Thread: Martial Arts

I have been trying to shed the few extra pounds that seem to linger, and have looked into martial arts, mainly Tai Chi. From what i have noticed, it seems as though, it can be tought by reading not neccisarily requirng a class setting. Does anyone have any information on a self taught martial arts good for shedding the pounds and easy to keep with a busy schedule? All responses welcome.

Tai Chi moves very slowly, I dont know if it would help you lose weight but it will definitely improve balance, and agility.

I would suggest something of a more aerobic nature if you want to burn fat.

I appreciate the input, in doing research i had discovered that although Tai Chi is a slow martial art form, that it is howvwer the basis for many other martial arts. So are there any reccomendation as to which may fit my needs, or ideas of where to look for a type that i could configure to fit my schedule?

Originally Posted by joshb1000

I have been trying to shed the few extra pounds that seem to linger, and have looked into martial arts, mainly Tai Chi. From what i have noticed, it seems as though, it can be tought by reading not neccisarily requirng a class setting. Does anyone have any information on a self taught martial arts good for shedding the pounds and easy to keep with a busy schedule? All responses welcome.

I have studied Tai Chi for 10+ years along with other forms of Chinese martial arts. You absolutely can not learn Tai Chi from a book. You can however learn how to breathe deeply and possibly meditate from a book. Depending on the form of Tai Chi, you can lose weight doing it. I would recommend Large Frame New Generation Chen style. It is about as aerobic as it gets in Tai Chi.

As far as the number of classes goes, it just depends on how much you want to get out of it. Using Tai Chi as a martial art will require years of practice. Just getting some exercise will take you a few months to learn the form and breathing.

Honestly, if you just want to lose weight, try Yoga. Way more aerobic and plus, lots of women in tight pants

i've definitely considered Yoga, for some reasons more than others but i have always found a great interest in the meditative focused state of tai chi. However, my other question is, being almost 30, is it too late to begin a martial art? I undertand many people learn tai chi at ages up to 60, but it's not the same as it used to be going to a gym type setting learning a new skill this "far" into adulthood, any more info is helpful. I appreciate all the info though.

I agree with bounusmarple. Thai Chi cannot be learned from a book, nor can any martial art. I've been practicing Shaolin Kung Fu for 20 years, and I've learned a lot of thai chi too. They're great to study, but they need diligent watch of a Master to oversee the student's progress. I also would suggest yoga, try hot yoga, I hear it's great. good luck -J

Originally Posted by joshb1000

However, my other question is, being almost 30, is it too late to begin a martial art?

No, it's not. I wasn't able to begin studying karate until age 35 or so. It all depends on how much you're willing to practice what you learned in class between classes. Anybody with normal coordination and the desire to learn can learn. It's important to find a good dojo run by a properly credentialled practitioner in the style or art you want to study. Also, some are very focused on competition, for instance, while others have more of a focus on practical application (I have a buddy who belongs to a dojo where the sparring is full contact, no pads), and still others are more focused on the discipline of the art and its forms. If you can afford it, try to take a class at several different dojos offering different styles and talk to the sensei about what you're looking for. Then you can make an informed decision. Just like learning to shave with a straight: you'll get out of it what you put into it.

Its abslutely never to late. I
Trained in Capoeira for a good ten
Years which is a fun way to get fit. Look for a local group! And get this.. Historically the capoeiristas were known to place a straight razor between there big toe... Hardcore. If you want to lose weight.. Avoid carbs like the plague and adopt a high protien intake with salads and veges and exercise at least four times a week! Good luck.

exactly what types ofcredentials would i be looking for? as we all know i can write anything i want on the internet and make it sound real, but how can you really tell? Also, it was mentioned that some dojos are focused on competition, how can you compete with something like Tai Chi, i didnt find it to be anything fighting related, but only as a basis of other martial arts. I would be in it for the de-stress, and agility/balance aspect.