Looking for a good martial arts school.

[Markl]

Time to get back into shape. Quit running like 2 years ago from a bad foot and am motivated to try something different like 2-3 days a week.

Would like to do aikido really. Anyone have any experience with schools that teach martial arts, focusing on fitness?

Thanks

 

[jim]

Time to get back into shape. Quit running like 2 years ago from a bad foot and am motivated to try something different like 2-3 days a week.

Would like to do aikido really. Anyone have any experience with schools that teach martial arts, focusing on fitness?

Thanks

My advice is to check out a few of them. See their classes in action. Are the instructors old and fat? If so move on.

 

[Mr.Boggo]

Avoid the McDojos. If they say you can get your black belt in 2-3 years, unless your a prodigy, I'd avoid it.

 

[jim]

Avoid the McDojos. If they say you can get your black belt in 2-3 years, unless your a prodigy, I'd avoid it.

Yes another good point. If everyone who tests for their belts (at any level) passes on first attempt stay away.

 

[rossedm34]

If your looking for fitness, your best bet would be a kickboxing or boxing class at a gym, or if you're more serious about the martial art part, then check out a true boxing gym like Panther to get into fighting shape and sparring. The MMA stuff is popular right now, but to my eyes you don't get stamina like you do with boxing training, which to me seems to be more "fit".

My understanding of Aikido is it's mostly locks and throws, not much of a work out but you will be sore after. At least I was in Hapkido which threw in some extra punching and kicking. I replaced it with a 20-30 minute workout that I'm trying to do daily but failing at because life keeps getting away from me. :S