An opinion needed.

[Saimaar]

Hello everyone, I'm new to martial arts planet. I'm moving to Florida next week and wanted to find a good martial arts school. I have no experience in the arts. So far, using the yellow pages, I've found a few schools in my area:

1- Suncoast Karate Club
2- J Park Martial Arts Inc
3- K C Chung World Martial Arts
4- Ata Tae Kwon DO

All these schools are in the Port Charlotte area (Charlotte county). I wanted to know if anyone on MAP is familiar with any of these schools -- and could make a recommendation.
Or are there others in and around the port charlotte area that aren't listed in the yellow pages.
Thanks.
:D

[Fung Loon]

If you want to learn how to truly fight dont choose Karate or TaeKwonDo since there is very little actual combat in them. sure there is sparring in TaeKwonDo but it isnt realistic and therefore useless. If its for the exercise do what you please - suppossedly you know about each kind of martial art?

If not: TaeKwonDo - a lot of kicking and a little punching, many high kicks and continual kicks - very flashy and very good exercise good for flexibility as well but not the kind you would challenge the 300lb guy on the street with

Karate: Similar to kickboxing but more strict rules and in my opinion less effective on a basic to intermediate level. For effectiveness at least 5 years of training is required.

there is a lot about philosophy contained in both these Martial Arts, if you do not wish this go to a BJJ club or a Muay Thai School.

[Thomas]

Originally posted by Fung Loon
If you want to learn how to truly fight dont choose Karate or TaeKwonDo since there is very little actual combat in them. sure there is sparring in TaeKwonDo but it isnt realistic and therefore useless. If its for the exercise do what you please - suppossedly you know about each kind of martial art?

If not: TaeKwonDo - a lot of kicking and a little punching, many high kicks and continual kicks - very flashy and very good exercise good for flexibility as well but not the kind you would challenge the 300lb guy on the street with

Karate: Similar to kickboxing but more strict rules and in my opinion less effective on a basic to intermediate level. For effectiveness at least 5 years of training is required.

there is a lot about philosophy contained in both these Martial Arts, if you do not wish this go to a BJJ club or a Muay Thai School.

You know, that's twice you've slammed Taekwondo and it doesn't really make me too happy. On this site, people try to share in a pretty open-minded way.

If you don't like Taekwondo, good for you. But keep in mind there are a lot of people who do, and who really don't like your bad-mouthing. There are a lot of good Taekwondo artists out there and maybe when you get a bit older, more experienced, and well travelled, you may meet some.

Please check out this thread: http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5045

[Tosh]

IMO go to all of them, most should offer a trial class.

see which one you like the most. That way you get a good chance of keeping it up. Sure some arts are more effective fighting styles but you have to start somewhere. :D

Pick the one that suits you..... at the end of the day if it does not give you what you want, switch.

Be very careful about signing long term "contract" with clubs though! go to each class and be armed with questions about what joining will invove!

Happy hunting! :D

[aikiMac]

Ya, what Tosh said.
Never mind Fung Loon. If TKD and karate were no good, then nobody would study TKD or karate. But people do study it. Hmm. Conclusion: TKD and karate can be good.

Not everyone is interested in fighting anyway. Schools vary according to the interests of the instructor. Give each school a visit and pick the one you like.

[5AnimalFu]

Where in Florida? Maybe I can help if you're moving into my area.

[Saimaar]

5AnimalFu -- I'll be in Port Charlotte.

Tosh -- `long term contract' -- what's that about? Can you give an example?

Thanks for your advice everyone. I am actually interested in everything the arts can provide, anything from A-Z and 0-9. I know it will help my life. However, I'll take your advice and visit all of them and see what becomes of it. In about a week or two I'll post the results. Thanks.

[5AnimalFu]

Hmmm, that's quite a ways south of me, so I don't think I can be much help.
Sorry.
Let me know if you need anything checked out though.

[hongkongfuey]

IMO go to all of them, most should offer a trial class.

good advice from Tosh.


Tosh -- `long term contract' -- what's that about? Can you give an example?


Some schools require you to pay a years fees in advance (or stuff like that). The better schools will let you 'pay as you go', with perhaps a small membership fee. Be wary of spending a lot 'up front' unless you are really sure that it is the right style for you.

[gojuman]

This school is not far from you and it is wonderful. There may be a closer dojo affiliated with this near to Port Charlote, but you will have to call or email your self.
http://www.geocities.com/usagojukarate/gojujit.html