OLD MOVIE CREW

Originally Posted By jiujitsubro⏩

Karate because tired of getting my azz kicked by my brother. Then tkd. They had an mma(mauy thai and no gi bjj)gym down the street so did them both for 6-7 years. Became a black belt in tkd won a national sparring competition. Did some aikido and wing chun. Some of it is trash and some isn't. I still train at a gym with bags.

Edit: on payment my parents thought it was cool that I did that since its better than what my friends were doing which was drugs and partying at the time so they covered the cost

Your parents are very understanding and supportive. The way I see it, you are their good son and they definitely did the right thing.

Originally Posted By mark2288⏩

I used to do TKD as a teenager/early 20s. I wanted to do more BJJ but it's ridiculously expensive in NYC and I just stopped training. Every so often, I visit the BJJ sites and I want to enroll just to have fun, have a new hobby, maybe even compete, but then I see the prices here ($225/month+) and I just can't justify that amount for martial arts. More power to the brahs who do it, but on top of my gym membership, eating clean, etc., not much room in the budget for these high level, expensive gyms. I miss the old days where $100/month or $125/month was the norm.

We Japanese are lucky. Average monthly fee here is around $100 (10,000 yen), some even offer family discount. (though big cities like Tokyo, Osaka is different, more expensive…) And there are also special public classes run by civic groups or sometimes municipal government, mostly kids and elders though, with fees around $20-30 (2,200-3,300 yen). They are using public facility/building and getting financial aids from public offices.

The problem is the the cost doesn't always match the quality those classes offer. Though high cost with poor quality is the worst, any cost with poor quality is pointless.

I wonder what's telltale sign of a good dojo and sensei?
What is the most important quality of a gym or a sensei for you?

Any idea, anybody?

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

*Fat Kunt Krew (FKK)* President: Alan Aragon
*C2H6O is the only macro that counts crew*
*4th of October Victim Krew*
*Neg incels for fun crew*

Cherish your life. Live to tell your story

OLD MOVIE CREW

Originally Posted By Mr.PissShivers⏩

But I do agree that I'd hate to derail such a cool thread over simple nomenclature.

We don't mind heated discussions, not at all. I love it. Any talk about Martial Arts are welcome and it gives us all a chance either to revise our way of looking at things or to strengthen our conviction we hold.

Also for some including me, it is an opportunity to learn new things. Those things, if no one mentioned it, we may have never known.

I thank you both. *bow*

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

Originally Posted By TypeNirvash⏩

If only brah. Through fighting, I learn every day that I am pretty normal.

But normal people can do extraordinary things when given the chance! I have learned that, too. I only hope that the things I've learned make me better than I was before.

Maybe I wrote that post a bit dramatically, but through boxing, I overcame some of the mentally toughest parts of my life. So in a way, I guess it is a bit dramatic.

I got into a car accident, and I was laid off of work mid-summer shortly after I started fighting due to corporate downsizing. Lost my car and my job within a month of each other. I had a lot of time, and so I started doing smokers, and training for another fight. I ran EVERYWHERE. My boxing gym was about 10 miles away from home. I'd run there, rest until class, train, then run home and apply for jobs for the rest of the day. I'll admit it took me a little bit of time to be able to do that without having to stop mid run.

Everybody at my gym thought I was crazy.

But really, I had nothing better to do than to look for jobs and train. It takes a real big mental toll on you if you don't have anything you're working toward–having that honestly kept me sane.

Managed to build myself back up, earn my property and casualty certification, get a new car and find a career all because boxing helped me stay sane.

M'friend, I love the story with a flair for the dramatic.

In truth, I am greatly inspired by your story, my hats off to you.

I've just took early retirement the last month after 35 years of working a company. Until I find a new job, I have plenty of time but no peace of mind………..I can't stand staying at home so I jogged more than before and ruck-marched with a heavy back pack, miles and miles. And in the last December alone finished total 356 km (221 mi) including Ruck 182 km (113 mi)! Although I still see no daylight in my finding a new job, doing something even as ridiculous and crazy as mine is better than doing nothing but brooding at home. So I feel you brother!!

The link below is for my workout journal at "Over 35 section", please drop by when you have time.

Over 35 Workout Journals» Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself

Originally Posted By TypeNirvash⏩

This is also an awesome story, OP!

Sounds like you had a ton of dedication. Honestly, I'm a big fan of the way you carry yourself.

I've always wanted to branch out and learn more about other schools of fighting. One thing I've always liked about the traditional arts is their system. There's a grace to them, and the way things happen. I don't know how to describe it. But it's in the way practitioners bow before entering the mat, or express respect for their art. I can't explain, but it doesn't always happen like that in boxing.

It's also in the way that you carry yourself, Kaz!

Still, there is a mutal comradery that extends beyond the arts, which I love about fighting in general.

I was planning to visit Japan sometime at the end of 2019/beginning of 2020! If I finalize everything I'll totally reach out, Kaz!

I agree with you, there is something by which Martial Arts could bring about a change in our hearts and attitudes in a positive sense.

I think you are too kind and generous, but I'm glad you think so. And thanks for calling me Kaz.

Please, let me know once the exact date will has been set, I'll be your host. Like I said before, drinks are on me in Tokyo.

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

Originally Posted By Dirtymanjames⏩

Kickboxing and BJJ a year or so when I was 12. Only got to yellow belt. I quit because I sucked, got my ass kicked all time. I was fat, small, and slow. I just didn't have that killer instinct to go out and hurt people, especially the kickboxing aspect. I also hate getting punched in the nose.

I have been getting the itch to start back up again though. I'm tall, lean, and fast now, but I still do not like getting punched in the face, but I do not feel confident in a physical confrontation.

I would love to start up in a martial art that focuses more on striking and throws rather than ground work like BJJ despite my dislike of getting hit. Any suggestions? TKD seems interesting, but I can barely get my leg above my waist. Boxing also seems interesting.

As a TKD instructor, you don't have to kick high. I'd never kick someone in the face in a real fight. That's asking to get dragged by the foot lol. Can you kick to someone's knee level with strength?? Then you're good
Physical limitations can always be worked around and whatnot, but you should do whatever you feel is right for you. Just didn't want you thinking TKD is only for people who are flexible. I started when I was 12/13, so like 13-14 years ago, and I was not super flexible. I know girls who can kick to 12-o-clock but more often than not, most ppl aren't that flexible. I kick a little over head level and I'm only 5 feet tall lol.

Insta 2_goblins_in_a_trenchcoat

Insta 2_goblins_in_a_trenchcoat

Originally Posted By BbyGainz⏩

Taekwondo instructor/3rd degree here . I also practice BJJ, muay thai, and krav.
Teaching tkd is my full-time job, but i incorporate grappling, BJJ, and the other styles i've listed above into our curriculum. I currently have about 150-160 students. feels good man.
I test for my 4th degree this summer. I've been doing TKD for 13 years, and started because I thought it'd be cool… 13 years later here I am lol. Wish I had a cooler story but that's the truth.

OH, and I love it because it's the first thing that ever made me feel like I belonged, and it gave me the confidence I never knew I could have.

Originally Posted By pojo18⏩

i'm a 2 stripe bjj purple belt. I've been training BJJ for a little over 8 years now. I wrestled in high school and started jiu jitsu after a friend put me in an arm bar in a friendly grappling match on my living room floor. I competed 6 times at white belt and 4 times at blue. I havent competed at all at purple belt and have been focusing on and enjoying being a kids instructor and passing the art on to the next generation.

BJJ is my stress release and my addiction

I've never reached an level of an instructer though I've been training on and off nearly 46 years. The main reason is I'm not that good at it despite my love of the art. I've been always barely above average among others in the same dojo. I lift weights so strength isn't a problem. When I was young speed and reflexes weren't problems, alas now it is, LOL. I think I don't have aggressiveness needed to compete.

The second reason was I moved a lot in my life. Not always a good dojo was available where I moved, especially of the same ryuha(style/school). So everytime I moved I had to change the style, and except for basics of general Karate techniques had to be re-taught from the start. I felt like I was wasting my money and time. After 35, I mostly trained by myself, definitely longer than I trained in dojo.

The third reason, I tend to be distracted in many things other than lifting weights and Martial Arts. The worst was computer games. The best was rock bands. There were other things like computer programming, studying foreign languages. When I was in such phases, I cannot think about anything else but that single thing. Some of them proved to be great additions to my life. So I have no regret.



No matter what, in the end, I always come back to Martial Arts and weight lifting. It's great to have something to fall back on.

I have to stop my blabbering. The point is………..

I always feel the sense of awe toward ones who reached that level and can teach Martial Arts in front of many deshi. And most of all, I admire both of you, for your confidence and your love of the art. *bow*

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

Originally Posted By BbyGainz⏩

As a TKD instructor, you don't have to kick high. I'd never kick someone in the face in a real fight. That's asking to get dragged by the foot lol. Can you kick to someone's knee level with strength?? Then you're good
Physical limitations can always be worked around and whatnot, but you should do whatever you feel is right for you. Just didn't want you thinking TKD is only for people who are flexible. I started when I was 12/13, so like 13-14 years ago, and I was not super flexible. I know girls who can kick to 12-o-clock but more often than not, most ppl aren't that flexible. I kick a little over head level and I'm only 5 feet tall lol.

I did Taekwondo in Korea, the instructors there force it. He held my hands and kicked my legs out into a split. Held it there for 30 seconds then he would push harder until my legs went into a split. It was pure torture. One of the most painful experiences I've ever gone through in my life but it made me a better person. He'd slap me if I started to complain., "No cry! You man no cry! Everybody do this not just you but everybody!" The girls were super flexible.

The guy was so fast with the Kali sticks. He did a TV demonstration of how to take on 4 guys at a time. Guy was a badass. He did his required military service as part of ROK(Republic of Korea) Air Force Special Ops Search and Rescue.

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Originally Posted By Plateauplower⏩

For me, (1)it is someone who's love for the art supersedes their desire for financial gain from it . My Sensei is an 8th Dan, and studied under one of the people taught by the founder of the system. (2) Jujitsu is and has been essentially his life. He is really good with kids. It's pretty amazing to see the rapid transformation in some of the kids that obviously have very little structure at home. They start out being obnoxious little brats that can't follow the rules and he simply explains that they are in charge of their training. If they want to follow the rules etc, they can participate and train, if not they can go have a seat off the mat. (3)Always maintains his composure and never gets upset. I'm not sure what his "cut" is for teaching through the park district where we train, but he has a private dojo and a medical therapy practice as well, and it seems to me (4)he just really has a love for the art and would probably do it for free …

Thanks for the insight, those are good points. Wish we had such a sensei for not only ourselves but for our kids as well, the next generation.

Originally Posted By Samraiwise⏩

I wonder what's telltale sign of a good dojo and sensei?
What is the most important quality of a gym or a sensei for you?

Any idea, anybody?

Well, anybody else?

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

Originally Posted By Samraiwise⏩

I am sure that there are many members here in BB.com who practice martial arts, one form or another.

What's your story, how/why you started it (especially your choice of martial arts) and you are still doing it.

Why you love it so much?

Humor this old man, ANYTHING!!

Share your story with us or forget it forever.



*Sorry my English sucks as always. *shrug*

Therapy and self improvement.

Like lifting weights, its a good time to spend with yourself and block out any noise but also clear out any negative thoughts.

It's also a bonus when you're training in the right environment with the right people. You network, develop a social group and a brotherhood.

At the same time the physical benefits that come with it is also a bonus. Learning a new skill, using it as cardio, and getting lean AF.

Muay Thai and BJJ practioner and competitor over here

The coming of the Manlet saviour

Wants a pair of chuck norris jeans crew

Originally Posted By Manletbolic⏩

Therapy and self improvement.

Like lifting weights, its a good time to spend with yourself and block out any noise but also clear out any negative thoughts.

It's also a bonus when you're training in the right environment with the right people. You network, develop a social group and a brotherhood .

At the same time the physical benefits that come with it is also a bonus. Learning a new skill, using it as cardio, and getting lean AF.

Muay Thai and BJJ practioner and competitor over here

It couldn't be clearer and conciser to the point, description of reasonable purposes and benefits of Martial Arts.

This reminds me of a few fond memories of training with dojo comrades, a drink after the practice, banters with friendly rivalry, and so on. I missed those moments when I was attending classes instead of training by myself.

Great post!

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

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Originally Posted By JoocyMane13⏩

Kickboxing/BJJ Brah.

I love martial arts because it gives me a sense of perspective on life, keeps me humble and motivates me daily.

Other than fighting prowess, you mean!? That's exactly the same here. Glad to hear that.

What's your story, pray tell us. *bow*

Originally Posted By XOneAndOnlyX⏩

i have dabbled in many arts my whole life. Joined WTF Tae Kwon Do at a YMCA with my friend when i was probably like 5 or 6 because of power rangers . But i quit that quickly cause my teacher was this intense korean guy that picked on me and called me turtle for being slow. At 12 i wanted to do pro wrestling (lol) my dad was like "naw you don't want that. here is another form of wrestling, and its japanese" so i was enrolled in Judo. that class was filled with power trips who will throw you with no regard for human life, after nearly having my arm broken by a chubby HTC blue belt chick, i was out.

In my adult life (like 20/21). I did Muay Thai on and off for 6 months. on and off because any good muay thai club here in toronto is 170 a month and that was too rich for my blood. Other than that i loved the art and would have continued if it was much cheaper. At 24 i started ITF Tae Kwon Do and loved it right away. I did it for a year but, life got in the way as commuting to college, homework, work, volunteering and commuting to class. There was just no time. So i had to leave.

I feel you, brother. When I was 13, bigger boys treated me just like a toy to tear up or shake and rattle.

And when you are bigger and stronger, the new responsibilities await you. Have to find a way to cope with, because it won't go away until you do something about it.

Originally Posted By XOneAndOnlyX⏩

Now at 28, done school with an alright job for now, i have the time and money to go back to MA and recently started doing traditional shotokan karate. So far i'm loving it and see myself sticking with it for the long haul. It's hard to rewire my brain to make ti do the karate movements and not the other arts/ So if anyone asks what my style is, I say I am a full Karate-Ka.

And you made it and are still here, doing what you really want to. Wish you good luck!!

Originally Posted By badreligion⏩

As a 90s kid I got into karate because of the Green Power Ranger who is a legit black belt , Jason David frank. But right now I am a Krav Maga practitioner and I've been doing that for about 5 years

Wow, it seemed "Power Rangers" had a lot of influences on little ones, us, would-be Martial Artists!! Same here in Japan. Young ones including my own childhood, were inspired by watching and pretending TV superheroes long before Bruce Lee,

Well………..in my case, precisely half a century ago.

Please tell us about you and Krav Maga more, would you?

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

Originally Posted By Samraiwise⏩

It couldn't be clearer and conciser to the point, description of reasonable purposes and benefits of Martial Arts.

This reminds me of a few fond memories of training with dojo comrades, a drink after the practice, banters with friendly rivalry, and so on. I missed those moments when I was attending classes instead of training by myself.

Great post!

I forgot to mention martial arts is also the fountain of youth.

You yourself are a prime example of that. At 59, I thought you in your picture are to be in mid 30's

The coming of the Manlet saviour

Wants a pair of chuck norris jeans crew

The coming of the Manlet saviour

Wants a pair of chuck norris jeans crew

Originally Posted By Manletbolic⏩

I forgot to mention martial arts is also the fountain of youth.

You yourself are a prime example of that. At 59, I thought you in your picture are to be in mid 30's

> martial arts is also the fountain of youth.

That's what I am hoping to believe!!

And thanks! Flattery will get you anywhere.

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.

Financial Freedom/Passive Income Crew
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MMA Crew
Cinematographer Crew
Photographer Crew
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Guns Crew

🌺 Lauren Brooks Kelly (snailsrus) - Jul 25, 1991 – Jan 29, 2022
Thread: RIP Snails : https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=181070293&page=100

⭐ Samurai Break: 140kg(308lb) Failed Bench Press Recovery Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eIkpZ29u0
⭐ Over 35 Journals > Samurai, Without Ever Having Felt Sorry For Itself:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4832373&page=200
📌 Please Call me Kaz, a 64-year-old 🥋 Karate Kid in Tokyo.