Martial Arts

Republican_Man · **Sun Jan 29, 2006 11:41 pm Martial Arts**

Question: Is anyone here involved in a martial art? As you may know, I am a Black Belt in TaeKwonDo, and have actually been one since the summer of 2000.
When I moved to Colorado I had to learn whole new forms, etc., and so I was thrust behind; and recently (as in, the last 2/3 years) I have been unable to get there or too busy with school, etc. to do so, and so I have not been present frequently, or when I am, it's difficult to get caught up/we don't do entirely meaningful things, IMO. Otherwise, I would rightfully be at least a 2nd degree--if not 3rd--instead of 1st.
When I tested for my Black Belt, mind you, I had a 103 degree fever and a twisted ankle--no joke--and it was 3.5 hours long. It was hard, tiring, and all that! But, at the same time, worth it.
My brother got his black belt last year, and my dad, who has not continued since we moved here, is one as well.

TaeKwonDo's great--as are martial arts period--however, and I'm glad to have partaken in such an effective and quality "thing."

So, as I ask in my poll, do you do a martial art? If so, which one? What do you think about martial arts?

Just to say, while all martial arts are similar, they are quite different, particularly in location. For instance, Kung Fu is from China as TKD is from Korea and Karate is from Japan.

IntrepidIsMe · **Sun Jan 29, 2006 11:52 pm**

When I was like 5 I did the whole taekwondo scene, but it was part of the whole private school preppy curriculum. I wasn't really into it, but luckily I left.

Republican_Man · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:03 am**

Did you vote, because there are two no's and no "I did, but I discontinued"'s

IntrepidIsMe · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:04 am**

Hmmm, now I'm the one "I did, but I discontinued."

harrykims#1fan · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 4:31 am**

i do karate but i havent been for a while, so i'm a little out of practice

lionhead · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 4:59 am**

i would love to learn She Quan... Don't know why though, it just appeals to me when i see a woman do it....

Seven of Nine · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:23 am**

No, but I'd like to. Anything to improve my balance and co-ordination!

Leo Wyatt · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:33 am**

No, but I would like to.

webtaz99 · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 2:31 pm**

Many schools do not treat all students the same. The many are allowed to move up in their "belts", simply because they show up and pay their dues. The few are focused on and properly trained, in order to make the school look good and (over time) produce new instructors.

My opinion is obviously and admittedly biased, because I came from a school where the teacher did not rely on the school for money (he taught 4th grade as a profession). He tested only every 6 months, and would not give a belt to any student unless he felt that student could teach another the skills needed to earn that belt. And the winter rank tests were overseen in person by the grand master of the style, Mr. Jhoon Rhee.

TrekkieMage · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 5:00 pm**

I don't do any sort of martial arts, but I'd love to try it. It seems like such a good way to utilize and test coordination, balance, and agility.

Arellia · **Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:57 pm**

I did Karate for a little while, TaeKwonDo for a little longer. Really, it's not my thing. I'll take dancing any day.

ACDC Girl · **Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:03 pm**

I take Taekwondo and kick boxing.

Superman · Fleet Admiral Joined: 06 Dec 2003 Posts: 10220

I attended one Judo class many years ago (just for fun, to be honest). That's my only experience with Martial Arts. I do know a lot of people who do it, though. Interestingly, out of the people I know who do it, about 80% of them do it for reasons such as health or something deep and philosophical. I'm sure they would use it to defend themselves, but from what I can gather, it's much more than just kicks and holds.