General Chat & Info Board

Hey Tiger, 🙂 do you have an MSN account? I can walk you through the details there since you're some kind of kickboxer 🙂??

It’s somewhere in the middle, I suppose. I’m not actually from a big city like New York, more of an Opatija type. My goal is to really focus on my hand strength—building up that grip and forearm power—while maintaining speed and decent footwork. I could also use a bit more overall strength; I’ve let myself slide a little lately, so maybe adding 2 or 3 pounds of lean muscle would help me feel truly solid. That said, I’m not looking to get into brawls or crack anyone's skull, nor do I want anyone trying to do that to me. Just looking for that balanced, middle-ground conditioning. Should I explain this in more detail over MSN? Or maybe we can jump on a chat somewhere?

Michelle Turner3 said:Hey Tiger, 🙂 do you have an MSN account? I can walk you through the details there since you're some kind of kickboxer 🙂??

Just hit me up via PM... just click my username and send a "private message."

I’ve just moved to Chicago, and I’m looking to get back into martial arts training.
I practiced Budokai for about three years, though I ended up taking a break after that.

I'm searching for a gym either close to my neighborhood or right in the downtown area, since that's where I'm staying. I really want to focus on a discipline centered around self-defense.
I was considering Krav Maga, but the schools out in the suburbs are too far for me to manage with my work schedule.

I heard there might be something over on Wacker Drive—Omega, if I remember correctly—so I wanted to ask for some feedback on that place and when they typically start enrolling new students.

Thanks.

How can anything in downtown be considered far if you actually live there?

Anyway, you can bike to the Convention Center in under 15 minutes.

And honestly, I think a local walk would be more useful than some survival training.

September 1st. Make sure you sign up everywhere.

There are two sessions at the Convention Center.

Mon, Wed, Fri at 6:30 PM.

Tue, Thu, probably starting at 8 PM...

Understood. Thank you. 🙂

So, Dennis Survival? What’s that all about?
How does it actually differ from the others? I haven't really heard anything about Dennis, so I'm completely in the dark...

Dennis has competitions, though... and KM doesn't...
You gotta rock a kimono for Dennis, while you're just wearing everyday clothes for KM...

Survival isn't really a system to me... more like a sport.

Both of them will teach you how to fight and get you in shape...

You have watermelon, DM me.

Does anyone know where I can find some Tai Chi groups around the West Side or maybe near the downtown area by the university campus?

I did happen to stumble upon an ANAN DO location over on V. Holjevac—though if I’m being honest, when I say "recreational," I mean something I can commit to year-round... not just a seasonal thing like signing up for a quick language course or a summer workshop.
Any help? 🤷

Thanks a million. 🙂

Here are a few questions regarding the Agatsu Kendo club near the Trešnjevka area:

1. Does this club offer any Iaido training sessions?
2. What’s the monthly membership fee?
3. When does enrollment open?
4. What is the training schedule?

blueorca57 said:Here are a few questions regarding the Agatsu Kendo club near the Trešnjevka area:

1. Does this club offer any Iaido training sessions?
2. What’s the monthly membership fee?
3. When does enrollment open?
4. What is the training schedule?

If you want the deep dive, just shoot them an email at the club's address. As for the specifics, yeah, they do have Iaido classes, but they haven't quite nailed down the schedule for the upcoming season yet. Also, just a heads-up—they aren't holding sessions in the downtown area anymore; they moved everything over to the West Side suburb.

Alright, I’ve got a question of my own here...🙂

So, looking at the scene in St. Louis, I see there are two main MMA spots—HUS (run by BOrbaš) and Champion Gym (over with Huber)... and what I’m really after is some raw feedback based on your actual experiences, gut feelings, and all that. Give me the lowdown, if you will... what are the training sessions actually like? How's the vibe for a beginner—specifically someone a little older—and just general comparisons...

Hey,
So, I think I’ve finally decided to give aikido a shot (well, I’m heading to check out a class first, then I'll know for sure), and I've been doing a deep dive online—you know, how exhausting a two-day research binge can be. But honestly, I hit a total wall when I tried to figure out what this is actually going to cost me. Like, what are we talking about for monthly dues or course fees? Plus, gear costs and stuff... and I have no clue if I can even find the equipment here in the States or if I'll have to order everything online. Please help!

wanderingjackal19 said:Hey,
So, I think I’ve finally decided to give aikido a shot (well, I’m heading to check out a class first, then I'll know for sure), and I've been doing a deep dive online—you know, how exhausting a two-day research binge can be. But honestly, I hit a total wall when I tried to figure out what this is actually going to cost me. Like, what are we talking about for monthly dues or course fees? Plus, gear costs and stuff... and I have no clue if I can even find the equipment here in the States or if I'll have to order everything online. Please help!

From what I understand, membership fees usually hover somewhere around $150 to $67, though it really depends on which dojo you choose. As for gear, you’re going to need a gi; a slightly heavier judo-style one should be fine, and you can pick those up at just about any decent sporting goods store. Eventually, you might find yourself needing a bokken, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. I’m not entirely sure where the best place to buy specialized items is—maybe an online shop?—but I do know some clubs handle orders for their students. Honestly, your sensei will be your best resource for all of this.😉

Thanks a ton🙂>
Later

It’s just like Laura Turner4 told you. Most clubs handle the kimonos and gear through their own channels, so just ask about the costs and how to get everything once you actually start training. Focus on getting the kimono first. As for weapons? Most gyms have plenty of equipment you can borrow when you're starting out—assuming you're doing weapon work, obviously.

Since we’re basically living under a subscription model here $33. I guess our worth just keeps dropping ☕

Hey there! I could use some advice!
I'm looking into self-defense classes, and honestly, I'm interested in picking up some kind of martial art too. I've spent a little time digging around online to learn about different styles, but I just ended up drowning in all the info out there, and now I'm totally stuck trying to figure out which one might actually be a good fit for me!
I'm 22, and I haven't really done any serious sports before; I weigh about 123 lbs and I'm 5'6", and I'm definitely not in the best shape right now—which is actually my biggest motivation to finally get moving!
Which martial art should I go for?
Am I too old to start training?
Can anyone recommend a good gym or club in the San Diego area?

Thanks so much! ***

Benjamin Cox61 said:Hey there! I could use some advice!
I'm looking into self-defense classes, and honestly, I'm interested in picking up some kind of martial art too. I've spent a little time digging around online to learn about different styles, but I just ended up drowning in all the info out there, and now I'm totally stuck trying to figure out which one might actually be a good fit for me!
I'm 22, and I haven't really done any serious sports before; I weigh about 123 lbs and I'm 5'6", and I'm definitely not in the best shape right now—which is actually my biggest motivation to finally get moving!
Which martial art should I go for?
Am I too old to start training?
Can anyone recommend a good gym or club in the San Diego area?

Thanks so much! ***

If you want both practical self-defense and a solid martial arts workout, I definitely suggest Krav Maga. It’s especially a good call since there are clubs right here in the area.
Check this forum for a thread on Krav Maga and ask around there.