Hello there

i play recreational paintball and i work on an oil refinery so i have a hard time getting practice in while im at camp so i ws thinking about taking up a formof martial arts but was unsure where to begin.

I do cardio training while im at work but wanted something more for training my body for better stamina and coordination.

I have always been interested in Bo training but didnt know how to go about it and couldnt find anything in my city.

I was just looking for any guidance to a form a martial arts that would be recommened for the kind of training i am seeking.

I understand that having a master is alot better for learning than watching a video or reading a book and if this proceeds further than i plan on find one to teach me more. But i am self motivationa and want the opportunity to practice in camp while im up at work andon top of suggesting a style, maybe suggesting a dvd or way i could learn without the help of a teacher for the time being.

Thank you very much for any help.

Self-motivator?

Motivate yourself and seek out a martial art school and start.

Thanks troll, I made a typo.... And I was asking for guidance on a style, plus if you read, I state that I work on a oil sands site for sometimes 28 days of the month and don't always have time to go to a school. So if you have anymore sarcastic remarks, politely keep them to yourself. Any positive feedback is appreciated.

I would keep doing the cardio, add pushups, chinups, and horse stance for resistance training, lots of stretching, and when you get the chance to get to a school, ask for some suggestions for your situation.
Many schools, mine included, have DVDs available with Bo forms on them that you could practice on your own, or you can find them on the internet. (If you have access to that).
Yours is a tough situation to work around, but you seem to be motivated, which is good. And doing some training while in camp seems like a good diversion.
Good luck.

I agree with what choonbee said. Additionally, you may want to try an get some private lessons as and when you can. You may find martial arts classes and work schedules don't mesh well. Don't let that deter you form seeking lessons. Private lessons can be arranged to suit you if the teacher is agreeable. You may have to attend a few classes first though.

Consider doing Taijiquan aka Tai Chi. Taijiquan has a variety of weapons (including a staff) and empty hand forms and they are designed to be practiced alone. Additionally, there is a TON of material available to help you study Taijiquan on your own.

Don't be mistaken by the softly-softly imagine of Taijiquan. Done properly, it is a very demanding and will help improve your strength, flexibility, and posture in ways you couldn't believe. And when you start the partner work in Taijiquan (aka Push hands), you'll see how demanding it can be (especially look at the Taiji Push Hands comps in China from around 4:40 in the video).

I think most of us in the arts would agree that training on your own when you are a beginner is not a good idea in general. Reason being you will make mistakes and there is no one there to correct them. You could practice something wrong and learn it, only to have to unlearn it later.

But given your situation, what can you do? I'd ask if you had a certain art in mind and why? Because if we knew what your end goal was, we could direct you. For instance, if I knew that you wanted to learn striking I would tell you to find a heavy bag (or something that could work as one) and have you shoot a video of yourself doing basic punches and kicks (just the basics). In doing so we could give you some direction and feedback. The cardio involved in bag work can be awesome if done right, and by taping yourself you could get quick feedback and make corrections from the start.

If you are interested in more complex arts, then there really is no substitute for a live instructor. BJJ, Judo, Kenpo, ShudoKan Karate (the arts I have trained) really cannot be taught on your own. But Muay Thai/Boxing basics (which would help you in any art) can be to some degree and what I would recommend.

There are also drills you can do which would prepare you. Core work, balance drills and overall cardio training. What type of equipment do you have access too? We could look at your workouts and guide you on how to best take advantage of your situation until you are able to get to an actual school.

If you can come up with a heavy bag and a medicine ball, you can start training today! And if you can't we can figure something else out for you. If you are really serious, feel free to PM me as well. I'd be happy to discuss your situation in detail.

I would keep doing the cardio, add pushups....