I have the distinct honor and opportunity (or insanity?) of studying 3 different Martial Arts on a regular basis.

I study Aikdio and Karate at the Asian Martial Arts Studio, (located on 4th Street in Ann Arbor) under Sensi Karl Scott.

AIKIDO

Aikido literally translates to "the way of harmonous energy."  It's a soft internal martial art that uses circular motions, focuses on redirecting your opponents energy and taking their center.  Aikido is a realtively modern Martial Art having been founded in 1942 by the Japanese Morihei Ueshiba.

I've been studying Aikido since June of 1995.

Aikido related links:

Great Lakes Aikiki
Japanese Culture and Aikido
Aikido MPEGS
 
 

KARATE

Karate is a hard external martial art that focuses on striking, blocking, kicking and otherwise disabling your opponents.  Karate translates as "empty hand" or "chinese hand."

AMAS teaches a mixture of Shudokan and Shorin-Ryu Karate.  They also offer weekly instruction in Goji-ryu.

I've been studying Karate since Febuary of 1997.

Here's a link to the AMAS Shorin-Ryu club at the University of Michigan.

JUDO

Judo is a hard external Martial Art that uses throwing techniques (nage-waza) and grappling techniques (katame-waza).   It's excellent physical exercise, a competitive sport unto itself and a method of self defense.  Judo is another fairly modern Martial Art having been founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano.

I've been studying Judo since October of 1997.

I started  training in Judo (and continue to do so) at Washtenaw Community College
by taking the Intro. Judo class taught by Frank Gerlitz.  Frank's class is both education and a fun time and I'd encourage anyone who's interested in Judo to check it out.

I also train in Judo at the Institute of Traditional Asian Martial Arts (130 W. Grand River, East Lansing, Michigan, 333-0703) under the instruction of Suino Sensi.  Sensi Suino has an amazing program (also teaching Jujutsu, Karate and Iado [Japanese Swordsmanship]).

I also regularly make apperances at the Open Mat night of the Ann Arbor YMCA Judo Club.

Judo related links:

Ann Arbor YMCA Judo Club
Findley Ohio Judo Club
Sensi Saito's dojo (Birmingham)
Michigan Judo Information
Judo Information Site
Judo America
Machado Brothers
Jimmy Pedro Fan Club

General Martial Arts Related links:

Listing of Michigan Martial Arts Studios
Marital Arts Resource Guide
Sun Tzu's Art of War