Taking Up MMA - KO MA or Kokoro MMA ?

bugler

KO is quite convenient to where I live now (near Cabra), but I think I might end up living closer to Kokoro soon. Both have nice shiney websites and seem good gyms. Do we have many members of either on this forum?

And are either open to new members? I've zero practical MMA experience though I'm not totally unfamiliar with it. I've a bit of boxing experience (mind you that's going back a couple of years!).

Thanks.

mickoo

Ko ma for mma or kokoro for karate. thats what i,ve heard anyway!

cowzerp

best thing to do is try both and see which suits you! let us know how they go..

barry aka roper is always on here from ko martial arts and is welcoming and shane t is too and is from kokoro i think he's mma ireland on here!

kenpo_dave

In the old days alright Kokoro was more All Round Karate oriented, but that was largely due to lack of equipment, especially mats. Now that we have a fully equipped gym, however, our focus is primarily on MMA, and most of our members are beginners. What Cowzerp said though is the best thing to do. Train in both gyms for a few weeks each to get a good idea of what each is like and then make your decision on which to join.

Good Luck.

Roper

bugler wrote: »

KO is quite convenient to where I live now (near Cabra), but I think I might end up living closer to Kokoro soon. Both have nice shiney websites and seem good gyms. Do we have many members of either on this forum?

And are either open to new members? I've zero practical MMA experience though I'm not totally unfamiliar with it. I've a bit of boxing experience (mind you that's going back a couple of years!).

Thanks.

Aloha,
I am him what runs KO MA.
We accept beginners all year round in every class bar the fighter training which you can progress into. All of our classes are based around teaching the fundamentals of each fighting range and are suitable for people with no experience whatsoever. We don't do free trial periods or anything like that. You're welcome to train the first night for free and after that if you want to join you do, if not, we shake hands and say good luck. There's usually enough in one or two sessions to make you decide whether or not you want to join.

As for location, I don't think it matters. I used to travel across town for an hour to learn BJJ at first, a straw poll of our members locations would give me Meath, Balbriggan, Cabra (of course:D)and eh... Killiney. The best club for you is worth a journey. I wouldn't settle for somewhere just because it was close. I know that probably sways you away from joining us but what I mean is if you want it enough, you'll travel for it.

You can just pop to us or you can give me a ring on 085-8320174. By the way thanks for the swanky website compliment. I do my best to ruin it with the content but my mate made it idiot proof so even I can't make it look sh1te now.

Barry

yomchi

I can't comment on Kokoro as I've never been there, but KO is a first class gym. I use it myself and I know people who train with yer man that runs it
Thumbs up all round!

Nothingcompares

I would suggest Kokoro and KO are equally friendly towards beginners and encourage their participation.
"It's a bit like asking I'm new to football who should I support Man United or Liverpool, ps my favourite colour is red."

They will both suit you but I'm sure if you give both a try you'll find one that suits you better (or turns out to be more convienent time wise).

kenpo_dave

Beginners are welcome to visit Kokoro on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. We normally recommend trying to make all three nights for a week or two before deciding whether or not to become a member. We do have trial periods so theres no need to even think about money until you have made your decision. Once you do decide to become a member you will have full access to the gym on all training days, bar Saturday mornings, as this is reserved for the fight team.
See here: www.mmaireland.com/schedule

We also have a shop selling training gear, clothing and suppliments.

Bugler, if you would like to drop down to Kokoro to avail of the the free trial period just drop me a message either by PM here or at dave@mmaireland.com

Good luck. Hope to see you at the gym.

wayne1

Just come down to us in ryano mma ur more than welcome :eek:

bugler

As for location, I don't think it matters. I used to travel across town for an hour to learn BJJ at first, a straw poll of our members locations would give me Meath, Balbriggan, Cabra (of course)and eh... Killiney. The best club for you is worth a journey. I wouldn't settle for somewhere just because it was close.

I agree...in theory. But between getting to and from work and then fitting in training, as well as having to use buses or trains, it's best if I have a fairly short trip for my mental health. I'm trying to maximise my free time (I hate my job). I also know that being close to the gym would actually motivate me. I know, I'm weak!

Well, thanks to everyone who replied. I think I'll give Kokoro a go first, but both gyms sound great as I expected.

PM sent to you, Dave.

Roper

Wait wait wait we also have toilets and dressing rooms and a shop and we'll give you free after training massages if you join us...

The best one is the one you'll enjoy most and stick at so best of luck to you at Kokoro I'm sure you'll enjoy it there.

muckwarrior

I'd have to disagree with you on the location comment Barry. Like bugler I find it can be a tight squeeze trying to fit in training around work and other stuff and if the gym wasn't just 15 min away then I know I wouldn't make it half as often.

Btw, I train in KOMA and would thouroughly recommend it. There's new lads there almost every week and the more experienced people are always willing to help you out.

mickoo

I dont understand why you dont try the nearest 1 to you 1st? if its good stick at it! if its not look elsewhere, travelling wise it would be different if there name was exceptional but in fairness there just a new mma club and only time will tell...
try local 1st!!

bugler

Well a move of home is likely coming up very shortly for unrelated reasons, so KO probably won't be the local gym beyond a month or so. I might get too attached and then have to leave

t-ha

KO is probably the handsomest gym in Ireland. If you're ugly though you should probably go somewhere else...

cowzerp

bugler wrote: »

Well a move of home is likely coming up very shortly for unrelated reasons, so KO probably won't be the local gym beyond a month or so. I might get too attached and then have to leave

where is it moving?

bugler

i'm moving - not KO. Just to clear that up.

Roper

t-ha wrote: »

KO is probably the handsomest gym in Ireland. If you're ugly though you should probably go somewhere else...

That is so true. Check out these handsome buggers...

cowzerp

The brusies actually make you's look better!
if i looked like you's i'd have lots of facial hair too!

T J Hooker

I agree and disagree with the travelling side of things, I joined Kokoro simply by word of mouth, it takes me about a 45min drive, depending on traffic. If you can travel then do so, but some people might not have that luxury. I joined Kokoro with absolutely no experience in any sort of martial arts, I was pretty damn nervous on arrival and was made to feel right at home. No-one tries to out do anyone else and if someone spots you doing something wrong, they'll go over and show you contructively. It was my first gym to check out and haven't even contemplated looking elsewhere, closer to home or not.

As kenpo_dave already said, there was no pressure with regards to funding etc. Shane said to take your time and make sure you enjoy it before signing up. I haven't been able to get down much in a while due to work amongst other things. Shane has kept in touch and sent me emails etc to encourage me to get down when I have the chance.

Its pointless me saying I am not biased, especially having not seen another gym, but to bugler, I couldn't recommend a call down more. Call down on a Monday for a tough but rewarding Kyokushin work out and then Tuesday and Thursday for MMA. Again as kenpo_dave said, do a week at least and then decide.

Hope this helps in some way or another!