Back when I was younger (around 5 or 6), my parents actually decided
it would be good for me to take up martial arts. But, from then on,
I've been completely infatuated with them.

I trained in Shudokan karate-do for around 12 years, so, I consider
that my primary martial art, but I also dabbled in Yang Taijiquan, and
Axe Capoeira. Before really discovering Wushu, I had researched
different styles in which I could also train, including (but not
limited to) various styles of Tae Kwan Do, Iaido, Kendo and Judo.

In some ways, I'm attracted to martial arts for the sole purpose of
the art - the intrinsic movement combined with raw, yet controlled,
functionality. The beauty, the grace...

But on the other hand, I love dabbling in different styles so that I
can find my little niche - to combine them in such a way that would
fit me perfectly.

Karate fits my body type; broad-shouldered, strong, can hold my
ground. But, at least for Shudokan karate, it doesn't take into
account some of my other strengths, such as my effortless flexibility.

Taijiquan fits my nature better, calmer, but still radiating focus.
But it doesn't use the strengths that karate fit

Capoeira, on the other hand, is probably the best of the three in
terms of using my aforementioned flexibility. But, Capeoira is too
much about rhythm, I just couldn't get used to that. It's very much a
reactionary martial art, which is fine with me, but it seemed slightly
nonsensical (at least for me), to have to kick at certain times
according to the beat of the music.

Unfortunately, as of late, I haven't had time to really train nor have
I found a new class for me to take that's not too far from the UW
campus. Because It would now be about an hour's commute for me to get
to my karate dojo, I've decided against returning there, at least for
the time being.
--- In seattlewushu@yahoogroups.com, "Restita" <restita@...> wrote:
>
> The board is kind of slow as of late....so I'll start a topic to get
> some discussions rolling....
>
> What attracts you to martial arts?? You don't necessarily have to be
> currently studying one, as alot of people are interested in martial
> arts and not actively taking a class. So...what floats your boat
> about martial arts?
>
> For me, I was attracted to Martial Arts initially by the "exotic
> nature" of it. (hey, I was just a kid!!). I was a huge fan of the
> old "Kung Fu" TV series back in the 1970's, and I thought it would be
> cool to be able to learn stuff like that.....minus the smouldering
> cauldron to brand forearms with! ha ha ha!
>
> I started in Karate, and immediatley fell in love with it. I ate,
> breathed, and slept Karate. I think I checked out every martial arts
> book in my local library, and begged my parents to let me subscribe
> to "Black Belt" magazine.
>
> From there, the addiction kept on. Kajukenbo, Eskrima, Tai Chi,
> Wushu, Iaido, Kyudo.....I gobbled up these arts just as fervently as
> Karate, and still practice/study them. I can't even imagine not
> doing martial arts.
>
> So there you have my story.....what's yours??
>