Where to start ?!?

oldboy

Hi All.

I'm looking for some advice on starting self defense.

I'm 29 years old living in south dublin near UCD. I've always had it in my mind to start some sort of self defense class but have always chickened out.

Physically i wouldnt be the strongest and despite being 28 I can say that I have never hit anybody out of anger before in my life I have always managed to avoid trouble or talk my way out of the odd difficult situation.

The thing is more and more I find myself anxious about the fact that I wouldn't have a clue how to protect myself or others if I found myself in a spot of bother. I also want to get fit and build up my physical and mental confidence.

I really dont know where to start ? What type of class or discipline to go for, or even where to go. I feel like I might be too old or too weak but thats just a confidence thing.

I'd like to find somewhere close to home ? Can you guys help with any advice for a complete novice ??

Thanks in advance

yomchi

I have always managed to avoid trouble or talk my way out of the odd difficult situation.

This is the most important thing you'll learn at any school of self defence

You may be interested in a one day self protection seminar in November with Lee Morrison. November 25th Cabra Dublin 7.

Let me know if you're interested.


*shameless plug*:p

Roper

Or a 3 hour seminar with BJJ coach John Kavanagh on October 28th in Glasnevin Dublin 7....


What? ^ he did it!^:D

arybvtcw0eolkf

Ok, I won't plug any particular seminar, except to say that either of the above will be an excellent start for you. Maybe the Lee M. seminar will be more suited to you.

Unfortunetly due to a liberal amount of Carlsberg and some Polish Vodka tonight I can't remember which MA styles are currently operating in UCD. But you've come to the right forum.

As regards never having hit someone out of anger in your life, EXCELLENT, weldone. Neither have I really, despite 15yrs door work and you'll find most people here are the same.

And don't worry about your lack of phyical strenght, true strenght comes from within, you'll be fine.

Again welcome to the MA forum.

Jimkel

Hi, Great to hear people wanting to get into Martial arts\self defence.

You have lots of options, Traditional Martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Wing Chun, Ju Jitsu, Muay Thai, Western Boxing etc

Modern Martial arts like Brazillian Ju Jitsu, Mixed Martial arts(MMA), Kick boxing etc.

Also Self defence courses

Heres a link to a map of dublin featuring all the USKF Shotokan Karate Clubs, http://www.uskf.org/NewsInfo/Clubs/tabid/13199/Default.aspx

All details are at the bottom of the web page.

If you live near a club I would recommend going along to a class, even just to watch and see if it's for you, people are always welcome.

Shotokan is great for confidence, Flexibility and strenghtening of the muscle groups needed for self defence. There are no first attacks in Shotokan (Excluding tournement fighting) It teaches self control and voilence only as a last resort. Don't worry You will not be asked to spar/fight or anything else untill you decide your ready.

Feel free to drop along, It might not suite your tastes, But then again it may Be perfect for you.

As far as age goes your in your prime and you will most likely suprise yourself with your progression and increasing fitness when you are training somewhere for a few months.
In The USKF (Shotokan) the chief instructors and many of the students are over 40, One is 64! last time I saw him he was in a full box splits, Warming up to teach a class for a Three hour seminar.

I would also recommend taking a look at all and any clubs in your area, regardless of style so you can get a better idea of what choices are available to you. Never be afraid to take up a Martial art. A good club will bring you along gradually, in a freindly environment, So don't be afraid your gonna be expected to fight or anything.

Personally I think a beginner should opt for a club and not a course as it will take about a year to really gain some fighting ability and an effective level of fitness, If thats what your after. A short course would be good but it's no substitute for constant training, Gradually building up your strenght, control, flexabiliy,understanding,ability,skill and confidance as the months go by.
But thats just my opinion, I am sure there are great courses out there which would prove me wrong.

Again just going along to watch some clubs in your area train is a great way of figuring out what you want to take up.

Good luck with your choice.

Colm_OReilly

Clubs in UCD are for students, staff and alumni. Although some clubs break this rule.

I'd agree with Jimkel that a class would be much better than a course. Fighting (self defence) is a complex skill that takes at least a year of instruction to be able to play, let alone be really good.

I'd recommened the Fi-anna boys at www.fiannagym.com in Ballaly or Dave Jones in Loughlinston Lesiure Centre. Both guys are really passionate about what they do and you can't help but give it your all when you're training with them.

oldboy

Thanks for all the intersting responses, its encouraging to get such positive feedback. I'm not feeling as apprehensive about the whole thing as I have in the past.

Yup a class is definately the way I want to go. Its something I would like to do longterm and commit myself to rather than just one lesson.

I don't want to appear lazy or ignorant but where do I find about classes in my area ? I've had a couple of responses here but do I pick up the golden pages ? I've tried google but I dont even think im searching for the right things.

I dont have transport so was hoping for Stillorgan, blackrock, donnybrook, ranelagh sort of areas ?

Thanks again folks. I'm already reading up the info that as already been posted - (note the MMA stuff looks well scary to start off, thems is tough lookin lads )

kenpo_dave

Theres a good Kung Fu club down in Newpark School. Its really worth checking out. See www.ymaa.ie for more details.

Good Luck,

Dave.

smacl

oldboy wrote:

I dont have transport so was hoping for Stillorgan, blackrock, donnybrook, ranelagh sort of areas ?

Oldboy,

Its probably worth trying out a number of classes to find a style, group of people, and location that suits you. I wouldn't get too worried about a class looking too tough, any good instructor will be used to providing a beginner with enough of a challenge to make the class rewarding, while ensuring that it is safe and preferably enjoyable. If I was in your position, I'd try out as many different classes accessable to you as possible in order get a good personal fit. If your already avoiding fights as your main method of self defence, I stick with it, as IMO this takes a lot of beating

*Plug* We have a chinese wrestling class based on tai-chi/shuai jiao involving a fair amount of grappling and practical self defence in Renelaghh Multi-Denominational School on Wendesdays, 8-10pm. *Plug*

just my 2c,

Shane

Roper

oldboy wrote:

(note the MMA stuff looks well scary to start off, thems is tough lookin lads )

Scary is as scary does... I actually don't know what that means. Anyway, every strange group looks scary at first, go try as many clubs as you can and want and pick from there.

The Roper reccomendation is Fianna in Dundrum, Next Generation in Loughlinstown and Spartans in Tallaght.

Khannie

I'm 30. Just started Muay Thai classes in the bridgestone gym in town (PM me if you want any info). I'm going to my third class this Thursday. I chose Muay Thai because I used to watch it a bit on eurosport back when I was younger and always wanted to do it. I felt that it was like a skilled version of a street fight (you're allowed to use knees and elbows and throw your opponent...all things I've seen happen in "real" fights).

The 10 bus would bring you more or less right to the door.

I'm hoping to compete at some level before I get too old so I'm doing 2 classes a week to start off. This may be just a pipe dream of course.

One thing I'd recommend (I found this useful) is doing some kind of physical training in the run up to starting. A few push ups in the morning, few sit ups, etc. Nothing too strenuous. It'll help when you start not to be gasping for breath.

cowzerp

I would reccommend boxing-muay thai or mma as these are based on fighting and less emphasis on show..

oldboy

Right !!

From the above posts and a bit of research.

I have the MMA guys up in Ballaly near Dundrum - www.fiannagym.com

and MMA in Loughlinstown - http://www.sbgireland.com/

I have Kung Fu in Newpark School in Blackrock - www.ymaa.ie

I have Muai Thai in Dublin, off o'Connell Street - http://www.bridgestonemuaythai.com/

And I found a Taekwon-do school in Stillorgan - http://www.tkdstillorgan.com/


Cool !!! I'm gonna get in touch with each of the above and pop into them over the next week or two and see which one takes my fancy.

Thanks again folks the feedback has been great. Very friendly forum

If anybody else knows of a school or class let me know and I'll pop along too. (Im surprised there wasnt a sticky with a list of classes and schools on it ? mmm that could be an idea ??)

Cheers !! - I'll let everybody know how i get on

FiannaGym.com

Scary? We're talking about the same Fianna guys yeah? Not scary at all!

Anyway, this is shaping up to be a really great thread, what with the above links and all.

Perhaps, if you could, after you have visited each place post a review?

Good luck with the search!

Peace

Roper

I'd like to see reviews too if it wasn't too much hassle? I'm always interested to see how people get on and what the first impressions of a beginner are.

ColinJennings

There is a Taekwon-Do school in Stillorgan, behind the MillHouse pub. It trains on Tuesday 7:00 - 8:00 and on Saturday. 11:00 - 2:00.
The head instructor is Mr Keane, a former world champion and 5th degree. I train there regularly and it is really fantastic.

www.tkdstillorgan.com

PM me if you want further information.

kenpo_dave

Lets not forget theres a great Kenpo dojo down in Taney Parish and and even greater MMA dojo down in East Wall

oldboy

Evening all.

I knew I said I'd follow up on this thread, I just had a few busy weeks and this week was the first time I've had my evenings free.

I managed to go along and check out two this week.

Kung Fu in Newpark School in Blackrock - www.ymaa.ie

I popped along on Monday night to check out the YMAA guys. I had been mailing one of the instructors Paul Moran before going down. Paul saw me hanging around the back of the class and came over and talked to me about the kung-fu while the lesson went on. I stayed for the full hour and a bit, watching the guys warm up and then doing their thing.

Paul is a really sound bloke and the class was fascinating to watch. The average age was a bit young but he reassured me it was just that particular night. The amount of stuff they learn and can learn is unreal if not a but daunting from a complete novices point of view. There is a great variation in stuff though so its not something i think you'd easily get bored with. They do a great offer of a free weeks training so I'll be taking them up on that offer.


Taekwon-do school in Stillorgan - http://www.tkdstillorgan.com/

I popped down to these guys the following night. It was mad seeing the difference. The YMAA guys seemed a lot more condensed, intense nearly and focused on the pairs training together. This was more like aerobics i thought, lined up in a hall and following moves from the instructor at the top. I never got the guys name down there but he was really sound too.

Completely different style of teaching but just as interesting to watch, again I stayed for the whole lesson to see what it was all about. For a new guy starting on your own it has the appeal that you stand at the back with the other new guys following what everybody else in front of you is doing, the age range varied from 10 to 30 i'd say. There was a really good atmosphere and everybody really seemed to be enjoying themselves, as the class went on the stuff got harder and harder. It also has the appeal that you start grading after a few months training, giving you something short term to aim for. The YMAA stuff can take years to get graded but its a different type of system


Im planning to heading off the see the Fianna and Bridgestone lads next week. I reckon the only way i'll decide is probably to eventually give everything a go and see what I like.

Great experiences so far though. Sound heads all round.

I'll come back and post about the next few places soon if anybodys interested

Cheers

47MartialMan

I have been conducting self defense classes and seminars for over two decades.

Self defense is not all physical applications.

I conduct free public defense awareness seminars. (Notice how I stated "awareness". In my view, self defense or defense has a lot of mental and philosophical information that mere physical tactics cannot cover.)

For these seminars I invite outside people such as;

Attorneys - (To explain legal concepts of defense)

Psychologists - (To explain and understand assailants, victims, and violence)

LEOs - (To give account of street situations, encounters, and discussions)

Self defense is not all about fighting, but maintaining.