General Chat & Info Board

Ryan Fowler6 said:In ten years, I suppose America will be so saturated with Chinese immigrants that perhaps nobody will even feel the need to leave home anymore...

Oh, for sure.🤣

So, what skill should I spend the next 10 years grinding? On another thread, hiddensailor14 suggested I head over to Chicago for a seminar by some master—can't even remember his name, something like Tai Chi? Just to see what the deal is. But once I get back from that seminar, then what? What’s the move? Can I even train this stuff solo, or should I sign up for something specific? I'm moving to Dallas in a few months, and they apparently have everything listed on that Pro Fighter Store directory, so please—give me some advice on which one to pick.🤷
I'm thinking about Muay Thai, but honestly, it doesn't have much to do with Wushu—it's all about the striking (you know, that Chinese spin on kickboxing and Thai boxing)... anyway, any advice is welcome, especially if you guys actually know what you're talking about.
Best,👍

Larry Hayes said:...Don't smoke anything but Marlboro, while I'm out here sipping beer in front of the drugstore.🙏
Back to the question😁:

Karate isn't the only martial art in the United States😉. Personally, I'd suggest you don't bother heading to China just yet; it seems like a waste of time while you're still a beginner, as nothing will likely make sense to you. My advice would be to join a local club, get some solid training under your belt, and maybe consider traveling to China in ten years or so once you actually know what you're doing.🙂.

Honestly—who even are these people we pass on the street? Just blank stares and nothing else—total empty heads.😁 🙏🙏🙏 Even yours isn't that bad... honestly.😁

As for the karate thing—whatever, I was just a little too obsessed with it when I was younger. Everyone back then talked about nothing else, honestly. Anyway, I’m definitely not flying off to China totally unprepared. I’ve got 18 months of training lined up—who knows if it’ll actually do much, but whatever—and if I go there for three months, that should be enough to pick up enough basics so I can keep practicing on my own when I get back. The plan is to head over there for a few months every summer, and once I wrap up college, I'll add another year. So, all in, we're looking at two years total... which isn't exactly a bad run.
All these big plans—they're just talk, honestly—you can change your mind or just never actually pull them off. But look, my parents are backing me up—well, sort of. They won't just hand over the cash because they want me to prove I can actually save something for once. Truth is, I’m a total spendthrift—can't even pinch a penny—but I’ve finally made up my mind. I'm going to scrape together a solid chunk of change myself, then the folks will cover the rest.
Unless I find something else to sell, I’m gonna offload the car and the bike... haha, just kidding—maybe just the bike.😁

Noah Roberts5 said:Honestly—who even are these people we pass on the street? Just blank stares and nothing else—total empty heads.😁 🙏🙏🙏 Even yours isn't that bad... honestly.😁

As for the karate thing—whatever, I was just a little too obsessed with it when I was younger. Everyone back then talked about nothing else, honestly. Anyway, I’m definitely not flying off to China totally unprepared. I’ve got 18 months of training lined up—who knows if it’ll actually do much, but whatever—and if I go there for three months, that should be enough to pick up enough basics so I can keep practicing on my own when I get back. The plan is to head over there for a few months every summer, and once I wrap up college, I'll add another year. So, all in, we're looking at two years total... which isn't exactly a bad run.
All these big plans—they're just talk, honestly—you can change your mind or just never actually pull them off. But look, my parents are backing me up—well, sort of. They won't just hand over the cash because they want me to prove I can actually save something for once. Truth is, I’m a total spendthrift—can't even pinch a penny—but I’ve finally made up my mind. I'm going to scrape together a solid chunk of change myself, then the folks will cover the rest.
Unless I find something else to sell, I’m gonna offload the car and the bike... haha, just kidding—maybe just the bike.😁

Solid plans. Go for it.👍 If you feel like it.😁As for karate... I suppose Kyokushin karate is quite good; it tends to produce solid fighters.
You should definitely attend that seminar to see firsthand what they're actually talking about. I guess it might be worth your time to go and observe the proceedings in person.
If you had ten years to dedicate to a single discipline, what would you choose? I have a friend who has been training in Judo for maybe seven or eight years now. Other friends have been at it with Aikido for anything from three weeks to fifteen years, and another buddy has put in about five years of boxing and kickboxing. It makes me wonder where one should actually invest that kind of time.😁

Hey, I’m looking to get into Kendo training. What kind of gear am I gonna need to get started, and roughly what's the damage gonna be for the price tag?

silenthawk9 said:Hey, I’m looking to get into Kendo training. What kind of gear am I gonna need to get started, and roughly what's the damage gonna be for the price tag?

http://www.kendo.org/clubs.html

Look, you don't need anything right out of the gate. Just standard monthly dues—think like a local YMCA membership here in the States—plus whatever club equipment they provide. Later down the road, once you're actually committed, you can buy your own gear through the club.$67

What even is Kenjutsu, anyway?

What even is kenjutsu?

I don't know, man. Maybe it’d be better to start with Kendo first and then maybe move into kenjutsu later on. Also, where do they actually hold Kendo matches in Spain?

silenthawk9 said:What even is kenjutsu?

I don't know, man. Maybe it’d be better to start with Kendo first and then maybe move into kenjutsu later on. Also, where do they actually hold Kendo matches in Spain?

I don't know, man. Maybe it’d be better to start with Kendo first and then maybe move into kenjutsu later on. Also, where do they actually hold Kendo matches in Spain?
Maybe I should just start with Kendo and then move on to kenjutsu later. And where do they hold Kendo in Spain?

Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

crimsonbison10 said:I don't know, man. Maybe it’d be better to start with Kendo first and then maybe move into kenjutsu later on. Also, where do they actually hold Kendo matches in Spain?

Maybe I should just start with Kendo and then move on to kenjutsu later. And where do they hold Kendo in Spain?

Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

So why not just jump straight into Kenjutsu? You’ll save yourself a ton of time, and honestly, you'll save some cash too.😁

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?

silenthawk9 said:Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

So why not just jump straight into Kenjutsu? You’ll save yourself a ton of time, and honestly, you'll save some cash too.😁

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?
Look, just ask them directly. They’ll give you the rundown.

silenthawk9 said:Why wouldn't you just dive straight into kenjutsu? It’s basic math, really. You save yourself the time, and honestly, you'll probably save a few bucks too if you don't spend months doing the introductory stuff first.😁

So why not just jump straight into Kenjutsu? You’ll save yourself a ton of time, and honestly, you'll save some cash too.😁

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?

What kind of gear do I actually need for Kenjutsu? Just a bokken and a kimono, or do they usually hand those out when you first sign up?
Also, what does the training actually look like at the beginning? Like, when do you finally get to go at it and spar with someone else?
Again, they’ll tell you. But generally speaking, you don't really "spar" in kenjutsu. It’s not like some street brawl or even certain types of MMA. The core of the training revolves around kata—structured patterns of movement. It's more about precision and form than just trading blows.

Does anyone know if there is some kind of Northern Chinese martial arts training available here? I know Namik Dizdarević teaches Tai Chi, but it seems to me they aren't practicing true Tai Chi—perhaps just focusing on the "chi" aspect of it? Maybe there is someone from New Orleans in this group?

I assume we don't have Xing Yi Quan or anything of that nature around here?

Just a little heads-up regarding the upcoming IKMF USA certification—we’re smashing the prep seminar, the testing, and Tal Lvoresa’s Expert 2 "Knife and Short Stick" seminar all into one massive day.
1. Prep seminar from 10 to 13
2. Testing window from 15 to 17
3. "Knife and Short Stick" seminar from 17 to 20

Then we’ve got the Kettlebell seminar"Enter the Kettlebell" with Peter Lakatosa going down this Friday from 18 to 21 and Saturday from 13 to 17.

Everything is happening at the Rio Aikido Club Dojo in Rio, located at 2 XIII Division Promenade - The Pyramid.

Hey there! I'm 23 and looking to dive into some martial arts, but I’m feeling a bit lost on where to start. I'm about 5'8" and 165 lbs, and my main interests are boxing, Muay Thai, or wrestling. I realize those are pretty different disciplines, but I'd love some advice on which one to pick—and maybe even a gym recommendation. My biggest priority is finding something with practical, real-world application, just in case things ever get messy. I’m a total novice when it comes to fighting, though I used to be quite active and I'm currently in decent shape.

I live over by the Maksimir area, so ideally, I’d like something nearby, though I'm not strictly tied to it—I just don't want to be out near Jarun or anything like that. Evening sessions would work best for me.

I’ve heard a fair amount of buzz regarding Holy Spirit and their Muay Thai programs...

Morgan Alvarez3 here. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately reflecting on the nuances of our recent discussions... It really makes you think about how much perspective shifts when you step back from the immediate noise. I find myself leaning toward a more measured approach to these topics. There is a certain rhythm to a good debate, provided everyone stays composed... It’s all about finding that balance between passion and reason. Looking forward to seeing where the conversation heads next... kaže:
Hey there! I’m 23 years old and looking to dive into some martial arts, but I’m feeling a bit stuck on which direction to take. I stand about 5'8" and weigh around 165 lbs, and my main interests right now are boxing, Muay Thai, or wrestling. I realize those three are pretty different from one another, but I’d love some advice on which one might be the best fit for me... or even some specific gym recommendations if you have them. My biggest priority is finding something that actually has practical, real-world application, just in case I ever find myself in a situation where I truly need it. I am a total beginner when it comes to combat sports, though I used to be quite active before focusing on other things, so I'd say I'm in pretty solid shape overall...

I’m living over in the Maksimir neighborhood, so having the club located nearby would definitely be a major plus... though honestly, that isn't my top priority. My main concern is just making sure we aren't right on top of Jarun or anything like that. More importantly, I'd really prefer if the training sessions were held during the evening hours...

I’ve been hearing quite a bit lately about the Holy Spirit and Muay Thai... It’s an interesting combination of concepts to wrap one's head around... One deals with the profound depths of spiritual connection, while the other is all about grit, discipline, and physical intensity on the mats... It makes you wonder how those two worlds might actually intersect if you look closely enough...

I find myself facing a very similar dilemma... I’m standing about 6'4" and weighing in at around 198 pounds, and I'm 23 years old as well... I've wanted to dive into a combat sport for quite some time now, but making that final decision has proven to be surprisingly difficult...😢

Arthur Fox49 said:

Morgan Alvarez3 here. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately reflecting on the nuances of our recent discussions... It really makes you think about how much perspective shifts when you step back from the immediate noise. I find myself leaning toward a more measured approach to these topics. There is a certain rhythm to a good debate, provided everyone stays composed... It’s all about finding that balance between passion and reason. Looking forward to seeing where the conversation heads next... kaže:
Hey there! I’m 23 years old and looking to dive into some martial arts, but I’m feeling a bit stuck on which direction to take. I stand about 5'8" and weigh around 165 lbs, and my main interests right now are boxing, Muay Thai, or wrestling. I realize those three are pretty different from one another, but I’d love some advice on which one might be the best fit for me... or even some specific gym recommendations if you have them. My biggest priority is finding something that actually has practical, real-world application, just in case I ever find myself in a situation where I truly need it. I am a total beginner when it comes to combat sports, though I used to be quite active before focusing on other things, so I'd say I'm in pretty solid shape overall...

I’m living over in the Maksimir neighborhood, so having the club located nearby would definitely be a major plus... though honestly, that isn't my top priority. My main concern is just making sure we aren't right on top of Jarun or anything like that. More importantly, I'd really prefer if the training sessions were held during the evening hours...

I’ve been hearing quite a bit lately about the Holy Spirit and Muay Thai... It’s an interesting combination of concepts to wrap one's head around... One deals with the profound depths of spiritual connection, while the other is all about grit, discipline, and physical intensity on the mats... It makes you wonder how those two worlds might actually intersect if you look closely enough...

I find myself facing a very similar dilemma... I’m standing about 6'4" and weighing in at around 198 pounds, and I'm 23 years old as well... I've wanted to dive into a combat sport for quite some time now, but making that final decision has proven to be surprisingly difficult...😢

You won't go wrong with Muay Thai.

Take a look at this. If you aren't feeling it, we move on. 🙂

It’s a pleasure to be here among such an engaging group of individuals. I find myself observing the discussions with a great deal of interest lately... there is a certain rhythm to the way ideas flow in this space. It truly is quite remarkable to see how everyone contributes their unique perspective to the collective conversation. I am looking forward to seeing where our dialogue leads us next... kaže:
With some Muay Thai training under my belt, you really can't go wrong...

Take a look at this, everyone... if it doesn't meet your standards, we can just move right along... 🙂

Thai takeout is absolutely incredible, but since I'm based out here in Rhode Island, we don't really have that kind of variety available to us, not that I'm aware of... 🙂

Arthur Fox49 said:

It’s a pleasure to be here among such an engaging group of individuals. I find myself observing the discussions with a great deal of interest lately... there is a certain rhythm to the way ideas flow in this space. It truly is quite remarkable to see how everyone contributes their unique perspective to the collective conversation. I am looking forward to seeing where our dialogue leads us next... kaže:
With some Muay Thai training under my belt, you really can't go wrong...

Take a look at this, everyone... if it doesn't meet your standards, we can just move right along... 🙂

Thai takeout is absolutely incredible, but since I'm based out here in Rhode Island, we don't really have that kind of variety available to us, not that I'm aware of... 🙂

So I just checked the directory—and nope, there’s zero mention of a Muay Thai club in town. So yeah, you’re out of luck there. Still—maybe poke around a little? You might stumble onto something. If not, just hit up a kickboxing gym; it’s probably the closest vibe you'll get to Thai boxing. Honestly, you'll find something that works for you eventually. Good luck!😁
Hey—what's up?

Noah Roberts5 said:So I just checked the directory—and nope, there’s zero mention of a Muay Thai club in town. So yeah, you’re out of luck there. Still—maybe poke around a little? You might stumble onto something. If not, just hit up a kickboxing gym; it’s probably the closest vibe you'll get to Thai boxing. Honestly, you'll find something that works for you eventually. Good luck!😁
Hey—what's up?

Thanks, but kickboxing doesn't really do it for me. I'm much more interested in finding something with those Eastern roots...🙂

I checked out Holy Spirit yesterday, and I guess it seems alright overall. My only real concern is how crowded it gets—especially with all the beginners—while there are only two instructors on hand. I’m just not sure how much individual attention I’d actually get, which feels important if I want to nail the technique and movement properly.

Before committing, I’d love to scout out some boxing gyms, so I’m definitely open to recommendations. I heard about a place over in the Quad area, maybe called Omega? It isn't showing up in my local directory, so I'm honestly not even sure how to track them down...

Arthur Fox49 said:

Morgan Alvarez3 here. I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately reflecting on the nuances of our recent discussions... It really makes you think about how much perspective shifts when you step back from the immediate noise. I find myself leaning toward a more measured approach to these topics. There is a certain rhythm to a good debate, provided everyone stays composed... It’s all about finding that balance between passion and reason. Looking forward to seeing where the conversation heads next... kaže:
Hey there! I’m 23 years old and looking to dive into some martial arts, but I’m feeling a bit stuck on which direction to take. I stand about 5'8" and weigh around 165 lbs, and my main interests right now are boxing, Muay Thai, or wrestling. I realize those three are pretty different from one another, but I’d love some advice on which one might be the best fit for me... or even some specific gym recommendations if you have them. My biggest priority is finding something that actually has practical, real-world application, just in case I ever find myself in a situation where I truly need it. I am a total beginner when it comes to combat sports, though I used to be quite active before focusing on other things, so I'd say I'm in pretty solid shape overall...

I’m living over in the Maksimir neighborhood, so having the club located nearby would definitely be a major plus... though honestly, that isn't my top priority. My main concern is just making sure we aren't right on top of Jarun or anything like that. More importantly, I'd really prefer if the training sessions were held during the evening hours...

I’ve been hearing quite a bit lately about the Holy Spirit and Muay Thai... It’s an interesting combination of concepts to wrap one's head around... One deals with the profound depths of spiritual connection, while the other is all about grit, discipline, and physical intensity on the mats... It makes you wonder how those two worlds might actually intersect if you look closely enough...

I find myself facing a very similar dilemma... I’m standing about 6'4" and weighing in at around 198 pounds, and I'm 23 years old as well... I've wanted to dive into a combat sport for quite some time now, but making that final decision has proven to be surprisingly difficult...😢

If you find yourself hanging around San Diego or the surrounding areas, you’ve got plenty of options for training. There's everything from kickboxing and Muay Thai to traditional boxing. If you're looking for something more specialized, you can find Ninjutsu, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and various styles of Karate. For those interested in different disciplines, there's Tai Chi, wrestling, Krav Maga, Aikido, Capoeira, Kendo, and Wing Tsun available too.

Brother, feel free to share whatever is on your mind. I'm all ears.