Martial Arts

Clodfobble · 08-23-2005, 02:01 PM

When my husband took a new job a couple of months ago, we lost access to the old employer's weight room, which we had been using twice a week for a long time. The new employer is much smaller and does not have a weight room (though they have lots and lots of free snacks available, which makes it even worse.)

We've been resisting joining a commercial gym, however, because of A.) the high cost, B.) the frustration of not having the machine you want when you want it, and C.) the general atmosphere in those places is just sorta uncomfortable and intimidating for both of us.

So we decided last night to investigate a local martial arts school we always drive by. It's officially a "Tukong" school, which I understand is sort of like an offshoot of Tae Kwon Do. It's more self-defense oriented, at any rate. They have adult classes at lunch time and in the evenings Monday through Thursday. We're signed up to attend a "free trial lesson" in the beginner class tomorrow night.

I'm so excited about this, it's ridiculous. It's kind of always been one of those things that I've thought, "Hey, that would be cool to do," but never actually done it. The cost is basically the same as a gym membership, but instead for your money you get scheduled classes with an instructor and a workout at the same time. Perhaps I'll go Thursday night and discover it's not that great, but right now I'm pumped!

Queen of the Ryche · 08-23-2005, 04:29 PM

Good for you! I hope you have as much fun as you are anticipating! I like it because it doesn't feel like I'm "working out" - makes the time much quicker and more enjoyable.

Clodfobble · 08-23-2005, 05:01 PM

How long have you been doing it? The guy we talked to said it would take a year to a year and a half before we would be ready to leave the Beginner class (to be fair, they only have Beginner, Advanced, and Black Belt.)

lookout123 · 08-23-2005, 05:27 PM

i hope it you guys really enjoy it. remind me not to mess with you at any future cellar GTG's.

if you end up not liking it you may want to look into LA Fitness. i am very much not a gym goer - but i really do like this one and i've been a member for about a year. it is only $24/month and i have never had a problem with crowds, although i don't ever go between 11-1. just a thought.

Clodfobble · 08-23-2005, 05:43 PM

Heh... according to the LA Fitness website, there are nine LA Fitness locations in Texas (none of which are in Austin)--but eight of those nine are scheduled to open later this year. Obviously they're expanding, though, so maybe they'll open one here next year.

wolf · 08-24-2005, 12:49 AM

One night you have none, the next they are every third block. That happened here.

Queen of the Ryche · 08-24-2005, 09:39 AM

After I had to quit ballet (bad hips) after studying intensively for 20 years, I gave Tai Chi a try, a little Tae Kwan Do, and some kickboxing, which turned out to be my favorite. Altogether about 5 years of different styles. More into it for fun and exercise than trying to acheive a belt.

Clodfobble · 08-24-2005, 10:18 PM

Well, our trial lesson tonight was awesome! We'll definitely be signing up for the regular class. There's a lot of bowing required--when you enter the arena, when you actually step onto the floormat of the arena, when you leave both, whenever a higher instructor calls for your attention, and pretty much whenever you happen to make eye contact with anyone else--but they say you get used to it.

We were given a quick tour of the facilities, then one of the instructors taught us basic forms one-on-one (well, okay, one-on-two) since everyone else was doing individual stuff in preparation for an upcoming belt test on Saturday. We're supposed to go back next week to see what it's like during a more normal class, since they don't know yet that we're already completely sold on it.

Things I learned: I have great hand formation and terrible foot formation. Every time I kick or lunge forward, my foot lands with the toe turned drastically inward like I'm pigeon-toed, and meanwhile I can't keep my other heel on the ground without ripping my calf in two. This of course makes my balance terrible in these stances. So I have something to work on before next Tuesday!

Griff · 08-25-2005, 06:27 AM

Sounds exciting! I always had a vague desire to try martial arts but never had the [ruralism] gumption [/ruralism].

Clodfobble · 08-25-2005, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

I always had a vague desire to try martial arts but never had the gumption.

I, too, was initially afraid I wouldn't have the [urbanism] chuztpah [/urbanism] to actually spar with someone and get hit. But one of the things that sold me last night was the fact that you don't do any real sparring or interacting with another person until several belts up. For at least the first year it's just learning forms and balance and getting in shape. Most of what we did last night was very reminiscent of the Tai Chi I used to do, actually--just a teeny bit faster.

NICOTINEGUN · 09-02-2005, 06:30 PM

If you really want a work out and get some true to life techniques that could save you in a life threatening situation look into Krav Maga. Krav is an Isrelli streetfighting style based on realistic techniques. It can be expensive to become certified or go to the classes but it is worth it.
Krav is the real deal. You won't ever hear a KM tactician saying they got their ass kicked in the street. They have different classes too: disarming, strikes and kicks, etc. They also have fitness KM. Look into it.
Then, if you really want to get in shape look into mixed martial arts. MMA is an incredible arena now. It gets you in shape fast. I've been studying this and that for years now, but Krav and mixed martial arts got me to the level I never thought I could be at. With the combination you will put blackbelts on the ground crying. They don't know what hit them. Plus, it is motivating and good for you. Good luck, and stay strong.

Griff · 09-04-2005, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

I, too, was initially afraid I wouldn't have the [urbanism] chuztpah [/urbanism] to actually spar with someone and get hit.

Actually, I was a wrestler back n the day so contact isn't an issue. I just figure I don't have time to do it properly. My daughters fencing instructor wanted me to start that as well but time, time, time...

Mary Jane and Me · 09-16-2005, 11:39 AM

I was in Tae Kwon Do for a long time and enjoyed it alot..........hope ya'll do too......

Clodfobble · 09-16-2005, 01:45 PM

So far we're loving it! Last night was nunchuck night, which was definitely an experience. One of the moves that we had to repeat 50 or so times involved a full lunge down to one knee and then back up again--I can barely walk today. And you know what they say, it's not the day after but the day after that...

footfootfoot · 09-17-2005, 11:34 PM

So Clod, when will you be able to put some "kitty combotty" on people's asses?

Have fun, but don't get hurt.

08-23-2005, 02:01 PM	#1
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Martial Arts When my husband took a new job a couple of months ago, we lost access to the old employer's weight room, which we had been using twice a week for a long time. The new employer is much smaller and does not have a weight room (though they have lots and lots of free snacks available, which makes it even worse.) We've been resisting joining a commercial gym, however, because of A.) the high cost, B.) the frustration of not having the machine you want when you want it, and C.) the general atmosphere in those places is just sorta uncomfortable and intimidating for both of us. So we decided last night to investigate a local martial arts school we always drive by. It's officially a "Tukong" school, which I understand is sort of like an offshoot of Tae Kwon Do. It's more self-defense oriented, at any rate. They have adult classes at lunch time and in the evenings Monday through Thursday. We're signed up to attend a "free trial lesson" in the beginner class tomorrow night. I'm so excited about this, it's ridiculous. It's kind of always been one of those things that I've thought, "Hey, that would be cool to do," but never actually done it. The cost is basically the same as a gym membership, but instead for your money you get scheduled classes with an instructor and a workout at the same time. Perhaps I'll go Thursday night and discover it's not that great, but right now I'm pumped!

08-23-2005, 04:29 PM	#2
Queen of the Ryche is fleeing the scene Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Beautiful CO Posts: 1,510	Good for you! I hope you have as much fun as you are anticipating! I like it because it doesn't feel like I'm "working out" - makes the time much quicker and more enjoyable. __________________ Once, in an interview, Chuck Norris admitted that he was not the most awesome thing ever. He declined to elaborate; but I believe we all know that he was referring to the existence of chocolate covered bacon. I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.

08-23-2005, 05:27 PM	#4
lookout123 changed his status to single Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Right behind you. No, the other side. Posts: 10,308	i hope it you guys really enjoy it. remind me not to mess with you at any future cellar GTG's. if you end up not liking it you may want to look into LA Fitness. i am very much not a gym goer - but i really do like this one and i've been a member for about a year. it is only $24/month and i have never had a problem with crowds, although i don't ever go between 11-1. just a thought. __________________ Getting knocked down is no sin, it's not getting back up that's the sin

08-24-2005, 12:49 AM	#6
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	One night you have none, the next they are every third block. That happened here. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

08-24-2005, 09:39 AM	#7
Queen of the Ryche is fleeing the scene Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Beautiful CO Posts: 1,510	After I had to quit ballet (bad hips) after studying intensively for 20 years, I gave Tai Chi a try, a little Tae Kwan Do, and some kickboxing, which turned out to be my favorite. Altogether about 5 years of different styles. More into it for fun and exercise than trying to acheive a belt. __________________ Once, in an interview, Chuck Norris admitted that he was not the most awesome thing ever. He declined to elaborate; but I believe we all know that he was referring to the existence of chocolate covered bacon. I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six.

08-23-2005, 05:01 PM	#3
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	How long have you been doing it? The guy we talked to said it would take a year to a year and a half before we would be ready to leave the Beginner class (to be fair, they only have Beginner, Advanced, and Black Belt.)

08-23-2005, 05:43 PM	#5
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Heh... according to the LA Fitness website, there are nine LA Fitness locations in Texas (none of which are in Austin)--but eight of those nine are scheduled to open later this year. Obviously they're expanding, though, so maybe they'll open one here next year.

08-24-2005, 10:18 PM	#8
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Well, our trial lesson tonight was awesome! We'll definitely be signing up for the regular class. There's a lot of bowing required--when you enter the arena, when you actually step onto the floormat of the arena, when you leave both, whenever a higher instructor calls for your attention, and pretty much whenever you happen to make eye contact with anyone else--but they say you get used to it. We were given a quick tour of the facilities, then one of the instructors taught us basic forms one-on-one (well, okay, one-on-two) since everyone else was doing individual stuff in preparation for an upcoming belt test on Saturday. We're supposed to go back next week to see what it's like during a more normal class, since they don't know yet that we're already completely sold on it. Things I learned: I have great hand formation and terrible foot formation. Every time I kick or lunge forward, my foot lands with the toe turned drastically inward like I'm pigeon-toed, and meanwhile I can't keep my other heel on the ground without ripping my calf in two. This of course makes my balance terrible in these stances. So I have something to work on before next Tuesday!

08-25-2005, 06:27 AM	#9
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	Sounds exciting! I always had a vague desire to try martial arts but never had the [ruralism] gumption [/ruralism]. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

09-02-2005, 06:30 PM	#11
NICOTINEGUN Resident President Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 82	Krav Maga and Mixed Martial Arts If you really want a work out and get some true to life techniques that could save you in a life threatening situation look into Krav Maga. Krav is an Isrelli streetfighting style based on realistic techniques. It can be expensive to become certified or go to the classes but it is worth it. Krav is the real deal. You won't ever hear a KM tactician saying they got their ass kicked in the street. They have different classes too: disarming, strikes and kicks, etc. They also have fitness KM. Look into it. Then, if you really want to get in shape look into mixed martial arts. MMA is an incredible arena now. It gets you in shape fast. I've been studying this and that for years now, but Krav and mixed martial arts got me to the level I never thought I could be at. With the combination you will put blackbelts on the ground crying. They don't know what hit them. Plus, it is motivating and good for you. Good luck, and stay strong. __________________ Hurricanes are racist!

09-16-2005, 11:39 AM	#13
Mary Jane and Me IS IN HIDING.............CAN YOU FIND ME??? Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clarksville, Ar Posts: 28	I was in Tae Kwon Do for a long time and enjoyed it alot..........hope ya'll do too......

09-16-2005, 01:45 PM	#14
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	So far we're loving it! Last night was nunchuck night, which was definitely an experience. One of the moves that we had to repeat 50 or so times involved a full lunge down to one knee and then back up again--I can barely walk today. And you know what they say, it's not the day after but the day after that...

09-17-2005, 11:34 PM	#15
footfootfoot To shreds, you say? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: in the house and on the street-how many, many feet we meet! Posts: 18,449	So Clod, when will you be able to put some "kitty combotty" on people's asses? Have fun, but don't get hurt. __________________ The internet is a hateful stew of vomit you can never take completely seriously. - Her Fobs

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