DVD's on styles

[Vet Tech 53]

I am very interested in starting with martial arts. I have been surfing the web for a little while trying to see wht kind of styles are out there and to see which one I might want to take. I was wondering if anyone knew if there was like a DVD out there that shows people doing different styles? Just looking on the web has made me even more confused on what I want to take. Also I am confused on what it means when they say it is an "empty handed form." I would appreciate some advice. Also I live on Long Island, NY. If anyone knows any good schools that also would be great. Though after reading the forum on what you have to do to get your black belt I am a little intimidated, but I know black belt is a long way away/

Thank You

[Bushido]

A good way to start your path of martial arts is to choose if you like striking or grappling, competition style or self-defense, both at once (mma style or zanshindo) or seperate. Just some pointers. Once you pick your pleasure then you could narrow down what DVD's to view. You can also look at media upload site like youtube and such for clips on various martial arts styles.

[Chapel]

Vet Tech 53: I am a fellow Long Islander in Nassau County. I teach Tae Kwon Do, however the program is restricted to elementary through high school students. I do however know of a few schools around the area.
In Hicksville there is a Krav Maga school
In Huntington Station there is a Ninjutsu school
In Levittown there is a Brazillain Jujitsu school
In Hempstead there is a Capoeria school
In Farmingdale these is a Tae Kwon Do school

I can surely vouch for the Krav Maga and the Tae Kwon Do schools. I have met the owners and they are generally good people with a lot of knowledge about there martial art. Each school is run by an instructor with the highest rank in their art.

I live around the Hicksville/Levittown Border in Nassau County, so most of the schools I know are cenetered around there.

Finally each year in October Farmingdale Community College announces a competition. I think it is normally $5 for spectators, but that is a good way to meet a lot of people from a lot of different schools (as long as you are a social person).

[gingersi]

probably best to go to some of the schools in your area and see what they are like.

any reputable instructor (ie not some con artist trying just to take your money by running a McDojo!) will let you have a fewlessons trial to see if you like it....

no hard and fast rules about which martial arts although your general physiqiue may be suited to certain styles more than others - best to play to your strengths in that respect.

[complete]

I don't think there is a DVD where it explains all the martial arts styles. Maybe somebody should produce one.

A lot of good advises here already so I won't say much more.

Don't get discouraged by what you've read about what it takes to get the blackbelt. It seems overwhelming when you first start but while you are doing it, it becomes more and more achievable and before you know it, you've accomplished it.

The important thing is to get started once you've decided on which style you want to take.

[Vet Tech 53]

What does it mean though wehn they say it is "empty handed" form?

[complete]

I think it means no weapon. I'm only guessing here.

It could also mean they don't make a fist??

Maybe someone more versed in Chinese martial arts can answer with confidence.