I guess I'm just a dilletante when it comes to martial arts. Basically 2 yrs. of Praying Mantis Kung Fu and 1 yr. and a half of Contemporary Wushu when I was in college. I do try to maintain what I learned and practice at least 3-4 times a week however.
As for what fighting I like to watch, I'm more in to stand up matches, like K-1, kickboxing, Muay Thai, San Da, etc. As a form of entertainment, things like Pride, UFC, IFL, can get a little too boring. Speaking of entertainment, love any type of martial arts fighting that's found on tv or the movies.
I like to watch all but I like kicking and punching sports more. Grappling is OK but get boring fast with the two guys just lying there. Quick punches, fast kicks and nonstop action is what I like.
I like the sayaws, kembangans or katas. To me seeing these in their art forms, brings me the attitude, meaning and beauty of the art. Knowing the focus, direction and intent brings to me the true meaning of the above mentioned art forms. It's too bad all that is learned is usually overlooked in match fights. What works and what does not is usually, as in my case, dependent on the discipline or lack of when faced with adversity. Survival mode kinda thing. haha
I have a second degree in TKD but have spent the last few years in MMA. If I returned to tradional martial arts I would like to try Kali. The practicality of being able to pick up a stick or knife for self defense appeals to me.
The fake martial arts movies are always fun to watch. For more real stuff, I like watching some UFC. But I'm really into watching capoeira rodas especially when the mestres go at it.
ill watch anything really as i was told a martial artist never stops learning. boxing has it's points with quick strikes and punnishing power. MT with elbow and knee strikes, and TKD with it's explosive speed an powerful spinning kicks. Jujitsu with many ways to end a fight if it hits the ground. I even found Eskrima to be interesting how beginners start tranning with weapons and work their way to empty hand. As well as the acrobatic form capoeira.
I like to watch mostly anything, my favorites are UFC, Affliction, and Pride. I like the kind where they switch between standing and ground fighting. And anything with some good knockouts and if they get some blood on the mats, it's always a good fight.
