martial arts, mma, boxing, etc

[dark_lord]

i was curious if any1 on CB does any type of martial art, mma/ufc, boxing, fighting, etc.  if so, i figured there could be a thread to discuss the art, training, provide advise/experience, sparring, gear, etc.

personally, i study shaolin kung fu. i plan to do tai chi soon in order to complete my black belt and for balance (kung fu is an external martial art while tai chi is internal). i am also going to begin taking an intro taekwondo class and will see how that goes, as it is a completely different art (korean).

[mkogav]

i was curious if any1 on CB does any type of martial art, mma/ufc, boxing, fighting, etc.  if so, i figured there could be a thread to discuss the art, training, provide advise/experience, sparring, gear, etc.

personally, i study shaolin kung fu. i plan to do tai chi soon in order to complete my black belt and for balance (kung fu is an external martial art while tai chi is internal). i am also going to begin taking an intro taekwondo class and will see how that goes, as it is a completely different art (korean).

I like the thread!

I have ~ 4 years of TKD training over the years. Mostly back in the late 80s and early 90s.... yeah, I am old.

A few years back, I got back into MA b/c I thought it would be good for my 5 y/o son. My thought was that the physical training and discipline would be good for him.

After some research we both started at an ATA TKD center. I only lasted about 6 months. My son about a year+. He really was not into it. The most exciting thing for my son was working with the foam stick b/c they were like lightsabers. IMO, too much memorization of forms and one-step for a 5-6 y/o. Plus it was expensive. Every cost $$$, monthly dues, belt test, etc...

In the mean time I discovered that there was a new (under two years) Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Nashua NH. My son and I both did a trial class and enjoyed it. We signed up and have been training for the past year.

Since BJJ was new to both my son and myself, I thought it would be a good thing for us to do together. My son goes once a week during the school year. I don't push it on him. Some of the other kids go 4 times a week. I would rather him stay with it over time rather than burn him out in a year or two.

Grappling is the most physically demanding things I have ever done. I normally train 2-3 times a week. The other students are police officers, fire fighter, MMA fighter, ex HS wrestler, etc... It's pretty demanding both physically and mentally. It's been a slow learning cycle for me, but I like the challenge.

The school I am at has classes for Gi, No-Gi, MMA, and striking. Gi is enough for me at this point. There is so much to learn.

I did participate in my first grappling tournament this summer, Grappler's Quest at the UFC fan expo. I didn't do very well, but just getting out there and rolling was a good start. Hoping for better results the next time out.

Mk

[Bahku]

I have almost five years of Taekwondo, 1 1/2 years private instruction and over 3 years classroom. When I was working in a music store called "Crazy Ed's" in Portland, ME, the space rented directly above the store was being rented by a Korean man named Choi, (pronounced 'chay'), who had recently come to the U.S. to start his own do jang.

Very few people even knew about it then, and I was lucky enough to be one of his first students here, and get private lessons for very cheap, before moving away to college. I found out after starting with him that he was a Eighth-Degree Master Black-Belt, and had been the personal bodyguard to the president of Korea for many years.

(There are nine levels of black belt ... no one ever reaches 10th ... it is a posthumous award). He was having trouble here because his wife was becoming "Americanized" and he didn't like it. Anyway, "Choi's Self-Defense" is now widely known throughout New England, though he has passed away, (he smoked two packs a day most of his life, and even when I knew him - I don't think he ever quit). I reached reached Blue/Purple belt with Choi privately, and Bodan (or red, one below black) Belt later in classroom.

I just started review classes last spring after talking with my Bud Dark Lord over time, and it will be a while before my body will be able to replicate the kata that I reached with Bodan, but at least I'm getting in shape and feeling better about myself again, and for me, that is priceless. Taekwondo is a lot of boxing, (it actually means "closed hand" or fist), and a lot of kicking, with some later weapon work, though mostly long stick. Great thread, Buddy, (TP).

[dark_lord]

i was curious if any1 on CB does any type of martial art, mma/ufc, boxing, fighting, etc.  if so, i figured there could be a thread to discuss the art, training, provide advise/experience, sparring, gear, etc.

personally, i study shaolin kung fu. i plan to do tai chi soon in order to complete my black belt and for balance (kung fu is an external martial art while tai chi is internal). i am also going to begin taking an intro taekwondo class and will see how that goes, as it is a completely different art (korean).

I like the thread!

I have ~ 4 years of TKD training over the years. Mostly back in the late 80s and early 90s.... yeah, I am old.

A few years back, I got back into MA b/c I thought it would be good for my 5 y/o son. My thought was that the physical training and discipline would be good for him.

After some research we both started at an ATA TKD center. I only lasted about 6 months. My son about a year+. He really was not into it. The most exciting thing for my son was working with the foam stick b/c they were like lightsabers. IMO, too much memorization of forms and one-step for a 5-6 y/o. Plus it was expensive. Every cost $$$, monthly dues, belt test, etc...

In the mean time I discovered that there was a new (under two years) Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Nashua NH. My son and I both did a trial class and enjoyed it. We signed up and have been training for the past year.

Since BJJ was new to both my son and myself, I thought it would be a good thing for us to do together. My son goes once a week during the school year. I don't push it on him. Some of the other kids go 4 times a week. I would rather him stay with it over time rather than burn him out in a year or two.

Grappling is the most physically demanding things I have ever done. I normally train 2-3 times a week. The other students are police officers, fire fighter, MMA fighter, ex HS wrestler, etc... It's pretty demanding both physically and mentally. It's been a slow learning cycle for me, but I like the challenge.

The school I am at has classes for Gi, No-Gi, MMA, and striking. Gi is enough for me at this point. There is so much to learn.

I did participate in my first grappling tournament this summer, Grappler's Quest at the UFC fan expo. I didn't do very well, but just getting out there and rolling was a good start. Hoping for better results the next time out.

Mk

this is very cool (and i got a kick out of the lightsaber story, lol).  did u find that your tkd training helped u with bjj?  that is one of the things i am hoping will help me.  since i have kung fu experience, i hope it will carry over and benefit me with my tkd training i will be starting.  i figured my experience (although limited) in sanshou will help me a lot with tkd.

out of curiosity, if ur comfortable sharing, how tall are u and how much do u weigh?  do u do anything with your diet to help you with your training, if so, what?

looking forward to hear response.  i figured this thread wouldnt be too popular, but i was hoping that if there were a few people who would contribute, it would be worth while.  martial arts is something i have become passionate about and its teachings have carried over in a lot of other aspects of my life.

[dark_lord]

I have almost five years of Taekwondo, 1 1/2 years private instruction and over 3 years classroom. When I was working in a music store called "Crazy Ed's" in Portland, ME, the space rented directly above the store was being rented by a Korean man named Choi, (pronounced 'chay'), who had recently come to the U.S. to start his own do jang.

Very few people even knew about it then, and I was lucky enough to be one of his first students here, and get private lessons for very cheap, before moving away to college. I found out after starting with him that he was a Eighth-Degree Master Black-Belt, and had been the personal bodyguard to the president of Korea for many years.

(There are nine levels of black belt ... no one ever reaches 10th ... it is a posthumous award). He was having trouble here because his wife was becoming "Americanized" and he didn't like it. Anyway, "Choi's Self-Defense" is now widely known throughout New England, though he has passed away, (he smoked two packs a day most of his life, and even when I knew him - I don't think he ever quit). I reached reached Blue/Purple belt with Choi privately, and Bodan (or red, one below black) Belt later in classroom.

I just started review classes last spring after talking with my Bud Dark Lord over time, and it will be a while before my body will be able to replicate the kata that I reached with Bodan, but at least I'm getting in shape and feeling better about myself again, and for me, that is priceless. Taekwondo is a lot of boxing, (it actually means "closed hand" or fist), and a lot of kicking, with some later weapon work, though mostly long stick. Great thread, Buddy, (TP).

very cool post bahku!  i enjoyed hearing ur story with tkd.

thats great ur doing some classes.  the thing that is great about martial arts, its never too early or too late to do it. your abilities, flexibility, and power might be effective, but you can still do it and it still have tremendous positive results no matter your level.  i also find that people who do martial arts are extremely helpful, giving, and open-minded.  they wont judge you based on your ability bc its about the respect of others and the art, along with your hard work and dedication.

is a long stick in tkd like a staff in kung fu?  i have been training in staff for a about a year.  i will do saber next.  i could have began saber already, but i chose to continue to work on my staff skills, as i would rather be good in one weapon, rather than be ok in several weapons.

[Banner_18]

I don't, although I'm a pretty big fan of the UFC. Just FYI, I've heard that the best and deadliest combination to be good at is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and striking/kickboxing.

[ChampKind]

I would recommend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu if you're branching out, though you'll find its grappling base considerably different from the kung fu/tae kwon do you are used to. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on your back, and if you have space issues or just don't like the idea of another dude's stubble rubbing against you (a seriously annoying offense) while you try to choke him out, it's probably not something that you will enjoy too much. Additionally, if you are looking to get into MMA, you'll find that KF/TKD's applications are significantly reduced in an environment where takedowns are in play. You really learn to keep your feet underneath you very quickly.

If you like watching MMA or want a more practical application of the art, train in both Gi and No-Gi environments. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference a small piece of clothing makes.

I've had 4 amateur mma fights so far, all in the midwest at local shows (none, sadly, since I left Indianapolis, who only recently opened an ATT branch, legitimately months before I left ). My background is wrestling/boxing, and I've done a solid job of becoming the boring, blanket-type wrestler who gets the fight to the ground and then works slowly from there in immense fear of getting caught in a submission...

My no-gi BJJ is coming along well, but honestly I can't commit enough time to get the muscle memory down to seamlessly transition and react like successful grapplers. I can occasionally catch an arm or a heel hook in the gym, but it still hasn't translated to a high pressure situation, especially while getting struck. It's impressive just how far the difference is between experienced and inexperienced artists. I do have two wins thanks to basic chokes, however (guillotine - the choke for dummies, and a RNC).

The good news about the expansion of the UFC and other MMA orgs is the increasing availability of martial arts tutoring and awareness. It's very cool stuff. Good luck with your training - I hope that you don't have to deal with weight cuts!

[Edgar]

I am a ninja.

[mkogav]

i was curious if any1 on CB does any type of martial art, mma/ufc, boxing, fighting, etc.  if so, i figured there could be a thread to discuss the art, training, provide advise/experience, sparring, gear, etc.

personally, i study shaolin kung fu. i plan to do tai chi soon in order to complete my black belt and for balance (kung fu is an external martial art while tai chi is internal). i am also going to begin taking an intro taekwondo class and will see how that goes, as it is a completely different art (korean).

I like the thread!

I have ~ 4 years of TKD training over the years. Mostly back in the late 80s and early 90s.... yeah, I am old.

A few years back, I got back into MA b/c I thought it would be good for my 5 y/o son. My thought was that the physical training and discipline would be good for him.

After some research we both started at an ATA TKD center. I only lasted about 6 months. My son about a year+. He really was not into it. The most exciting thing for my son was working with the foam stick b/c they were like lightsabers. IMO, too much memorization of forms and one-step for a 5-6 y/o. Plus it was expensive. Every cost $$$, monthly dues, belt test, etc...

In the mean time I discovered that there was a new (under two years) Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school in Nashua NH. My son and I both did a trial class and enjoyed it. We signed up and have been training for the past year.

Since BJJ was new to both my son and myself, I thought it would be a good thing for us to do together. My son goes once a week during the school year. I don't push it on him. Some of the other kids go 4 times a week. I would rather him stay with it over time rather than burn him out in a year or two.

Grappling is the most physically demanding things I have ever done. I normally train 2-3 times a week. The other students are police officers, fire fighter, MMA fighter, ex HS wrestler, etc... It's pretty demanding both physically and mentally. It's been a slow learning cycle for me, but I like the challenge.

The school I am at has classes for Gi, No-Gi, MMA, and striking. Gi is enough for me at this point. There is so much to learn.

I did participate in my first grappling tournament this summer, Grappler's Quest at the UFC fan expo. I didn't do very well, but just getting out there and rolling was a good start. Hoping for better results the next time out.

Mk

this is very cool (and i got a kick out of the lightsaber story, lol).  did u find that your tkd training helped u with bjj?  that is one of the things i am hoping will help me.  since i have kung fu experience, i hope it will carry over and benefit me with my tkd training i will be starting.  i figured my experience (although limited) in sanshou will help me a lot with tkd.

out of curiosity, if ur comfortable sharing, how tall are u and how much do u weigh?  do u do anything with your diet to help you with your training, if so, what?

looking forward to hear response.  i figured this thread wouldnt be too popular, but i was hoping that if there were a few people who would contribute, it would be worth while.  martial arts is something i have become passionate about and its teachings have carried over in a lot of other aspects of my life.

As Champkind stated there isn't any direct crossover between TKD and BJJ. In BJJ there is no technical striking, so most of my TKD experience doesn't translate. The only time when I feel a little cross over is with the foot work and balance when working for a take-down while rolling from stand-up.

out of curiosity, if ur comfortable sharing, how tall are u and how much do u weigh?  do u do anything with your diet to help you with your training, if so, what?

I am currently 6'4" and about 176 pound. Last year when I started BJJ I was a soft 185. After about 4 months, I was down to a skin and bones 167. I just couldn't keep the weight on. Plus, after a hard working, I would feel tired and sore for 2-3 days.

It su#@*ks being in ur 40s.

After consulting with the school's black belt instructor, I started drinking protein shakes, taking vitamins supplements, and lifting weights. I have added back 10 pounds of muscle. I hope to get back to my original weight, but muscle rather than fat.

One of the biggest differences that I notice with the protein drink is that the ones with "recover" supplements really help. I am able to work out hard for two hours and feel pretty good the next day.

One of the main differences I feel between my TKD training and BJJ is that to take my training serious BJJ I have to do the extras, lift weights, protein drinks, take private lessons, etc...

I am a very competitive person and I don't want to be the old guy at the gym who doesn't take it seriously and isn't any good. It's no fun getting tapped all class, every class.

Props to Champkind! I have big respect for anyone who steps into a cage in front of a crowd. I see how much/hard the fighters at my school train. It's amazing the depth and breath of training these guys go through.

By any chance, are any of your fights on youtube?

Mk

[manl_lui]

i was curious if any1 on CB does any type of martial art, mma/ufc, boxing, fighting, etc.  if so, i figured there could be a thread to discuss the art, training, provide advise/experience, sparring, gear, etc.

personally, i study shaolin kung fu. i plan to do tai chi soon in order to complete my black belt and for balance (kung fu is an external martial art while tai chi is internal). i am also going to begin taking an intro taekwondo class and will see how that goes, as it is a completely different art (korean).

wow some common interest here

i do shaolin kung fu as well

I do Hung Gar, lineage is directly from Shaolin...i did it for 4 years now, and i love it

[Kiwicelt]

Yeah, it is cool that people have some pretty deep interests in martial arts.

Me, I've studied Wing Tsun since the mid 1980s. I've seen fashions come and go, but nothing got me off my love of what I do and train.

Anyway, I think its fantastic that some of you are getting back in the game with your kids. I'm hoping to (try) and get my daughters into it soonish!

Training for me is 6 days a week, with double on my days off (I only work 4 days). That's all for now. Keep cool!

[dark_lord]

I would recommend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu if you're branching out, though you'll find its grappling base considerably different from the kung fu/tae kwon do you are used to. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on your back, and if you have space issues or just don't like the idea of another dude's stubble rubbing against you (a seriously annoying offense) while you try to choke him out, it's probably not something that you will enjoy too much. Additionally, if you are looking to get into MMA, you'll find that KF/TKD's applications are significantly reduced in an environment where takedowns are in play. You really learn to keep your feet underneath you very quickly.

If you like watching MMA or want a more practical application of the art, train in both Gi and No-Gi environments. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference a small piece of clothing makes.

I've had 4 amateur mma fights so far, all in the midwest at local shows (none, sadly, since I left Indianapolis, who only recently opened an ATT branch, legitimately months before I left ). My background is wrestling/boxing, and I've done a solid job of becoming the boring, blanket-type wrestler who gets the fight to the ground and then works slowly from there in immense fear of getting caught in a submission...

My no-gi BJJ is coming along well, but honestly I can't commit enough time to get the muscle memory down to seamlessly transition and react like successful grapplers. I can occasionally catch an arm or a heel hook in the gym, but it still hasn't translated to a high pressure situation, especially while getting struck. It's impressive just how far the difference is between experienced and inexperienced artists. I do have two wins thanks to basic chokes, however (guillotine - the choke for dummies, and a RNC).

The good news about the expansion of the UFC and other MMA orgs is the increasing availability of martial arts tutoring and awareness. It's very cool stuff. Good luck with your training - I hope that you don't have to deal with weight cuts!

this is great.  i enjoy watching BJJ, which is a major component to mma now.  but im still going to branch out to do tkd.  kung fu and chinese martial arts is my passion right now, but i have an opportunity to branch out and learn tkd from a master for next to nothing, which is why im interested in branching out.  if i were 10-15 yrs younger, i would definitely explore bjj and mma, but since im in my mid 30s, married, and a parent....i dont have any real motivation to pursue bjj or mma.  im very much invested in the total art form of kung fu and how it transcends into other areas of my life.  tkd would just be an extra little hobby

your post was great and i wish you the best of luck pursuing mma.  i hope u will frequent this thread and share some of your training and diet tips, along with updates of ur training and fights.

[dark_lord]

I am currently 6'4" and about 176 pound. Last year when I started BJJ I was a soft 185. After about 4 months, I was down to a skin and bones 167. I just couldn't keep the weight on. Plus, after a hard working, I would feel tired and sore for 2-3 days.

It su#@*ks being in ur 40s.

wow, ur really lean (i mean that in a really good way).  doing kung fu, i want a really lean build.  not only does it help with speed, quickness, conditioning, but it is also easier on the joints. 

how often do u train?  my schedule is so hectic i dont get to attend as many classes as i want.  i take two classes on the weekend for kung fu.  i also do 2 cardio kickboxing classes during the week at a place near my home as well.  i also started tkd, so i go to one class a week for that. 

i do about an hour of kung fu training every evening at home, but as much practice as you do, it never matches an actual class.


im in my mid 30s and they kind suck 

[dark_lord]

i was curious if any1 on CB does any type of martial art, mma/ufc, boxing, fighting, etc.  if so, i figured there could be a thread to discuss the art, training, provide advise/experience, sparring, gear, etc.

personally, i study shaolin kung fu. i plan to do tai chi soon in order to complete my black belt and for balance (kung fu is an external martial art while tai chi is internal). i am also going to begin taking an intro taekwondo class and will see how that goes, as it is a completely different art (korean).

wow some common interest here

i do shaolin kung fu as well

I do Hung Gar, lineage is directly from Shaolin...i did it for 4 years now, and i love it

nice, tp!

is hung gar a southern style? 

[dark_lord]

Yeah, it is cool that people have some pretty deep interests in martial arts.

Me, I've studied Wing Tsun since the mid 1980s. I've seen fashions come and go, but nothing got me off my love of what I do and train.

Anyway, I think its fantastic that some of you are getting back in the game with your kids. I'm hoping to (try) and get my daughters into it soonish!

Training for me is 6 days a week, with double on my days off (I only work 4 days). That's all for now. Keep cool!

thats great!  i have a 4 yr old and he does kung fu as well.  he did it at first bc he "wanted to be like daddy", but as time has gone, he enjoys it for himself.  it is very basic and focuses more on the principles of the art, mixed in with basic kicks, punches, blocks, etc.

wing tsun....is that a close combat style similar to wing chun?