Budo in Pakistan

[Tenseiga]

Hi all,

I was hoping that some of you could help me get some information regarding budo practice in Pakistan (Islamabad in particular). I'm interested in pretty much anything (don't think I can be too picky given the location), but I would like for it to be a similar training style/environment to authentic budo.

Traditional karatedo such as Goju ryu would be nice. Would also be interested in "harder" aikido such as Yoshinkan, but information about any aikido would be good. Judo sounds like fun too (though I'm not too interested in the competition oriented groups). I could do kendo or iaido again, but I'd rather not due to the difference in kihon with the koryu that I study, and I don't believe myself to be at a level where I wouldn't cross contaminate (and because I've lost my immunity to the smell of dogu :P )

Actually, if anyone here is knowledgeable about Chinese martial arts, I am very interested in traditional Taijiquan, particularly the Chen family lineage (their fajing demos are very impressive, and seems very "martial" when compared to the others). I think this would be a great sustainment/supplement training that I could possibly continue with in the future.

I've tried googling things, but I've gotten vague info and broken links for the most part. The best I got was the Japan Karate Association Pakistan page, but no particular info on schools and contacts. I'll be in Pakistan for a year, and I've got to find some kind of martial training to keep me on my toes, or I'll go crazy.

Thanks in advance,

[Joseph Svinth]

Have you thought of looking into traditional North Indian wrestling (see Joseph Alter's books)? There should also be gatka (a Sikh stick system), and probably some Mughul-descended sword arts.

I mean, you're going someplace most folks don't go, so why limit yourself to stuff everybody does?

[Tenseiga]

...You're absolutely right. Hahah, I've got nothing else to say to that.

Guess I have to do a bit of research, a bit of reading, and a lot of snooping and wandering around.

Thanks!

[Jeff Cook]

Alex, sorry I am late coming to this thread.

There are a plethora of Pakistan-based companies that sell martial arts uniforms and equipment. They are VERY easy to get in touch with; in fact, all you have to do is find one of their websites, send them an email that you are interested in their product, and they will email you endlessly, and if you give them your cell number they will stalk you on your phone. Trust me; I know from personal experience. You won't even have to make the overseas phone call - they will call you at least once a week.

Ask one of them. They live there, and they sell the gear.

Jeff Cook