Hi all,

In addition to loving video games, one of my other main interests in martial arts. I currently study American Kenpo Karate. Just earned my green belt (which, in our style, is the belt before brown -- we have green and purple reversed). After I get to Shodan, I plan on also studying traditional Hung Gar Kung fu.


Does anyone else study martial arts, or have an interest in them? I'd love to hear about it!

I'm no Bruce Lee, but I have competed in Martial Arts for ~6 years thus far. I sorta quit a little while ago to spend more time on other activities, but I still regret that decision.

I did karate for ~4 years, but long enough ago that I don't remember much about it. Tae Kwon Doe was for ~4 years as well and I do remember most of it. I'm thinking about going back in college, but it'll be a pain if I am required to start from white.

That's cool, though!

I don't know about other schools, but most people with experience only start with "white" symbolically. We have a guy with a TKD black belt, and he's climbing rather quickly because he has knowledge of skills that cross over many arts.

I've been doing taekwando for 2 years

I never taken any classes, even though I had the chance when I was 5. I always wanted to learn Muay Thai and Capoeira though, also Tae Kwon Do or Jeet Kun Do.

I took Judo lessons for about 3 years when I was younger and made it to green belt. It was fun and I learned some valuable self-defence techniques but after a while the over competitiveness got tiresome. I still wish I would have stuck with it longer though because it was great exercise and I got to travel to some interesting places. 

@Jlh: agreed! Best to be prepared

@CryBaby: I've done Muay Thai and Capoeira. Capoeira is the most fun I've ever had doing a martial art, but I didn't take it seriously, pure fun and gymnastics. Muay Thai was hard on the body, but very effective. Both are great styles!

I find that books are great for putting things into perspective or sharing stories, but you can't learn martial arts from them. Even if it's a class at the local community center, having a teacher to help you avoid bad habits is key, IMO.

I want to try practicing martial arts but I don't know which one would fit my style . I do wish to learn how to fight or just defend myself against anyone that tries to do anything to me. It will come in handy one of these day's especially in the kind of neighborhood I live in.

cnw64 : for practical street-based fighting I recommend Wing Chun, Kenpo-Karate, or Krav Maga.

All three systems are based on quick, powerful, and "formless" fighting.

Jeet Kun Do, and Taiji are also VERY effective, but I've found that most people who START with those martial arts struggle; whereas people who earn a black belt in something else first, tend to excel at JKD afterwards.

Lastly, good 'ole western boxing is still one hell of a good way to protect yourself. Just make sure you learn to punch for street fights, or you'll break your hand! Remember: boxers don't wear gloves to protect their opponent, they wear them to protect their own hands!

I took wing chung for eight years. I am a third degree black belt. I don't practice no more because I don't have the time. I went to the bluegrass state championship when I was thirteen. I have two trophies, second place fighting, first place kata. I had two teachers Fundi Barraka, and Sifu Cook.

I love Martial Arts. I was hoping on taking a class with mixed martial arts, but it doesn't appear to happen anytime soon. I asked my dad about it and he said it was fine; the only problem was that it's expensive and can be very difficult to find a good (real) teacher.

catfight09 : Matt Hughes has a gym in St. Louis on a military base. If you live near a military base ask about it.  As long you are old enough. 

Twin974 : No for three reasons. One, I don't have any family in the army
2. I'm only 13 years old
3. I live in Kennesaw Georgia; I live no where near St. Louis.

catfight09 : I think what twin meant was: military bases (in general, not just near St. Louis) offer martial arts training; so, when you're 18, it may be worth looking into if there is a military base near you. I don't believe you need to join the army to access them, but I may be wrong. That having been said, if you do join the martial arts class, don't be surprised if they try to get you to join the military!

As a beginner martial artist, it doesn't really matter what, at 13-years-old, you study. MOST martial arts share foundation material. There may be small differences between art-forms, but for the most part, a "jab" is a "jab" whether it is a Kung Fu, Tang Soo Do, or Western Boxing "jab". The same is true for many kicks, blocks, etc. It also applies to sparring (timing, speed, controlling the distance between you and your opponent, etc.).

As you advance, the differences may become more pronounced, but as a 13-year-old beginner, you don't need to worry. If you can find ANY martial arts schools in the area, see about taking classes (even one class a week, if money is an issue). It will be a good start, and it will help you decide if you like it or not.

Lastly, and this is just my opinion: avoid MMA for now. In fact, avoid anything with a lot of contact until you're older. Your still growing and you don't want to injure yourself as a teenager -- trust me, you'll regret it when you're older! I don't dislike REAL MMA, but it's very "hands on" and can result in injury -- especially if you go to one of the 4-out-of-5 crappy MMA gyms where the teachers are idiots who don't know jack about real martial arts. Find a place where you can learn the fundamentals and develop balance, power, speed and control. You can fight when you're older.

Astynax27 : Absolutely man, I train MMA everyday, But regrettably there are people who train more and harder, I can handle my own well in a fight though and that's what really matters to me, You know what I mean,  I just keep going at whatever pace I can and hope I win each match, Plus I'm only fifteen right now so I have time to become a better fighter if I ever wanna go pro, Enjoy your time, You only get so much of it.  Make sure you keep getting better, Win... lose.... Who cares as long as you "Improve"... Peace.

I'm not interested in martial arts at all. I'm usually too busy to take classes for them anyways.

um I wasn't able to do it I really wanted to so my big bro would teach me some moves everyday