn😁 I wish they would just upload some footage so we can actually see it.☕

Edward Mitchell4 said:There were 8 matches under K-1 rules. The fighting was solid, though the venue was a disaster—very cramped. You have to stand there for three and a half hours. The sound system was terrible. There was a TV camera, maybe for ESPN or something similar, but I’m not sure when it airs. The fights mostly went to the favorites, though there were some knockdowns and turnarounds. Overall, I'm glad I attended.

Could you tell me how Šančić did? Thanks.

Edward Mitchell4 said:There is also a kakav seminar featuring Alistair on February 12th in Chicago. The entry fee $67 (is a bit steep), which is a shame since there isn't even a free option

Hmm, I actually believe $67 is far too low for a seminar of this caliber. It isn't just some random nobody. Anyone who truly values the craft will realize $67 is a meager amount.

Alright Tiger, everything has been explained via DM.

Anthony Parker3 said:Hey everyone...

Here’s the situation...
I’m looking to get into some kind of striking martial art—something involving both hands and feet—strictly for recreation. I haven't trained before.
Ideally, the schedule would be around three sessions a week—roughly speaking.
Naturally, I’d prefer a place with a more mature crowd rather than just teenagers—and the gym needs to be somewhere in the suburbs near North Jersey.

Thanks.

There is an excellent Kyokushin club out in the suburbs, led by a top-tier instructor. They train three times a week, and there are plenty of older students, most of whom are just doing it for fun.

Jerry Thompson said:It’s about how you move once you've worn it for a while. That feeling of a sudden breeze when you finally take it off. The way your entire body weight feels lighter while you're using it. The way you move in a straight line, perfectly centered. 🙂 I'm sure you all know exactly what I'm talking about. 😉

What honor and prestige? In our world, unfortunately, those things don't exist.

( placidbison20 is going to kill me. Just move this to the right topic. 😛 )

That works, but I still think her main goal back then was essentially to "hide" intentions—specifically, the movements of the wearer. It's like making it harder for an opponent to "read" someone because they can't see the foot placement. It sounds silly, but that's how it felt.

rustyangler02 said:

Joseph Bishop4 here. Just checking in. Everything is looking solid on my end. Keeping things moving forward. Nothing to report yet, but I’m watching closely. Stay sharp. kaže:
I'd tell you my trainer this... every single person who sits down for a rep is doing it right, regardless of their technique. 😁

And I'll tell you this—my buddy Kroše sat down so hard that I ended up breaking my arm. 😉

Tiger, do you think I'm joking? It's like expecting rain in a desert. 🤷

copperbadger84 said:Maybe things shifted in the last couple of years, but back then, BJJ was just the last 15 minutes. SK would run for maybe half an hour, and the other 15 were just conditioning drills. From what I remember during my four months there, we probably only had like four sessions where we actually focused on technique.
+Sparring basically felt like me fruitlessly trying to crawl under guys who weighed 30 to 40 pounds more than me. ...Yeah, I get that technique is supposed to bridge that gap, but since I'm a total newbie...

It’s a shame. It used to be an outstanding gym with a high intensity. We really hammered the technique; we’d spend an hour on striking and the second hour on BJJ. It was a perfect balance—an hour on your feet, an hour on the mats. Now, it's different. You might want to look for another BJJ academy.

copperbadger84 said:With Greg (Zoran Grogs), at the Shaolin gym.

It is quite strange that you haven't studied enough BJJ there. It's like missing the core training; Greg is a true expert, and the BJJ work during sessions is intense.🤷

copperbadger84 said:Hey everyone.

I'm 26, 5'5", 156 lbs. I’ve been hitting the gym pretty consistently for about six years now, but honestly, it’s starting to feel a bit pointless. I’m looking for something new where I can actually put this baseline fitness to use instead of just lifting heavy stuff in a room.

Two years ago, I hit up this gym for some BJJ and Shorinji Kempo. Turns out, there was barely any actual BJJ—which is pretty much why I signed up in the first place—and the SK just wasn't my vibe.
Looking for some kind of combat skill—or should I call it a sport? Something like wrestling. If anyone knows a club that does grappling and actually takes in older beginners, let me know.
It’d be better if we could frame this like a dynamic between a Brit and a local expert.

Which clubs were you training at for BJJ and SK?

Nathan Martinez5 said:Does anyone happen to know where I might be able to pick up one of those "gymboss interval timer" gadgets locally—aside from just ordering it online?

http://www.gymboss.com/

If you have any suggestions for a similar alternative device—it doesn't necessarily need dual intervals, just something that can "beep" at set times, say every 10 seconds or so—that I could easily find in a standard retail store around the downtown area or its outskirts, I’d certainly appreciate the tip.

I imagine you could find gear like that in any local Walmart or Dick's Sporting Goods.
If you can't pick one up, I have an extra to give you. I'll send it your way.

This is moving into religious territory.
By the way, people tend to confuse casual believers with those who possess true, deep faith.

Zachary Mendoza17 said:Ethan Hayes6, will we see another branch opening up near Savannah anytime soon? Or has that plan been officially scrapped?

It’s pretty clear it isn't happening.😂

Ethan Hayes6, will we see another branch opening up near Savannah anytime soon? Or has that plan been officially scrapped?

Joshua White5 said:Quick question...
Does anyone actually know which kickboxing gym in the city is worth the hype? I’m looking for a place that isn't just some amateur setup—I need top-tier gear, training sessions that absolutely wreck you (seriously, make them brutal), and a schedule where I can hit the mats multiple times a week without it being weird. Ideally, looking for something priced under $333. Thanks!

What on earth? 😲😲😲😲 Is that you, Kerume?