Looking for the right discipline

[coupdetoe]

I have a few questions.

I am interested in learning some form of the martial arts. Want one that is both satisfying from a practical self defense and cultural/spiritual perspective (I used to read a lot of Taoist literature -- which struck a chord in me). Also want to find something that may be more suitable for my physical build/characteristics: mid-30s, 6'3", 165lbs, in good shape physically but not very flexible (especially hamstrings, etc.). Greater relative strength in upper body. Does anyone have any recommendations and rationales?

I also have a two-year old who at some point I would like to have get involved. Any recs on what age is appropriate to start and what styles are good for kids? Ideally, we could pursue the same style at some point for that "quality family time".

thanks,
cdt

[Dark Blade]

Hmmm, Kung foo can be complicated for younger children, depending on the style of it.
Karate can be simpler, depending on the style. I think that'd be good to start with, the techniques are easy to remember and learn.
Umm, I'm not sure how to match something cultural and spiritual with a yougn child, it can easily be done, but I'm far to tired to be thinking properly. :P

I'll look into it tomorrow...today...argh!

Night all!
:)

[gojuman]

Try to find a dojo with a tracable liniage rather than a diluted branch of a branch situation where the instructor does not have a true sense of where his own style has come from. From a strong liniage you have a better chance to develop your mind as well as your body.
Also, look for a style that does not require one specific physical trait to succeed with but alows for the martial arts student to develop their own style that works with their body structure and do what works for them. To be a martial artists one must be allowed to develop their own personal style to make it their own martial art.

[snake_vs_crane]

if in doubt id say wing chun, usually lots of schools about, self defense oriented but not too hardcore, and a lot of culture (including style feuds everywhere :D).

really though, an art is what you make it.

[Kof_Andy]

I dont agree with what you said being too young to learn kung fu. Yes kung fu is complicated and far more complex compare to any other art, but if you don't start as kid then when should you? Young kids tend to get use to things quick, and it just grow into them as they get older. The older you are, the harder it is to learn kung fu. Especially if it modern style such as wushu/shaolin chung. The younger the better I say. If it was my kid I start them right when they can say daddy.:eek: Anyway back to your question, so you want spirtual side, and practical on the street eh. Humm and bad flexbility....... I say Aikido, Hapkido etc might be what you want.

[aikiMac]

Originally posted by coupdetoe
I also have a two-year old who at some point I would like to have get involved. Any recs on what age is appropriate to start and what styles are good for kids? Ideally, we could pursue the same style at some point for that "quality family time".

I wouldn't even consider m.a. before age 7. Age 7-10 is a gray area because children develop at individual paces. What, you want to teach an undeveloped mind to fight? Bad, bad, bad idea says me, and a waste of money and time too. The first martial arts you should consider for a child are aikido, judo, BJJ, and other wrestling/grappling arts because all they really can learn at that age is rolling and stepping, and, well, that's what the grappling arts are all about. "Turn your body and do a somersault. Good. Do it again. Good."

After age 10 or so a child usually has the mental and physical coordination to do meaningful strikes against a person of like size. At that point the whole world opens up. But, pause. Really, can a child appreciate the seriousness of punches and kicks? Why would you want to teach an immature person (which all children are) how to effectively punch and kick? Again, the grappling arts are probably a better choice before the teenage years.

[akirabob]

dude, i would go with the tai chi chuan or maybe some wing tzun, the sooner you get started with the kid, the better they will be and the more she will get out of it

[Thomas]

Check out the local schools and do some trial lessons. Tell the master what your concerns are. Choose the one that best suits you.

In my opinion, martial arts is great for adults for health, self defence, and confidence and good for kids for the same plus discipline.