Ok, I note there is a lot of Martial Arts fans on here, I know nothing about it and I need some advice.

My daughter is 12 and she has tried a trial session of Ju-Jitsu with Castle Black Belt Academy,

1. firstly any advice on this organisation.

2. secondly which art would she be better trying, there are so many. I guess she needs a general self defence type art.

3. Anybody recommend any good clubs / schools / dojos whatever you call them in the SW of Sheffield.:thumbsup:

Thanks in advance
mikey

1. I believe it's got a pretty good reputation, but never been myself.

2. Ju-Jitsu is a great general self-defence art and covers a good variety of striking, throws and locks. It's very technical but I think it would be a good art for a smaller person as a lot of the techniques are about using an opponents force against them rather than trying to beat them down.

3. There's another Ju-Jitsu dojo on Little London Road (next to Stoke's Paints) and this has been recommended by my Ju-Jitsu sensei, but again never been, though am thinking of checking it out soon. Might be worth getting a free lesson there and seeing which your daughter prefers.

my friend designed the samurai logo for castle black belt and has appeared on a calender tv program with the club.
during our talks he would often show me a move that wasnt really that effective.

because your child is young this is the greatest chance you will have to protect her so you must think, what will she enjoy doing but when she is older what type of attacks is she most likely to encounter, i would consider the unwanted attentions of males and the possibilty of more than one attacker (which is why we found ju-jutsu not that effective) amognst the highest.

i think apart from everyone recomending thier styles and others, the best thing to do would be to take her to a few, dont just goto one and decide then, talk with the teacher (s) about your concerns.

maybe taking her to kick boxing at 393?or talk to the teacher there about lau gar kung fu, there are children and young adults who train there?also one of the guardians teaches there, you have wing chun in sheffield (on carlisle st) and quite a few other places,

there are quite a few karate places aswell which would be good,
but like i say make sure you speak with the teacher, you have to think about how easy it will be to practice at home to keep interested (styles with forms and katas are good)

there are quite a few aikido places aswell but not sure if they teach children.:) hope you find a suitable place.

Thanks for the advice guys, keep it coming

Originally posted by tombodojoj
and the possibilty of more than one attacker (which is why we found ju-jutsu not that effective) amognst the highest.

What would you consider an effective art for using against multiple attackers?

Everything I've read since becoming interested in MA seems to say that the only real solution to multiple attackers is to run very fast!

the best thing in ANY situation is to get out of there without using anything,

martial arts are all down to 2 things (i think, lol) focus and application, i believe if you only know 5 moves, but have the right focus and can apply it to every situation, you will be undefeated.

this is why an art that is easy to practice at home to increase the students knowledge (therefore application) such as wing chun, quick, effective, can be used against multiple attackers, wing chun also has a system in it called sticky hands, now alot of kung fu styles have this as it is a traditional form of chinese fighting, but none more so than wing chun.

Originally posted by tombodojoj
the best thing in ANY situation is to get out of there without using anything
Very true - even if somebody seems like an easy opponent, they might have a knife waiting for you...

As an aside, I'm surprised boxing never gets recommended as a martial art - on many MA forums i've read, boxers seem to be feared as formidable opponents.

1. I've seen the fliers for this organisation around and they seem quite commercial. This isn't a bad thing, but you may want to watch out for hidden prices and fees etc. As with any club, make sure the instructors have an idea of what they are doing, have a few year's experience in the MA (10+ ideally) and are good at teaching.

2. If she enjoys Ju Jitsu and is enthusiastic about attending the lessons then you're onto a winner. If she's a little hesitant about attending then you might want to try some different arts or schools. Ju Jitsu is taught in most sport centres and there are a few karate classes around SW Sheffield. There's nothing wrong in shopping around :)

3. The only thing I can recommend is your local Sport centers, or googling for clubs. I'm afraid I don't know many clubs that end of town.

I would say the most important thing is your daughter's attitude towards training. If she enjoys it and works hard she'll go far. If she doesn't it's just a waste of time and money IMHO. Good luck :)

Hello, Mikey,

As you said your daughter needs a skill which helps her for defence. Females are generally weaker than males in physical terms so it would be better if your daughter learns a martial art skill that she can use economically, effectively and efficiently to defend for herself.

Perhaps, Ju-Jutsu in theory serves the 3Es but in practice I am not sure. Have you thought about Wing Chun? It is a good practical defence skill that serves the 3Es.

As far as I know there are two clubs training Wing Chun. One is Sifu Richard in Carlise Street and the other one is Sifu W Lai at the Sheffield Chinese Community Centre on London Road, Sheffield. However, Sifu Lai at the moment only trains students over 16 so your daughter is young in his class. But it is worthwhile to have a word with him. You can also visit his website www.geocities.com/williamlaiwingchun for details.

Originally posted by Mike
What would you consider an effective art for using against multiple attackers?

Everything I've read since becoming interested in MA seems to say that the only real solution to multiple attackers is to run very fast!

Your right Mike. It's the first and foremost thing to consider.

What about letting her give Judo a try Mikey?

what do people think about judo for girls?kids?

the grandmaster of my art is a judo master and went to america to teach them, but it didnt seem so good when americans are alot bigger than japanese people and it didnt work so well, so obviously if your a girl and a big man comes across would it work?(its a good job most of the little ****s are scrawny 14yr olds and the people that look after them (good ones are known as parents) are usually fat and unfit)

A few comments...

Remember Judo is a martial art designed for sport rather than as a weapon, so less effective for self defence.

Also, for any given art there are different flavours of martial arts training. You can have the full philosophy type, which stresses control and understanding and is very effective for teaching the potentials and limitations of indivividuals and techniques. Unfortunately this sort is very rare to find and because the start is so slow is often unappealing to kids and sometimes parents (as gradings are not considered important). I remember one lesson where the first thing the instructor did was state how someone had tried to mug him. He had handed over his wallet without question and although there had been a threat of violence, none had happened. To him this was a lesson, like the all important Run Away.

Then there is the more competitive sort which will teach fighting earlier. This is often more interesting (especially for boys), but doesn't teach as much control or measuring of situations.

For self defence, perhaps ask the police and a general self defence lesson might be best. It won't instill overconfidence and will teach the "dirty tricks" which would be considered out of order in a martial arts school.

Do, however, consider the martial arts training as an excellent sport, etc.

Trouble with the martial arts these days is that kids try it cos they think they can become like the Teenage Mutant Turtles or the Power Rangers... or worse, to kick 7 shades of you know what out of the little 1st years at their school.

Those are all the wrong reasons, martial arts should be used only for defence, never for attack.... God I sound like a Master.

For a kid the style they choose is not the problem. What 'is' important is to choose an instructor that can instil some discipline into what is often nothing more than a wild 'mob'.

Beyond that, and still beyond style, the kid needs to be in a place where (s)he can get measurably stronger and mentally more confident. This has no relation to style - and is all on the teacher - especially for kids. Strength leads to a healthy life and mental strength allows them to stand up and shout "No!' when the time requires it of them - even though they lack the physical attributes to back it up. Technique is useful, of course, but comes second to what I have just said. Kids can memorise a lot of techniques but getting quality out of them is very diffcult indeed, if not impossible. Such comes later as strength develops.

Just my 2c,

Rupert Atkinson
http://www.angelfire.com/mac/aikido/

Let's be honest, a twelve year old girl isnt going to be physically capable of defending herself against an adult male in most situations... and to become proficient enough to defend oneself with any matrial arts takes years - so why not bite the bullet and send her to one of the many women's self-defence classes that give practical advice from day one?

In the event that she ALSO wants to begin learning some kind of martial art:

Of the martial arts listed above, I'd recommend aikido for general self-defence purposes (although she wont reach a level of technical proficiency until the age at which her body will be "strong" enough to be effective, which, usefully, will also be the age at which she's most likely to be attacked i.e fifteen sixteen)

Wing chun (and its variants) is a beautiful system, and certainly one which lends itself to the flexibility your daughter will naturally possess at this age.

Good luck - but make sure she knows to run, run, run.

The best defence for anybody in the face of some nutter with a knife, is simply.... LEG IT! And don't look back.

If you try and fight them off with martial arts or other self defence techniques, you could be the one coming off worst, especially if your assailant's armed.

Originally posted by Rich
The best defence for anybody in the face of some nutter with a knife, is simply.... LEG IT! And don't look back.

If you try and fight them off with martial arts or other self defence techniques, you could be the one coming off worst, especially if your assailant's armed.

Rich, it appears that you are scare in the situation you described. You seemed to suggest someone with martial art training is no use when confronted by an attacker and it would be better for him to run.

Please note that Martial training does not only train students skill but discipline, courage, sensitivity, calm and relaxation. A good martial artist will be able to defend for him/her with ease. Here I am not suggesting that martial artists will fight in a confrontation scenario but only in circumstances where there no other options or his/her life is in danger.

A knife is not threat to martial artist but the attacker.


Sleepingcat

Yeah, to a "martial artist" perhaps - not to a young girl who's just started training.

His point is equally valid when applied to skilled martial artists. Although I consider myself advanced (5th dan aikido, okay??), I'd certainly prefer to run than run the risk of being caught on a knife edge.

"A knife is not threat to martial artist but the attacker" sounds suspiciously like ******** from a non-practitioner trying to appear big and hard.

True, if there were other people involved I wouldnt hesitate, but why take the risk if you dont have to?? :loopy:

I would also think that in a lot of knife attacks ... you wouldn't be aware there is a knife until it's actually stuck in you (or maybe a few seconds thereafter) ...

Originally posted by sleepingcat
A knife is not threat to martial artist but the attacker.

That is just rubbish - even somebody who's untrained in knife use stands a very good chance of cutting or stabbing you.

We learn some knife defences in Ju-Jitsu but the overwhelming advice from just about everyone is - when faced with a knife, RUN.

Somebody who *is* trained in knife use is most likely going to have cut or stabbed you before you even realise that they're armed.

The Thai Boxing gym I go to do child lessons. www.wickercamp.com

When being bullied at school, knowing how to deliver a swift elbow to the chin is much more effective than telling the teacher ;) :thumbsup:

Originally posted by Mike
That is just rubbish - even somebody who's untrained in knife use stands a very good chance of cutting or stabbing you.

We learn some knife defences in Ju-Jitsu but the overwhelming advice from just about everyone is - when faced with a knife, RUN.

Somebody who *is* trained in knife use is most likely going to have cut or stabbed you before you even realise that they're armed.

Your 100% right Mike. A professional knife attacker will not display his weapon until the moment of insertion.

An expert in knife fighting will rarely use over head shots. The more likely approach is to grab hold of you before sticking the blade into you.

I was also told that a penetration of only 1 inch can be deadly (i.e. reach internal organ ... think lung was mentioned).

A small blade could easily be concealed in the palm of a hand ... and an attacker may approach you in a friendly smiling manner.

I don't have much experience of street violence (thank goodness) ... but I am very sure it's a lot different to the training hall and the movies.

i used to be in gangs around my home town so have seen quite abit of violence, the greatest way to win a fight is not to fight at all.so tryin to talk someone out of a fight is a good idea, so is running away, but if you are with someone (gfrend/bfrend/mates)you cant all run at the same speed and i'd feel so bad if i left one of my mates behind with me knowing more how to defend myself than him, the best idea of any martial art should be avoidance and interception, kill the arms, if you think of the knife as a knife you are dead, treat it with contempt, we train quite abit in this field, and of course every confrontation will differ.

for everyones benefit if you are in a situation the basics of basics if the attacker is male, go for the throat and the groin, no matter how big/powerfull they are they will be down which gives you all a chance to get away, or take a hit, let him stab you in the hand then grab then at least you control the knife while you beat him down.

After running trying to reason with an attacker would be my next option, after that it would be relying on what I had learned for survival. Fortunately most attackers whom are armed do not know how to utilize their weapon effectively. However, this doesn't mean that they are to be under estimated. Someone waving a blade around are most likely using it for intimidation and will not be experienced. You can learn alot from studying the stance of an attacker, their grip on the weapon will limit how they might use it and slashing around could show their desired targets. An attack I would consider would be a swift side kick to the side of the knee, if this managed to connect then he will fall over giving me options to run or finish. I'd never go for the knife direct but I would be constantly aware of what the knife was doing while delivering my own counters.

Originally posted by Lickszz
After running trying to reason with an attacker would be my next option, after that it would be relying on what I had learned for survival. Fortunately most attackers whom are armed do not know how to utilize their weapon effectively. However, this doesn't mean that they are to be under estimated. Someone waving a blade around are most likely using it for intimidation and will not be experienced. You can learn alot from studying the stance of an attacker, their grip on the weapon will limit how they might use it and slashing around could show their desired targets. An attack I would consider would be a swift side kick to the side of the knee, if this managed to connect then he will fall over giving me options to run or finish. I'd never go for the knife direct but I would be constantly aware of what the knife was doing while delivering my own counters.

No offense, but if the guy is attacking you, I doubt he has the intelligence to be "reasoned with".

Remember, most people who attack members of the public randomly are either high or ratarsed, or both.

Well, I happen to know different. It's true that I have managed to talk a person out of using a knife by reiterating the possible consequences of using it (Jail, for a very long time). This was not a pre-emptive attack but was a spontaneous reaction that had escalated; The attacker was someone who had a personal grudge. The person had managed to get their hands on an impressive knife that was in the vicinity. You have to understand that not everybody who brandishes a knife will use it; many can't, don't or won't use it. In this particular case I was confident the guy had only grabbed the knife because it was there and was unlikely to use it. The fact that I managed to verbally defuse the conflict proves that I was right about him not been prepared to use it. If the circumstances would have been different, like he was backed up by more people then I may have chosen a more direct approach - sparking him out with the nearest heavy object, bearing in mind that I was cornered and had nowhere to run.

My philosophy against weapon attacks will always depend on the circumstances. My primary option will always be running away if possible, then if I thought it was possible to reason with the guy I'd try it, if not then I'd be relying on what I had learned to see me through.

ps - Not every armed attack is going to be a random one, in some situations you may know who the person brandishing a knife is. What I'm saying is that circumstances vary as to why someone would be trying to attack you.

I would like to make my points clearly below:

1) Rich referred to "Anybody" not specifically referred to Mikey's 12 year old daughter in his reply. I agree totally with Jack's comment that it would be unwise for a girl at that age with no martial art training or even with training confronting an attacker with a knife.

2) When I was reading Rich's reply, I felt his comment was very discouraging to anyone who wants to learn self-defence or martial arts. One must ask what is the purpose of martial arts training if he cannot protect himself after years of training. It would be a wast of time and money, isn't it?

3) Thridly, I am not encouraging martial artists to fight (in fact a good martial artist would preferred not to fight) but only in a situation where there is no other option (meaning you cannot run or get rid of the attacker by talking) or life is in danger. This is what I said in my last reply. I would aviod a fight if I could but I am not frighten for a fight if needed.

4) Lastly, please remember the question that Mikey asked. He was asking for martial art advice for his 12 year old daughter. Now Rich is suggesting that martial art skills are useless in real confrontational situation and the only way for survival is to run.
What is going to happen if you cannot run? It would be a big blow to Mikey if what Rich said were true. I know some readers have martial arts training in one form or another, please ask yourself how confident are you in a confrontational situation. Mikey needs your advice from bottom of your hearts.

Rich, no offence, it is just a discussion.

Sleepingcat

As much as I realise that martial arts is used for self defence, when I used to do Karate, up to about 10 years ago, I did it mainly for the exercise and social aspect, you know hanging about and having a drink with the lads after the lesson etc...

All I was saying was that if you are up against an aggressive attacker, some times the best self defence is not to use Karate or whatever on him, but to take yourself away from the situation, this is not however, a display of cowardice or being a "chicken", it is simply common sense, especially if the aggressor is bigger and stronger than you, which in my case is more often than not the case as I'm short for my age at only 5' 5".

I apologise for not explaining my thoughts and comments in more detail during my original posts.

Rich- it seems from your posts that the only option available to you is to run, which is fine but like other posters have said once you have confidence in your abilities you have the option. A mouse can even make an elephant run like a 'chicken'. Maybe you should try one of the many clubs who advertise on here and get a sense of freedom of choice?

To get back to the original question, I'd say to try as many different classes as possible until you find one that your daughter feels comfotable in and enjoys. Preferably with children of or near her own age taught by a master with either written qualifications or at least verbal recommendations from the parents of other children at his/her class.

You can find lists of many of the MA classes in Sheffield at the central library in town, I think printouts cost 10p a sheet.

As far as a specific system goes from what i know about ju-jitsu it should be a good MA for a twelve year old girl. Wing chun has also been mentioned and even though it is very effective especially for smaller people, it may be a little too slow to begin with to keep your daughter interested because children usually have a quite short attention span.

Hope you find something that she enjoys, i wish i'd started training at twelve!

Originally posted by mikey
Ok, I note there is a lot of Martial Arts fans on here, I know nothing about it and I need some advice.

My daughter is 12 and she has tried a trial session of Ju-Jitsu with Castle Black Belt Academy,

1. firstly any advice on this organisation.

2. secondly which art would she be better trying, there are so many. I guess she needs a general self defence type art.

3. Anybody recommend any good clubs / schools / dojos whatever you call them in the SW of Sheffield.:thumbsup:

Thanks in advance
mikey


yea tell her to take kickboxing. all other martial arts really blows. Kickboxing is the real stuff that has been battle tested and will work in a street fight. It also get you into great shape. Ill tell you right now the way to go is kickboxing. or muay thai

Originally posted by Mike
What would you consider an effective art for using against multiple attackers?

Everything I've read since becoming interested in MA seems to say that the only real solution to multiple attackers is to run very fast!

lol, it is true u are better off running but if there is nowhere to run i'd say a martial art with good street fighting tactics such as kickboxing/muay thai. Ultimate fighting is good also but i don't think a little girl would be interested in that. If she wont do kickboxing/muay thai then just go to karate. Stuff like gung fu is to compalcated and well get u into trouble. Once you open up ur fists is when u start to break your fingers

Originally posted by Mike
Very true - even if somebody seems like an easy opponent, they might have a knife waiting for you...

As an aside, I'm surprised boxing never gets recommended as a martial art - on many MA forums i've read, boxers seem to be feared as formidable opponents.


welll even though fists are the kings of unarmed combat not using legs is foolish, I kickbox and that where its at.

in which battles has kick boxing been tested in?you mean street fights?

Kickboxing is good, yes.. but Boxing will prove much more useful in self defense, trust me..

Originally posted by Rurouni_Roni
yea tell her to take kickboxing. all other martial arts really blows. Kickboxing is the real stuff that has been battle tested and will work in a street fight.
Oh come on!! That's rubbish - just because you kick-box you can't say all other Martial Arts "blow" :rolleyes:

Why are there so many Martial Artists who can't see the good things in other styles apart from their own?

because of 2 things i think,

1, they refuse to admit that something they are doing could be beaten by something else.
2, they obviously can't really do martial arts in the real sense because a real martial art is meant to make you realize yourself, EG becoming free of EGO!!!

The first martial arts class i would take a child to would be a judo club, you learn the discipline and you find out what it is like to get to grips with people, it is a good starting point

i trust you, where did you find out which was the better. it is not the art it is the individual, like many kickboxers find it hard going fighting against thai boxers, predominently if the kickboxer is good, he will beat the boxer, we are talking two different ranges and if the kickboxer is competent at both then you only have one winner

the best introduction for youngsters to the arts would be judo, it has discipline, is hard work and gives you a sound base for the kind of contact you will get in other arts

or try JKD at the source, only a thought

what is "the source"?

Originally posted by Rurouni_Roni
welll even though fists are the kings of unarmed combat not using legs is foolish, I kickbox and that where its at.

I take it kickboxing does not teach humility and respect for other martial arts and other people in general then?

Originally posted by Cyclone
what is "the source"?

It's the new(ish) place near Meadowhall, it has a gym and they do loads of martial arts and stuff. Meant to be good, http://www.thesource.meadowhall.co.uk/ .

Originally posted by Cyclone
I take it kickboxing does not teach humility and respect for other martial arts and other people in general then?

Depends on the Instructor,
and you shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush! wheres the respect gone today?

and you shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush

I wasn't. My comment was quite clearly to one person, I even quoted them.

Originally posted by inosanto
the best introduction for youngsters to the arts would be judo, it has discipline, is hard work and gives you a sound base for the kind of contact you will get in other arts

Ditto for ju-jitsu. If you haven’t already found anywhere, Sheffield Ju-Jitsu Club on Little London Road (opposite Stokes Paints) is a good club – it’s inexpensive, has good, friendly instructors and has specific classes for children which are fun as well as instructive.

Cyclone i think what you should have wrote is
i take it kickboxing did not teach YOU humilty and ..............
instead of
i take it kickboxing does not teach humity and ..........
quote or not people will still miss read it.you know what you ment they don't
sorry if you think i'm being picky

yours in martial arts
Jay_kd
Mark

i have a 5yr old son who has loads of energy so i want to get him into some sort of activites,i thought of something like football or some kind of karate? any suggestions would be welcomed. and if any one knows of any good clubs could you please leave details of them.
thanx xx

For martial arts see This (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5857) thread.

Getting him involved in swimming, football, cricket etc would be good at his age. Swimming can be done at any of the sports centres, the other stuff can be done at any clubs local to where you live.

Gaz

Farad Ali freestyle kick boxing. I know he used to run a good kids class. He's contactable via Sheffield Hallam Uni, Collegiate Cresent site.

hi there everyone,

I just moved to sheffield and I've been wanting to start martial arts for SOME time now!

It was great to find this forum, very helpful indeed (i hope! :-) )

Now, you may have noticed my name is "stickman" - well, that's quite literal :-) I'm about 6' 1 and I weight just about 10 stone! :-)

So I am hoping to put on some weight and build some strength too, of course :-)

I am after a REALISTIC method of self defence. My aim here is not sport or having fun (although I DEFINATELY do intend to have fun too :-) ), but to be able to defend myself properly should I need to.

I was thinking about BJJ because there is the royce gracie institute here, right? Now I know how great BJJ is and how everyone seems to recommend it, but I was thinking - in real life, you dont have a soft mat to go to the ground on - you have a rock hard concrete floor! right? So I was wondering if it is really applicable in real life or if it is just for the UFC or NHB style contests?

Either way I appreciate that ground fighting and grappling ARE neccesities which one cannot do without.

But at the same time, one needs a striking/standing art too, I think. And so I thought about JKD or wing chun. But the JKD place run by someone called, I think mark(?) is all the way over in Meadhowhall and I'm at the far end of Ecclesall road! :-) so its quite a way to travel. that's a REAL shame because i would have LOVED to do JKD under a GOOD and COMPETANT instructor, and I have read good things about Mark.

But there is the wing chun run at the chinese community centre here though, and that's quite close to me. What do you think about wing chun? The only thing is that the Sifu who teaches there seems to be quite "traditional" - that is, he studied under a grand master in HK I think and now he teaches in that classical manner of being very slow, and a bit at a time. He says on his site something like he only teaches simple forms or stances for the first 6 months! He also said that many of his students have left because they werent prepared to go at the slow pace he teaches at. Also, he said it will take about 4 years or so to complete his course.Well, I'd sort of like to be a reasonably improved fighter by then (6 months). Plus, that's a lot of cash over 6 months to not really know much, but nevertheless, I may go tomorrow to check it out, as it's only around the corner. I have a friend in Birmingham Uni who has been doing wing chun for about 18months now and he's amazing!(although he does have a better physique than me) So I would like to be pretty good by then too.

So, basically, what I'm asking for is what kind of MA combination should I take? (striking/grappling) and where or who do you guys suggest?

I read a few posts here mentioning someone called "graham abdullah"? What does he teach? Is he here in Sheffield? is he any good?

Of course the most important things are the QUALITY and KNOWLEDGE of the instructor, and the REALISTIC application of the art.

I would really love to be fast, flexible and strong.

So, when you guys advise me, please bear in mind that I'm really skinney and not so strong! (yet :-) ) but I hope to work on that though. So I was thinking maybe BJJ is for shorter/meatier guys rather than lanky sticks like me! :-), is that so?

Anyway, this was a long post! congratiulations for getting this far into it! I hope your still awake!

Thanks for your help in advance,

Stickman! :-D

Hmmmm my best suggestion would be to take a couple of months or so to build up some weight an muscle (best approach seems to be 2-3 brief intense full body routines per week with plenty of food and sleep - you will gain some fat as well as muscle on this sort of routine but I'm guessing this wont worry you too much!) In these couple of months take a look round and see whats available - for punching and kicking may I suggest Thai Boxing, boxing, JKD (also includes some grappling), kick boxing and kali. For grappling how about judo, BJJ, wrestling and/or shootfighting. This should give you both some bulk (which an MA alone is unlikely to give you!) and a good overview of what is available and what appeals to you :)

thanks for that :-)

But can you recommend any places and give me numbers/addresses?

I want to get recommendations of good places, if anyone has them...?

The JKD sounds ideal for striking, western boxing is something you might consider. Often not considered to be a martial art, but it will teach you movement, speed and power. Combine that with a more realist self-defence and you've got the whole package.

Groundwork, ie BJJ and Shootfighters is something that would prove very useful in self-defence. A lot of fights seem to end up on the ground, so you either need to be able to avoid being taken down, or be able to carry on fighting when it does go to ground. Not having mats will just mean that you have lots of grazes afterwards.

To bridge the ground and the striking/blocking art have you considered something involving locks and throws? Maybe judo (although it is a sport) or maybe jiu jitsu.

Haha - which brings me to my plug, you are welcome to come and take a look at the university jiu jitsu club, non-students are welcome (i am one). We train tonight, 8 - 10 at the goodwin sports centre, near the hallamshire childrens hospital.
Next Tuesday is a 'bring a bigger' session, so we expect to have lots of inexperienced people coming along for a look-see to check the club out.
We also train Sat 10 - 1 at the same dojo.

Alright there stick!
I can thoroughly recommend Capoeira (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8051&highlight=capoiera) for someone of your build and weight.
It will develop your upper body strength no end and it's fun and extremely effective, not to mention self confidence giving.

You may also want to combine it with a totally different style, like Thai Boxing Perhaps.

HTH

DB :thumbsup:

hi there,

thanks for that advice.

Can someone please give me some names or numbers or addresses or websites? Where do you guys go for BJJ or JKD or wing chun?

thanks

Stick!

well, you didn't ask for it, but in case you want to take a peek

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/~jiujitsu

Recomended places!

Muay Thai: Wicker Camp on Effingham Road - I dont know the phone number offhand but plenty of people from here go so they should be able to fill you in.

JKD/Escrima: Talk to Mark Hayes - he is on the Sheffield Forum under the name jay_kd

Judo: look in the yellow pages! I know its a sport but for a realistic self defence sports are often the best thing as they teach you what works and what doesnt in as close to a realistic as is possible to get without killing people! The universities both have Judo clubs and should be happy with non-students.

Shoot Fighting: The 393 club at Hillsborough is the only place I know that does shootfighting - they are worth looking at through as they have plenty of martial arts clubs. At one point (and maybe still currently) they were running a silat club which is well worth looking into.

Boxing: I've heard good things about Koncrete Canvas - they are up at Castle Court.

That should be a start for you :)

Why not try a japanese martial art based on the teachings of the samurai. It includes stricking grappling, throwing and much more.

www.tombodojo.co.uk

:) mr abdulla teaches lou gar kung fu, (5 animals) and is a very good instructor, if you are looking for wing chun then look no further than carlisle street at the sheffield kung fu wing chun centre, with sifu richard, might be abit to travel (93 bus route) but deff worth it, DONT goto the one in ponds forge, unless you want to buy a tracksuit a passport and jumpers and **** b4 you join.

as battouchan sai has said you could try budo taijutsu, it doesnt so much as combine everything, as we learn 9 different schools, throwing, locking, striking, ground work, and you dont need to get bigger as it is technique that you will need to work on not becoming like the hulk. but there is no competitions if you are looking for that.

or there is shoot fighting at 393 boys club where graham abdullas brother adie also teaches kick boxing.

:)

Hi Stickman, i would say go and try a few and go and watch see how the class is run,i'm sure you will find something that suits you, don't let the distance put you off from training in some thing that you want to, i used to travel about 50 miles on a sunday morning to train with my first JKD instructor Dave Carnell in stoke on trent,(did that for 18 months) the next one was 110 ten miles, now i travel to the USA to train with my instructors(i'm back over in a few weeks) hope you find what you are looking for.
p.s the tram stops outside where i teach
maybe see you soon
Mark

What's the address of the 393 boys club? where is it? I would REALLY like to have a look at silat!

Mark - where do you teach?

thanks,

The stick!

at the Source meadowhall Mon,wed and thursday from 7pm till 8.30pm
if you want any more info pm me
hope to see you soon
Mark

Originally posted by Stickman
What's the address of the 393 boys club? where is it? I would REALLY like to have a look at silat!


393 Langset Road

Let me know if you are planning on going out there - its something I keep telling myself I will go look at but never get round to, slacker that I am!!!

I've considered looking at their Tae Kwan Do club, but I'm reluctant to sign up cos I'm betting they'll be full of 10 year olds who think they're Bruce Lee.

from what i know, (friends that do the kick boxing, it isnt like that at all, )

but thats my friends opinions, there is a tkd class b4 us on wed nights at croft house settlements, and because we get to talk to them, they are cool, no kids, jus people learnin the sport :) maybe give that a try?

thanks for the posts everyone.

I was impressed by the gracie MMA place, I think I'll keep going there, although it is a bit pricey, I think it's worthwhile, they have a good club over there.

I also went to look at wing chun on london road chinese community centre, they were all really nice, and the sifu is great, I'd like to keep that up too as wing chun always appealed to me, but I cant afford that AND the MMA - so how will I choose?!?! :-)

I am DEFINATELY going to go an have a look at silat at the boys club too - what time should I go? when do they have classes?

thanks everyone,

Stickman! :-)

I managed to find an old timetable for 393 club which says that the Silat lesson is at 8.00 on a Friday evening :)

cool, but when you say "old" - does that mean that it has changed since then?

I'll go and check it out this friday then, hopefully. Is there anyone here who can confirm that time?

later :-)

Stickman

Hi, you might want to try contacting the British Martial Arts Academy. Their number is 0114 2640114. They do freestyle martial arts which combines quite a few different styles from kickboxing to karate and quite a few others.

Hi stick man try www. prokungfu.com top Martial arts site for classes in Sheffield

Stickman
they also do classes at 393 Club

There's Kung Fu for kids in Sheffield, you can fnd out more here (http://www.prokungfu.com).

There is a good class if I don’t say so myself in Dinnnington

www.littledragons.8m.com

I have a 5yr old too,
..........and I'm finding it hard to enrol her in my local area,
(Crystal Peaks) & that accepts younger children!

There's loads of clubs that accept kids her age - but Hillsborough/North Sheff -not really close nor practicle!

Can anyone help???

Angel x


P.s
*Starla*
- Any joy?

Hi

I think you will find most clubs will only take kids form 5 years up

www.littledragons.8m.com

can anyone help me out there?! me and my children are wanting to start taking up a martial art of some form...kung fu is preferable i think...but there are that many types of kung fu, i dont know which one or where to start looking. we also live in the north of sheffield, so dont really want to go to the other side of sheffield if possible. can anyone help us find a reputable club for us to have a look at? thanks, sheff.

Why are you wanting to do a martial art and is there any particular reason you have chosen kung-fu? Sheffield doesn't seem to have a huge range of Kung Fu here :(

my son in particular is very interested in learning. i'd like them to learn it as a form of self defence and to build their confidence. and i guess i want to learn so they dont come home and kick my arse!! lol

If you are anwhere near the The Source they run a JKD class (sort of mixed kung-fu / kick boxing / self defence) run by one of the people on the forum called jay_kd. I found his classes to be more fun and relaxed (and demanding!) than the more tradition arts. There is also a very good Thai Boxing class in town on Effingham Road.

The all round best advice I can offer though is find a few schools that appeal and go sit in on a lessons in each one to see if it meets your requirements!

If you can get to Dinnington then Dave Graham teaches 7 star praying mantis kung fu. I've been going to his san shou sessions. He's very knowledgable and friendly. he holds classes for kids(little dragons), have a look on his website for details. I think he may be looking for other sheffield venues too.

his website is www.moifa.20m.com


Neil

Hi try this
Master Siddall 7th dan
Paces Sport Centre
Pack Horse Lane
High Green
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S35 3HY

Tel: +44(0)114 2846060

My son does kung fu at 393 club at Hillsborough it used to be the old boys brigade club. He loves it, it has given him so much confidence. Graham and Adrian Abdulla run this club, they're great. Well and truely recommend them. The classes are only £3.50. Its called Sheffield Academy of Martial Arts, look on prokungfu.com

Hi shefflass

You have started in the right place there are a lot of good Martial Arts People in the Sheffield Area & on this Forum.
A good place to start when you want to look for a good Kung Fu Club or any other martial art club is to ask Question.
Kung Fu can be a funny thing, it is a little different from other styles but don’t let that put you off. So hear are some question to start off with, if they are a legitimate club they will not mind you asking or giving you the information.

1 find out what association they are in, and you will need there Phone Number & call them.

2 what is there lineage, i.e. who there instructor is and who is his instructor. Also get there phone number & call them.

3 What Grade are they and how long they have been training in their style & how long it took them to get to that grade.

If you have any question please don’t hesitate to E-mail me.

Dave
www.moifa.20m.com

Hi Shefflass

Another thing might be to pop over on the 29th Feb in Sheffield. Some of the members of the forum are doing a Multi Martial Arts Seminar for Tsunami it would give you a chance to have a look at some Ku7ng Fu styles & have a chat to some of the instructors 3 of us that do Kung Fu Will be there.

JKD, Tai Chi, & 7 star Praying Mantis that are all Kung Fu styles, we also have someone doing Krav Manga. (If that’s not how it is Spelt Sorry)


Dave
www.moifa.20m.com

SORRY THE MULTI STYLE SEM IS ON THE 19th FEB NOT THE 29th.

DAVE
www.moifa.20m.com

to everyone who replied to my post...thank you, thank you, thank you....you've all been a massive help. its like a minefield finding a good club...especially if you havent got a clue lol

thanks to all...my son has been dogging me for months about finding somewhere! i kno, thanks to your replies i can find one he feels comfortable with and is what he wants....his hero is jackie chan! the seminar certainly looks interesting and i will be sure to go...what are the times for it dave? will there be different styles on offer to look at then? cant wait! again thanks to all and you can be sure if i have any Qs you'll all be the first to hear lol....Bev

Hi, Sifu William Lai trains Wing Chun Chinese Kung Fu in Sheffield Chinese Community Centre on London Road. Wing Chun Kung fu is a good martial arts skills that meets the 3 Es, economy, efficiency and effectiveness. I understand that Sifu Lai does not take students below age 16. How are old your children?

He now only trains on Saturday evening owing to his other commitments. For further information you can visit his site at www.wingchun.me.uk or www.geocities.com/williamlaiwingchun . I hope this help.

Sleepingcat

Not knocking wing Chun but the only problem I had was kids find it to hard well young kids anyway. I thing the child is young from talking to his mam. That’s the only reason I didn’t mention WC

Dave
www.moifa.20m.com

Regarding Sifu Lai's Wing Chun class, I would have to agree that it is probably not suitable for young 'uns. I've been training there for two months now and while I'm enjoying it immensely, the progress is SLOW, and the nature of the classes would not appeal to kids in my opinion.

Hi shefflass

Did you start at a club how you finding it???

Ok so i have 2 brothers 12 and 9 (small for there age! they luk 9 and 6)

anyway thye have both been asking about going to a martial arts like karate or kick boxing or something along those lines the lads fetched home letters form there youth club but the prices were really really steep and i was wondering if anyone could give me some websites or numbers and prices to check out!

PM me please with info.

Thanks Everyone

Are you looking for martial arts in a particular area of sheffield?

fitness first in millhouses do children's martial arts lessons, in a typical one hour lesson they do 15 minutes life skills (fire safety, first aid, drugs awareness, anti- bullying etc) and 45 minutes on mixed martial arts (karate, taekwondo and kick boxing). the programmes are for 3- 6 year olds and 7- 12 year olds. the company who do the lessons there are called matt fiddes martial arts schools who you can ring on 0800 0350 594 for more information. hope that helps

for kids that age id say marsdens all styles
07708 626 749

its a very good club and the instructors' both their kids train there too and their nephews and nieces
both good martial artists and a proper family club i think

what area of sheffield were you thinking of?

Ok, I note there is a lot of Martial Arts fans on here, I know nothing about it and I need some advice.

My daughter is 12 and she has tried a trial session of Ju-Jitsu with Castle Black Belt Academy,

1. firstly any advice on this organisation.

2. secondly which art would she be better trying, there are so many. I guess she needs a general self defence type art.

3. Anybody recommend any good clubs / schools / dojos whatever you call them in the SW of Sheffield.:thumbsup:

Thanks in advance
mikey
Do not join this club. Don't believe all the chat that 'Master' Sheehan gives you - most of it is B***s***. He's only in it for the money.

WTF taekwondo wednesday 393 club langsett road 6.00 till 7.30 beginners from 6 years
sunday at hillsborough leisure centre 4.00 till 5.30 beginners from 6 years

Judo Class, ages 5 upwards
Fully Insured, safe/fun environment

Waltheof Sports Centre
Beamont Road North (next to Waltheof School)
Sheffield

Saturday Morning 10.15 start

I've considered looking at their Tae Kwan Do club, but I'm reluctant to sign up cos I'm betting they'll be full of 10 year olds who think they're Bruce Lee.

Not im my TKD lessons, that type of student either gets fed up of having to learn the basics, or realises that martial arts arnt really like that, and starts to put the effort, concentration and above all, humility in to their training.

Ive ead alot about people wanting martial arts for kids well i know that Sheffield Academy of Martial Arts teach kung fu or kickboxing kids classes are from 4/5 years old on mondays tuesdays wednesdays saturdays and sundays, look at there web site www.prokungfu.com loads of info and very good instructors with children.

Ive ead alot about people wanting martial arts for kids well i know that Sheffield Academy of Martial Arts teach kung fu or kickboxing kids classes are from 4/5 years old on mondays tuesdays wednesdays saturdays and sundays, look at there web site www.prokungfu.com loads of info and very good instructors with children. ps there at hillsborough ,walkly , greystones pitsmoor.