General Chat & Info Board

Given the influx of calls lately—and honestly, because I’m tired of answering the exact same questions over and over—I need to lay out the basics regarding our junior and beginner training sessions. For this group, we run Monday through Friday, starting at 8:30 PM. As for gear, you’ll need hand wraps, boxing gloves, and a mouthguard to get started. We're located over in the Dubrava area, specifically at 1 Vile Velebita St.—the gym is in the basement of the building right behind the Kaufland in Student City.
A lot of people ask if they can just drop by to watch first... and yeah, of course you can. Come take a look, no strings attached.

Does anyone know where I can pick up some shurikens in the States? You know, different shapes, stars and stuff like that...? It's kind of an urgent thing for me. Thanks!

So, I’m facing a bit of a dilemma... actually, make that three dilemmas. I really want to start training a martial art where I can use both my hands and my feet, rather than just focusing on one or the other. I was browsing online and looked into Jiu Jitsu, which seems pretty cool, but then I started hearing nothing but great things about Kickboxing and Muay Thai too. So now I'm stuck. Could anyone help me out by giving me a more detailed breakdown of these three? Thanks!

Just grab yourself some Thai takeout.👍

Is there anywhere in Miami where I could find a spot to train Jiu Jitsu?

You’ve got the P.M. Grindlock—but since I should probably address this publicly too—yes, it exists... though it’s strictly the traditional kind

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.😉

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?

Something aggressive, a kick, Thai style... 🙂

Gerald Smith76 said:Something aggressive, a kick, Thai style... 🙂

Or just buy a heavy bag and hit it at home until you're blue in the face.

Jerry Thompson6 said:Or just buy a heavy bag and hit it at home until you're blue in the face.

And then you go ahead and permanently wreck your wrist cartilage and tendons... basically everything from your hands down to your knees. If you actually want to be able to use that bag effectively, you need proper prep work (and someone watching you).

Hey everyone—quick question if anyone can help me out. I’m looking for some info on what kind of martial arts or combat sports they actually offer at the Martinovka gym in downtown Chicago... you know, the one right by the local community college. I’m aware they have some Jiu-Jitsu going on, but does anyone know if they run any kickboxing or boxing classes there too?

Thanks.

Jacob Scott2 said:Hey everyone—quick question if anyone can help me out. I’m looking for some info on what kind of martial arts or combat sports they actually offer at the Martinovka gym in downtown Chicago... you know, the one right by the local community college. I’m aware they have some Jiu-Jitsu going on, but does anyone know if they run any kickboxing or boxing classes there too?

Thanks.

It’s all right there on their main website.

Top tier?

Gerald Smith76 said:Top tier?

fine, just for one.

Hey everyone,
I'm looking to get into some kind of martial art.
I’m not really interested in the typical "fitness" stuff—you know, things like aerobics or basic gym workouts. I need something with actual action, something with grit and a bit of an adrenaline rush.

The most important thing for me is that the discipline is well-organized, serious, and runs professionally.
I say that because I’ve been quite active in sports before, and in my experience, if there isn't a solid structure in place, the sport itself usually lacks substance.

Just to give you a little context, I'm 30 years old and living in a big city like Chicago. I'm also carrying about 65 pounds of extra weight right now—though, honestly, I don't look it.😁...so, ideally, I'm looking for programs that are welcoming to older women.

Also, if someone has already asked this exact question, please forgive me; I haven't had the chance to read through the entire thread yet.

Brandon Price6 said:Hey everyone,
I'm looking to get into some kind of martial art.
I’m not really interested in the typical "fitness" stuff—you know, things like aerobics or basic gym workouts. I need something with actual action, something with grit and a bit of an adrenaline rush.

The most important thing for me is that the discipline is well-organized, serious, and runs professionally.
I say that because I’ve been quite active in sports before, and in my experience, if there isn't a solid structure in place, the sport itself usually lacks substance.

Just to give you a little context, I'm 30 years old and living in a big city like Chicago. I'm also carrying about 65 pounds of extra weight right now—though, honestly, I don't look it.😁...so, ideally, I'm looking for programs that are welcoming to older women.

Also, if someone has already asked this exact question, please forgive me; I haven't had the chance to read through the entire thread yet.

Trust me, you’ll be welcome anywhere. If you want to drop that weight fast, though, I highly recommend boxing.

Brandon Price6 said:Hey everyone,
I'm looking to get into some kind of martial art.
I’m not really interested in the typical "fitness" stuff—you know, things like aerobics or basic gym workouts. I need something with actual action, something with grit and a bit of an adrenaline rush.

The most important thing for me is that the discipline is well-organized, serious, and runs professionally.
I say that because I’ve been quite active in sports before, and in my experience, if there isn't a solid structure in place, the sport itself usually lacks substance.

Just to give you a little context, I'm 30 years old and living in a big city like Chicago. I'm also carrying about 65 pounds of extra weight right now—though, honestly, I don't look it.😁...so, ideally, I'm looking for programs that are welcoming to older women.

Also, if someone has already asked this exact question, please forgive me; I haven't had the chance to read through the entire thread yet.

What exactly are you looking for in a martial art or skill set?
Are we talking light recreation twice a week for an hour and a half, somewhere you can just sweat it out and blow off some steam? Are you interested in weapons training, or strictly empty-handed? Do you want grappling included in the sessions, or would you prefer to focus mostly on striking? Do you want to use hands, feet, or both? Or maybe you'd rather avoid the hitting altogether and focus on joint locks, throws, and chokes? And then there's the "spiritual" side—things like Yin and Yang, pacifism, or "spreading love." Would you want meditation involved?
Is the goal primarily self-defense? Or is it more about toning up and tightening things up physically? Something else entirely?

If you're looking for high-level competition, you might be a bit past that stage unless you look into veteran categories, though I'm guessing that's not your focus. As for age and weight... honestly, neither is an excuse nor a barrier to working out. Almost any club will take you in, provided they actually have the floor space. The first few weeks will definitely be a grind depending on your current conditioning, but once you find your rhythm, it gets much easier...

👍I admire the drive to start something active and 👍 the thought process behind choosing a specific discipline...

EDIT: Just noticed the part about older women...
LOL, what do you mean "older"? You're in your prime...👍

Back in the day, I spent a little bit of time practicing karate. After our sessions, we’d usually wind down with some yoga or stretching exercises to help us relax, and honestly, it was such a great way to finish things up...

I've been thinking about wrestling lately, and it seems pretty interesting, though I imagine it's absolutely exhausting. Hand-to-hand striking feels fine too, and I've always had a curiosity about martial arts that incorporate weapons... is there actually something out there that brings all of those elements together?

Brandon Price6 said:Back in the day, I spent a little bit of time practicing karate. After our sessions, we’d usually wind down with some yoga or stretching exercises to help us relax, and honestly, it was such a great way to finish things up...

I've been thinking about wrestling lately, and it seems pretty interesting, though I imagine it's absolutely exhausting. Hand-to-hand striking feels fine too, and I've always had a curiosity about martial arts that incorporate weapons... is there actually something out there that brings all of those elements together?

That description sounds like Kali (eskrima), but I'm not sure if we even have anything like that here in the States...