Ok just wanted to see how many of my fellow bluelighters train in some form of martial arts and (in their opinion/experience) how effective it is as a form weight loss and for general health.
I've been training in traditional Chinese Kung Fu since I was a kid. Coming from a fairly traditional Chinese family this was just kind expected of me. My dad trained in it as well as my Grandfather and great grandfather and so on and so forth. And it has kept me fit and in shape pretty well. Lately I've also been training with other arts such as Muy Thai, some Judo (not from a Judo dojo but from friends who train in Judo) and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also not from a trainer but from friends who train in it) as well as boxing and sanshou/sanda which is pretty much Chinese kick boxing. In other words Kung fu with a modified set of kickboxing rules. These being punches kicks knees and elbows, but also throws from the clinch if you can do them within three seconds after clinching otherwise the ref breaks it up.
Anyway to me martial arts are a way of learning how to defend yourself as well as a way of keeping in shape and healthy. Sparring especially keeps my mind and body sharp.
But I can see how this aspect of learning martial arts (getting hit and hitting others) can be seen as unhealthy with concussions and broken bones being somewhat common injuries if you spar which any legitimate martial arts school will have you do. So my question is this. Does this aspect of training turn those of you who haven't trained in martial arts off? Is it worth it to you?
Also to those who train what do you train in and how long have you trained?
Thanks.
I've been training in traditional Chinese Kung Fu since I was a kid. Coming from a fairly traditional Chinese family this was just kind expected of me. My dad trained in it as well as my Grandfather and great grandfather and so on and so forth. And it has kept me fit and in shape pretty well. Lately I've also been training with other arts such as Muy Thai, some Judo (not from a Judo dojo but from friends who train in Judo) and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also not from a trainer but from friends who train in it) as well as boxing and sanshou/sanda which is pretty much Chinese kick boxing. In other words Kung fu with a modified set of kickboxing rules. These being punches kicks knees and elbows, but also throws from the clinch if you can do them within three seconds after clinching otherwise the ref breaks it up.
Anyway to me martial arts are a way of learning how to defend yourself as well as a way of keeping in shape and healthy. Sparring especially keeps my mind and body sharp.
But I can see how this aspect of learning martial arts (getting hit and hitting others) can be seen as unhealthy with concussions and broken bones being somewhat common injuries if you spar which any legitimate martial arts school will have you do. So my question is this. Does this aspect of training turn those of you who haven't trained in martial arts off? Is it worth it to you?
Also to those who train what do you train in and how long have you trained?
Thanks.