Bah. You'd think such a simple thing wouldn't affect me so much, but lo and behold. I just got back from seeing Kung Fu Panda*, and it was just the right kick to get me thinking. I've long wanted to study a form of martial art, but have been rather undecided on which. Chinese martial arts, or what we have come to (rather inaccurately) call "Kung Fu," may just be what I'd be interested in. It seems like it's something you could learn by yourself, with a little bit of research, focuses on the flow of "chi energy" (breath), is good stress relief and a way to excercise.

So in conclusion, it's rather surprising what can inspire me to do something. It just takes the right Muse. I guess this thread could be a discussion on martial arts or silly animated movies. Have at it, and good day.

*I didn't really want to, but my friend works at an Imax theater, and said we could watch it for free. Couldn't turn it down. It was a good, light-hearted movie, but I wouldn't really recommend it. It was a pretty kiddy movie (well, duh), but it kept me entertained. Pretty solid voice acting, though I wasn't really impressed with Jack Black's work.

/mini review

There. That covers silly animated movies.

Now for martial arts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qHL2PSpecI&feature=related - These guys would kick my arse many times over by just looking at me...

YAY!

Yeah, I'll probably lose it by tomorrow, but one of these days I'll follow through with SOMETHING.

holysmartone wrote: Ive always wanted to learn the fighting style jet li uses, Jeet Kun Do.

Then why don't you?

Tolgak wrote: I will sign up the minute I find a place that'll teach me the styles I want to learn. The problem is that it's very difficult to find reputable schools that will teach anything other than Kickboxing, Karate, Judo, or TKD.

I agree that those types of schools tend to dominate (particularly strip-mall karate/TKD), but where do you live?  I don't live in a particularly large city, but have fairly easy access to Krav Maga, JKD, MMA academies, boxing gyms, etc. 

All of that was considered. I'd prefer, almost require actually, a class where I can spar with other students. It's fun, practical, and lets me know where I am. When I was like 8, I used to do karate (yeah, I know, but I was 8), got to yellow belt and quit. To this day, I don't know why...

Anyway, if the only way to learn kung fu in America is to self-teach (and I see that not being the greatest idea with me [though I could try]), I may need to stick to my judo aspirations.

Here's my question: if, and I'm just thinking, I am truly interested in learning kung fu, what would the disadvantages of doing research, picking up books and self-teaching be? Advantages? Thanks.

And I'm not necessarily interested in cutting puppies in two with my p3n1s, I'm just very interested in the "mystical" side of it.

Thor wrote: Dunno what all the fuss is about for choosing styles. I've been boxing since I was 12 and have been Doing MMA for the last 2 1/2 years. In that time I have sparred with and fought many people with a focus in one of the other particular styles already listed. Each martial art is usually just a focus on some aspect of fighting because it has it's roots in some ancient or mystical reason. Truth is oriental arts are on their way out and being replaced with more practical and efficient styles. Take it from someone who knows. Practice in boxing, wrestling, kickboxing and you'll be as well rounded as you would ever need to be. Or you could take krav maga and look like a complete tool in a fight. Even worse if you take TKD. LOL at TKD.

I'd like to point out that I mentioned repeatedly that I'm not interested in martial arts for "self defense" purposes. I'm looking it as another outlet for my energy, stress relief and good old competition. But thatnks for your imput anyway.

I used to take Karate with my brother. It was a World Oyama karate dojo which was based out of Tokyo the fighting style was based off of Kyokushin Karate. I of course being a stuborn kid didn't appreciate having to do countless pushups because I didn't do what I was instructed because I didn't know Japanese! My brother stuck with it and trained with sensei Saiko Shihan Yasuhiko Oyama (ya I know, its legit). Now Saiko Shihan was a man, he defied gravity and was always intense with what he did. intrwbz- "He holds the 9th degree Black Belt (Ku Dan) and is a former All-Japan Full-Contact Champion. Saiko Shihan Oyama is known throughout the world of martial arts for his expertise as a tactician, and for his superb demonstrations with various weapons, as well as for his masterful teaching skills and electrifying teaching style." I now looking back and reading this wish I hadn't had been lazy and would have stuck it out, because I had the chance of a life to be trained by the best. My brother went on to become a black belt but soon after dropped out for I can't remember what reason, and he was only 12 or 13 when this happened so he still had a long way to go. (though i will tell you years later, we got into a fight and I was just pushing him and punching him below the face and when he told me to stop I didn't listen so he promptly and precisely put his fist into my face and broke my nose and gave me two completely purple eyes, it was just absolute pwnage but w/e)

definately go to a good dojo and learn, maybe you could find a place that trains you in strength as well, watch Never Back Down and thats what I mean but do it man I doubt you'll regret it.