GolfHos

My oldest came home with a flier from a boxing gym and he wants to do it. Darla and I would rather he not. We suggested Karate. She and I got to talking a little and thought well how about all 5 of us? So anyone here do it and how good of a work out is it? Is there a preferred discipline or method or type or whatever you call it? 

I did when I was in high school.  Loved it.

Madolyn just took it this past fall in a 12 week program and got her yellow belt (age 9).

I say go for it.  You'll have fun.  it does teach/help with all that it claims.

 [sm_thumbsup]

I studied Taekwondo as a kid and Muay Thai in college.

I think martial arts are great for kids for self-confidence and exercise.

I practiced Karate (you don't DO Karate  ;) ) for many years, instructed for several as well.

1)  How old are your kids?
2)  What area do you live in?  Do you have many choices in schools?
3)  What do you intend to get out of it?  (exercise, self-defense, discipline, etc.  Anything that stands out for you?)

Its not really about what style to gravitate towards - its all about the instructors.  Visit the schools and watch some training sessions.  Not demonstrations, real training sessions.

Given my background I prefer Okinawan/Japanese styles (Goju-ryu, *feces*o-ryu, Shotokan, etc.).  Modern Tae Kwon Do (Korean martial arts) was developed more as a sport than a self-defense, but again, with the right instructors it can be quite good for self-defense as well.  Judo, Aikido, and other styles can be good to - again, with the right instructors.  Sensing a theme here?  ;)

Yeah.  You're a conservative republican.

(http://imgsrv.mix947.com/image/kamx/UserFiles/Image/Chuck.jpg)

I hate you

Gotcha.

1) 5,7,9
2) 'Burb of Dallas. There are 2 schools here in my town but can't find anything on them with a quick search.
3) For kids the 3 you listed. For me and Darla probably the same in different order.

Gotcha!

 [sm_laughing] 

I wanted to work in a tax jab, but not quick enough.  ;) ;D

(http://digitalderek.typepad.com/sawxblog/photos/2007/playoffs/world_series/sweep_the_leg_johnny.jpg)

I think Clive is our resident karate expert around here, he will be able to tell you all about it.

He is only ONE of the resident experts  ;)

Pffttt...he signed up for that class so he could roll around and get physical with his future wife.

Well that proves that Clive is a smart man. ;D ;D ;D

Sorry Hobbit, I should have read your post, I just skimmed it.............you know me, I just look for the rude/funny/naughty bits. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Unfortunately I am not familiar with any schools in that area.  But upon a cursory look it appears you have no shortage of options.  With 3 kids you're obviously going to need a strong kids program and family atmosphere.

Here's a little bit on school selection thats a good read...

http://www.budokaiusa.com/chooseschool.htm

Hicks is basically an Oriental Bandobras Took.  Badass.

Clive's a *humid grotto*.

Hobbit "did" karate longer than I, I believe.  :)

As he said, the instruction is key.  You get all types, whether it's a general dojo or kid-focused.  Go and observe a class or two.  Strike up conversations with the other parents there, asking why they picked this school, how their kid likes it, what they were looking to get from it, etc.

And realize that the best school for your kids may not be a good fit for you and Darla.  :sad3:

LOL @ Dys.   ;D

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/colindesign/metal-midget.jpg)

I don't know about the subject, but I am sitting here laughing at that picture. ;D ;D

Johnny looks possessed in this picture, might have helped his acting if he had the look in the movie.  :D

If you look closely, the little dude's even got the gay finger-pointing going on.  Without caring enough to check, I'm going to assume he's rockin' some anus oil as well.  Trifecta!

Yeah, I mean how could he resist his mate in those rainbow pants. ;D
Talk about hot. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

i googled bad ass midget and the rest is as they say history.  ;)

i always wanted to growing up, but 'rents wouldn't let me/couldn't afford it/etc


then as an adult, i just haven't had time, and for that matter, possibly the health,  to take it up.

i'd realllly like to though
 :'(

btw, i have an 8th degree black belt in nerdosity.

What's wrong with boxing? :boxing:

have you seen the ratings lately?

even the WWE is beating it.


UFC is where it's at.

you should order hte next PPV

Nope haven't seen the ratings for any of those fake, pre-scripted :airquotes: matches :airquotes: that I don't watch.  I'm also pretty certain you already know that anything PPV ain't even close to being likely for me.

it IS 2008 ya know  [sm_devil]

Yeah, I know.  So??

just saying it should be
 8)

Nothing wrong with boxing, I just feel that Karate gives you a more well-rounded experience and training.  Better self-defense tactics, balance and flexibility, etc.

Boxing is better at learning to take a punch - a bit more contact oriented.  I used to work out some with a gold gloves guy - I did learn to keep my hands up  ;)