dtstiachi

google it. You will find more information than you will ever want to know

Just curious, Isn't knowing something to defend your self with better than knowing nothing at all?

excellent post ChangWuJi

I don't want to start an argument, but I take issue with the fact that only Chen style is effective as a fighting art. I study Yang style from a Tai Chi master who has mastered all 5 arts. He is very proficient at the Yang style and I have the bruises to prove its combat effectiveness. The Yangs were excellent fighters. Yang style Tai Chi, (when taught as a martail art) is an excellent form of self defence. (provided you have an instructor that will teach you the art as a fighting style). Yang style is a VERY effective fighting style and when one understands how to use it, they would definently be a force to reckon with.

Both are important. What are your goals? The pace you set for yourself can help you train for a race, but distance will also give you a great workout. If you are training for a timed event, then work on setting a good pace for yourself. If you want to work on stamina, distance, distance, distance is the way to go.

Training is important, but you should also listen to your body. If you are feeling tired and sore all of the time, what good is any length of training going to do you? I would suggest a workout partner or someone to hold you acountable so you will work out a decent amount each day. You can overtrain, which can cause injury and prolong your progress. Work hard, but use common sense and above all, stay safe.

Listen to your body and use good common sense. It's great to train for a long period of time and every day, but it is also equally important that you give your body time to recover and rest. I also feel guilty if I don't train everyday. I try to put 2 hours a day in, but the rigors of Graduate School sometimes take their toll on me and I don't train like I should. I would push your self to go the extra mile, mabey have someone push you as well, but be careful to listen to your body and follow what it is telling you so you won't experience injury or burnout or both. Good luck.

Isn't sweat the body's way of cooling itself?

Just Curios Shotakan Kid, How old are you? If you are still a teenager, you still have some growing to do. I was a beanpole until my 2nd year in college. Now I am a good height and weight. I have filled out and now I can focus on trimming up and "looking ripped" Think about that and hurt yourself because you still might be able to grow into your early 20's

My left knee gives me pain some at night, especially when I lie in bed on my left side. I get a sharp pain right on the tendon to the right of the knee cap. I can do pretty much what I want to, (run, jump, kick etc) and I am fine. the only time it hurts is when I lie on it the right way and then the pain is very sharp. It has happened 3-4 times in the past 6 months. I probably should go to a doctor to have it checked out. Any comments would be helpful. Thank you.

My left knee gives me pain some at night, especially when I lie in bed on my left side. I get a sharp pain right on the tendon to the right of the knee cap. I can do pretty much what I want to, (run, jump, kick etc) and I am fine. the only time it hurts is when I lie on it the right way and then the pain is very sharp. It has happened 3-4 times in the past 6 months. I probably should go to a doctor to have it checked out. Any comments would be helpful. Thank you.

100 push ups!! Mabey some day. Good luck to all who want to try it.

Abs are one of the muscles that you can train every day. I would wait 24 hours before hitting them again, but they recover quickly.

running will not get you "ripped" but it will tone the legs and it is great for the overall cardiovascular sytsem. Have fun running and enjoy your new legs.

crunches are supposed to come from your abs only, even when doing reverse crunches with your legs. The hip flexors are used in leg lifts and some lower ab excercizes, but it should be your abdominals that do most if not all of the work and they are the ones that should feel dead by the end of the workout. Good luck and be safe.

sore muscles are a part of working out. the muscle must slightly injure itself and then be given time to grow back stronger. If a problem persist for a while, seek a doctors advice, Also, a little sorness never hurt anyone. If you need something for the pain, take asprin

Happy Easter

Didn't happen Cathal. I wasn't ready so I pulled my name off the list. I don't feel bad about it. I will be ready for next time. Thanks for asking.

I don't let people know I take MA because I live in a dorm full of guys and I don't feel like "proving myself" to everyone. I also catch flack because I am a Christian who practices MA. Oh Well. Life goes on.

I am a practicing Christian of 18 years who is studying theology at a Seminary training to be a pastor. I am proud to say that everyone at my school knows I am a Christian and hopefully I will be able to see some fruit from there one day. I love the martial arts and I don't have a problem doing my style (Tai Chi). Some in the school view this as a "spiritual" or "religious" experience. I do not. I enjoy the great workout and am grateful that I get to learn a great martial art.

I am a practicing Christian and a Student in a Theological Seminary studying for the ministry. I am no expert, But I see no problem with a Christian studying and practicing the martial arts. More to come if anyone shows interest.

If you are intersted in Tai Chi, you should try some Chi Kung excercizes. As far as meditation goes, Zhan Zhuang training is a great way to meditate and help yourself as well. Google search Zhan Zhuang and have fun

Chi Kung, The Way of Power, Master Lam Kam Chuen Check it out. Also Google it

I experienced a warm sensation in my arms, chest and shoulder area when I first began cultivating my chi. Now I can feel it all the time. Keep workin at it.

Hey guys, I'm over it. Thanks for your encouragement.