I have recently become fascinated with martial arts. I’ve always had an interest in the martial arts films, albeit the mainstream stuff, and wished that I could do 2% of the things guys like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li can do.
Well, soon I’ll be right up there with the greats. This weekend I will be starting Jujitsu.
Now, I vaguely remember doing some form of Karate when I was young… though the fact that I can only just remember actually going indicates that my previous training won’t come back to me. With a bit of luck I won’t fall on my unfit, inflexible arse.
Since I decided to start a martial art, I thought I’d actually look into it rather than just pick one because that’s the martial arts club that trains closest to my home.
So; Jujitsu. The name was originally a generic term that covered all forms of the Japanese fighting arts which evolved from the battlefield techniques of the Samurai. In the 19th Century, along with the decline of the Samurai, Jujitsu, which had evolved from a few different forms of armed and unarmed grappling, became a study in physical and mental discipline and was one of the first arts to be adopted by westerners.
This is what I want. Physical and mental discipline, plus the added bonus of being better able to defend myself into the bargin. Better than grinding away at that treadmill in the gym or being bored on an excersise bike.
I just hope that I can get a moustache and hat similar to these guys. Then I would rock.
witho | 01-Apr-05 at 10:22 am | Permalink
I’ve often considered taking up a martial art - will be interested to hear how it goes
wedge | 01-Apr-05 at 1:11 pm | Permalink
Awesome man. Though note, all three of the guys you mentioned are Shaolin guys. Im partial to it, been doing Southern Shaolin Kungfu for almost 2 years now. And just a pet peev of mine, Bruce lee was never actually a master of any acredited style. He made his style Jeet kun do because he had a background in Wing Chun. But he was never a recognized master of it.
Jiu Jitsu is cool too, but a couple tings to keep in mind when you pick your school:
1 - NEVER sign a contract: Go moth to month on payments. you are protected that way
2 - Speak to the teacher: Ask for a basic overview of the style, and maybe for him to demostrate a bit of technique. It will become aparent fairly quickly if he is legit or not.
3 - Don’t go to a school where people buy belts. I took Tae kwon doe for a while, and basicaly, if you paid for the belt test, you advanced. You don’t want to go to a place that pimps out their art like that.
Otherwise, have fun, and stick with it. It’s rare thatyou get into a life changing experience after we turn 20 or so. SInce I started my martial arts, I really have found something new and great(IMHO), and somethin I think I will do for a long time. It can be very rewarding.
OH, and even though you are doing Japanese stuff, I suggest you look into chinease Chi-kong(or qigong). Excelent low impact exercises that help your muscle development and stamina. E-mail me if you have any questions.
oh wow, this is long winded.
wedge | 05-Apr-05 at 7:55 pm | Permalink
btw- Wedge>splee>bruce lee ;)
Cop | 09-Apr-05 at 12:23 am | Permalink
Check out Bujinkan. its basically ninjitsu, i took it for a while, and its fucking awesome if you can find a quality instructor.
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