Martial arts?

[ree]

Hi!
Has anyone here practised any type of martial arts?

I'm thinking of doing karate... not to aid in weight loss (although it's not unwelcome), but because I've always wanted to try it. I know it doesn't go well with restricting and feeling dizzy... but I'm willing to try. I really need something like this in my life, some activity that I enjoy and makes me get out of the house and talk to people.

Just a bit afraid that it's too formal for me to handle. I've got some social anxiety, and in formal situations it's even worse for some reason.

What do you think?

[silver_elf]

I used to do taekwondo (I quit this summer because I'm leaving for freshman year at uiversity and stuff)
I got my black belt in it which was pretty cool..
I loved it , it's such a great idea to have an activity that gets you out of the house, you'll meet lots of really awesome people.
I also loved how soothing it was, kind of like meditation but while you are physically active. And I loved how you could just keep training for decades and still keep learning and improving (so I wouldn't get bored easily)

The fitness aspect is also there as well, karate is definitely a rigorous activity but it's not non-stop so I think you'll be okay as long as you have at least a small snack about an hour before going.

As for formality, I found relief in the idea of structure and knowing exactly what to do, of course it will be awkward and confusing for the first few days but that's just as your learning the procedures and stuff. Don't think of it as formal but rather just a bunch of beautiful traditions, mostly for the purpose of showing respect. I mean hey, you get to immerse yourself and learn about a different culture!

[ree]

Thank you for your reply :) it really sounds like fun and a positive thing to have in your life.
And I feel a lot better about the environment of the class now... I'm determined not to crack, ahah.
Thank you so much! :))

And it's really cool how you are a black belt! How long have you been practising Taekwondo? (before quitting)

[silver_elf]

I've been doing it for about 6 years, I got my black belt after four :)
It's been a real amazing experience, for sure, I feel like I've grown so much because of it :)

[ree]

That's amazing! :) Thank you, I'm really pumped to start Karate now!

[ambernicoleeex]

i do capoiera with my boyfriend

[ree]

Capoeira is really cool, my friend does it :) he can do some insane moves in the air ahah

[Odette]

I do krav maga. It's very practical and there aren't any complex forms to memorize. I broke my instructors nose on my first day, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's really good if you're interested in self-defense in the face of someone with a knife or gun pointed at you. Of course most classes are taught by burly mercenaries and ex SOF guys, so there's zero formality and plenty of cursing. I definitely think karate will be a great thing for you, as I am a big advocate of any sort of martial arts. :D

[x_Karen_x]

I have major anxiety too, but Ive done some karate, kick boxing, and tae kwon do in my earlier years. I actually found that it really helped. Plus wow those sessions are quite a workout. And a fun one too. I'm looking to get back into martial arts again. I like the discipline. It's great for the mind and soul.

[~butterfly~]

Martial arts is awesome! I started when I was really little, so it's a really big part in my life. I started in Taekwondo but I had to quit when I was a brown belt (which really sucks). Now I'm in a different style and it's really fun because I'm in the adult class so people are more relaxed and its good for self defense as well.
I hope its awesome!!!

[next_thursday]

I was hoping someone had posted about Karate. Did you ever end up going?
I love it. Have done karate for about five years right now, and still in love with it. It is an AMAZING workout - I've never been in so good shape. And as everyone else said, its peaceful, the people who do it are generally awesome, and the endorphins are great. I do recommend eating a bite of SOMETHING beforehand. I've had a few times I could hardly get through a training session, and it sucked. I generally eat a piece of bread.