Which would be harder on a beginner fitness-wise? WTF taekwondo classes or tomiki/shodokan aikido?

Question

i attended a WTF class tonight for the first time. I nearly broke my foot on a pad practising kicks and the punching left my knuckles red. both due to my technique. the instructor and blackbelt present were great. boy i was dead by the time I came to the end of slow/light sparring practice. another club nearby has tomiki/shodokan aikido on the same night. this class is 90 minutes where taekwondo was an hour. whilst the sparring was fun and my sorta thing i was so sore at the end of the lesson. i was wondering if sports aikido (tomiki/shodokan) would be gentler on me as I am in my 30's and wayyyyyyyy out of shape.

Answer 1

(Wow, you sparred in your first class???)

My personal choice would be to stick with the TKD.  If you want defensive skills, any "sport" martial art will not be the way to go.

Sorry you got hurt.  The level of intensity you experienced on your first night is not normal, and could be a sign of a not so great instructor.  However, if you enjoyed your class and are willing to try it again, it will get easier over time - as with any exercise program.

Don't let your age mislead you.  I know a woman in her 70's still practicing Taekwondo - and has since she started in her 60's!

Answer 2

Since your primary concern is fitness I would recommend TKD. Personally I place more emphasis on practical combat techniques, and aikido is much better for that in my opinion. But I think you'll probably get a better cardio workout from TKD.

Answer 3

The point is, a good instructor (no matter what style of martial arts) will recognise that you are not in 'peak' condition when you start and will allow for that.  If you're unfit to start with, you'll get fitter the more you turn up. If you haven't done any exercise for a long time, or you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to do a martial art, then please consult with your doctor beforehand.

Maintaining total health and fitness doesn't have to be a drastic program where you embark on an aggressive sweat-it-out routine. You can start to improve your overall fitness in small ways even without considering leaving your current comfort zone.

Training is adjusted to the individual, so do only what you are capable of, and no more.  However, through the warm-up, and training, your fitness level will rise to a degree where you should be in a position to complete the warm-ups/exercises after 6 weeks to 3 months.

If you have the objective of becoming a lean mean fighting machine, most of the workouts you'll probably have to embark on will find you huffing and puffing anyway.

I myself started karate when I was 33 years old, and I started iaido 2 years after that!

Answer 4

You initial impressions are right, but your leaving one thing out.  

If you continue the TKD, you will get better, and you will be less sore.  

You might try taking a the Aikido class if they will let you have a free trial lesson.

I imagine that part of your interest in martial arts is to get into shape.  I think the TKD will give you the results you are looking for faster.

James

Answer 5

TKD would probably be harder on you, but they're both good martial arts.