(( Short Time vs Long Time Training ))

[blade_cs]

I've read in some forums that to train for a short time, but also become effective, one should take Muay Thai. And to become a good martial artist for the long run, one should take Hapkido.

Why is that? I mean, in both arts, you learn to fight, it's just different technique? Why would you become a better fighter if you took Muay Thai for the short run?

Some people sneer at an art where you can become effective in just a few months. It is as if the art is somehow not worth as much as one where you have to spend 10 years to get effective.

In my view that is nonesense. If Thai training gets you effective in 6 months (and it most certainly can if you work at it), then just how effetive are you going to be after 10 years? With hard training you will be incredible.

Some of the arts that consider themselves superior produce people that consider themselves to be effective. They wear fancy belts and prattly on about their "soft" technical applications and "chi".

The 6 month Thai guy will beat the vast majority of them to a pulp.

[MrPoopy]

There are mainly 2 types of martial arts. And I'm not talking about soft and hard. Theres ass kicking styles and then theres self defense styles. Hapkido is probly more self defense and muay thai is more ass kicking.

[robertlee]

both ways will work in the long run When you are young contact training will take you far When you are older you need to be a little smarte to beat the young man now.. This part takes a little longer to learn so both ways are good The good part is you dont fight as much when you get older So if you want to learn to fight and test it now try a contact art Otherwise any art that employees good training decent reality training and lets you develop your tools not to make robots then try it too

[mushinmaster]

you def need to learn softer styles as you get older - my teacher can't even hit the bag too much these days 'cuz his knucles are ****ed up from the makiwara - little things like that add up over the years, broken shoulders from motorcycles, cracked ribs, arthritis, brittle bones...

[terry]

Originally posted by mushinmaster
you def need to learn softer styles as you get older - my teacher can't even hit the bag too much these days 'cuz his knucles are ****ed up from the makiwara - little things like that add up over the years, broken shoulders from motorcycles, cracked ribs, arthritis, brittle bones...

My perspective differs. I believe it is even more important to stay with basic fitness producing arts, such as Muay Thai and BJJ, as you grow older. It will help prevent bone loss, it will help you keep from loosing muscle, it will help you control your weight, it will help prevent heart disease, it will keep you sharp as far as fighting skills and it will keep you healthy.

Case in point: A few years ago I had the privilege to have Dan Inosanto as a sparring partner for a week during the Oregon Thai camp. He went kick for kick, round for round and lap for lap with the 20 year olds. We did like 60 rounds of knee sparring per day to say nothing of the other stuff we did. He is in awesome shape and not only did he hang in there the whole way, but he was laughing while he nailed me with tricky stuff from other arts that worked great.

The man also trains BJJ several times a week. And if you ask him about the back problem that plagued him for years, he will tell you it is mostly BJJ that has helped him rehabilitate himself. Now in his 60s he looks better than he has in years.

Or take a look at Cacoy Canete. He spars with 20 years olds every day and whips 'em until he gets tired of laughing. And if, like me, you try to take him down and finish him on the ground with BJJ you'll get choked out and wind up with a knot on your head for your trouble.

Yes, both men have taken up some internal stuff to help them increase flexibility and rehab some stiff spots. But they have NEVER given up on the basic arts that they have practiced and have brought them physical fitness all these years.

T

[mushinmaster]

The dude still trains like a mutha ****er, but he has all these problems coming on him and he's only 55. He used to be a collegiate runner too.

He doesn't punch the bag at all, b/c of his hands. He does all the kicking and knee drills until I drop:-D

As he gets older though, I wouldn't be suprised if he stopped actually training hard alltogether and takes up something else to keep in shape. Its like punching with a broken hand - not smart, def not beneficial to the body.

This theory of progressing to "soft" arts when you get old sounds really good. But it is nonsense.

Fighting is a physical activity. The problem with Martial Arts is that they have too much mystical philosophical nonsense like this.

Look at any other physical activity, from American Football to digging a hole. In what other activity can you "progress" with a softer version when you get old? None. Those "soft" arts will get you whupped in a fight.

Yes, you can develop superior skill and timing with age and experience, but these things are there to supplement your loss of potential in areas such as stamina......but still train to keep hold of the stamina as much as you can.

I'm with Terry. Of course we will all get old, and the day will come when you cannot trainin effectively any more. So what? It is certainly no excuse for giving up effective training early in order to kid yourself you can progress with a "soft" art.

I, too, will also be training in my 60's. And 70's, and until I literally cannot do anything any more. But I wont be kidding myself with Chi.....