Job Discussion Forums

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Well, no, not really.... But I'm finding that one of the things I miss the most since moving to Japan (how ironc is this) is my martial arts. Back in Canada I was a green-belt in Wing-Chun Kung Fu, and I went for acouple hours after work anywhere from 3 to 5 times a week... Now, in a country known for its martial arts I find myself seriously missing it. My wife misses it too, because she used to have a man with arms and a chest Smile

Now, I hate gyms -- they bore me to tears, and I'm not much for jogging or "conventional" exercise... Did I mention I get bored easily? Confused

I'm really wanting to join a club or dojo but I have several issues I'm trying to work through and maybe the fine folks on Dave's can throw me some pointers...

1. I work Tues - Sat from 1pm - 9:15 pm.... I would have to find soomething I can do outside of this schedule....

2. I really enjoyed Wing Chun kung-fu. It was challenging, highly physical, and the techniques appealed to me. I'm not into Judo, and Aikido is too passive -- I like more aggressive styles... I've thought about karate, but I really have NO desire to break cinder blocks, boards and cubes of ice with my various appendages....

3. If/when I DO find something that will appeal to me, how do I find a dojo? It seems there aren't very many people at the school where I work who are interested in this that can offer me any sort of advice.... Sad

BTW, I live in Kofu, Yamanashi prefecture... You'd think that in a town of 200,000 or so people I could find something that will work for me...

Oh yeah, and one more thing.... Any idea about what I can expect to pay per month for martial arts classes?

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Have you checked out Shorinji Kempo? It's Japan's version of Shaolin Kung Fu, it's aggressive, effective and requires a lot of balance and cool ukemi - kind of like Aikidoists getting flung around, but even more spectacular.

I don't do Shorinji myself, but it's taught at the high school I work next to. I've seen the kids do some pretty spectacular technique.

tjpnz2000 · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 118 Location: Japan

My advice, such as it is, would be to check with the municipal sports club (gym) in your area. They often have many active type classes such as karate or ball room dancing. Also a very big gym may have something, I learn Aikido at such a place.

T