I've been considering various options starting out in the martial arts (or actually returning as I used to do Judo and Hapkido as a teenager). I'm now over 40, however, and while in good health am not an athlete anymore so I would require good instruction that isn't excessive to the point of causing injury. I have no interest in the sports aspects but rather the self-defense, conditioning, and artistic elements of the arts.

All of this said, I was looking for a good Tae Kwon Do school and there are too many to count in Vancouver. Is anyone familiar with TaeShape? Its owner and chief instructor is Alexei. It is conveniently located but I realize that can't be the only criteria. Is it a recommended school in Vancouver?

Thanks to all who offer helpful advice.

Hi! John 78.After reading your post looked up Taeshape on the net. Here's my two cents worth.You said that you had no interest in the sport aspect and wanted self-defense. Taeshape is a W.T.F. affiliated school. World Taekwondo federation. Sport TKD.
Also I looked up Alexei. He has a impressive resume. Master ,......coach. Any time the head instructor is listed as coach, it's a sport oriented school.
I'm sorry to be so blunt about this, but if you want self-defense and a deeper understanding of the "art" aspects you probably are heading in the wrong direction.
Just my opinion. good luck with your decision.

Mark

Thanks Mark, I appreciate the feedback. It does look more like a sport school, and likely full-contact. I'm not interested in full-contact or MMA or anything like this (and my wife would probably be quite upset if I got myself into harms way like this). I'd rather have a fun experience but one that provides a mix that includes some self-defense applications (since that's always useful), an "art" form (as opposed to sport), and to increase my overall conditioning (but over time rather than instantly).

If you know of any schools in Vancouver, what do you think of Japanese karate styles? The styles most prevalent in my area are Shito Ryu, Kyokushinkai, and Shotokan. Again, I'd want non-contact, and without an focus on sport/competition, no emphasis on that for me at least.

Thanks again!

Hi John

I don't live in the area but I love a bit of google-fu. There is an Uechi-Ryu school in Vancouver too, though I'm not sure if they are running classes at the moment:

http://web.mac.com/robert.kolenc/Site/Uechi-Ryu-Vancouver.com.html

Have you also considered Shorinji Kempo? They have quite a few classes in Vancouver. It sounds exactly what you are looking for:

http://www.shorinjikempobc.ca/

There is also a Shotokai class in Vancouver too:

http://gss.ubc.ca/wpmu/blog/2011/04/04/gss-shotokai-karate-class-all-levels-welcome/

Shotokai again seems to meet your criteria:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dt%C5%8Dkai

Try North Shore Taekwondo - that's pretty good.

I have not heard of TaeShape before so I can't be of any help there; but I did train at Metro Performance Tae Kwon Do in Burnaby when I was in town for a week and the instructors are pretty fantastic there.

Good luck on your martial arts journey!

If I could suggest John, visit the school; visit many schools. Consider this as you would purchasing a vehicle. You don't necessarily settle on the first place you go but it is always worth a look. You can ask questions, get a sense for it and most schools will let you take some complimentary classes before you have to make your decision; take full advantage of this. The time you invest will be worth while in the long run.

I come from a WTF background and I can tell you that NOT all schools are sports orientated even if they have a team or the school instructor is a coach. HOWEVER all WTF Taekwondo will have the sparring aspect, you cannot get away from this. You will need this in your training and I would suggest not shying away from this. You don't have to go full out; be up front and honest with this when talking to the schools. Sparring is a part of the process and earning belts; as it is in ITF though their sparring may be more to your liking as it is not full out (most schools). Either way if you are looking for the self defense then sparring is a good tool to use.

By visiting each school you will be able to ask these questions; and ask a lot as it is YOUR money, time and investment.

Good luck.