IrishDave

I train in Shotokan and have a couple of Kung Fu tapes. To be honest I am pleased to be able to learn from video something that likewise I would not otherwise get a chance to. At the same time, even with a difference in style I can understand the basic principles of the stances, movements and strikes, and my Shotokan classes help me train in speed and awareness. I think videos are good that way and I like to think I am learning something extra. I have used Tae Bo videos just to keep fit over the last couple of years before actually taking up a martial art and my instructors were quite surprised at how well I was able to practice the basic kicks and punches and how flexible I was. I think you have to take what makes sense to you and that you can internalise from every source you can and neither totally dismiss one way of doing things nor only accept one way of doing things.... Yin and Yang baby!

Just wondering if anyone has had any relative success learning tai chi from a book or video and if so, which they found most useful? I'm doing a short course on Tai Chi but we don't do pushing hands... would both practitioners need to know any Tai Chi to learn how to do this? I am pleased enough with the pace I am learning Tai Chi but understand that pushing hands is necessary to cultivate the art as a martial one.... Thanks [/b]

Well, I started Shotokan a few months ago and I'll be grading for my red belt next month and going for my first competition.. Also I do Tai Chi a couple times a week which I enjoy on my more relaxed days... I live near Dublin (it's about 20 miles away) and that's about it really..... (oh and SINGLE!!) PS - Ninjanurse - I love your name!!!!

that's it I guess!

I read somewhere that you guys in the states have Krav Maga classes for fitness and that they are pretty good.. any idea where I might get my hands on a couple of PAL (European) workout tapes..?

ever try plyometrics? do press ups and on every 'up', push off the floor and clap your hands before falling back to the floor. It increases your fast twitch muscle fibres. let me know if it helps!

Hi Cheeky. I've been training only 4 months in Shotokan and on one of the nights I can't make it to class there's a Tai Chi course running later in the evening which I can make. It's only an 8 week course but I am taking both concurrently and the only problem I'm finding is remembering the Tai Chi form as it's more complex than Shotokan - which I consider to be a more 'nuts and bolts' style. So let me know how you get on and let's swap any learnings... my e-mail is dave007lynch@yahoo.com. I'm also considering taking the easy tai chi teacher's course and teaching a short form of tai chi to help make a little more money... see easytaichi.com...