It's been a long time since I've done any martial arts. Diving was a fun distraction last year but since my ankle surgery in January I haven't been able to do even that.

Coming to New York I was determined to find som activities other than weight training and cardio to help me stay in shape. It couldn't be anything acrobatic - no jumping on this ankle for a while yet - so yoga was one option. Problem with yoga is it is too slow. I need something that gets my heart going. Something that gets the adrenaline pumping.

Back to martial arts. Wushu, because of the acrobatics is out of the question. Same with a kicking art like Tae Kwon Do. So options I am consdering include Arnis, Wing Chun, and Aikido.

Tonight I tried an Arnis (filipino stick fighting) class at Village Martial Arts. Similar to Wing Chun in that there are no blocks, everything is a strike. The instructor was really good. The class was really small. The only downside is they require a uniform and go by a belt system. I don't believe in the belt system so I will continue looking for an Arnis class. Having had just a sample of it I already know it is an art I would like to learn.