Hey Omar, if you want to bring back the old thread please do so (they are all older than 90 days).

So, I am looking to start in some sort of martial arts class as a rigorous form of cross-training/fitness. Also, this seems different that what I have been doing. Theoretically, I like the lower body usage of kickboxing, but the seeming versatility and grappling styles of MMA and jujitsu. For my general background, I am coming from a triathlon training, ashtanga yoga, and weightlifting base.

If you have any good places to suggest in Durham, please share!

7/30/2009 5:43:44 PM

Is not MMA the application of a combination of martial arts to make one an all around good fighter???

For example if you take Jujitsu and Muay thai for a year then you will have the base skills for MMA to put it all together for combat.

7/30/2009 7:07:02 PM

http://www.rduwingchun.com/

I did four classes there, then realized I had to worry about grad school more. Then grad school became a bear. Then I dropped out and got the job I have now!

Anyway, that class was the most fun I'd ever had doing anything pretty much ever, even though every single time I went extremely hyperglycemic and threw up one of those times and almost had to go to the ER. (I'm a defect, though, so don't mind my story.)

Become Bruce Lee and train with people who actually give a shit at what is most certainly not a mcdojo (or a mckwoon? whatever). It says he does kids classes on there but I've never seen him do it. It was always adults, and lots of people willing to help you. Workouts are very intense. You'll be going non-stop for about 2.5 hours every night that you attend. Sifu James Widmar is a really nice guy as well. Very straightforward and gets straight to the point. He threw me into the deep end and the program kicked my ass, but it was fun all the way.

[Edited on July 30, 2009 at 7:19 PM. Reason : This is near the intersection of I-540 and US-70.]

7/30/2009 7:18:39 PM

I think BigHitSunday trains at a place in Durham. If you don't mind the drive to Raleigh there is http://crossfitnc.com/

7/30/2009 10:18:00 PM

Crossfit is in the process of opening up a cary location

7/31/2009 9:36:41 AM

It's open already:

Quote :

"After years of requests and tremendous demand, we have finally opened the new Cary location. That is right. It is a reality, and it is here. Starting July 27th, CrossFit NC/Forged Fitness will be teaching classes in Cary. Our new location is 1781 NW Maynard Rd Cary, NC 27513. This new location gives you an outlet to train no matter which side of Raleigh you live or work in. Your membership will be good in both locations. Existing clients and friends - we would love to see you there. We are in the process of planning an open house day so that everyone can check out the new digs and have some fun. Thanks to everyone who has helped out in building the new facility and those that have held down the fort in Raleigh while I have worked to get the new location open. This is going to be a great addition to our Fitness Family. For now the class schedule will be as follows. Fitness Classes Monday-Friday 4:30-5:30 5:30-6:30 6:30-7:30 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Monday-Thursday. Beginners 6-6:50 Advanced 7-8:30 Feel free to share our exciting news with any of your friends who may find the Cary location more convenient. "

7/31/2009 9:54:30 AM

i vote muay thai, just b/c i like watching those fighters in mma matches more. i think i just like stand up more than rolling on the ground.

yeah, mma isn't a particular fighting style...you get everything highly accomplished brazilian jiu jitsu guys to street brawlers.

7/31/2009 9:58:09 AM

how much does a crossfit membership typically cost?

7/31/2009 10:19:24 AM

A lot (by comparison to most gyms). They give you a free week if you want to try it and talk about pricing though.

[Edited on July 31, 2009 at 10:24 AM. Reason : s]

7/31/2009 10:23:50 AM

based on what you posted in the original post id recommend MMA

i say this because grappling and striking are two TOTALLY different "workouts"

and on top of that doing them together as also totally different. Ive seen people that can grapple all night and gas after one minute of kickboxing and vice versa

it sounds like you have a highly athletic background and you want to continue to get the most out of cross training. so i would recommend you take MMA



granted if you go to a gym worth a shit they arent going to let you go balls out for a little while, but youll do conditioning and even in drills youll get a workout. they shouldnt pressurte you to fight or compete, if they ask a simple "no sir/maam, thats not what I am interested in" should be fine and they should still be glad to have you


since you are in durham give me a freakin holler, I go to an excellent gym off gregson street right near brightleaf. it is called East Coast Submissions Academy the head coach is Danny Daniels I would encourage you to come here you get a free night that you can go through all the classes (id choose a Monday or Wednesday class because those are the days we do Kickboxing/Grappling/MMA from 6-9) and then AFTER he will sit down and talk specifics and discuss how you felt about the classes

i believe he is still doing the $40 two week kickboxing introductory courses.


Also good gyms that many of our guys cross train at are Ringlords and Triangle Jiu Jitsu, both in Durham.


also one of our guys cross trains boxing at LA boxing, but that in Cary but it has tightened up his hands real well

if you have any questions holla

7/31/2009 9:09:03 PM

^ You go to ECSA? That is the nearest studio to me- I walk past it every day while walking the dog and am definitely curious about it. I'm not so sure I'd be confident about fighting at first, but it seems that kickboxing and MMA have the types of drills/groundwork I'd be most into, after some research. Do I just show up to Mon./Wed. class, or should I go ahead and contact the coach to see what might be the best fit for me, what to wear, what to expect, etc.

7/31/2009 9:56:25 PM

Id contact the coach personally, id always contact the coach if possible

you can also just show up, alot of people do even to just ask questions

but just wear workout clothes, we dont do gi or anything.

eventually if u decide to sign up (or any gym) ud need boxing gloves, mma gloves, mouthpiece, cup, and shin guards o and headgear because sometimes we get cut from bumping heads

but yea contact the coach here is the website, coach just got a new fancy phone and he dont ever update the site so try email that should be the same.

http://www.ecsamartialarts.com/


yea we like the location of the gym for that reason, mad foot traffic and big windows so people can see whats goin on inside, we just moved in a month ago but hes got it lookin prety good now

[Edited on July 31, 2009 at 10:01 PM. Reason : j]

7/31/2009 10:00:49 PM

A cup? Do women wear these in martial arts? I mean, I've been kicked in the vagina before at punk shows and it wasn't the worst thing in the world.

And how come ECSA moved from its old Main St. location, next to the funeral home? Or is this just another studio of that same gym?

8/1/2009 5:55:59 PM

http://www.bushidojudoschool.com/

Now featuring Muay Thai and Jujitsu at our Gibsonville location, and Judo and Jujitsu at our Durham location. (Although, I'm biased towards the Judo classes.)

8/2/2009 4:50:51 AM

io shit didnt know you were female haha my bad

but we moved from that area because the lease was up and that was a shitty location, no one would know we were there

at the new location we have the potential to expand the facilities and half of durham drives and/or walks through their daily

also DSA kids can come here and supplement their wrestling since they are right across the street and dont have the wrestling facilities of their own

^im sure she goes to a legit school as well, she knows what shes talkin about so check them out also!

[Edited on August 2, 2009 at 11:37 AM. Reason : x]

8/2/2009 11:36:14 AM