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young guns
New member
alright guys i need a little help.
i'm looking to get into some form of MA in pittsburgh. i have no experience. so what are some things i need to look for when picking a form and a studio? how do i know if the instructor is qualified? things like that.
here's a little info on me so you may be able to give suggestions on a style or combo of styles that would be fitting. i'm looking to get into MA for several reasons. one, i'd like to get into better shape. i lift consistantly (aside from a recent layoff due to mono), but i still have poor cardiovascular shape. i want a MA that will compliment my weight training, as my goals to continue gaining lean mass and strength are a priority to me. that could always change, but for now i want to get into a martial art that will help me further my weight training goals, and no hinder them. i am sure any MA training should help, but this just gives you the idea that i don't want something that is going to be so physically demanding that i am going to suffer in the gym. also, i have no desire whatsoever to compete in any way, shape, or form. i want MA for fitness and self defense purposes ONLY. however it is important that i pick a MA that will provide me with legitimate self defense. i could care less if i can do a flying spinning kick, because i doubt that is something i would ever need in a street fight. i just want to have the training if i need it. i have been lucky so far, even while bouncing at a bar, to never have gotten into a fight since childhood. but my luck will run out sooner or later. there are just too many assholes whole polute bars and clubs that at some point a fight is going to be unavoidable. and with my lack of experience, regardless of my weight room strength, i'm gonna get an ass kicking if i get into it with anyone who has some street fighting experience.
so, as you can see i'm not looking to compete. i want something to add to weightlifting to help me look and feel good, and most importantly, teach me how to effectively defend myself. from some other threads i've read here, i think a MMA studio would be best.
here are MA places around my area that have websites. if you could tell me what you guys think would be sensible and if you think any place is lacking or strong in any aspects, i'd appreciate it. i think the maap freestyle program (combo of kickboxing, thai, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kali, weapon use/disarming) sounds most suitable for me, but i cant find any info about the instructor. so let me hear you guys' thoughts.
http://maap.thehealthzone.com/
http://www.ironcitygym.com/home.htm (looks to focused on training fighters)
http://www.shjudo.com/Frames.htm (new MMA program)
http://www.pghfightclub.com/index.php (again, seems more for fighters)
http://www.pittsburghkungfu.com/ (i don't hear much about kung-fu on here)
http://www.rothrockskungfu.com/
http://www.aikidopittsburgh.org/
i'm looking to get into some form of MA in pittsburgh. i have no experience. so what are some things i need to look for when picking a form and a studio? how do i know if the instructor is qualified? things like that.
here's a little info on me so you may be able to give suggestions on a style or combo of styles that would be fitting. i'm looking to get into MA for several reasons. one, i'd like to get into better shape. i lift consistantly (aside from a recent layoff due to mono), but i still have poor cardiovascular shape. i want a MA that will compliment my weight training, as my goals to continue gaining lean mass and strength are a priority to me. that could always change, but for now i want to get into a martial art that will help me further my weight training goals, and no hinder them. i am sure any MA training should help, but this just gives you the idea that i don't want something that is going to be so physically demanding that i am going to suffer in the gym. also, i have no desire whatsoever to compete in any way, shape, or form. i want MA for fitness and self defense purposes ONLY. however it is important that i pick a MA that will provide me with legitimate self defense. i could care less if i can do a flying spinning kick, because i doubt that is something i would ever need in a street fight. i just want to have the training if i need it. i have been lucky so far, even while bouncing at a bar, to never have gotten into a fight since childhood. but my luck will run out sooner or later. there are just too many assholes whole polute bars and clubs that at some point a fight is going to be unavoidable. and with my lack of experience, regardless of my weight room strength, i'm gonna get an ass kicking if i get into it with anyone who has some street fighting experience.
so, as you can see i'm not looking to compete. i want something to add to weightlifting to help me look and feel good, and most importantly, teach me how to effectively defend myself. from some other threads i've read here, i think a MMA studio would be best.
here are MA places around my area that have websites. if you could tell me what you guys think would be sensible and if you think any place is lacking or strong in any aspects, i'd appreciate it. i think the maap freestyle program (combo of kickboxing, thai, jiu-jitsu, boxing, kali, weapon use/disarming) sounds most suitable for me, but i cant find any info about the instructor. so let me hear you guys' thoughts.
http://maap.thehealthzone.com/
http://www.ironcitygym.com/home.htm (looks to focused on training fighters)
http://www.shjudo.com/Frames.htm (new MMA program)
http://www.pghfightclub.com/index.php (again, seems more for fighters)
http://www.pittsburghkungfu.com/ (i don't hear much about kung-fu on here)
http://www.rothrockskungfu.com/
http://www.aikidopittsburgh.org/
