Choosing a discipline, need help.

[papaslides]

Hello, yet another newcomer in need of some sage advice in picking a martial art to study.

I am a 24 year old male, of moderate (less than great) physical fitness. For about 6 years in my childhood I took Kempo Karate reaching the rank of Green belt.

Before getting to high school I dropped out of martial arts altogether, and it is a decision I have since regretted. I want to get back into it for many reasons (that I will discuss in a second) but am unsure of where to go. Do I stay with the discipline I have already been trained in, or do I start fresh with a new school?

I am a professional musician and am interested in getting back into martial arts for many reasons. The primary reasons are for health, discipline and meditation. I wish to be in better shape and also develop strong self discipline skills in the process. I am also deeply interested in Asian culture as well as the rich tradition and history that goes along with martial arts. The kind of school I am looking for would focus to some degree on all of these things. Real world application would be a plus but is not a focus of mine, and competition (despite my competitive nature) is at the very bottom of my list.

In terms of styles I believe that I am looking for a fluid, perhaps soft style of martial arts. A style rooted enough in actual combat that I could enjoy sparring with friends, yet meditative and perhaps even dance-like in that I can enjoy solitary meditative practice. Although I realize these wishes tend to lean more towards Chinese arts than Japanese, I am more interested in the Culture and Traditions of Japan.

Through my searching on google I have found that many of the attributes I am looking for conflict with each other, or are not the focus of easily accessible modern martial arts schools (perhaps a symptom of innefficient research, but that is why I am coming . At my original dojo, one time I attempted to go back, and found that with my peers who had stuck with it, I was frustratingly out matched in classes, yet in adult beginners classes I was bored beyond belief, the only option was intermediate-advanced childrens classes... which at 18 was rather awkward for me.

In terms of the techniques involved, it really goes back to my core reasons for wanting to get into martial arts again. I liked the drilling of strikes and the fitness involved in my Kenpo studies, but at the same time I wished that the Kata we learned had been more fluid, and focused more on meditation through rehearsed action, rather than focusing on displaying specific hard stances and strikes in a pattern. (Haha I guess I'm looking for tai-chi kickboxing )

I could really use some solid advice here, I am moving to Cleveland Heights, in Ohio this August and would really like to make martial arts training a part of my new life there.

Thank you for any help and input.

Sean

[Spinmaster]

What's within driving distance for you? First step is to find what's within reach, then to check them out, ask questions, etc. Most schools offer at least one free class. Determine if:

1. The instructor(s) knows his/her stuff, is legit.

2. You like the instructor/students.

3. The school offers everything you want/need.

[H2oWings]

You may want to look into Kuk Sool (Won). It has all of the elements you mention. Tai Chi is wonderful fluid, balanced training, but it's Chinese...:-) don't let that stop you though...when you explore Chinese, Japanese & Korean history there are many things that are intertwined...what Spinmaster said about a good school, with great teachers, is right on...(IMHO) greatness crosses all disciplines, & finding the right teacher is the best advice...keep an open mind, but not so open your brains fall out...look at everything...when it's a good fit, you'll know. Best of luck to you, in MA & music...

[Omicron]

Also, I suggest you look into Shorinji Kempo. I am also a professional musician who was looking for pretty much exactly what you mention (are you my long lost twin, papaslides?), and I found it with Shorinji Kempo. I no longer practice it for a variety of reasons, but since you have some kempo experience, it might fit you well. There is a big focus on meditation and Buddhist philosophy...it's actually registered as a religion in Japan. I'd be happy to tell you more about it, if you're interested.

As Spinmaster said though, the most important thing is to let us know where you're located/what's available in your area! That way you can get some concrete info and suggestions.

EDIT: Wow, Internet fail on my part. Didn't notice you already told us where you are moving! Wow. Must have worked too many chokes today....

Anyway, it looks like the closest Shorinji Kempo to you is going to be the Ann Arbor Branch...sadly a bit of a commute.