another martial arts thread

[Dmoney]

has anyone tried Systema?
I think i might go along to a session. its been a good long time since i trained in anything, and this look pretty interesting, and less hyped than Krav Maga, which im sure is effective, but Im not sure if thats for me.

[MrBump]

I remember reading about Russian martial arts in Combat magazine, probably more than 20 years ago now.

Look interesting.  Personally, I think that it's going to be worth a visit - I'd definitely be interested in hearing the results.

Mark.

[badgermark]

I'm interested in trying a martial art, any good ones to try or tips for an utter novice?

[Sifu Ben]

It's a martial art that claims to teach psychic mind control techniques  :shock: It's also got a huge retro-history thing going on (which I hate). The Russian military art has always been Sombo. By all means go along and see if you like it, but be analytical and don't drink the koolaid.
Oh, and if you don't think Krav Maga is for you, I don't think Systema will be either.

[Sifu Ben]

I'm interested in trying a martial art, any good ones to try or tips for an utter novice?

Most martial arts should be suitable for a beginner, although some classes may not be. First find out what's available in your area, then work out why you want to train, and then work out which place will best offer you that.

[Dmoney]

It's the psychological aspects of systema that I find interesting.

I haven't read anything about mind control but I think the differences between the system and krav make systema a little more interesting. I don't think the history is the sketchy. I also wanted tourw something a little different

[Sifu Ben]

If you're interested in the psychological aspects of combat/self defence check out Geoff Thompson, Bill Kipp, Tony Blauer etc. They'll give you functional skills using legitimate psychological techniques, rather than wacked out psychic mind control stuff.
 Go to www.bullshido.net and do a search for systema, and you'll see just how wacky some of their claims are.
(I should point out that Bullshido is not an unbiased source full of reasonable people, but it is a good collection point for negative information).

[shobet]

Bullshido, that made me laugh!

[Mr. Air]

I'm interested in trying a martial art, any good ones to try or tips for an utter novice?

Personally I love kickboxing. It sure isn't the most spiritual martial  art, but it's great exercice and great fun. When a training session is over you're just wasted and really feel that you've used your body.

[CaptainDesslock]

Bullshido, that made me laugh!

QFT!

[Bird]

Bullshido is pretty funny. Lot of good, and negative, info on there. Some make ridiculous claims about what can be accomplished so do your homework (bullshido can help here). And above all else beware the "McDojo" ;)

[Dmoney]

its weird.
the more I research and try to find something I'm interested in and want to learn along with a place to do it, i get increasing put off doing anything.

[Sifu Ben]

its weird.
the more I research and try to find something I'm interested in and want to learn along with a place to do it, i get increasing put off doing anything.

:( Sorry, Systema's just one of the few systems where I have issues with the system as a whole. Where abouts are you? Maybe I could recommend somewhere.

[Dmoney]

It's ok. That's ok. It's your opinion.
I did look at that website but what I found was more clubs being negative than the system itself. I'd try it maybe. I'm based in south east London.
My problem isn't systema, its a lot of stuff. I'd like to learn some effective empty hand art with good real life applications and id like to train with some resistance.
I looked at krav a while ago. I'm still researching stuff, like eskrima. But I feel I draw a bit of a blank getting what im after

[Sifu Ben]

Systema and Krav Maga aren't really notorious for their resistance training. Like I said earlier, go along, see if you like it, just apply a sensible level of critical thinking to things.