General Chat & Info Board

It seems like there’s some small-scale MMA group operating over on Pennsylvania Avenue. $83 Three times a week, every month? Who are we talking about?

Yeah, if anyone knows a place in Chicago—like a shop that sells metal sheets and stuff retail—let me know... I’ve heard of Zavrtnica and Jankomir, but I can't find any actual details about them online.

Gerald Smith76 said:Yeah, if anyone knows a place in Chicago—like a shop that sells metal sheets and stuff retail—let me know... I’ve heard of Zavrtnica and Jankomir, but I can't find any actual details about them online.

There’s a small hardware shop right near the Federal Reserve building in the financial district. I used to go there to pick up chains and heavy-duty ceiling anchors for sacks.

Does anyone know if an MMA gym in NYC is planning on starting morning sessions? I can't make it after 3 PM since I don't actually live in the city.

placidbison20 said:There’s a small hardware shop right near the Federal Reserve building in the financial district. I used to go there to pick up chains and heavy-duty ceiling anchors for sacks.

Thanks, I'll check it out... as if I wasn't born right here in the city.😁

Hey, you seem to have a solid handle on things, so I have a few questions for you. I’m 21 and in average shape. I’ve never trained before or even been close to combat sports, but I want to start something. My goals are pretty standard: tone up, get in better shape, and just blow off some steam. Could you recommend a martial art? Also, what kind of costs am I looking at, where should I start, and any other basic info?

If I may intrude...

Question:
Where are you from?
😁

Hey everyone,

I’ve finally decided to get back into the swing of things and start training a martial art again.
A quick bit about myself:
I’m in my early twenties. I have a tiny bit of experience with boxing—maybe two months total. Growing up, I was always active: rowing, soccer, long-distance running, hitting the gym... but then I went completely sedentary for about two and a half years, and I’ve put on about 15-17 pounds. 😁 Right now, I’m standing at 6'1" and 203 lbs. I wouldn't call myself fast, but my endurance is solid. Since I did some boxing before, I’d prefer something where I can use my legs too, especially since they’re still pretty strong from my rowing days. Given my athletic background, I’m confident I can get back into shape relatively quickly. I actually started jogging again a few weeks ago, and I can handle 4 miles at a steady pace without much trouble.
Anyway, I’m finishing up my degree, which means I finally have some free time. And since I know I'll be dealing with all sorts of idiots once I start my career, 🙄 I want to reach a decent level of self-defense capability.
Specifically, I’m looking for a martial art that offers visible results in a reasonable timeframe—not just in terms of conditioning and physique, but in actual street effectiveness. I can commit to 2-3 sessions a week, about two hours each, during the evening. I have zero interest in competing right now; I just want skills that work if I ever find myself in a tight spot on the street.
So, I’m asking you experts to recommend a specific martial art and perhaps a good gym in the Chicago area where I could learn it properly. If you could explain your reasoning, that would be great. That’s the gist of it. Thanks to anyone willing to help out. 👍

Reporting from near Chicago, more or less.

Larry Mendoza4 said:Hey, you seem to have a solid handle on things, so I have a few questions for you. I’m 21 and in average shape. I’ve never trained before or even been close to combat sports, but I want to start something. My goals are pretty standard: tone up, get in better shape, and just blow off some steam. Could you recommend a martial art? Also, what kind of costs am I looking at, where should I start, and any other basic info?

Boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai are great starting points. You can always switch to something else later if you want. That’s my take.

Daniel Roberts72 said:Hey everyone,

I’ve finally decided to get back into the swing of things and start training a martial art again.
A quick bit about myself:
I’m in my early twenties. I have a tiny bit of experience with boxing—maybe two months total. Growing up, I was always active: rowing, soccer, long-distance running, hitting the gym... but then I went completely sedentary for about two and a half years, and I’ve put on about 15-17 pounds. 😁 Right now, I’m standing at 6'1" and 203 lbs. I wouldn't call myself fast, but my endurance is solid. Since I did some boxing before, I’d prefer something where I can use my legs too, especially since they’re still pretty strong from my rowing days. Given my athletic background, I’m confident I can get back into shape relatively quickly. I actually started jogging again a few weeks ago, and I can handle 4 miles at a steady pace without much trouble.
Anyway, I’m finishing up my degree, which means I finally have some free time. And since I know I'll be dealing with all sorts of idiots once I start my career, 🙄 I want to reach a decent level of self-defense capability.
Specifically, I’m looking for a martial art that offers visible results in a reasonable timeframe—not just in terms of conditioning and physique, but in actual street effectiveness. I can commit to 2-3 sessions a week, about two hours each, during the evening. I have zero interest in competing right now; I just want skills that work if I ever find myself in a tight spot on the street.
So, I’m asking you experts to recommend a specific martial art and perhaps a good gym in the Chicago area where I could learn it properly. If you could explain your reasoning, that would be great. That’s the gist of it. Thanks to anyone willing to help out. 👍

Since there aren't any Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools available in the city right now, my advice is to stick with boxing for the time being, or look into kickboxing or Muay Thai while you wait for one of those other options to open up.

Alternatively, try finding a club that follows an MMA program.

Does anyone remember that guy who actually went and called himself the "white bison"? What was his name again?

That South African heavyweight, Francois Botha, was the world champ about 15 years ago. But they stripped him of the title because of those steroid issues...
He spent some time fighting in K1, but now, at 43 years old, he’s "making a comeback" to boxing...

placidbison20 said:Since there aren't any Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools available in the city right now, my advice is to stick with boxing for the time being, or look into kickboxing or Muay Thai while you wait for one of those other options to open up.

Alternatively, try finding a club that follows an MMA program.

Any advice on where would be a smart place to train in Split?
I just moved out here for college, and it’s already been an entire year.

placidbison20 said:Boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai are great starting points. You can always switch to something else later if you want. That’s my take.

👍
You'll find those types of clubs everywhere. You’ll definitely get in shape—they will shape you, for sure. Also, check out YouTube; series like Human Weapon break down various skills and sports. It might help you find something that actually interests you enough to take seriously.
Ask away if you have more questions. 😉

Daniel Roberts72 said:Any advice on where would be a smart place to train in Split?
I just moved out here for college, and it’s already been an entire year.

Which neighborhood are you in right now?

Since I have a car, distance isn't really an issue for me. My main priority is finding a gym where someone can actually fix my technique. After those few months of training, I spent almost all my time just pounding the heavy bag, and I’m convinced I’ve completely butchered my striking mechanics by overdoing it.🤣
Also, I have zero interest in ending up in a class full of twelve-year-olds or some social club where I'll be walking home with bruises every single day. I just need a place with reasonable group sizes and a mature crowd. Ideally, it shouldn't be exclusively competition-focused either, so that people might actually spare five minutes to check my form—that would be enough to keep me satisfied.😁

Daniel Roberts72 said:Since I have a car, distance isn't really an issue for me. My main priority is finding a gym where someone can actually fix my technique. After those few months of training, I spent almost all my time just pounding the heavy bag, and I’m convinced I’ve completely butchered my striking mechanics by overdoing it.🤣
Also, I have zero interest in ending up in a class full of twelve-year-olds or some social club where I'll be walking home with bruises every single day. I just need a place with reasonable group sizes and a mature crowd. Ideally, it shouldn't be exclusively competition-focused either, so that people might actually spare five minutes to check my form—that would be enough to keep me satisfied.😁

You should check out this gym in "Jersey" where I train:


They offer recreational boxing, a boxing school, and kickboxing. It's a solid group of people—no ego trips or nonsense. They have sessions available both in the morning and the afternoon.

Nathan Martinez5 said:You should check out this gym in "Jersey" where I train:


They offer recreational boxing, a boxing school, and kickboxing. It's a solid group of people—no ego trips or nonsense. They have sessions available both in the morning and the afternoon.

What's the average age range of people there?

I’m always chatting with my buddies about combat sports, and we’ve hit this wall: apparently, there aren't any gyms in the greater D.C. area—at least none that we know of—that offer regular morning training sessions. It feels like a massive oversight. There are tons of college students hanging around the D.C. metro area who have these huge gaps in their schedules before classes start, and having a place to get some healthy movement in would be a game changer. So, I’m putting it out there: if anyone knows of a gym in the D.C. area that runs morning classes for any kind of martial arts, please drop the info. Thanks.