Martial Arts and Belly Dance

[indigodiva]

Are any of you into Martial Arts or Belly Dancing? I'd like to get into martial arts b/c its just something I always wanted to to do. I want to at least get to be a black belt ( I'll worry about degrees as I go along).If anyone is involved or they know ppl involved or your kids are, please let me know about some experiences. I'm not sure which style or form I'd like get into yet...I want the training for self defense protection, but also for the whole experience.

The belly dancing? Well Duh! lol, we all know it looks sexy as hell! Need I explain more! I have the belly dancing tapes with the twins Neena and Veena, but I would like full active lessons.

If you guys have anything about either topics you want to share, I'm all ears!

[cheetarah1980]

I'm currently a 4th level red belt in tae kwon do. I should be testing for my black belt next year. I've been taking tae kwon do since Jan 2005 and I love it. It's a great workout (especially the forms) and it increases coordination and flexibility. It can be a bit boring in the beginning when you're a white belt. Since you can't do the advanced moves you spend a lot of class sitting and watching (depending on how many instructors are available). But if you work hard, focus on your technique, and learn your form you can test within a few months to move on to the next belt. At a certain level you're able to free fight (with pads and a head gear) and that's when the real fun starts.
My advice would be to not worry so much about putting a ton of power behind your kicks, blocks, and punches at the beginning. Really focus on your technique and making sure your stances are correct. It's best to master the basics early because they're used at all levels and build upon each other. If you learn to do it correctly in the beginning stages it makes the more advanced moves that much easier.

[The Girl]

My baby is a first degree green belt and I love it ! It gives then discipline, confidence (still working on the respect but thats another issue altogether).
It was an adjustment at first but we look forward to Tae Kwon Do/kickboxing class!