Need Advice in Kansas City Area

[Jackyl]

Hey guys, I have been looking for a good reality combat / self defense, hand to hand / CQC, no nonsense type of training for myself (23 6' 2" 220lbs.) and my girlfriend of 8 years (21 5' 3" 130 lbs.)
I want to do it mostly for fun / fitness, but also to become a force to recon with. ;) Locally I have found a few "good" options and have been doing my homework on them, however I have been getting mixed answers. I'm hoping you guys can help.

Here is what I have narrowed it down to in my area:
Note: Click on the art for a link to my local provider. Jeff Ford's Muay Thai site is down.

- Jet Kune Do and Jan Fan Gang Fu (http://www.4erasjkd.8k.com/)

- Krav Maga (http://www.kravmagakc.com/)

- Muay Thai (http://www.jefffordkickboxing.com)

I guess Jeff Ford is from, and teaches Muay Thai in my area (Kansas City). So that is definately a plus I'm guessing???

Any advice would be great guys...right now I'm leaning toward Krav Maga, as it seems to be fairly inexpensive and no contracts, while the JKD requires contracts and costs quite a bit more. I really haven't looked into the Muay Thai yet. Thanks guys!!!

[YODA]

Hmmmmm........ I get the sneaky feeling I've seen this post before.

DON'T CROSS-POST IT'S NOT NICE!!!!!!!

Ahem...... I already answered elsewhere.

[ndeb8]

Hi,
I go to the JKD school that you linked. In fact, I designed their webpage, and that's how I stumbled on to this post. So if it isn't very timely, forgive me. I thought it was definately worth mentioning that our school DEFINATELY DOES provide CQC weapons training even though that isn't on the webpage. In fact we just had Hock come in about 2 weeks ago. I would recomend calling Bryan Stevenson (instructor/owner). I'm sure he would work with you on whatever issues about the school you have, and explain some of the other things (like CQC) the school does.

Nick Dudley

[JPein]

Actually I'd like to borrow part of this post for my own....I'm looking for advice also on a MA but with my own needs in mind.
First I'm a male, 44 and have been out of training for the past 4 years.

Now I would love to get into Muay Thai, but I'm thinking I'm a little past my prime for that. Does anyone know of a MA that would be a little easier on the knees, say Aikido or something liek that.

I would appreciate any and all comments.

Thanks in advance :D

[KCValeTudo]

Not sure how long ago this post was done, but I was a student and business partner with Jeff Ford. I teach Vale Tudo in the Blue Springs area. It sounds like it may be along the lines of what you are looking 4 (self-defense). If you are looking to be a prize fighter then Jeff would be the way to go.

In regards to the gentlemen in his 40's you are certainly not to old to learn Muay Thai! Most of the US Thai fighters are mid to late 30's. If you would like to learn the basics of K1 style Thai Boxing feel free to contact me at kccombatvaletudo@hotmail.com

My program consists of Ju-Jitsu, Thai Boxing, and Jeet Kune Do. It is a no no-nsense, anything goes style of self defense.

Good Luck!

Chad
KC Combat Vale Tudo

[JPein]

Thank you for your response.

My son and I actually started class at the JKD school the first of July. Things are going pretty well, I'm just having a real problem unlearning all of my karate stuff.

Thanks again.

[TheRover]

There used to be an instructor in the KC area that taught Okinawan Karate named Mike Minor. My brother studied under him and really appreciated the traditional approach and discipline of his classes, as well as the techniques.
In Lawrence, if you are up for the drive, I have studied under Duane Lewis of New Age Martial Arts in his Tai Chi (Wu style) classes. Great if you're looking for something to strengthen your knees and back before diving into something more impact prone. Mr. Lewis is a fantastic instructor, and the classes tend to cater to adults more than children.

[JPein]

Actually I studied under Mike Minor for about a year when he was in Excelsior. I enjoyed it very much.

Thanks for the reply

[RMSeevers]

I study Sho-Lum-Te Karate in Kansas City. Sho-Lum-Te theory is to use any technique that is practical no matter where the technique originated. One can earn ranks in either Sho-Lum-Te Karate or Sho-Lum-Te Gung Fu. Self-defense techniques taught are from Shotokan, Lima Lama, Pentjak Silat, Hapkido, Aikido, Judo, Moo Duk Kwan, Chuan Fa, also weapons training. Grandmaster Carter is the instructor. For more information go to my website at http://groups.msn.com/BKSEEVERSMartialArtInstruction

[JPein]

Thank you for the information. I have another question for the group. Is anyone familiar with shinki ryu jujitsu?

Thanks in advance:D