CheckEmoji Community · the emoji forum
🏠 Home 🆕 What's new ❓ Unanswered 🔥 Popular 📡 RSS Members 👥 0 online log in · register
Home › Sports › Other Sports › Martial Arts & Combat Sports › General Chat & Info Board

General Chat & Info Board

Started by Megan White4 · · 👁 196 views · 3.5K replies

📡 Subscribe to replies

Participants Megan White4Melissa Williams25Roger Smith6George Alvarez13Jeffrey Longbriskjackal5placidbison20Gerald Smith76Jamie Fowler2Jonathan Johnson67Brandon Carter2Matthew SanchezTyler Edwards53driftinglynx7restlessmarlin6AJoseph Johnson6Lisa Torres2Nicole Lee43crimsonbison10Paul Peterson8Austin Phillips3Zachary Mendoza17mistypanther …
Ethan Hayes6 Ethan Hayes6 Member
17 messages
joined Aug 2007
#2421 ·
Daniel Smith4 said:
I suppose I should probably address this, though I’m not entirely sure if anyone is actually listening—not that it matters much, I guess. There’s been a lot of noise lately, just constant, aimless chatter about things that don't even touch the core of what we're discussing here. It feels like everyone is just shouting into the void, hoping for some kind of validation, while the actual substance gets buried under layers of unnecessary drama. Maybe I'm being too cynical—perhaps I am—but it seems to me that the depth of conversation has plummeted quite significantly. It’s all very superficial, isn't it? Just a series of loud, empty gestures that don't really lead anywhere. I find myself wondering why we even bother engaging if the goal is merely to be heard rather than to actually understand. But then again, maybe that's just how things work now. I can't say I'm particularly surprised, even if I am a bit disappointed. kaže:
I suppose you’re asking about a combination? Or maybe—and I’m just speculating here—you’re looking for some kind of specific pairing or tactical setup? It's a bit vague, isn't it? If we are talking about techniques, or perhaps a certain way of blending elements together to get a desired result, there are endless ways to approach it. I guess it really depends on what you're aiming for in the end. Maybe you have something specific in mind, though I can't be sure without more context.
So, if you're looking at the layout around here—specifically over in the New Jersey suburbs—you've basically got two solid MMA gyms to choose from, but then you also have that Krav Maga school over by the convention center. I guess it really just depends on what kind of training you're actually after.

That’s all I have to say regarding New Chicago—or whatever else I happen to know about it.

So, here’s the deal— I took a look at that UFC Crows site—http://www.ufc-crows.com/—and I have to say, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, isn't it? I went in expecting maybe some deep dives into MMA matchups or perhaps some structured analysis on upcoming fights, but what I found was… well, let's just call it "unrefined." It feels like one of those passion projects where someone clearly loves the sport—and I mean really loves it—but the actual execution is a little scattered. It lacks that polished, professional sheen you'd expect from a major US sports outlet like ESPN or even a dedicated niche site like MMA Fighting. The layout is a bit clunky, which might be a stylistic choice, I suppose, but it definitely makes navigating the content feel more like a chore than an experience. There’s a certain raw energy there, though. You can tell the contributors aren't just reading off a teleprompter; they actually have opinions. Some of the takes are interesting—maybe a little too hot-headed for my taste at times—but there's a genuine grit to the writing. It reminds me slightly of those old-school hobbyist forums from back in the day, where everyone had a strong stance and nobody was afraid to get loud about a judging decision or a lackluster performance. That said, if they want to move beyond being a niche corner of the internet, they probably need to tighten up the technical side of things. The organization could use some work—everything feels a bit disorganized, almost like a cluttered garage in a suburban basement. If they focused more on cohesive, long-form editorial pieces rather than just jumping from topic to topic, they might actually build a more loyal following. Anyway, it’s worth a click if you're looking for something a little less corporate and a little more "unfiltered," but don't expect a seamless user experience. It’s a rough diamond, I guess—if you can find it under all that clutter.
If you’re looking for some actual, high-level training in Krav Maga, I suppose this site might be worth a look—though, honestly, it depends on what you're actually after. It looks like a hub for various schools and practitioners across the country, which is fine, I guess, if you want to browse through different local options. They seem to cover everything from basic self-defense fundamentals to more advanced tactical stuff—you know, the kind of things people usually go into this for—but I always tell folks to do their homework first. Don't just click a link and assume you've found the holy grail of combat sports. You really need to check out the specific instructors, see where their gyms are located, and maybe even drop in for a session to see if the vibe isn't too intense or, conversely, too soft. It's a decent starting point for research, but—and there's always a "but"—don't take anything at face value. Every gym claims they have the best instructors or the most effective curriculum, so use this as a directory rather than a final verdict. Just my two cents.

And these gentlemen don't even have a website—honestly, I guess it’s just one more thing to add to the list of ways they're failing to keep up. Maybe they think a physical storefront is enough in this day and age, but you know, it's just lazy, really. 😬 I mean, I don't know much about her personally—or maybe I just haven't crossed paths with her—but, hey, she’s on Facebook. That's about all I can say for certain, I guess.
I can’t quite make heads or tails of this link—it looks like a dead end or maybe just a broken Facebook page redirect. I tried clicking through to see if there was some specific insight or a particular post you wanted me to weigh in on, but it’s essentially a digital ghost town. If you were trying to point me toward a specific discussion or a certain organization's profile, could you maybe grab a fresh link? Or even better, just tell me what we're looking at? I'd hate to spend my time chasing shadows when I could be actually engaging with whatever it is you intended to share.

I suppose I should probably ask myself—though I’m not entirely sure what I’m looking for in an answer—just how good I actually am. It’s one of those questions that sort of hangs in the air, isn't it? I mean, if you really sit down and weigh everything out—the successes, the inevitable lapses in judgment, the small wins that nobody else really notices—it becomes a bit of a complicated mess to untangle. Maybe I’m doing alright, or maybe I’m just getting better at hiding the flaws, I guess. It’s hard to say for certain without some kind of objective metric, which, let's be honest, doesn't really exist in the real world. ☕

You’re actually being quite kind—I guess I appreciate that, really. It’s not often I get a compliment like that around here, though I suppose I can't take it to the bank. Thanks. 😛 Hey there. So, I was just thinking—someone actually pitched me another option today, which would be the UFK Trešnjevka over on Badalićeva Street. It’s actually pretty close to my school, and honestly, the training schedule fits my timeline perfectly... or at least it seems like it would. Does anyone here happen to have any experience with that club? Maybe some insight into how they run things?


That spot downtown is packed right now—you might catch a break around 8:30, but it's usually a zoo. Same coaches are starting up at the gym near the convention center tomorrow, too.
Drew Castillo11 Drew Castillo11 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Nov 2010
#2422 ·
Hey everyone. Thinking about starting Muay Thai. Never done any martial arts before—total beginner here. I’m 19. Any gym recommendations in Miami? I heard Pitbull is a solid choice.
Sam Roberts Sam Roberts Active Member
218 messages
joined Sep 2007
#2423 ·
Your MMA class in New York is at the transit hub this week
Robin Palmer3 Robin Palmer3 Member
42 messages
joined Mar 2006
#2424 ·
stormyviper17 said:I figured, should be about 20 minutes from my place. Thanks anyway.😉

Were you at training yesterday?
Hope you made it out in one piece. 🙂
stormyviper17 stormyviper17 Member
15 messages
joined Nov 2010
#2425 ·
Haven't posted yet, college's kind of crushing me right now, but I guess I'll be starting soon🙂 So, another newbie showed up?😁
Robin Palmer3 Robin Palmer3 Member
42 messages
joined Mar 2006
#2426 ·
stormyviper17 said:Haven't posted yet, college's kind of crushing me right now, but I guess I'll be starting soon🙂 So, another newbie showed up?😁

Three new guys showed up yesterday—one mentioned he found us through the forum, so I naturally figured it might be you. Catch you whenever you're ready.👍
stormyviper17 stormyviper17 Member
15 messages
joined Nov 2010
#2427 ·
I’ll get back to you, I guess. Once these deadlines pass, I'll be all over it.🙂
Raymond Phillips3 Raymond Phillips3 Newcomer
1 message
joined Dec 2010
#2428 ·
Hey there.

I'm 23, based out of Memphis, and—self-proclaimed—a "big" guy interested in getting into Wing Chun training. As of right now, my martial arts knowledge is essentially zero—well, practically non-existent, really.

Now, I know there's a Wing Chun club here in town, but the fees are a bit steep for me. So, I was wondering if anyone knows of alternatives—maybe in the Memphis area or somewhere nearby—where I could train outside of a formal club setting. Whether it’s solo work or finding a small group, I'm open to it. I've tried following movies and online tutorials, but I struggle to grasp the mechanics—and if I'm doing something wrong, I probably won't even notice.

If anyone is interested in starting some training sessions with me, or if you could point me toward a decent instructor or master, I’d be very grateful.
coastalwalker2 coastalwalker2 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Dec 2010
#2429 ·
Respect

I’m looking for some guidance regarding Katana skill recommendations—if anyone feels inclined, a brief description of the different skills would be greatly appreciated...

Specifically, I'm trying to find out where one might train within the greater metropolitan area, what your personal experiences have been if you've had the chance to pick up a blade, and what kind of gear I should be looking to acquire (any rough estimates on pricing would also be helpful)

Many thanks!
placidbison20 placidbison20 Active Member
197 messages
joined Jun 2010
#2430 ·
coastalwalker2 said:Respect

I’m looking for some guidance regarding Katana skill recommendations—if anyone feels inclined, a brief description of the different skills would be greatly appreciated...

Specifically, I'm trying to find out where one might train within the greater metropolitan area, what your personal experiences have been if you've had the chance to pick up a blade, and what kind of gear I should be looking to acquire (any rough estimates on pricing would also be helpful)

Many thanks!

On one hand, you have Kendo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh2TNO5CGXQ
which focuses on competitive sparring with a bamboo sword and armor. On the other hand, you have "traditional" arts that focus on the actual use of a "real, sharp" katana—techniques involving wooden swords or live blades.
For example, Iaido: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMYOvLtr1Lw
Ninjutsu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbV2TSK3Fx0
Katori Shinto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9w1QpLdXns

Which of these catches your interest?
lonecyclist3 lonecyclist3 Member
17 messages
joined Sep 2010
#2431 ·
When it comes to wooden gear, you’re honestly not going to find anything better than this in the States or anywhere else...

😉
coastalwalker2 coastalwalker2 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Dec 2010
#2432 ·
Ugh. I’ve been scrolling through those video clips, and honestly, the kenjutsu footage—you know, the third one—really caught my eye. Ninjutsu isn't bad either, I suppose, but they tend to throw in all these other weapons that just lose my interest...

Where can one actually go to train in kenjutsu? And is a simple wooden sword enough to get started, or am I going to need more gear than that?

Thanks.
placidbison20 placidbison20 Active Member
197 messages
joined Jun 2010
#2433 ·
coastalwalker2 said:Ugh. I’ve been scrolling through those video clips, and honestly, the kenjutsu footage—you know, the third one—really caught my eye. Ninjutsu isn't bad either, I suppose, but they tend to throw in all these other weapons that just lose my interest...

Where can one actually go to train in kenjutsu? And is a simple wooden sword enough to get started, or am I going to need more gear than that?

Thanks.

You can find their kenjutsu section right here:
coastalwalker2 coastalwalker2 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Dec 2010
#2434 ·
Thanks
Zachary Mendoza17 Zachary Mendoza17 Active Member
71 messages
joined Mar 2006
#2435 ·
I give my highest recommendation to contractor Mike Sterling. 👍
coastalwalker2 coastalwalker2 Newcomer
4 messages
joined Dec 2010
#2436 ·
Zachary Mendoza17 said:I give my highest recommendation to contractor Mike Sterling. 👍

I’ll be heading out that way eventually, but probably not for a few months or so. I need to wrap up school first—I didn't quite hit my deadline, so I'm stuck here for the time being.

Thanks, everyone!
Lisa Watson34 Lisa Watson34 Newcomer
1 message
joined Dec 2010
#2437 ·
Like the title says, I’m on the hunt for an aikido club here in Chicago that won't totally wreck my bank account—specifically looking for something student-friendly. Sadly, everywhere I've looked so far is charging $40+ a month, which is honestly just way too steep for a broke college student like me 😁
If anyone knows a spot where the rates are actually reasonable, please let me know!
restlesssurfer6 restlesssurfer6 Member
17 messages
joined Sep 2010
#2438 ·
Lisa Watson34 said:Like the title says, I’m on the hunt for an aikido club here in Chicago that won't totally wreck my bank account—specifically looking for something student-friendly. Sadly, everywhere I've looked so far is charging $40+ a month, which is honestly just way too steep for a broke college student like me 😁
If anyone knows a spot where the rates are actually reasonable, please let me know!

Heh—you didn't actually need to start a whole new thread for this; we have an "Ask for Info" section—but fine, whatever.😁

From what I know about the scene here in Chicago, there isn't an Aikido club priced lower than $83 unfortunately.
crimsonmarlin14 crimsonmarlin14 Newcomer
2 messages
joined Dec 2010
#2439 ·
That isn't quite right. I train at an Aikikai club that has a very reasonable monthly fee (lower than what you mentioned), and it’s a solid gym. I’m fairly certain there are other clubs out there where the monthly dues are less than $40, so I’d suggest doing a little more research.
Best,
Paul Campbell3 Paul Campbell3 Regular
259 messages
joined Feb 2004
#2440 ·
crimsonmarlin14 said:That isn't quite right. I train at an Aikikai club that has a very reasonable monthly fee (lower than what you mentioned), and it’s a solid gym. I’m fairly certain there are other clubs out there where the monthly dues are less than $40, so I’d suggest doing a little more research.
Best,

So, what exactly counts as a "reasonable" price here?
🤷

The standard rate for most clubs is $83 (though before the recession, you could still find spots for $67).
The only place I know that used to have lower monthly fees was SUBOS, but I don't think they offer Aikido.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Log in Register

🔗 Similar threads