After a very long hiatus from Tae Kwon Do, I go back to the art. Even though my friend Eric, a very talented martial artist still thinks that Karate is the ultimate, I have settled for a Tae Kwon Do school very deep rooted in Shotokan.
I practiced Kung Fu for a little bit back in Midland and thank God I did that… I would have not survived the work out if I had not dusted off some of the kicks and stretched those muscles this year.
I started my quest to find a school since I got to Kansas City. I had been very dissapointed to see the places where people were training. I was also very surprised to the the prices some of the schools. I had pretty much given up looking for a school close to home when I discovered a place right down the street from where I live now. I stopped by on a Friday and the school was closed, but I was able to check it out the next day.
The teacher seemed very commited to teaching the art and not just wanting money. He offered family rates which was something I was also looking for. The school had a great workout area and I could not beat the location so close to home.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to go check it out. The class mixes adult and children, something I have not experienced yet, but I am looking forward to. There are a lot of classes available and I can attend as many as I want. The place seems like an excellent place to get a work out, meet some new friends and most importantly learn an art. Even though I will have to start from the beginning because the forms are very traditional and I don’t know them, I think I have been lucky enough to find a school sooner than I imagined.
22 Aug 06
Glad to hear you’ve found a place to do that. For me, swimming is what gets the muscles and body moving and helps relax me.
22 Aug 06
You know, Sifu still gets misty eyed whenever I mention you.
To furthur my Kung Fu education, I am now reading Bruce Lee’s “Tao of Gung Fu”. I think maybe in ten more years I will be slightly more than a novice. Ouch.
22 Aug 06
Yea, that is one of the hardest compromises that I saw in Kung Fu. The art is beautiful but it has a steep learning curb. I also felt like I needed at least 10 years to consider myself a novice.
22 Aug 06
That’s the same school my husband wants my son to go to — when he’s old enough. The self control is just. not. there. yet.
23 Aug 06
I tried Tae Kwon Do once. It’s mostly flashy kicks and stuff. I guess I am in the same boat with Eric. I just can’t respect a martial art that doesn’t allow me to sweep you if you are going for a high kick. I dunno, I am not a big fan of ‘forms’ and stuff. Personally, I look at it from a self defense and discipline stand-point.
And yeah, Eric is very talented indeed.
23 Aug 06
You obviously are a Cobra Ki, sweep the Leg!
23 Aug 06
It’s all greek to me. I just like to watch.
24 Aug 06
Good luck!
09 Oct 06
I thought Shotokan was a style of Karate. Is your school teaching a mix of Tae Kwon Do and Karate or am I just confused?