RobertTX

I am studying Shaolin-Do Kung Fu. As a matter of fact I am taking my 2nd degree brown belt test tomorrow night. I do not have any experience in the other styles to be able to make any valid comparisons. I do know that what I have learned to date is very real and very effective in a fight. There are over 900 forms or katas to learn. We also have to learn forms from various other styles such as Tai Chi and Pakua as we advance in rank. One you achieve your 1st degree BB, generally in two years you can plan on your second degree BB in two years, your third in 3 etc.. Once your achieve 5th degree your called and Associate Master; 6th is Master and 7th is Elder Master. Our Grandmaster is a 10th degree black belt A good website is http://www.shaolin-do.com/ It will explain why we use the word "Do" in our name

I am 48 years old. One of my goals was to be able to do the splits. After one year and three months I was finally able to do the side splits. the last couple of inches is the hardest but it is possible to get that limber again. GOOD LUCK!

I carry a Kimber 45 ACP and a Bersha 380 as a back up. Yes I do have a concealed handgun license

I have not reached the level of my training to really study Chi, but have been exposed to several katas that depend heavily on it. I definitely believe that there is energy (we refer to as Chi) in the body otherwise MRIs would not be possible. Therefore if there is energy, there needs to be a pathway for the energy to travel through out the body. If this is true then I can see where the forms the interrupt the chi flow can be effective. I am sure there are holes in my logic and assumptions but I am sure I will learn more when the time comes.

My goal is to achieve 6th degree black belt (Master) in Shoalin-Do Kung Fu and 3rd degree black sash in Tai Chi. I am testing for my 2nd degree brown belt tomorrow night. I am currently 48 and hope to achieve my 1st degree black be fore I turn 50. I should be about 70 years old by the time I reach Master level.

I pay $130/month plus an additional $40 for private lessons for both Shaolin-Do Kung Fu and Tai Chi. I can go as often as I want. Currently I attend about 10 classes a week