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Chinese Martial ArtsDiscuss Chinese style Martial Arts here - Chinese Kempo, Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Pa Kua Chang, San Shou, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Wushu
Hi, I'm looking for a martial art (emphasis on art) to begin studying. I have no real interest in learning something that is practical as a self defense technique. I've done Muay Thai for the last two years, and wrestling for as long as I can remember, I've even been through a few Army Combatives classes. I'm almost tired of the fighting. I want to do something to help me stay mentally and physically healthy, but without the risk of having all of my teeth kicked out. I think Tai Chi is right for me, it looks enjoyable, and peaceful, which is something I definitely need. I still think I would enjoy learning the martial aspects of this (weapons, mostly) but I really want a way to relax. I'm pretty sold on Tai chi right now, but is this the right choice for me? Do you guys think there would be any other, better choices? Also, I live in western Kentucky. This creates a serious problem for finding an instructor (sifu, I believe it's called? please correct me if I'm wrong). Are there ways I can learn the Tai Chi forms on my own? Perhaps over the internet? I would even be happy to buy dvds on the subject if I knew I wasn't throwing my money down the toilet. Please, help me out. Thanks.
Since you have have done martial arts in the past I wouldn't be too worried about learning from a DVD, however I think that you would be much happier with an instructor. There are definitely some schools around you for martial arts, even if they are not Tai Chi schools. Alternatively, look for activities happening at parks near you. Quite often Tai Chi demos will happen in parks that you will be able to participate in.
Tai Chi sounds pretty good for you. You might also enjoy Capoeira.
There are arts that I am working to learn from book/DVD. Tai Chi is not one of them. It seems to be one art that I, at least, need a group and live instructor for.
I would do my research on Tai Chi and look for one of the well known branches of Tai Chi. As with all martial arts, there are those who are trying to capitalize on the fact that there is no way to control the quality of Tai Chi. I've seen three different Americanized versions, one of which was so simplified that it was just single movements pulled out of complexes and repeated over and over again.
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"I don't have the knack of victory at all times. I have only learned how not to miss the right moment." Kenshin Uesugi
"If you confer only with people in your own circle (relatives and friends), their opinions will naturally favor you, rendering them useless." Tsunetomo Yamamoto
"In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change."
Thich Nhat Hanh
I agree with sirdarksol. Sicne you are comming from a wrestling/Muay Thai/army combat background it will be a little harder for you to adapt to the soft circular motions of tai chi. My wife has only been in Soo Bahk Do for about 4-5 months and has only taken one or 2 tai chi classes but she said it was still a little hard for her to be soft and circular. Something she had to break herself of in that class. And yes you are correct...its sifu
Depends on the dialect and translator.
There are hundreds of dialects of Chinese, some of which are so distinct from the others that they should probably be considered their own language.
__________________
"I don't have the knack of victory at all times. I have only learned how not to miss the right moment." Kenshin Uesugi
"If you confer only with people in your own circle (relatives and friends), their opinions will naturally favor you, rendering them useless." Tsunetomo Yamamoto
"In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change."
Thich Nhat Hanh
Depends on the dialect and translator.
There are hundreds of dialects of Chinese, some of which are so distinct from the others that they should probably be considered their own language.
Indeed, but is is not Sifu.........this is a Romaticise-Occidental
__________________ What do I know? Since I didn't post my styles or experience, I have no experience, no knowledge, no say.
That post before mine, was that for post counting? How about the one after?
Hey, my post count has the same palaverment tone as anyone elses'
Thanks for all the great replies. I have tried extensively to locate a sifu (shifu) in my area, but you have to understand, that is not an easy task. I've found one instructor, and he is located 2 1/2-3 hours from me. That is just too far for me to drive. As for going to a park to see a demo, I live in a town of roughly 1,000 people, Tai Chi demos are not happening in our parks. The nearest city with a substantial park is an hour away (but I am keeping my eyes peeled for Tai Chi demos over there). Does anyone know of any good videos I could buy? I understand the problem of quality control that is plaguing martial arts these days, and I do not want in any way to support that (and much less to be scammed out of my money) by buying an instructional video that isn't of decent quality. Does anyone know of any online sites where I can learn Tai Chi kata (I'm not sure if they are called kata in Tai Chi and kung fu, as they are in karate) to practice on my own?
Thanks for all the great replies. I have tried extensively to locate a sifu (shifu) in my area, but you have to understand, that is not an easy task. I've found one instructor, and he is located 2 1/2-3 hours from me. That is just too far for me to drive. As for going to a park to see a demo, I live in a town of roughly 1,000 people, Tai Chi demos are not happening in our parks. The nearest city with a substantial park is an hour away (but I am keeping my eyes peeled for Tai Chi demos over there). Does anyone know of any good videos I could buy? I understand the problem of quality control that is plaguing martial arts these days, and I do not want in any way to support that (and much less to be scammed out of my money) by buying an instructional video that isn't of decent quality. Does anyone know of any online sites where I can learn Tai Chi kata (I'm not sure if they are called kata in Tai Chi and kung fu, as they are in karate) to practice on my own?
I know people who tried to learn from a vid.....they wound up doing it wrong.
Right off the bat you asked for Tai Chi Kata-there is no such thing.
It would be like trying to learn how to pilot a plane from studying a video. If you dont have a physical instructor with martial arts (esp Tai Chi) as well as aviation, you'll crash and burn.
In the case of martial arts, something ISNT better than nothing.
It is better not to do it on your own. Like I said, you cant always get what you want. (I want to go visit China, but I cant-books and vids dont help the expereince)
Stop your quest for you will never obtain quality this way.
Stay away from books and vids. I am not trying to belittle or discourage. Take it from a old guy that has much expereince
__________________ What do I know? Since I didn't post my styles or experience, I have no experience, no knowledge, no say.
That post before mine, was that for post counting? How about the one after?
Hey, my post count has the same palaverment tone as anyone elses'
yea you really cant learn tai chi or other soft styles from a book or video, you need the shifu there to guide you, other wise u wont reap the benifits
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Leisure may not be an option for this indefatigable human instrument of martial arts. It is the Tao, sort to speak passably, that he his set on such credenda, to which he may not abdicate. It is the WAY, the Do, of what certitude he has.
Right off the bat you asked for Tai Chi Kata-there is no such thing.
that is not true. although it is not called kata they do so a very similar thing. you learn moves in a set pattern, which is what kata is.
bumper if you are interested i found a good book on the forms. i find that i cannot learn MA from a book unless i am already familiar with the techniques, but you can check it out.
ISBN 1-4027-1651-6
Last edited by disgruntled; 08-09-2007 at 06:01 PM.
I agree with the other guys about learning from vids but a good one you can find for free is on Erle Montaigues taiji world Tai Chi World Erle Montaigue and you can download the whole Yang Chen-fu form off the site. There is other stuff there as well.
I have been doing yang style tai chi chuan for around 5 years, martial and healing, and have found it to be most interesting and enjoyable. There is a lot more to it than you think if you find a good teacher. There is also a list of WTBA(World Taiji Boxing Association) instructors on that site too.
If you do learn from vids thats ok but you still need to get it checked every now and then.
What about Yoga, have you thought about that? Really good for getting you strong and flexible, very relaxing some of the time, and quite a work out the rest of the time.
I'd really recommend it, although I might be biased becuase it's from India!
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Ah, Steven Seagull, I bet nobody's thought of that before.
that is not true. although it is not called kata they do so a very similar thing. you learn moves in a set pattern, which is what kata is.
bumper if you are interested i found a good book on the forms. i find that i cannot learn MA from a book unless i am already familiar with the techniques, but you can check it out.
ISBN 1-4027-1651-6
They are not "Tai Chi Katas"
It would like saying Chinese Karate or Japanese Kung Fu
__________________ What do I know? Since I didn't post my styles or experience, I have no experience, no knowledge, no say.
That post before mine, was that for post counting? How about the one after?
Hey, my post count has the same palaverment tone as anyone elses'
Tai Chi
Linear Mode
