midsentence
10-Oct-2003, 02:56 AM
Greetings to all,
Obviously, since I'm posting in this section I am new to martial arts, and would respectfully ask for the help of those in the know concerning my art of choice. I actually have several questions which sort of run together and collectively influence my decision, some more than others. After a few weeks of online research, I find myself drawn mostly to judo, aikido, and hapkido.
Physically, I am 6'01", 160 lbs; thin yet out of shape and not particularly flexible, as I have very long legs and rarely do my stretching routine, but I see neither of these as factors for very long. I suppose my favored styles aren't the best match for my body type, but striking takes a back seat for my first choice (I must point out however that I am in no way ruling out a chinese art in my future). For this reason, hapkido is so far my very first choice, as it addresses striking in accompaniment with grappling and throwing techniques.
What is most important to me in my involvement in the martial arts is greater concentration abilities and powers of focus, which has always been extremely difficult for me (imagine a person somewhere between ADD and Avoidant Personality Disorder and you get the picture). From the three I specified, is there one art which definitely exercises and hones concentration more than another?
On the other end of the spectrum, competition would be least in importance to me. Remember I don't want to step on anyone's (style's) toes when I ask: is the difference between aikido and judo a substantial one? That is to say, are many techniques taught in judo missing from aikido? I ask because judo seems much more competition-oriented, which as I've said, is the least of my concerns.
Thanks in advance for your help, and congratulations on an extremely helpful website.
Obviously, since I'm posting in this section I am new to martial arts, and would respectfully ask for the help of those in the know concerning my art of choice. I actually have several questions which sort of run together and collectively influence my decision, some more than others. After a few weeks of online research, I find myself drawn mostly to judo, aikido, and hapkido.
Physically, I am 6'01", 160 lbs; thin yet out of shape and not particularly flexible, as I have very long legs and rarely do my stretching routine, but I see neither of these as factors for very long. I suppose my favored styles aren't the best match for my body type, but striking takes a back seat for my first choice (I must point out however that I am in no way ruling out a chinese art in my future). For this reason, hapkido is so far my very first choice, as it addresses striking in accompaniment with grappling and throwing techniques.
What is most important to me in my involvement in the martial arts is greater concentration abilities and powers of focus, which has always been extremely difficult for me (imagine a person somewhere between ADD and Avoidant Personality Disorder and you get the picture). From the three I specified, is there one art which definitely exercises and hones concentration more than another?
On the other end of the spectrum, competition would be least in importance to me. Remember I don't want to step on anyone's (style's) toes when I ask: is the difference between aikido and judo a substantial one? That is to say, are many techniques taught in judo missing from aikido? I ask because judo seems much more competition-oriented, which as I've said, is the least of my concerns.
Thanks in advance for your help, and congratulations on an extremely helpful website.