Martial Arts

I’ve been on quite the martial arts excursion this month, but before I begin, let me clarify that I have no intention of either promoting or discrediting any martial arts styles or dojos/studios.  Therefore, I will refrain from naming the specific dojo/studio, although I will mention the style for the sake of discussion.

A quick history:

In high school, I began a style of karate called Chito-Ryu.  At the time, I had little interest in martial arts and more interest in self-defense.  After trying one class, I absolutely loved it, and I continued for about three years.  I stopped training when I began college, during which time I injured both of my knees doing other sports, had surgery on both knees, then reinjured one of them.  After college, I moved to another city for work and I became restless, so I sought out another martial arts studio.  I tried to find another Chito-Ryu dojo, but there were none in the area, so I decided to stay within the Japanese/Okinawan realm.  It was then that I found Shotokan.

I trained in Shotokan for a few months before I moved again but, in addition to gaining valuable martial arts skills during those few months, I now had the luxury of comparing two styles, two instructors, and two dojos.  Because of this, I’ve become unnecessarily picky.

Chito-Ryu will always be my base, and my body’s tendency is to do punches or kicks in that style, unless specifically advised otherwise.  The dojo where I trained was fun – students were relaxed, but also attentive and respectful, in so much as we were instructed.  People who trained there fell into two categories: those who excelled at martial arts, and those who enjoyed martial arts but moved up in rank based on commitment rather than skill.  Yearly contracts were required and weapons classes were completely separate from general classes, with an additional fee.  The instructor was American.

The Shotokan dojo was different.  We trained on wood floors instead of mats, and newbies were expected to clean the floors prior to training, as a kind of initiation.  All of the students seemed incredibly talented.  There were no contracts, and when you paid for training, you received all of the training available.  I have never trained in Japan, but this is how I would imagine a dojo in Japan to be.

Coming soon:

3 more styles…