I am looking for a new hobbie/pastime........

[The Tree]

I want to find something new to do.something productive and maybe i can get good exercise out of.was thinking about kick boxing or something along those lines perhaps but am not sure.would like to check out a few things.and maybe something less agressive.any ideas would be appriciated.cheers

[imajenarry]

my friend has been kick boxing for couple of years now and still enjoying it.she finds it's very good for de-stressing as well as keeping fit. she also does belly dancing classes which is also good fun/exercise-couldn't tell if you were a lad or lass by your question so last suggestion may not be much help. ;o)

[The Tree]

I am a bloke.ha.but cheers anyway.i might look into kick boxing.any other ideas anyone would be appriciated.thanks

[mattie]

All martial arts are by their nature aggressive, as you are in effect learning how to hurt other people.
Having said that, I train in shotokan karate, and this like other martial arts is also about learning self discipline and self control as well as the techniques.
It is also good exercise.

Go to your local martial arts schools and talk to the instructors.

[skylight]

Hi Tree, Kick Boxing is good but I prefer Kung Fu. I think its a good all rounder. Good exercise and concentration as well. If you have a selection of martial arts classes in your area go along and watch one or two and see what you think. cheers skylight

[boot458]

Don't know whereabouts in the world you live (and It won't get you fit) but have you thought about minigolf / crazy golf as a competitive sport ? Look at
www.miniaturegolfer.co.uk
I have got into this sport this year, its cheap to take part in and I have travelled all over the UK playing tournaments.
The site has links to all countries with clubs (no pun intended) and courses.
Go on - join the ranks of the 'Nutters With Putters'

[luckyeight]

Don't necessarily agree with mattie 'all martial arts are agressive' - that's part of it, but they're also equally defensive, and fitness is a big part of these disciplines too. If you are interested in martial arts but not sure, my advice would be to find some classes, go along and see if you like it - if not, don't force yourself and try something else. In my experience of martial arts, it's far from an agressive, violent undertaking and is much more involved with skills, fitness and technique. Good luck with whatever you try!

[mattie]

In response to luckyeight
I also mentioned self-control, self-discipline and techniques. The way we are taught is to turn a counter into an attack.
We are definately not taught to attack people (unless we are sparring), but to defend ourselves against attack.

[admarlow]

What about fencing, much more civilised.