Martial arts inquiry

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

Looking for a good dojo/dojang in the area. I know Davis Square has a couple--has anyone checked them out?

Comments

[laklare.livejournal.com]

Something Chinese, Korean, Japanese? What martial art are you looking for?

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

That's the thing--I'm not sure. I've got about four years of background in Shotokan karate and three in Tae Kwon Do. I've dabbled with Tai Chi and Hapkido as well. I liked TKD best in terms of the workout (I've got long legs, so I'm fond of kicking as an offensive technique) and Tai Chi in terms of the discipline and focus; but I'm not opposed to trying something new.

Ultimately I'd like to find a style I really feel at home with, preferrably at a school that emphasizes the spiritual/energy work aspect of its discipline as well as the workout.

So I'm open to suggestions. Hit me.

[rmd.livejournal.com]

head over to porter for jae h. kim's tkd?

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I tried them. Well, the Fenway version, anyway. It's a little too...dunno. Big, maybe? Impersonal? Jae Kim's is convenient, since my gym's right across the street. But it just didn't feel right. I'm looking for something more intimate, if that makes sense.

(Nice Sweeney Todd, by the way.)

[danger-chick.livejournal.com]

Did you try the Cambridge JHK school? I got my black belt from Jae Kim. I mostly went to the Boston school, since I was competing. But when I could, I caught classes at the Cambridge school. The Cambridge school is completely different -- much smaller and much more enthusiastic instructors. The Boston school has a history of going out on Friday nights after full range sparring, but you wouldn't know that without knowing the right people. The Cambridge school hangs tighter -- celebrates each other's birthdays, goes to each other's weddings, catches meals together, goes to the hospital when we break bones, etc. I used to live by one of the head Cambridge instructors (Mr. Hwang) and I can honestly say I've never had more fun being tortured by an instructor as Mr. Hwang.

[laklare.livejournal.com]

Well, the best judo club (or at second best...there's also Pedro's club) in New England is right down Somerville Ave. Tohoku Judo.

There are some good jujitsu schools around (one in Everett if it's still running) but you need a car.

Neither of these suggestions are much help to you, though, unless you're going to change styles. Also, since judo and jujitsu are extremely practical martial arts, you won't learn anything pretty and you'll never hear the word spirit or energy unless it's "that's the spirit!" or "you have so much energy today!" However, the same principles apply.

[ellf.livejournal.com]

* Avoid the "Oom Yung Doe" school -- OYD is a cult, not a classical martial art.

* New England Aikikai (near Porter) has high quality Aikido and Iaido.

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

Whoa--creepy. Good to know. Thanks.

[ellf.livejournal.com]

It makes me uncomfortable to "put down" another school, as I am a student of only two martial arts, and recognize that no selection so small imparts upon me the ability to critize those that I do not train in.

However, I'm equally uncomfortable when I think of someone unwittingly joining an organization that crosses so many boundaries in a field that I consider sacred. Even so, do your own research -- just do so mindfully.

[dphilli1.livejournal.com]

There are political issues going on with New England Aikikai right now. Not something that low-ranks have to be concerned with, but if you plan to stay with it and become an instructor, it might come up in 10yrs or something --
"oh so you trained with XXXX? We must now shun you."

Dumb, I know, but thats people for you.

[ert.livejournal.com]

I know not the answer to your question, but OMG best use of an amazing user icon ever!

And it's awards season, too.

[mdm-sosostris.livejournal.com]

Thanks--the speech bubble was a pain in the ass. But the Tick, he is worth it.

[rawrin.livejournal.com]

If you don't mind a drive over to Watertown, there's a good jujitsu school (http://bostonselfdefense.com/) there.