Im new to the forum and well soon to be new to the MA community. Im 30 years old and finally at a place in life to start something I have desire since I was a child.

Could any one tell me the diffrences between Isshinryu and Tang Soo Do?

Horvs,
I wish you the best on your new endeavor. I'm not sure how to discribe the differences between the two arts without using other arts. If you were not familiar with those it might not help you out. Both methods use kata or forms in their training. Some branches of TSD look very much like Shotokan karate and some look more like modern TKD. Good luck finding a place to begin. Enjoy

Oldman-
(dont know if I feel right in calling you that!?)
I appreciate the reply and thanks for the well wishes. I have been researching quite a few diffrent styles online and have a general idea of some of the more evident differences. Such as Judo vs TKD or Kung Fu vs Aikido.

But when I found that TSD and Isshinryu were offered in very close vicinity to where I live, I wanted to find out more. I pretty much came to the same conclusion that they are similar in origin and katas/forms. But was wondering if there was anyone that could speak a little bit about each form.

Like I mentioned, I am 30 and just starting on this path. Not exactly the most flexible of individuals but looking to improve on that as well as overall fitness.

Again thanks for the reply. Hope to talk to you again!

H,
I train in Chung do Kwan, Tae kwon do. It was originally referred to as Tang Soo Do when it was first taught in Korea. Its roots can be found in Shotokan. I started at 33 or 34. I just turned 47 yesterday. I still train and also teach 5 classes a week.

There are many Isshin Ryu guys here, some in their 50ties. It could be a very good option for you. Go ahead and vist both places and see if either seems a better fit for you personally.

Convienience can play a big part of continuing training when things get hard. You are fortunate to have places to train near you. Visit them, take a free class if you can and trust your instinct. Then, nothing to do but stock up on ice and ibuprophen.


The oldman thing is not a problem. The name came from my 19 year old son. I embrace the name completely. It's just a little trash talk to psych me out.
I embraced the name completely

Oldman-
Ice and ibuprofen huh?! I hear that! Something tells me Im going to need it. Which is a good thing! I am leaning towards the TSD class for two reasons really. One it is close by (10 minuets) and secondly a friend of mine is taking it and assists in teaching the beginners class. I honestly can see this as a good and bad thing. The Isshin Ryu class is very appealing because I have been in contact quite a bit with the instructor and he seems very down-to-earth, and a genuine good guy. I guess this is what is making the choice difficult for me. It really comes down to styles.

Does TSD focus a lot on difficult stances and multiple kicks? Im not sure that this old man is up for that.
Although.. my friend has told me that the classes really dont offer that much of a workout, which concerns me.

On the other hand I have heard that Isshin Ryu really only has 1 stance that everything is based off of. Not sure if the individual I have heard this from was correct or not.

Im pretty confused now. Like you said, guess I need to make some visits and see.

Thanks again and btw.. Happy Belated birthday!

Hey happy birthday Mark. 47? Old? Hey you just got here.

If both schools are convienent for you, go just check them both out. Individual schools within a style vary quite a bit and if you over research the issue, you could end up in the "right" style but in a class with 12 year old beginners where maybe the "wrong" school had more adult beginners.

If two schools have made the final cut, then that may be all the research you want. Time to pay a visit and try a free trial lesson they probably offer.

Quote:

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Does TSD focus a lot on difficult stances and multiple kicks? Im not sure that this old man is up for that.
Although.. my friend has told me that the classes really dont offer that much of a workout, which concerns me.

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It could be that he does not want to scare you off. I teach in my corporation's fitness center. Many of my students there are over 40. I tell people if they are looking primarily for a work out there are better ways to get that in the short run. When you are beginning there can be a lot of technical information. It is very important to be doing what you are doing correctly or it can create problems in the long run. Also in a beginners class you need to bring people up to speed responsibly.

Now if after a few weeks people are not getting worked hard that is a different story. You should leave wet.

As far as variety of kicks, It varies buy school.

Makes sense. I appreciate the insight. Both classes meet at the same time on Wed.. So I guess this will be a 2 week decision. In the mean time.. guess I can continue picking all of your brains for any info that can help me in the long run

Speaking of which.. are there any suggestions or tips you would give to me in regards to training?

H,
Enjoy yourself. Be patient with yourself and others. Be thankful that that you have options, and the time, health and funds to explore them. When hard times or disappointment come accept them as part of life and training.