Get back into Martial Arts

I’ve been previously involved in traditional and modern martial arts. I enjoy the spiritual aspect and the artistic expression of the traditional arts but enjoy the commaradre and brotherhood of training in modern martial arts. I decided to complement my need for re-engergizing my fitness levels with my search. I don’t want to attend classes, so I need a place that feels more like a gym/workout environment.

I found such a place in Ultimate Martial Arts – the home of Pride Fighter Gary Goodridge. I liked its open concept. I can come in and join a class or just work on my own techniques and conditioning. There’s a skeleton of a weight gym with the bare essentials so that I can do strength training too. I hope they do get the cardio section going. Even UFC fighters need to be in tip top cardio conditioning.

The place teaches Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts. I don’t have illusions of competing, but I know I would enjoy working out striking and submission techniques. The trainers seem knowledgable and friendly. Which is another important factor!

I have pictures of my hands after the first few sessions of re-working my Muay Thai techniques on the heavy bags. I took some skin off my knucles and have some nasty heavy bag burn marks. I will buy some bag gloves and start joining in the classes. So far, I feel very good about having gotten back. The next challenge is to stay focused on the task.

See the pictures at VinceChan.net

I’ve always seeked a balance in my life. I do not want to be a nerd or a jock, but a warrior who’s balanced in all aspects of his life. My father used to and still to a certain degree teach traditional Hung Gar kung fu. I guess that’s when I really started bonding to him more and gained my self confidence. I learnt from him and also taught others. Those days were invaluable experience to shape who I am.

Father was partners with another Richard whom I respect and regard as a friend. I would learn the evolution of martial arts from him as he has always been more eclectic and open to martial art evolution (ie: mixed martial arts). I’ve trained in hapkido, muay thai, jeet keune doo, and dabbled in a little bit of wrestling.

Since University started in 1997, I have foregone my training. I’m not a young buck anymore but if Randy Couture can do it at 40+, so can I. I have a gym membership that I actually want to get rid of by being able to train in mixed martial arts. No delusion of fighting matches here. I regard it as a way to keep fit while doing something I love. But I need to find a gym that not only focuses on mat training, boxing, kickboxing but also have facilities for me to work out and train my physical body (ie: weights). Tough to find one of those! Let me know if you know of one in the Greater Toronto Area!