Martial Arts

[Ev]

Since I was young, I took a special interest in martial arts.  At one point I held a 1st degree black belt in TKD as well as Hapkido, and was a self-defense instructor.  However, due to a few injuries I sustained, I had to drop the TKD (and other hard styles I learned) and went into the softer arts, and focused more on the Hapkido I learned as a child.

I won't get into the list of things I tried, but I wound up settling on Wing Chun and Tai Chi as they are "gimp-friendly" and thus do not focus a lot on being overly-strong or in "great shape" to practice, as well as (if you find the right instructor) having some decent self-defense techniques that minimize the risk of being harmed yourself by breaking your wrist by punching wrong.  They integrated well into my own personal style (that I keep to myself.)  While not practical at the pace the forms are practiced, I like the "art" side of Tai Chi as it is very calming and makes me feel pretty hahahaha.

I never really fancied myself as a "TKD Person" or a "Kung-Fu Guy/Gal", instead preferring the term "martial artist" because I think styles are too confining.  Learn everything, keep what works, discard the rest.  Kind of like Bruce Lee...just not as good.  Or fast.  Or strong.  Or good-looking.

Martial arts has helped me get out of trouble on more than one occaision, as well as kept me in shape and is a good stress release...and by "get out of trouble" I mean not fighting off people par se, but rather, how to remain confident, collected, and aware of my surroundings.  (The best defense is not to be there.  Violence is a last resort: escalation is something to be aware of.) 

I am really glad I trained over the years, especially now I am going through the transition process.  I feel 1,000% safer knowing I can at least hold my own against "90%" of the people out there.  Call me biased, but I encourage everyone (especially MTFs) to get some basic knowledge of self-defense in case they are left with no other option.  Also, if you got anger issues (like me) it is a good place to vent.

I recently broke it to my Wing Chun instructor about my transition, and I told him if it would hurt his business I could leave or he could train me in private/under the radar.  He told me that if people had a problem with it, THEY could leave.  So, I think I found a place I can train more full-time now.

[Marieee]

Wow very interesting and good to know I'am not the only one with an interest, well kind of diminished interest in Martial Arts. I'am sorry to hear about those injuries but sounds like you've had a very consistent successful career with those.

I started in TKD and loved it, but once you get up there you really have to do some crazy spins! I didn't learn those till after . Martial Arts are kind of a dusty part of my brain now, I hardly ever keep up with it anymore but should reconsider that huh?

So Hapkido is less advanced than TKD? Someone told me it was like TKD 2.0 but I must have interpreted that wrong lol.

  Learn everything, keep what works, discard the rest.  Kind of like Bruce Lee...just not as good.  Or fast.  Or strong.  Or good-looking.

Awesome. Great Philosophy, Bruce Lee was a big inspiration for me and I've always had the same philosophy about Martial Arts.

Speaking of which you brought up a great point, something others should consider, is the mindset. There's certainly lotssss of thinking going on that makes you tougher but also open minded. Lot's of psych stuff too lol.

And I like to believe a childhood with involvement in martial arts retaining itself through the years is incredibly valuable. It's just great coaching that you can live by and refer too time after time.

It's cool seeing all the philosophies in this post, brings back fun times!  Martial arts can be expensive and time consuming but it feels amazing and it's really fun. As you noted Ev, Self Defense could be the most important practical skill you'll learn.

Cool hearing your background in TKD and Hapkido, Thanks for posting!

[Ev]

Wow very interesting and good to know I'am not the only one with an interest, well kind of diminished interest in Martial Arts. I'am sorry to hear about those injuries but sounds like you've had a very consistent successful career with those.

I started in TKD and loved it, but once you get up there you really have to do some crazy spins! I didn't learn those till after . Martial Arts are kind of a dusty part of my brain now, I hardly ever keep up with it anymore but should reconsider that huh?

So Hapkido is less advanced than TKD? Someone told me it was like TKD 2.0 but I must have interpreted that wrong lol.

Awesome. Great Philosophy, Bruce Lee was a big inspiration for me and I've always had the same philosophy about Martial Arts.

Speaking of which you brought up a great point, something others should consider, is the mindset. There's certainly lotssss of thinking going on that makes you tougher but also open minded. Lot's of psych stuff too lol.

And I like to believe a childhood with involvement in martial arts retaining itself through the years is incredibly valuable. It's just great coaching that you can live by and refer too time after time.

It's cool seeing all the philosophies in this post, brings back fun times!  Martial arts can be expensive and time consuming but it feels amazing and it's really fun. As you noted Ev, Self Defense could be the most important practical skill you'll learn.

Cool hearing your background in TKD and Hapkido, Thanks for posting!

You're very welcome. 

On Hapkido: rather than rely on strikes or kicks par se, it utilizes more of what is called "compliance techniques."  Basically, you get a hold of someone's pressure point, wrist, finger, elbow so forth so forth and they are left with two options: comply/go with the direction you move them, or get a bone broke.  There is a lot of overlap between Aikido and Judo, the "Japanese equivalents" as Hapkido is Korean.  Hapkido is a soft style because it does not meet force with force like a hard style does, TKD being one.  So, if you are not able to "get in shape" for whatever reason, Hapkido is a sound alternative.  As far as it being "less advanced": you get out what you put in.  I found it to be more technical than TKD, whereas TKD is more about being uber-athletic.  It is what it is, but that is my perspective.

My instructor really opened my eyes to the importance of not relying on any one thing. He understood TKD's limitations so had us learn Hapkido to balance things when someone got past the kicks...and by "had us learn" I mean got a certification in the art himself as well so he could pass it down.  I don't think he meant for me to move into the softer styles as a result of this, though, as I was on his teaching staff and began to lose interest in TKD when I was exposed to the softer styles.

[jfong]

I also studied Wing Chun for a few years now. Originally I was looking for something that won't build any bulky muscles because deep in my subconscious I know that I'm going to transition one day. A month ago I came out to my sifu (he's one of the student of Ip man's sons) and he told me that it did not matter since all he wants is someone who is willing to learn. It also made me more confident in my ability to protect myself if such situation arise, but like what Ev said avoiding confrontation is best and walk away if you still can.

[autumnwind44]

Ive always loved martial arts since the power rangers lol

I strongly believe that even if I transition, I will still practice martial arts.

Had about 10 lessons or less at 2 places but ive always looked at things from a " what could one do in a situation such as..." and ive always been explosive physically.

Learnt the tai chi 10 form on youtube and im pretty sure that I know when im doing something wrong.

I do love chi gung too such as the 8 section brocade, always limbers me up, makes me feel good and gets rid of my heartburn/indigestion on the tail wagging part lol

[jaybutterfly]

I'm so happy you found an instructor whose like that with your wing chun. I've been training in martial arts for a couple of years now (mostly Bujinkan, but since my dojo is probably closing this winter I'm looking at other things to, Wing Chun is on the list) and I've found it's very hard sometimes because of attitudes of 'manning up' and things like that, but I learn out of interest.

[wallflowerXo]

I've been thinking about starting wing chun, everything i read about it leads me to think it might be worth trying but i just cant seem to get off the fence and give it a go, any advice or encouragement you could give? i seem to suffer from a terminal lack of energy when it comes to trying new things especially in a group setting

[jfong]

As with any other martial arts, I believe determination and perseverance is key. This is not something that can be learned just by coming to the classes for a few times.
The near goal is to act without even thinking of the next move, you react by sensing what the opponent is doing.  Eventually you will keep on learning to better yourself physically and mentally.
If you are a bit shy, you can try asking for private classes at first, but you will need to spar/practice with other people eventually.
Everyone is different and you need to be able to adapt to different kinds of people with different tendencies.

[wallflowerXo]

sounds like a good idea, i'll look into booking a private session or two, now all i've got to do is decide between the schools. 
There are a few different schools/classes run by an "international academy" teaching the Chu Shong Tin style of wing chun around NSW and Sydney it looks nicely structured around a grading and level system spread over the period of a few months/years depending on each grade or level and the students skill.

a little bit more locally is a separate school called Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun i'm not certain exactly what the variations are, i think it's just a difference in teachers lineage? Though i've been told the WSL teacher is held in pretty high standing locally and abroad and that his system is less formal in regards to grades and levels.

Any thoughts or opinions?

[Sammy]

I am not an expert of wing chun, but I would say if You are pursuing this road for selfperfection then grades and belts dont really matter - as Bruce Lee said "belt is only good for holding Your pants tight". I have seen black belts, fit and sharp looking, performing kata with utmost precision and beauty, then folding up in the face of raw power and aggression. And I have seen people with no belts or degrees, ordinary even plain looking, taking care of themselves and others in the face of danger and then just shrugging it off.
Try both places and see where You feel at home more - because You will be spending quite a lot of time thereafter .

[jfong]

Exactly what Emily said.
From your description I am leaning more towards WSL. I personally don't care what belt or ranking, it will just make people blinded by the colour. But again, that is my personal opinion.

[V M]

I began studying various martial arts in high school, mainly to fend off bullies but never cared for belts and such and could never decide on one form I liked best so I combined various elements I liked and somewhat made up my own style

[Sammy]

Mixed style approach (not to be mistaken for MMA) is one of the best ones, because You get to pick and choose what works for Your individual body (mechanics, physical capabilities, mentality). Also, it gives a broader understanding of what to expect from possible assailants, though those bullies which You usually encounter on streets rarely come from dojos (though they might have some previous experience).

[wallflowerXo]

Thanks for the advice, i feel i should probably make a clarification though in case anyone's gotten the wrong opinion of the Chu Shong Tin academy they don't follow any belt system at all from what i've read. when i mentioned grades/levels, what i meant was that each one has its set curriculum of information for the student to absorb and become proficient with before moving onward, i.e.

Grade 1

    Basic theory and logic of Wing Chun,
    Siu Nim Tau form,
    Wing Chun stance and its importance,
    Pivoting,
    Development of punching and kicking,
    Counter-movements to basic arm and leg attacks,
    Counter-movements to basic rear and side attacks.

Grade 2

    Single Chi Sau (sticking hands) and basic applications,
    Development of the Siu Nim Tau form,
    Further development of the Wing Chun stance,
    Cultivation of 'forward force',
    Four corner deflection techniques,
    Development of punching and kicking power,
    Counter-movements to advanced arm and leg attacks,
    Combination and extension of Grade 1 movements, with an emphasis on fluidity of movement, speed and reflex,
    Limited sparring.

etc. etc. up to lvl 6 when they teach you either the vulcan nerve grip or the touch of death.  kidding the closest it gets to that stuff is something called vortex effect, still sounds awesome though.
And yeah the WSL Ving Tsun, i took notice of because Wong Shun Leung is the guy that used to either train Bruce Lee or train With Bruce Lee, i cant recall precisely... possibly both with how martial arts schools work; the older students helping to teach the younger, they mention WSL a few times in documentaries about bruce lol i vaguely recall him having something to do with game of death.... either choreographing a fight or sparring backstage with extras some-such non-sense lol but don't go quoting me cause i'm probably wrong and then you'll sound silly for being wrong as well 

[MrKarl35]

I have been training Muay Thai and Boxing for over ten years now. I really enjoy the workout, stress reliever and confidence boost it provides me. Recently I have been training BJJ, I was lucky enough to get 3rd place for in my first tournament. I would recommend anyone thinking about getting into martial arts of any kind find a local school that you feel comfortable with and start! I also think the Martial Arts community is a really inclusive one. I am a non-trans male and have never witnessed any sort of discrimination toward anyone.