Karate?

[BeerShaman]

I have a continuous problem with my throat. And because of recent circumstances I lost my state of fitness. The doctor said my lungs are very srong and "trained" but that I need to exercise because their potential has been reduced to 59%. He told me that I am one of 4% of the people which face this problem (The trachea skin falls in some places and the muscle under it stays uncovered. Thus, my body thinks there is some kind of mucus there, but there isn't and thus it sends its own microorganisms to hit the hypothetical mucus, so I'm coughing dry. It is caused either by anxiety, tiresome or continuous coughing caused by getting colds.)
Thus, I've got 75% of chances to get asthma. 75% of the 4% that pass this shit become asthmatic and cough nervousy all the time, especially when they are exercising.
By starting a sport I have a lot of chances to surpass this and also regain my fitness. What do you think? I want to start Karate. Do you think it would be beneficial or not? Why? Anything I should be aware of? (Don't tell me to start playing ping-pong, lolz!:mad::lol:)

Of course, I don't smoke and sorry if my english is bad...:)

[Tifosi]

I used to do karate, I got to brown & white belt (one down from black), my dad is a black belt. It's alright, but if you want to fight boxing would be better and harder.

[RedStarOverChina]

I trained in Martial arts for about a year, and I felt I was completely cured of my asthma and was in the best shape of my life. When I stopped training my asthma and allergies slowly came back, but never as severe as previously. So, it helps.

[BeerShaman]

I trained in Martial arts for about a year, and I felt I was completely cured of my asthma and was in the best shape of my life. When I stopped training my asthma and allergies slowly came back, but never as severe as previously. So, it helps.
Now I am happy!!! :D Thanks man!

[RedStarOverChina]

You should keep it up. It's hard work (REALLY HARD) but it pays. I wish I had never quit :)

[BeerShaman]

You should keep it up. It's hard work (REALLY HARD) but it pays. I wish I had never quit :)
Why not start again?:)

[Sendo]

Martial arts are really great. Just make sure to avoid McDojos and don't listen to anyone who advocates one style over another. It all depends on the master instructor and whether that person cares about training over money and practicality over "purity".

[Red Saxon]

I'm in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I also wrestle in High School. I took about a year and a half of Taekwondo but I really didn't like it all that much. It had too much of a focus on form and pattern over actually learning how to defend yourself.

[praxis1966]

Martial arts are really great. Just make sure to avoid McDojos and don't listen to anyone who advocates one style over another. It all depends on the master instructor and whether that person cares about training over money and practicality over "purity".

Well, to be fair, he's asking about martial arts for fitness reasons rather than about the relative efficacy of one art versus another (besides, Thai Chi probably isn't going to be helpful for his purposes). For that reason, I'd suggest an art with a high degree of emphasis on cardio-vascular fitness. Those, IMHO, would be BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, or Capoeira. Jeet Kune Do could be as helpful as the others, but not because it's highly aerobic. It does, however, place a high degree of emphasis on how your breathing affects what you're doing, thus an emphasis on breathing technique.

If you can find one in your area and can afford it, I'd also suggest taking private lessons. Nothing worse for your technique than the all too common situation where one to three instructors are in a room teaching 40 students.

EDIT: After looking at the OP's stats, I've only just realized you're in Greece. That's perfect, as Greek Pankration is similar enough to BJJ that it would get the job done. Since it's a Greek art, you should have absolutely no trouble finding a good place to train. Also, if you do some hunting and you really want to be Billy Bad Ass, I bet you could find somebody to train you in Krav Maga.

[Invincible Summer]

It had too much of a focus on form and pattern over actually learning how to defend yourself.

Karate is like that too, IMO. Well, Shotokan (which is the most widespread around these parts) seems to be anyway, not sure about other variants.


In terms of cardiovascular, I'd go with what Praxis suggested. Also, Sanshou/Sanda/Muay Thai/any sort of kickboxing (except the bs soccer mom Tae Bo stuff) is good.

[BeerShaman]

Thanks a lot... :-P:lol:

[Manifesto]

I did Taekwondo for a few years and almost became a red belt. From what I did there it was all pretty useless until you become a black belt I guess.

[CountryKid]

Tae Kwon Do for a year got rid of my Asthma for the most part.

:thumbup1:

[Sasha]

moved to sports & health

[BeerShaman]

moved to sports & health
A cool action. I was just too "oh whatever" when I mad this! Thanks...:)