I just quiet Smoking and am looking to get into shape. I Have a floating work schedule if i Join a Dojo can I just show up for any class or do I join classes on specfic days? What should I look foe in a good studio?
2007-08-18 07:34:31 · 11 answers · asked by ingsoc1 7 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Even if a Dojo has set class times, you can still just go to the ones that you are able to. You will just progress slower and not get as fit as fast. Although you could supplement your exercise with at home body weight workouts.
A lot of Dojo's do have multiple class times and days. Explaining your schedule, you would be welcome to come when you can as instruction would be more open and less structured, allowing you to miss a few but not be too far behind.
Look for flexibility in class times and instruction, trust your instincts on the quality of your Sensei (talk to other students),
and sit in on a class (without participating) to guage the mood, so to speak.
Good luck with the stopping smoking. Don't be discouraged with being out of breath in the classes, it will come with time and perserverance.
2007-08-18 11:23:16 · answer #1 · answered by freegive9 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All studio's will have set times for different belt levels, but many offer all-belt classes, or 'open' classes for anyone of any ranking to join in. You would want to find a dojo that has classes which would fit your lifestyle. Many of them offer classes in the evening, and some places offer a few during the day around noontime. I try to attend both (as I have the summer to do so), and can manage to attend two classes a day.
As for the dojo itself, try to go to a few different ones in your area. First, try the ones closest to you (I ride my bike to the one by my house), and then look for others farther away. If you talk to the receptionist or anyone at the desk, they'll be able to tell you class times. Try to go to the different dojo's during class and see what's going on. Most will allow you to watch in some way, and you can see if you like the place. The atmosphere and mood of the studio is important - you don't want to end up somewhere like the dojo in the Karate Kid, afterall.
Also, check for smaller things like cleanliness of the dojo, and research it a bit if you can to see how long it has been around. Try to find a dojo that works in its own building - I've seen some that claim to teach the martial arts, but do so in the gymnasium of a school, which is most certainly not safe (the floors would hurt like nothing else if you fell). Try to also talk to the Sensei or Master there and discuss it with them.
And congrats on quitting smoking! It's great to hear that you're interested in getting back into shape - martial arts is a great way to do so.
2007-08-18 11:52:53 · answer #2 · answered by Tammi N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think age 14 is the perfect age to start martial arts training. I was 14 (almost 15) when I started taking Tae Kwon Do. Listen to what PugPaws states in here. I have followed his many posts and he seems to be the most down-to-earth person that answers questions in this forum...and he does not hesitate to call a spade a spade when it comes to "exposing" how many dojos are more worried about the almighty dollar rather than trying to provide the best training possible. Do this. Click on pugpaws name on here and read every answer he's given. It will give you a solid foundation of what to expect when making good choices for your martial arts education.
2016-05-22 03:52:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'd have to consult the dojo schedule. Classes are only at certain times because the sensei usually has a day job. A good dojo has gradual, safe, and high-quality training at a reasonable price and doesn't promise special chi/ki powers like knocking out someone from a distance.
2007-08-18 12:53:51 · answer #4 · answered by R. Lee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, congratulations on quitting smoking.
As for getting in shape, I've done a lot of different martial arts, and believe me, a lot of them will not really get you into shape. The most physically strenuous ones I've done have been capoeira, Brazilian jujitsu, bagua, and krav maga. I have had friends who did other traditional Chinese arts ( kung fu ) and those were pretty physical--a lot of standing in low stances, weight lifting, etc. I think you got good answers on the schedule stuff--I would recommend you do it at least twice a week and practice on your own( even if it's only 10 - 15 minutes of review) daily. You will have to just go and check out a place and see if you like it. Lots of schools offer a free trial lesson or at least you can watch a class.
2007-08-18 19:28:19 · answer #5 · answered by Richard R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started studying at the age of 36, so I know where you are coming from. I was lucky enough to find an instructor who offered an adult class in the evenings twice a week, and it has worked well for me. Consult with as many dojos, dojands, et al in your area, and find one that will allow you to study within your work schedule. I would not expect to advance quickly, and DEFINITELY stretch well before and after class, because you are going to rediscover muscles you forgot you had after about two classes.
2007-08-18 15:39:36 · answer #6 · answered by THE_Sparkchaser ATL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Search Internet for your local class. There are many excellent instructors with classes to suit everyone. I would recommend doing Wing chun Kuen. Its a very simple and direct form of combat with only three to four years to complete the whole system. All the other arts are more rigorous and less apply able in real life situations apart from JKD. You can still drink and smoke when doing Wing Chun but no advisable and still be able to beat a guy in a street fight. Bruce Lee practiced in this Art and developed JKD from it.
2007-08-18 09:46:06 · answer #7 · answered by long110575 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for your comfort level with the instruction, the instructor, and the methods primarily. If getting in shape is a big consideration, perhaps try some of the kickboxing arts - there's a lot of cardio in muay thai, American kickboxing, san shou, and some of the others. Also - capoeira is a great way to get into shape.
2007-08-18 08:06:28 · answer #8 · answered by JoeT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well its a good idea. Every dojo is different, so just find the right one for you. There's no easy way, so just get out there and start looking!
2007-08-18 07:42:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as others have said, you need to find one that suits your schedule. instructor counts too---- feel him/her out--- make sure teaching is what they love to do... and not just what pays their bills
advice though....
start stretching.... flexibility helps in all martial arts.
watching tv? well- get down on the floor instead of the couch and stretch (a few push ups dont hurt either).
good luck-
2007-08-18 13:00:23 · answer #10 · answered by amaashelton 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋