Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Well? Is there anyone here that studies any martial arts? I'm really looking to starting Kung Fu VERY soon... and the instructor is a Christian! I've totally got to get into that! ------------------ |
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Martial arts are a waste of time in my opinion. Better to build yourself up spiritually than with martial arts. But if you want for serf defense just work out and eat right. Events like Ultimate Fighters or Pancrase the martial artists loose to someone stronger, bigger, or more experienced brawlers. Maybe it’s good to take some lessons but I don't think spending so much time and money for a bunch of belts will help. It's not like you will fight a gang of martial artists to need it which is why I said if you really want to I would say only the basics. But if you are going to fight don’t be afraid to take some cuts and bruises, since I see many cowardly people not even fight back when they can win. Well that’s just my opinion. ------------------ |
ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
I'm kinda with warsong on this: it's all about kicking the other person in the nuts first. ------------------ |
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Lava Member Posts: 1905 From: Registered: 01-26-2005 |
Everybody was kung-fu fighting Those kids were fast as lightning In fact it was a little bit frightning But they fought with expert timing [This message has been edited by LAVA (edited February 28, 2007).] |
Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
What - in the world - was THAT, Lava...  Anyway brandon - all I can say is - GO FOR IT! And a Christian instructor? ...wow. That's awesome. |
goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
If you don't know what that was.. well.. no offense.. thats sad. But since this topic is more about defense anyway.. Ive never taken any lessons for fighting in any kind. Sometimes I feel like I miss out because.. well.. I just don't need to anyway. If I did take lessons it would be pointless and a waste of money. Either way, if I do find myself in a jam someday I have faith that God will get me out somehow. ------------------ [This message has been edited by Goop2 (edited February 28, 2007).] |
zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
I took a 3 month special course on Tae Kwon Do (Korean fighting) when I was in middle school---dude, if you want to do it don't worry about it and do it--I can pretty much guarantee you will have a lot of fun and probably find a great way to stay in shape through it---especially if the instructor is Christian you won't have to worry about being asked to compromise your values through meditating or anything like that----I think you will have a blast at it I know it was fun for me---I am still considering getting back into Tae Kwon Do although the dojo I studied at no longer exists, but we do have adifferent one in town now... ------------------ |
garand Member Posts: 22 From: Michigan, USA Registered: 06-19-2006 |
I am in Tae-Kwon-Do. My instructor is also Christian. I have been doing it for about 2 years and I am a blue belt. Have fun with it! ------------------ |
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zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
quote:
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Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
Goop... your reasoning is similar to that on many Christians on self-defense. Personally I think that's baloney, but to each his own.  (Goop yells, "Hey,you can't just call my opinion baloney and leave!!!")Oh yeah - and I AM sad, as you noticed. |
CPUFreak91 Member Posts: 2337 From: Registered: 02-01-2005 |
quote: I've started "official" American Kenpo Karate classes 2 weeks ago. I plan to graduate to a yeller belt in April.
quote: I like martial arts because they relaxes my mind (which, for me, is very hard to do). It also a great way to work out, and to build self-control and concentration.
quote: I have that song! I love it .------------------ |
jestermax Member Posts: 1064 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: 06-21-2006 |
Tai Chi Woo-style is where it's at |
Mene-Mene Member Posts: 1398 From: Fort Wayne, IN, USA Registered: 10-23-2006 |
Personally I've had a good deal of fun, but as for the question why? It not only build physical fitness, but confidence, maturity, and leadership skills. BTW, I'm not quite to the ceremony, but I've tested for my Orange w/ Stripe in Tang Soo Do. My entire school used to be Christian but they changed it recently. ------------------ I reserve the full right to change my views/theories at any time. |
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goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
Well its not 100% self defense. If someone decides to be real smart and attack me I want to enjoy whooping butt ------------------ |
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Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
Not that you would.
quote: Either you'd rely on God to do any "whooping butt" or you'd get smashed, I suppose... |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Awesome, it's good to see some people here who are into martial arts! My main motive is to stay in shape, we shouldn't just take care of our spirit but neglect our bodies :P Although deepening your relationship with Christ is absolutely more important. But there are tons of things to do in a day that are less constructive than martial arts. There are some things that are A-Moral and I think martial arts is one of those things. I'm not really worried about self-defense right now, but if a situation were to arise, then it'd be good to be able to protect myself and loved ones. ------------------ |
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Why didn't you say so! lol There are many types of work out plans but some are better than others. If saying fit is what you want the most jump in the water and swim. It's a total body work. I use to have a comparison chart with many activities and if I remember well swimming was the top one for many reasons. Anyway have an official comparison chart? Plenty of health and news sites recommend swimming more than other work outs. the only problem is water. lol Remember stay calm when in the water. Some tips at One site says “Swimming works the entire body. It improves the cardiovascular system, muscle strength, endurance, posture, flexibility and helps to reduce stress levels." They forgot to mention many other things but despite that many people will say it's the best all round work out for your body and mental health. If you compare time, price, and benefits swimming is better. What if you are on a ship and it sinks? Martial arts doesn't work in the water lol. "One stroke at a time - swimming as physical and spiritual therapy" this is a strange one with some. You have to agree with me on this. [This message has been edited by warsong (edited March 01, 2007).] |
steveth45 Member Posts: 536 From: Eugene, OR, USA Registered: 08-10-2005 |
quote: Good one, you're much more likely to be on a sinking ship than a situation where you could use some self defense skill. ------------------ |
David Lancaster Member Posts: 276 From: Adelaide, Australia Registered: 05-22-2006 |
I don't know why anyone really doesn't get it. Seriously, it's so obvious to me, that's why this post contains what it does. No I'm not being random, crazy or silly, this picture, if you can understand, has the answer this thread needs: [This message has been edited by David Lancaster (edited March 01, 2007).] |
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jestermax Member Posts: 1064 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: 06-21-2006 |
I'm with steveth on this one. you're more likely to be in a situation where you need to defend yourself (need is a loose word here) then you are on a sinking ship. And furthermore, just because you pick martial arts over swimming, doesn't mean you don't know how to swim. and plus, with all the kung fu action going on, your muscles will be stacked so you'll have better swimming stamina anyways. [sarcasm] case solved: if you have any sort of opinion on this topic, forget it and adopt mine :P[/sarcasm] |
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LOL wow some can't take a joke. I didn't say not to touch martial arts if he needs a little self defense to learn the basics, but there are better work outs and cheaper alternatives. But if it helps some then whatever floats your boat. Brandon said "My main motive is to stay in shape" When was the last time someone was robber at gun point and they used martial arts? Even if the criminal has a knife or uses there fists you can just say you know martial arts and they will most likely back away. Just like animals in the wild, they hunt for simple pray. I passed by neighbor hoods that looked like war zones and the crime was high and I didn't feel I need martial arts. Maybe some people should take power of negotiation to get out of an attack which can also help you do well in business. :P Now that is what you are most likely need and the odds of that are greater. I once took down a martial artist and I wasn't impressed with his skill. Another one was afraid to take me on and said I should be one. lol Hey does martial arts work against animals that attack? LOL you know how to take on an animal like a dog that wants to attack you? You charge at it more aggressively and show you are not afraid. If it wants to bit your hand take your hand then give it to him by force quickly and see what he does next. Animals will back down if you make them understand with appropriate force. Come on guys, be confident in yourselves. |
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jestermax Member Posts: 1064 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: 06-21-2006 |
warsong IS right about the confidence thing. and in his case, animals DO sense fear so just don't be afraid  but i've said it before and i'll say it again: tai chi |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
quote: Lol that's awesome!
quote: I like swimming but it doesn't have to be the only thing I do. I said my main motive is to stay in shape but it's not my only motive. I think the Martial Arts are very cool. They're a form of art after all. I love many different types of art! Btw David... that is a scary fella there *_* ------------------ |
bennythebear Member Posts: 1225 From: kentucky,usa Registered: 12-13-2003 |
if your REALLY SERIOUS about defending you and your loved ones in a situation, there's something called something like a concealed weapon permit, which allows you to legally carry a pistol. i promise you no matter how good the dude can fight, he can't dodge or block bullets. or you could simply rely on God if that's your choice. but as far as doing martial arts for exercise and discipline than i think that's a great idea. as far as the gun thing goes, i don't know if i could personally kill someone, but if i see them smacking around on my wife, especially my kid, my attitude would likely be more...ummm..."agressive". ------------------ proverbs 25:7 www.gfa.org - Gospel for Asia www.persecution.com - Voice of the Martyrs |
Realm Master Member Posts: 1971 From: USA Registered: 05-15-2005 |
I <3 Concealed Weapons Permit I <3 w3apons/weapons is that how you do it? <3? I see it everywhere, and I hate it, but this was a ligitimate situation! There is ovbiously some sort of conflict of why somebody would want to learn martial arts... my reasons: Its always good to know how to fight; doesn't mean you have to go looking for them. Its cool Being compeletly defensless is never a good Idea unless you really really really know what your doing. it (at least Tae Kwon Do does) enhances my flexibility... I can touch my toes now! (well, on certain stretches I can its cool. I've alwasy watned to learn how to use those knife things, ever since i watched the first TMNT movie. its cool.
lol (?) EDIT: looking on all of your responses... As far as I know, there is nothing wrong with martial arts, and if there is please enlighten me. Its...umm.. how would I put this... its also a sport as well, especially when it comes to sparring. Since I do no other sports, is a time where I can burn some fat... (If I even HAVE any fat.... I look sort of like skin and bones.) ------------------ [This message has been edited by Realm Master (edited March 01, 2007).] [This message has been edited by Realm Master (edited March 01, 2007).] |
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Mene-Mene Member Posts: 1398 From: Fort Wayne, IN, USA Registered: 10-23-2006 |
I beg to differ. One, yes you can defend yourself against a gun. Two, I realize swimming is a great exercise, and Martial Arts isn't as good, but it offers more than fitness, it also brings flexibility to the picture, which swimming doesn't. It also increases Mental strength. ------------------ I reserve the full right to change my views/theories at any time. |
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ben You are not just saying that since Guns are considered cool to many? lol One problem with owning a gun besides self fence is to have with a militia as the constitution says just insane the government goes nuts and to keep the Government in check as the founding fathers wanted, but what's the point of a militia since a gun or an army of guns can't take on a tank, battleships, or air force? The history of martial arts I find it more interesting that the actual art. Even Bruce Lee said that the martial arts are more about show than defense, which is why he made his own style. Also martial arts won't help when it comes to grappling since it can turn into that quickly. But I would recommend people avoid fights if they can. Taking care of your body is just as spiritually important. And as they say what does in your moth determines your health a lot. mene [This message has been edited by warsong (edited March 01, 2007).] |
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Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
Teddy Roosevelt said "Speak softly and carry a big stick." That's good advice. I'd modify it to: |
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bennythebear Member Posts: 1225 From: kentucky,usa Registered: 12-13-2003 |
@ warsong: no i wasn't just saying that because of guns being popular. as a side note, guns aren't toys, and they should be treated with great care, and only people mentally able to handle them should be allowed to carry one. @mene: if someone had a gun pointed at you form 15ft away, exactly how would you defend against that? i know it's *possible* to disarm someone, but it's not *probable*. they have to be within your arms reach, and you have to be very fast, at least faster than they're response of pulling the trigger. ...again i say guns are not toys, neither are bladed weapons for that matter. they were meant for one thing, to kill, or to disable the target. so they should be used with great care. ------------------ proverbs 25:7 www.gfa.org - Gospel for Asia www.persecution.com - Voice of the Martyrs |
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goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
 It really depends on where you live. If you live in a place like New York, there are plenty of swimming pools, so swimming skill is great to have. If you live in a place like New Orleans, there are plenty of big black brawlers, so its much better to know how to fight, than swim. As for guns, you don't need anything more than a gun permit in most states. That is, unless you have it hidden. Trust me, any (most) mugger(s) would have the brains to leave someone with a gun alone. I don't care if you know martial arts, your not gonna have the guts to go mug someone with a gun. Dave: I don't think Ill get stronger by eating more. Lazarus once said "Speak softly, and carry a big .44 magnum and a big rattan cane." ------------------ |
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ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
quote: and I say shoot first, ask questions later. or let God sort 'em out. one of the two. either way, I'm shooting first. ------------------ |
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Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
Well Arch, the ACLU might take issue with your method. Shoot the lawyer first, ask questions later... |
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goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
Hey! Thats not politically correct! But then, neither is God. Carry on! ------------------ |
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jestermax Member Posts: 1064 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: 06-21-2006 |
I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk? EDIT: removed sad attempt at html...and i actually do this for a living now... [This message has been edited by jestermax (edited March 01, 2007).] |
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ArchAngel Member Posts: 3450 From: SV, CA, USA Registered: 01-29-2002 |
Desert Eagle > .44 magnum
you know, swimming might be a better work out, but think about it. ------------------ |
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Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
I fail to see the connection, Arch... Swimming and martial arts are both good activities, imo. |
Xian_Lee Member Posts: 345 From: Registered: 03-15-2006 |
The thing with martial arts, is that, while their use in combat may not hold a great deal of significance in our culture, the real point of martial arts is just as valid as ever: Martial arts are about having supreme control over one's body. In that way, studying martial arts is certainly worth the time invested (unless that time takes away from spiritual growth). Martial arts require the act of getting and staying fit. That's a good thing. ------------------ |
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goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
Well you could always fight while reading your Bible. Then you would be growing physically, spiritually, and mentally! ------------------ [This message has been edited by Goop2 (edited March 01, 2007).] |
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zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
quote: excellent point--it is because of martial arts I never got into a fight all the way through middle and high school ------------------ |
crazyishone Member Posts: 1685 From: Registered: 08-25-2004 |
I think everyone should be somehow equipped to defend themselves. An "eastern" Martial Art is one good option that not only gives you defensive ability but all of the other mentioned benefits. A concealed gun is nice too, and rarely would a situation arise where you'd need to use it. The well-timed presence of a gun could potentially solve most problems. This option offers nothing but defense. "Western" martial arts and combat training are effective in many of the same ways that the Eastern ones are, but tend to be more focused on the "martial" than the art. Everyone should know how to fight, at least how to throw a few good punches and last once the fight goes to the ground (which it will. There shall be no roundhouse kicks, my friends.) By the way, warsong: I like your point about our right to form a militia. ------------------ |
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zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
with the concealed gun though---you have to be careful that is against the law in some places..... ------------------ |
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Lazarus Member Posts: 1668 From: USA Registered: 06-06-2006 |
Careful - to hide it, you mean. |
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goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
Where I live you can carry a gun as long as its registered. Not sure about concealed though.. I wouldn't worry about that though. Id rather let people see it and fear me >=D ------------------ [This message has been edited by Goop2 (edited March 02, 2007).] |
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zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
quote: that works along the same reason why Police Officers drive around aimlessly on patrol during their shift---if people see the opposition to negative behavior they are far less likely to act--that way a situation was neutralized way before it even started happening---so actually a gun on your side is more effective than a concealed one because a mugger or bully or whatever is going to pick someone that shows the least amount of opposition or ability to oppose which would rule you out ------------------ |
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goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
Thats everything I was going to say, but was too lazy to do so  ------------------ |
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zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
LOL yep--speak softly and carry a big stick---a simple statement that investigates a complex psychological idea ------------------ |
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Xian_Lee Member Posts: 345 From: Registered: 03-15-2006 |
quote: I heard what that statement originally meant a few weeks ago at a church service. The idea was meekness. Specifically, it was referring to the need for a strong military force (the big stick), but that it's more effective to use tact in diplomacy (speak softly) than wave the metaphorical stick around. Basically, it's necessary to be powerful, but it's better to be gentle. For some reason, our society often thinks that gentleness and power are contradictory, when, in fact, a Christian has reason to be both. Meekness, my friends; meekness is a part of a lifestyle worth living. How does that pertain to martial arts? Well, I suppose that for the martial arts practicing Christian, it means that you develop mind and body, but, while not concealing it, not using it to intimidate. Let's face it, when you see a guy that could easily be perceived as tough, but, when you meet him, you find out he's a really nice guy, you're most likely surprised. Well, when a Christian purports power and control, but is very kind and gentle, people will be surprised. It's also good for blowing off the sometimes-held stereotype of Christians being weak. Nowhere in the Bible are Christians told to be weak (however, it is written in the Bible that "when I am weak, then I am strong", but that's another topic altogether). Just my $0.02 for the weekend. Oh, and to answer the original question of this topic, I'm taking up Japanese sword fighting as a way of making fitness interesting. I might take up more hand-to-hand martial arts in the future (probably an open-palm palm form; I believe Tae Kwan Do is one such form), even if only to get the basics down. ------------------ "He who walks in integrity walks securely, [This message has been edited by Xian_Lee (edited March 02, 2007).] |
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zookey Member Posts: 1902 From: Great Falls, Montana, USA Registered: 04-28-2002 |
quote: I honestly don't know if Tae Kwon Do would be classified as that or not--I know that fist-based punches are a part of it (if I remember correctly, the name means kicking and punching) With Meekness----EXACTLY! Gentleness and diplomacy aren't signs of weakness in the slightest---the only people who act like those are signs of weakness are those who feel the desperate need to prove themselves--and they often carry it to the point of causing severe harm that someone else has to clean up---the big stick and meekness need to be kept in balance with each other (stress on the each other, one without the other is crippled either way)--if we did that more often I think we would be astounded at the results With Martial Arts, even without accompanying them with Christian teachings they still promote only using your skills as an absolute last resort-----that you should control your emotions and, by doing so, control the situation and steer it in a non-violent non-illegal direction---to show us the example of that our teacher showed us footage from one of the Karate Kid movies where a drunk dude was mad at the instructor dude, the instructor dude stayed calm and nicely stepped out of the way when the drunk dude punched--thus he punched through a car window---then they told us how, even if you are mad and rage takes over, you are still responsible for your actions and associated consequences (like accidentally punching a window or something else you didn't intend to hit) so it is better to work on controlling your rage and anger reflexes before hand so you don't fly off the handle in a heated situation and do something you will later regret. ------------------ [This message has been edited by zookey (edited March 02, 2007).] |
