im new and wondering if i should chose TKD

**Fredrico55555** · 03-31-2005, 01:42

Ive heard alot of different things from different ppl about TKD ive heard it dont really work in a real fight that its all show and im looking to start a form of martial arts im looking for to stay in shape and if it would really help me in a real fight and i was wondering if TKD is a good way to go or is it all show and sorry if im offending anyone im just really wondering plz let me know thank you Fred

**bloodymonkey117** · 03-31-2005, 02:28

that really depends on the school and the focus of the school. I've seen great TKD guys and crappy ones... but heck, i don't do TKD, let someone answer that knows about it.

**Tribalweapon** · 03-31-2005, 07:25

Originally Posted by bloodymonkey117

that really depends on the school and the focus of the school. I've seen great TKD guys and crappy ones

That pretty much says it all right there

**Humble78** · 03-31-2005, 13:32

just like the other have said. TKD is good only if you train realisticly. If you are thinking of health benefits then yes TKD is a great style for you.

Dwayne H. Raper

**jakmak52** · 03-31-2005, 17:31

I would try different styles and see which one suits you the best, I'm partial to TKD & Shotokan karate, but everybody has there own comfort zone.

Good luck.

**Fredrico55555** · 03-31-2005, 22:13

how do i know if it is a good school or not ???

**Chrono** · 04-01-2005, 11:42

Originally Posted by Fredrico55555

how do i know if it is a good school or not ???

Best thing I can tell you is to just visit them and watch.

**Akuma** · 04-01-2005, 13:08

It really just depends where your focus is...TKD is a great art, and different schools emphasise different aspects of the style. Check out some of the local schools in your area and find the one that feels like a good fit for you. Good luck! Peace.

**Chris Wade** · 04-01-2005, 22:19

Originally Posted by Fredrico55555

how do i know if it is a good school or not ???

I always suggest that you watch both a couple of beginner and a couple of advanced classes. You want to see how they teach/treat new students as well as where you are headed.

**Jumper53** · 04-01-2005, 22:41

As many above have suggested you should visit a few schools and watch classes. Do not listen much to the pitch the instructor gives, you will know a good class when you compare it to others. More important than practicality is how much you like the instructor and his style of teaching. No art will help you defend yourself if you only take classes for a month then quit.

As a guideline but not always true, the schools that focus more on competition will teach more "by the rules" and less practical. If you want more self defense I would stick to schools that do not force you to compete, or spend most of the time showing you all their trophies instead of their technique. Competition is good for your skills, but not if it is the reason you are training.

I would also put less emphasis on the street worthyness of your training. Almost everyone who enters a MA school says that self defense is their reason for joining. But after a year or two, self defense is no longer an issue. Personal development and confidence is why most people stay with MA, and it is why you will not be likely ever have to fight again.

**PhoenixMateria** · 04-08-2005, 13:39

I've done some TKD for a couple years and I can say that if you find a good school, you'll get a good workout and get to be in good shape. TKD focuses on competition and isn't the style I would bust in a life or death situation, but if you think you'd enjoy sparring a lot, then go for it.

**SRK85** · 04-08-2005, 21:21

Yeah TKD isnt good for real fights its just too unrealistic. But if the school offers self defense or other stlyes like my school now does Tang Soo Do, Muay Thai, and realsitic self defense.

**tkdcanada** · 04-08-2005, 21:53

You will know it's a good school because you will not feel pressure to sign up through an amazing time-limited deal, the instructor will be open to speaking with you and answering any questions and you will just get a sense of the atmosphere from the other students and the instructor as you watch and/or take part in class to check it out. A lot of people have advice about whether TKD is useful, etc... Everyone takes out of an art what they value and that's something only you can decide. I believe you will feel that it's a fit when you see it, whether that's from TKD or some other art. I personally love training in TKD (although I'm on a break) because it has what I value for me: lots of sparring and competition, an awesome workout and just a little bit of everything. Just a note, not all TKD schools focus so much on sparring - schools vary alot amongst each other. Check some out.

**X-Reaper** · 04-15-2005, 02:48

I would say yes, Tae Kwon Do can be effective in the streets if it's taught properly.

I'm training TDK WTF style with Hapkido incorporated in it, so that's lots of self defense I'm learning.

**Good advisor** · 04-27-2005, 08:28

I met dangerous karate fighters, and a few TKD blackbelts, its really up to you, people say theres no ultimate art yes they are right, but the art will have influnces the fighter and how he trains,,,,

if you see TKD fighters practiced kicks he'll use it,
If you see a BJJ fighter he will take you to the ground,
If you see a muay thai fighter he will try to break you with eveyway he know how.

**John Lucas** · 04-28-2005, 21:47

You should do what you enjoy the most. If you really enjoy training in TKD and you can go and train 3 times a week consistently, than it is better than taking up an intense art that might teach you to be a serious fighting force, but is so serious that you cant enjoy it and only end up going three times. As long as you keep your head in the right place, and keep training then you are doing the right thing.

**tkdcanada** · 04-28-2005, 21:58

Originally Posted by Dave Barry

You should do what you enjoy the most. If you really enjoy training in TKD and you can go and train 3 times a week consistently, than it is better than taking up an intense art that might teach you to be a serious fighting force, but is so serious that you cant enjoy it and only end up going three times. As long as you keep your head in the right place, and keep training then you are doing the right thing.

That is one of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard.