General Chat & Info Board

So, looking at U Subosu, they’ve got their RGA school, and then there's also Alliance Black Dragon. Now, if you're checking out RGA, you might find they're lacking a coach at the black-belt level, but honestly? It doesn't even matter—those guys are putting in some seriously top-tier jiujitsu work regardless.

As for any other gyms, I really wouldn't know.

Got two gyms I'd recommend:

1.) BJJ Arrow - 4ALLGYM - brown belt
2.) BJJ GAMBLERS - Trnje - black belt

hollowpuma said:How can one actually build up an immunity to the pain from taking low kicks?

That really just comes down to genetics, because some people are naturally built to handle pain while others simply aren't. Besides, I have to wonder why you’re taking low kicks in the first place; if you’re just training recreationally, you should be wearing shin guards, so just learn how to block them.

Hey there, everyone!

Quick question for the group: does anyone know if there are any active Goju-ryu karate clubs operating here in the States?

Thanks so much 🙂>

Scott Reyes84 said:Hey there, everyone!

Quick question for the group: does anyone know if there are any active Goju-ryu karate clubs operating here in the States?

Thanks so much 🙂>

Perhaps:
https://www.facebook.com/KKAnteStarcevic/

My seven-year-old is obsessed with training in martial arts, but all he ever hears about is Karate 😂. I thought he’d lose interest once the novelty wore off, but he’s sticking to his guns... I have a feeling I know why, but he won't say anything besides "I just want to do it."
Now, what should I enroll him in that actually provides useful self-defense skills without being overly aggressive? Also, if anyone has recommendations for a good Kickboxing club in downtown or the greater Los Angeles area, I'm all ears. Thanks.

@Wellisia: Take him to a few different training sessions first. Let him observe before he actually tries anything...

Karate, TKD, Judo... for instance.

If you think we're talking about actual bullying—you know, real fights with real kids...

From what I recall of our school days, Americans always seemed to come out on top. Back then, there wasn't any BJJ, and maybe not much Judo locally either, though I'd assume that could be factored in.

I'm not sure why; it’s probably not a representative sample and I could be wrong, but that's how it was when we were kids. Maybe it's because at that age, nobody has enough mass to land a truly heavy blow. Or maybe those playground power struggles don't always boil down to striking. Who knows. It might just be that wrestling was pretty big in our area. We had karate and taekwondo too, but I don't remember seeing anyone get much use out of them. By the time high school rolled around and people started acting more mature, the schoolyard brawls had mostly died down anyway. 😬

He doesn't know how to handle a real fight, and that's clearly eating at him... he can't back down because he's never actually been in the ring before.
We'll look into it... thanks!

If you’re worried about him being able to hold his own out on the street—you know, just general safety stuff—maybe look into boxing or MT for striking, or maybe some wrestling or judo if he needs those takedown skills...
Just take him down to a local gym to check things out and see what sticks... he might find something he actually enjoys...

The kid is seven years old. Does anyone actually remember getting knocked out by a fist or a high kick during pre-puberty? Or maybe just dominating the conversation in some broken-down version of American?

I remember (not that they’d actually go for a knockout, since they're way too young for that kind of thing), but that’s not even really what I’m getting at with my recommendation. The whole point is just hitting those fundamentals—you know? Like, boxing and wrestling are basically the bedrock of everything else. Honestly, after spending enough time in a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, you probably won't even feel the need to get into scraps... because the training itself builds up this massive sense of confidence and just makes you hyper-aware of how strikes or takedowns actually work.

I’d personally steer clear of boxing if I could... it feels far too brutal for him. Taking hits to the head is just off the table for me. :worriedface:
Right now, Judo is winning the mental tug-of-war. I’m just hoping he finds his footing there.
I finally did some digging today—found out who’s training what—so the whole picture is starting to make sense.😂

👍 I say go for judo. As for boxing—honestly, everything’s been tweaked these days to fit specific age groups... you aren't just going out there and trading headshots left and right. It’s mostly controlled stuff, maybe some light sparring with headgear once they've put in the time, focusing on points and all that—so it’s really nothing to be scared of.

But hey, at the end of the day, let the kid pick what he actually enjoys. He’ll probably fall in love with judo too, especially with all those throws and the way you use momentum and everything... 😁

George Edwards72 said:My seven-year-old is obsessed with training in martial arts, but all he ever hears about is Karate 😂. I thought he’d lose interest once the novelty wore off, but he’s sticking to his guns... I have a feeling I know why, but he won't say anything besides "I just want to do it."
Now, what should I enroll him in that actually provides useful self-defense skills without being overly aggressive? Also, if anyone has recommendations for a good Kickboxing club in downtown or the greater Los Angeles area, I'm all ears. Thanks.

If you want something realistic, go with Judo or wrestling. Most clubs have kids' groups.

Karate, Taekwondo, and that stuff—they teach you how to fight (not really), but they’re good for discipline and burning off energy.

Boxing or MMA is definitely too early for him. He's got plenty of time.

There is no such thing as "unrealistic" martial arts... it all comes down to the individual.
The point isn't merely the combat aspect—it is primarily about proper physical and mental development.

At my gym, I teach the kids first that the goal of training isn't fighting, but rather conflict avoidance and self-mastery.
Furthermore, one must consider how dangerous it is to apply techniques learned in training to real-world situations, the consequences thereof, and ultimately, the responsibility of the practitioner...
☕

Not really. That whole planned ninja thing is actually almost realistic.

Greetings, everyone.
I am based in Los Angeles, I’m sixteen years old, and I’ve maintained a solid level of fitness throughout my life. I was an athlete for as long as I can remember, until I grew lazy; consequently, I haven't stepped foot in a gym for a full year. My primary interest lies in the kickboxing program at Pitbull Gym. Therefore, I wish to inquire: does anyone here possess firsthand experience with Pitbull? What is the quality of their training sessions like?

Man, I used to hit up PitBull all the time back in the day—they were the real deal—but lately, it feels like they’re leaning way too hard into that whole MMA hype train, even though their kickboxing is still actually pretty solid if you know where to look...
Anyway, if you're looking for a spot, I'd say check out Mornar or PitBull—though personally, I think Mornar's got the edge...

I was wondering if there’s an MMA gym in Springfield that takes beginners. If not, what’s the scene like for other combat sports in town? Does anyone have any actual experience or recommendations?