Hello.
I tried Tae Kwon Do this week, and I discovered that it’s not for me. The class that I attended was very fast paced and rushed. There was not enough focus on perfecting the basics before we just started kicking around and sparring. I was really disappointed.
Can you please provide me with advice on which martial art would be most appropriate for me? I am looking for something that is much more disciplined in the mind/body connection. I would like something that focuses on body control and strength building, with an emphasis on meditation or relaxation techniques. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I’m looking for something that reminds me of the way the kid trained in the Karate Kid (lots of focus, meditation, flexibility and strength building, discipline).
I really don’t care about moving through the "ranks" quickly or calling myself a black belt…I just want something that provides structure, discipline and relaxation in my life. I know that this would suggest that I should just try Yoga or TaiChi, but it would also be great if I had something that increased my ability to protect myself.
I know that a lot of this depends on your specific master who instructs you, but is there a martial art that generally offers more of what I’m looking for?
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Tae kwon do might still be for you, if you find a different instructor. What you are looking for is a martial art with an emphasis on the traditional aspect. It sounds like the school you checked out has the main emphasis on the sport.
Someone else mentioned Aikido. That by its very nature requires a lot of emphasis on basics (such as how to fall). The aikido classes I’ve been in have involved about a half hour warm-up, including exercises on falling, rolling, and the basic motions that build up the art, followed by close examination of one to three techniques through the class.
I personally do a lot of American kenpo, the type of karate that Elvis did. The school I participate in puts an emphasis on practical self-defense, followed by tradition, and then sport falling by the wayside. Once again, there is an emphasis on mastering the basics before moving on to any kind of sparring.
Basically, I’d suggest you look up any kung fu, aikido, judo, or iaido (sword work) classes around you. Drop in and observe a few classes before deciding anything. Don’t dismiss an art based on one bad experience. Different instructors have different teaching styles and emphases.
That would be Tai Chi
Sounds like you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you want. You are describing the difference between an internal martial art (like karate kid) and a hard style (though tae kwon do doesn’t usually fall into that category.)
Most Japanese styles emphasize the mind/body connection very well. Some recommendations are Aikido or Shinkendo. (www.shinkendo.com)
But bear in mind that martial arts is mostly a physical endeavor in the beginning. You have to build up your bodies stamina, balance, and speed before you can really start learning past simply doing. Most arts start discussing the more heady philosophies at higher ranks, since that’s when they know that the student is liable to stick it out and learn something.
Try out a variety of schools and styles, you’ll find that even within the same art, two schools or instructors could give you entirely different spins on things. Look for a school that offers once a week private lessons as part of their schedule, I found that to be a great way to have some one on one time and focus during the busy week.
Have fun with it!
I would try Brazilian JuJitSu. This martial art you have to focus in to understand the locks and chokes. The thing about BJJ is that you have to have hands on learning and this martial art teaches you to defend your self without hitting your opponent.
Tai Chi
well im glad you saw around the tkd bs and saw its no good and most schools are like that not very good, your very smart
um, i recommend judo, grappling, and throws,and it has focus and discipline and strength, i would also recommend mma if you want to be a well rounded fighter, and krav maga is good for real life situations
and muay thai is a very power full stiking art
Although not a fan of TKD, I really think you went to a bad school. You seem to be looking for a traditional style, and should look in your area for such a thing, regardless of style. Look at the classes, the instructor, the students, and the amount of higher grades – although quantity doesn’t mean quality, it can show that people are willing to stay with this instructor and/or the art taught. You may find the next school you visit is exactly what you’re looking for, maybe not. Reference the internet if the style taught has a strange name you never heard of, just to see if it’s genuine or a "McDojo". There’s big money to be made in Martial Arts!