HIIIYAAA!!! Martial Arts anyone?

[Kiwi Stoker]

I am (or was as currently not practising) first dan black belt in Seido Karate.

Just to answer your question re different types of martial arts.

Different martial arts developed in different Asian countries and/or regions within a country.
A lot have different emphasis on technique and their teachings.
For example judo is a style in which throwing or grappling your opponent to the ground is its main focus.
Karate is probably what most people think of as a martial art (punching and kicking).
Tai Chi is also a martial art- abet a slow, gentle almost dance like martial art.

You need to find one that suits you. I would probably run a mile if all I saw was men (and no kids or women) and they make you free fight (spar) as a beginner. I liked Seido because they don't allow you to spar until you are a green belt (6 levels up). I did karate from age 11 to 19 and felt it gave me confidence at a time I didn't feel it (along with glasses, braces etc) and I still have my certificate, gi, and belts which I look at with pride. However cycling is my new passion!

[Trek420]

I am (or was as currently not practising) first dan black belt in Seido Karate.

You still are It's still there.

Aikido is similar to Judo/Jiu Jitsu. It's actually related to Jiu Jitsu as well as Japanese sword work. The style I've done is called Iwama style Aikido and tends to be less "dance like" and more direct.

But if I was where there was no local Iwama Aikido or training buddies I'd find a school and a teacher I like and keep going with something else or start a dojo.

Like the frame being important it's the teacher!

[ZenSojourner]

Tai chi, anyone?

I'm going to have to learn on my own because there are NO teachers around here, and I couldn't afford them even if there were (I suffer from PSSS - Poor Starving Student Syndrome)

I'm in the process of trying to pick out books and/or DVDs right now. Plus I've found some stuff on YouTube.

[TxDoc]

Tai chi, anyone?

I'm going to have to learn on my own because there are NO teachers around here, and I couldn't afford them even if there were (I suffer from PSSS - Poor Starving Student Syndrome)

I'm in the process of trying to pick out books and/or DVDs right now. Plus I've found some stuff on YouTube.

Hi,
I have always been very skeptical about learning from books, DVDs, CDs...
Of course here is my disclaimer and is that I may be biased as I practiced Martial Arts for like 25 years, and used to teach for about six. The way I see Martial Arts - philosophy and spirituality are an essential component of the learning process, and this component is very hard to convey through a DVD or a book without the individual interaction with a teacher. The same I could say about Yoga: you could not become a practicioner of Yoga using a book or a video. You can learn the technical aspect of the movement, but that does not make you a practitioner. In other words, you can watch a video about surgery and practice many times - but it would not make you a physician, right? Well, this is sort of the same process.
There is much more to this training than merely movement and physical conditioning. It is a process of growth that really benefits from having a teacher, a mentor. Depending on the art you chose, he/she may be called Kru, Shidoshi, Master, Sifu, or any other way - but you really need guidance to learn and improve.
That said, there are good books and good videos about Martial Arts, as there are good ones about Yoga. But the way I see it - you can only benefit from them if they come as a complement to your training.

Not knowing your area, and knowing close to nothing of Tai Chi, I can only offer general advice, but feel free to PM if you want to know more and I can find an answer asking more experienced people.
Look around in your area and go explore several schools. If budget is a problem, you can still go visit the schools, observe a couple of classes, and then sit for a meeting with the owner of the school you would like to work with - and ask for alternative options. Offer your help in exchange for training.
From my personal experience Martial Arts practitioners are usually very open to alternative solutions. I had a few students who could not afford lessons and decided to volunteer in the gym in exchange for their training, by simply donating a few hours to help clean, organize, answer the phone, prepare advertisements or flyers, etc. I had volunteered myself for my teacher in a time of financial hardship, and so did many of my friends.
The world of Martial Arts is, generally speaking very collaborative, and we take pride in giving good example of leadership through Martial Arts. Most of the teachers wil try to help if they see that you are really motivated to learn.
One last small advice, if you are new to Martial Arts, look around and take your time to explore. If you decide for Art A and no one teaches A in your area, do not give up and solely rely on books just to stick with the Art of your choice. If someone nearby teaches B and C - then give B or C a try. You can always move to a different art or go back to A later - and you will do so with a more open mind and with invaluable experience. Many of us have practiced different Martial Arts and different styles, some of us cross-trained on purpose, and there is no training that is ever wasted: we learn from each and every one.
Best of luck

[tulip]

I've studied Shorin-ryu karate from Okinawa, Tai kwon do, and Tai-ji. I agree with TxDoc about books/DVDs for martial arts, yoga, and Pilates. The practical side of having a teacher is that you will (hopefully) be taught the correct postures and moves, drastically reducing the chance for injury. The more spiritual part about having a teacher is harder to articulate, but just as important. For all of the martial arts, the philosophy is very important, not just the physical part. You can only learn so much from a book.

I stopped doing martial arts in 2001 when I moved and was so busy with my job. I did not take the time to find a dojo, although I imagine there were plenty around (it was a big city). I did pick up Tai-ji after a few years with a private teacher who also happened to be a high-school friend. I traded landscape design services for tai-ji, but again, I got so busy and then I moved again.

I might take up tai-ji again, as it was the martial art that spoke to me with the most memorable voice.

[Trek420]

I too am very skeptical about books, DVD's, YouTube for any martial art.

You're watching the DVD, you have a mirror, you think you're doing it right ...

Trust me, you are not ... ever.

A good teacher comes over and puts you where you need to be. There, your arm goes here, your hip turns that way. Your body has to feel that, you can't watch or listen and get it, you can't think this through.

It has to be in muscle memory.

There are techniques I watch on film like before a test, watching a kata and then envisioning it. Nothing replaces training, nothing replaces a teacher.