General Chat & Info Board

Ran into this ad by pure chance...

LINK

Still in the process of gathering intel on different clubs and such...
Anyone have any insight to share?

thx

I was wondering if it’s possible to train BJJ in Zadru.

you just don't get it

I am uncertain whether they focus exclusively on BJJ or if they practice it alongside traditional Jiu-Jitsu.

just ask
definitely just bjj

I watched a video.

ironmason52 said:I am uncertain whether they focus exclusively on BJJ or if they practice it alongside traditional Jiu-Jitsu.

They basically teach a mix of BJJ, Judo, and submission wrestling without the gi. It all ends up being a type of Ju Jitsu. They really lean into the competitive sports side, though, and their approach is top-tier. Plus, Shalin is an absolute legend with massive experience. You won't regret it, don't worry. Even Minotaur trained with them once.🙂

Hey everyone,😁
I spent four years coaching karate, and now I’m looking to get back into combat sports. After doing some digging online, Krav Maga caught my eye—it seems like a solid, pragmatic blend of defense, offense, and raw technique. If anyone here has actually stepped onto the mats, I’d love to hear your take on it...😉

Here’s the deal: A long-time friend and training partner of mine just moved to the city, and now he’s hunting for a new club to pick up where he left off with martial arts.

I jumped at the chance to help him out. After spending a few years hanging around this forum, I feel like I have a decent handle on the local scene and what might actually fit his vibe. We’re talking about a guy in his 40s, a combat veteran, who isn't looking to step into a ring for competition. He’s in great shape and has nearly a decade of kickboxing under his belt.

From our chats, I can tell he wants to level up his existing skills. Since he also has an interest in grappling, I’m definitely not going to point him toward another stand-up striking school.

My first thoughts are MMA, since it’s the most well-rounded option, or maybe Ninjutsu for that complete warrior skillset. I’m also considering Kyokushin Karate or BJJ—though, from what I hear, those guys mostly take on new students at the start of the season.

Regarding MMA clubs, these come to mind:
UFK Dubrava, UFK Trešnjevka, and Kajzerica (which seems like the best bet since the guy lives over in Lanište).

For Ninjutsu, there’s Bujinkan and the club that > comes from (not sure where they're located).

Finally, there's the Kyokushin club where > trains, though I don't know their location either.

If anyone here belongs to these clubs, could you please drop your location and a contact number? Also, let me know what you think about someone with his background joining your crew. Specifically, do you guys welcome "hobbyists," or is the focus strictly on competitive athletes and kids?

Alright Tiger, everything has been explained via DM.

rustyangler02 said:Here’s the deal: A long-time friend and training partner of mine just moved to the city, and now he’s hunting for a new club to pick up where he left off with martial arts.

I jumped at the chance to help him out. After spending a few years hanging around this forum, I feel like I have a decent handle on the local scene and what might actually fit his vibe. We’re talking about a guy in his 40s, a combat veteran, who isn't looking to step into a ring for competition. He’s in great shape and has nearly a decade of kickboxing under his belt.

From our chats, I can tell he wants to level up his existing skills. Since he also has an interest in grappling, I’m definitely not going to point him toward another stand-up striking school.

My first thoughts are MMA, since it’s the most well-rounded option, or maybe Ninjutsu for that complete warrior skillset. I’m also considering Kyokushin Karate or BJJ—though, from what I hear, those guys mostly take on new students at the start of the season.

Regarding MMA clubs, these come to mind:
UFK Dubrava, UFK Trešnjevka, and Kajzerica (which seems like the best bet since the guy lives over in Lanište).

For Ninjutsu, there’s Bujinkan and the club that > comes from (not sure where they're located).

Finally, there's the Kyokushin club where > trains, though I don't know their location either.

If anyone here belongs to these clubs, could you please drop your location and a contact number? Also, let me know what you think about someone with his background joining your crew. Specifically, do you guys welcome "hobbyists," or is the focus strictly on competitive athletes and kids?

www.bujinkan.com

I don't want to sound blunt, but in my experience, everyone over 30 who starts training here tends to drop out pretty quickly.

placidbison20 said:www.bujinkan.com

I don't want to sound blunt, but in my experience, everyone over 30 who starts training here tends to drop out pretty quickly.

You aren't being rude. It's just the truth. 👍

People our age barely even show up around here... and this guy has a pretty unique take on training. It’ll be hard for him to stay consistent without regular sessions... but hey, who knows. 🤷

placidbison20 said:www.bujinkan.com

I don't want to sound blunt, but in my experience, everyone over 30 who starts training here tends to drop out pretty quickly.

That’s assuming their wife doesn't suspect they're actually out cheating instead of hitting the gym.

rustyangler02
Everyone at the local gym in the suburbs is a total beginner—so if he’s fine with that, he might as well join the crew, since everyone is basically starting from scratch anyway. Plus, it’s less than a ten-minute walk from his place over by the park to the club—definitely a nice little perk.

Hannah Baker23 said:Hey everyone,😁
I spent four years coaching karate, and now I’m looking to get back into combat sports. After doing some digging online, Krav Maga caught my eye—it seems like a solid, pragmatic blend of defense, offense, and raw technique. If anyone here has actually stepped onto the mats, I’d love to hear your take on it...😉

Man, I am absolutely loving Krav Maga right now!! It’s seriously the best. Let me know if you stumble upon anything cool.
For now, I think I’m gonna stick with Wing Chun. I’ve been training my self-defense based on Wing Chun principles and, honestly, I’m pretty happy with how it's going. But man, Krav Maga? That’s definitely still on my bucket list.🙂

I'm looking for a decent boxing or kickboxing gym in downtown Chicago, maybe somewhere near the Loop or the Magnificent Mile area. I’m 18. I spent three months training back in San Diego, so I’m not a complete greenhorn, but I definitely still have a lot to learn...

Anyone got a link for some solid boxing technique videos, maybe a specific school of thought, training drills, or even just a good documentary or something?

hiddencrane7 said:Man, I am absolutely loving Krav Maga right now!! It’s seriously the best. Let me know if you stumble upon anything cool.
For now, I think I’m gonna stick with Wing Chun. I’ve been training my self-defense based on Wing Chun principles and, honestly, I’m pretty happy with how it's going. But man, Krav Maga? That’s definitely still on my bucket list.🙂

Should we even be looking for it?

I don't get it... what kind of "self-defense" is even Wing Chun?

Sam Roberts said:Should we even be looking for it?

I don't get it... what kind of "self-defense" is even Wing Chun?

There are different takes on this—like blitz defense versus standard self-defense, and probably more. Basically, it’s just a stripped-down version of Wing Chun. No tactile drills, no forms, probably no footwork either. It's all one-sided stuff.

driftinglynx7 said:Here’s the situation: I want to know what my best bet is for training. My goals are to drop some weight, pack on some muscle, and pick up skills in whatever martial art makes sense for me.
Right now, I’m sitting at 253 lbs and I’m about 6'2".
So, I’m looking for recommendations on what would actually work for me.
Boxing? Or maybe something else?

Maybe MMA, or maybe something like wrestling... I guess you should try out a few different sports first to see what clicks. You might find you're more into striking, or maybe grappling, self-defense, stuff like that. 🤷