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

[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.