(T)MA newcomer

[Legaat]

Hello there,

I'm a beginning fighter looking to gain more awareness in the MA world. I knew of the existence of this site for some time, but what made me join was when I was irked by the lack of hard full contact sparring in our small JKA Shotokan Karate dojo. Truth be told, I think it's mainly due to our size, age range and lack of equipment. Perhaps it will be different in the bigger and more versatile dojo downtown? We'll see.

In any way, I think it shouldn't hurt (too much lol) to get an understanding of things. I know there's heaps and heaps I'm ignorant to, so starting now isn't such a bad idea.

So, hi!

[Phrost]

Don't fixate on the (T) or (M); the only thing that matters is if you (S)par.

Sounds like you'd be better suited for Kyokushin Karate than Shotokan.

[Soldiermedic]

If you have other options, by all means explore them. Shotokan is probably one of the most prevalent styles of martial arts taught in my area(behind TKD and Shaolin Kempo) and out of the dozens I've had contact with I can only think of one that had live sparring, and even then it was only open to older students.

[Legaat]

Sounds like you'd be better suited for Kyokushin Karate than Shotokan.

The thought has been playing in the back of my head for a while, but to be honest I'm a bit scared to go through with it due to my fondness of the club I go to. I know sooner or later I'll find a legit Kyokushin dojo though... Should I confront my sensei about it? I know for sure that he'll be understanding.

If you have other options, by all means explore them. Shotokan is probably one of the most prevalent styles of martial arts taught in my area(behind TKD and Shaolin Kempo)

I see. There isn't much choice besides Shotokan and Judo here, the more obscure styles are to be found in Brussels and other big cities; not the best choice for my age and gender.

and out of the dozens I've had contact with I can only think of one that had live sparring, and even then it was only open to older students.

Excuse me for my English, but do you mean live sparring as in full contact sparring, or any contact (non-point system) sparring?

[Soldiermedic]

As in continuous free flowing sparring, like in kyokushin or muay thai. Maybe its something you can encourage in your shotokan school when you've put some time in.

[Phrost]

There's no need to talk to your sensei about this; you're paying him for a service. I could understand if you have some other kind of arrangement, an internship/apprenticeship/etc, but otherwise it's no different than any other service.

Would you consult Arby's if you decided to go to Taco Bell for lunch instead? shit, you're from Belgium... this analogy breaks down without fast food restaurants.

[Lindz]

There's no need to talk to your sensei about this; you're paying him for a service. I could understand if you have some other kind of arrangement, an internship/apprenticeship/etc, but otherwise it's no different than any other service.

Would you consult Arby's if you decided to go to Taco Bell for lunch instead? shit, you're from Belgium... this analogy breaks down without fast food restaurants.

Would you consult Stella Artois about drinking Heineken?


Well they'd probably revoke your Belgian citizenship for drinking such mass produced swill but you get the point, right?

[Soldiermedic]

From some random Article

The things that are especially noticed by foreign visitors are the excellent food, and the very dense concentration of restaurants and pubs, everywhere in the country. Not just the quantity but the quality of restaurants is exceptional: Belgium is the country with the highest number of Michelin stars (the most acclaimed gastronomical distinction for a restaurant) per head of the population. Given this overwhelming competition, it is not surprising that Belgium is the only country in the world where the fast-food giant McDonald's has been consistently losing money. Belgian cuisine, which is related to the French one, but with some very distinctive touches, offers many dishes worth trying. A well-known speciality are the Belgian chocolates which are sold all over the world. And then there is the national dish, "French" Fries ("frites"), which, according to legend, were invented in Belgium, not France, and which are supposed to be better here than in any other place in world.

Apparently fast food is unnecessary in a delicious country like Belgium

[W. Rabbit]

From some random Article

Apparently fast food is unnecessary in a delicious country like Belgium

http://www.mcdonalds.be/

We Want Taco Bell in Belgium!!! is on Facebook

[Tonuzaba]

Legaat, we've got several Belgian members on here, where are you located in Belgium?

You might want to check out the School review section and find some schools in your area, too.

Also, on the first weekend of October there's a traditional get together/training session in Leuven, where Bullshido members from all over the world (OK, OK, mainly Europe) meet and spar. You're very welcome there as well.

Good luck and welcome to Bullshido.

[Legaat]

As in continuous free flowing sparring, like in kyokushin or muay thai. Maybe its something you can encourage in your shotokan school when you've put some time in.

Hmm, that's possible. About half of the high ranks are interested in harder sparring, so some sort of a revolution isn't out of the picture. Luckily we don't do any point-sparring, just continuous light contact that focuses on speed and experimentation.

Legaat, we've got several Belgian members on here, where are you located in Belgium?

You might want to check out the School review section and find some schools in your area, too.

Also, on the first weekend of October there's a traditional get together/training session in Leuven, where Bullshido members from all over the world (OK, OK, mainly Europe) meet and spar. You're very welcome there as well.

Good luck and welcome to Bullshido.

That's pretty much awesome! I didn't think this site would have such an amount of Belgian/European members, let alone nearby and open events. I'm located in Roosdaal near Aalst in the province of Flemish Brabant, removed too far from the Kyokushin hotspot of Antwerp. I'll certainly check out the school review section and probably add to it in the future.


My thanks for the advise and info!

[CrackFox]

You know what has lots of sparring and is in Aalst? Thai boxing - http://www.teamgoldenglovesaalst.be/Welkom.html