Fight

**maverick** · 10-Sep-07, 07:22 PM

I just got back from my first ever martial arts class. Its something I've always wanted to do and have put off for way too long. Its one of the things I decided I was doing during my little self-inspecting hiatus from DF.

All I have to say is that it was an ass-kicker. I got a one on one 30 minute class with the instructor, Hal Deily. He trained under Dan Inosanto, who was one of three people that Bruce Lee trained directly as instructors of Jeet Kun Do. He also trained under the Esrima/Kali instructor that was featured on "The Human Weapon". In short, he too is an ass-kicker.

In a class that consisted of nothing more than footwork drills, jabs, crosses, front rear leg kicks, and one self defense maneuver, I was pouring sweat. I was huffing and puffing by the end, doing my damnedest to hide it since I was complimented right off the bat on how strong I looked. Its amazing how a guy twice my age was making me look like the fat kid in gym class. And for those of you who know me, you know that working with those who are better than me is one of my best motivators. Why do you think I can't seem to stay away from this place.

tim_mcf · 10-Sep-07, 07:27 PM

That's awesome.

**Gooseneck** · 10-Sep-07, 07:50 PM

Beware, its addicting.

TomG · 10-Sep-07, 08:15 PM

You'll adjust. You just learned again that one type of fit doesn't match another.

At one time I was big into soccer, taking a break from karate. In soccer we ran in the game and in training, crosscountry-runner level. I started up karate again, confident of my legs and wind. Just a few minutes of kicking about killed me.

Motivated · 10-Sep-07, 08:58 PM

I did martial arts for a few years (jujitsu and aikido) and it was excellent.

I suggest you check out jujitsu -- I'm telling you...groundfighting you use all the muscles in your body. Core and legs are supreme on the mat.

Youre in insane shape so you'll catch on -- its all about coordination and losing the ego (too things I have problems with at times

)

Good luck Mav. And I'll e-mail you soon with some demo graphics.

Jasahn · 10-Sep-07, 09:47 PM

Really cool that you're getting into martial arts! I did it as kid, quit, and came back years later as a twenty year old. My first workout back I thought I was gonna have to excuse myself to go vomit outside.

10-Sep-07, 09:53 PM

Manic, oops I mean Maverick has something new to be manic about!

For the best in learning, empty your cup and leave your strength at home, and get to know the power of your hips. Remember to breathe, don't hold your breath when the going gets tough.

Keep us posted how it is going for you. Us martial artists like to read how others are progressing with their training.

Save your money and don't subscribe to Black Belt magazine. Tons of good stuff on youtube though which I am sure you know.

etothepii · 12-Sep-07, 07:19 PM

Sounds cool. I bet a martial arts specific area here at discusfitness.com would get some action.

EliteLift · 13-Sep-07, 12:11 AM

What type of martial arts are you doing Maverik? I'm assuming sinse you mentiond Bruce Lee trainning your instructor it is most likely some form of kung fu?

**.V.** · 13-Sep-07, 06:09 AM

Sounds like JKD. Very good. Based on KF, but took whatever technique worked from every art.

Maverick, do what pierini said and leave your strength at home. Just be an empty sponge ready to absorb what they teach you, then you will be able to blend it with anything you already know and what your experiences in life have taught you. Then you will make it yours and adapt it to your way.

Enjoy the training.

RE the groundfighting comment, JKD does include traps, throws, and some groundfighting skills. It doesn't reject any of the other arts.

**maverick** · 13-Sep-07, 08:12 AM

The core course for beginners (i.e., me) is based around Escrima/Kali, the Philipino art, but there's a few different paths you can take. I'm actually looking to focus on Muay Thai and I think they have a Jui jitsu instructor. Muay Thai seems like a good fit for me since I'm already in good condition physically and it seems to leverage that as the overall amount of technique as compared to other arts is much smaller. Plus, for a for childish reason, most of my favorite MMA fighters (Vanderlei Silva, Mirko Cro Cop, Pedro Rizzo) have a strong kick boxer background.

EliteLift · 13-Sep-07, 04:40 PM

Muay Thai and Jui jitsu are in my opinion, the best combination of matial arts one can master. judo is pretty sweet to.

**Gooseneck** · 13-Sep-07, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EliteLift

Muay Thai and Jui jitsu are in my opinion, the best combination of matial arts one can master. judo is pretty sweet to.

I agree.

etothepii · 13-Sep-07, 06:55 PM

I'm not a fighter, but I'm becoming a huge MMA fan. It seems that mastering a stand up skill and a ground skill is required. Maui Thai and JJ are a potent pair, but so seem American Boxing and wrestling (with submission training). So too kick boxing and Sambo (sp?) Other combinations like Maui Thai and American wrestling. Etc.

Not just training, but mastering a stand up and a ground skill. Good isn't good enough at the championship level. Throw in some Judo or Greko-Roman wrestling (throwing/slamming skill), and there's a potent trio.

**maverick** · 13-Sep-07, 07:16 PM

mentioned wrestling twice... cotoure fan are we?