Doug- Martial Arts Questions [Archive]

turbot48

02-06-2003, 09:04 PM

Hey Doug ,
I find this an honor to be able to ask a man a question who's been there/done that and was what many of us can only dream of becoming (SEAL) (Also, as everybody can see I'm new to this site and am sorry if this topic has been repeated before.)
What martial arts discipline(s) would you recommend to get into to cross-train w/running and swimming?? I just need to add a little excitement (contact sports!!) into my training regimen. (Getting bored w/the same old routine) My father trained in martial arts for 10 yrs. and recommended to get into a dojo that does a combo of disciplines and also works my tail off, what's your view?? Also, why is it so hard to find a good dojo to workout at?? I've tried a few dojos and observed a few workouts at various locations, but they seem to be too laid back, family oriented, making it pretty tough to get a good workout in. I grew up playing sports (football, wrestling, and track) and know what a good workout feels like. Some of these are just a joke!! ($$pay the dues and receive your blackbelt in 1 year types!!!) I was wondering if you have any insight on helping me locate a dojo that means business.

Thanks for your time and advice
turbot48

Doug

02-07-2003, 03:52 AM

First things first - welcome to the site! On to the questions...great questions!

What martial arts discipline(s) would you recommend to get into to cross-train w/running and swimming?? I just need to add a little excitement (contact sports!!) into my training regimen. (Getting bored w/the same old routine)

It's hard to say. If its just a little excitement/contact sports your looking for, Olympic-style Taekwondo or Kickboxing would be good since they are both a full-contact art where, when you spar, you really get in there and grind. That's what I love about Taekwondo. Knowing that if you make a mistake, you could get knocked out or whatever. Its a lot of fun. But I do TKD just for sport. I would not recommend it for a street self-defense style.

My father trained in martial arts for 10 yrs. and recommended to get into a dojo that does a combo of disciplines and also works my tail off, what's your view??

Its funny you asked that. The style I teach is a combo of disciplines. Taekwondo for the sport aspect, Brazilian Jiujutsu for grappling, Ninjutsu for the philosophy and many, many excellent techniques, Krav Maga for some variety and outstanding street self-defense and a variety of techniques and sets I learned in the good ol Navy. *lol* So I agree completely with your father. A combo of disciplines is ALWAYS the best. Also, you then usually do not get caught up with "this style is better than this style, because..." If an instructor at any school starts to give you that BS, just turn around and walk out. Don't get caught up in all that hype.

Also, why is it so hard to find a good dojo to workout at?? I've tried a few dojos and observed a few workouts at various locations, but they seem to be too laid back, family oriented, making it pretty tough to get a good workout in.

Yes, it definately is tough. A lot of places are laid back and family orietned because they place there focus on training children. If you present a rough, train extremely hard appearance, it will shy away the parents of children. Many parents are weary of getting their children involved in a martial arts program (which is understandable since they dont know what it is all about yet) until they get their kids involved and see all the benefits that are derived from it. Many school do have laid back routines also. I dont believe in that. You have to know the intensity limits as an instructor. You have to know how intense to make the kids sessions as compared to the adults. It is 2 completely different programs. Most dojo's unfortunately seem to lose sight of that.

($$pay the dues and receive your blackbelt in 1 year types!!!)

I know those types are out there! However don't be too judgemental. I know of an extremely outstanding franchised school/programup North (PA, NJ, NY, etc.) that my younger brother goes to that has an outstanding program but they have in the past been labeled as a "black belt fatory." I thought that of them until my parents asked to me to actually check it out with my little brother when he first got started. That was 7-8 years ago. He is still there and has since earned his second-degree black belt. Which is not too fast for that time. And trust me - he earned it! He is outstanding. So I would vouch for this specific schools stature and effectiveness at any time. However, I will not advertise for them in this forum. (If anyone IS interested, email me for more specifics and include your city/state). They don't have schools down here in South Florida where I am so I can suggest them *lol* No competition probs. *lol* But as for your comment, yes there are unfortunately MANY, MANY schools out there that just want to make money and dont care about the quality of their instruction. Stay away from them.

I was wondering if you have any insight on helping me locate a dojo that means business.

Absolutely! Just le tme know what city and state you are in and exactly what you want to benefit from the training and tell you what I could suggest in your location. I have martial arts contacts literally across the entire country and Ill give you a few specific school names to check out. Shoot me an email with those specifics and of course dont forget to tell me what city and state your in so I know where to look for ya. *lol* Also - that goes for anybody. Always willing to help.........