What is the opinion on instructional videos?

[Haufbraus]

Hey there! Thanks for checking out this long post!

 

I am interested in purchasing a instructional Tai Chi video/DVD. My brother has one and I find it a good exercise for balance and developing a "core" strength. I was thinking of getting my own to do at home. I know taking a class would be better. But for possible lack of time and funds I am opting for the video. I did Taekwondo for a year, it was like 7 years ago but I earned the orange belt. I also tend to work out regularly at school, mostly weight lifting. I am a bit overweight, 5'9" and 220lbs.,(but don't look it! ) and don't consider myself to have a good "core" strength. For example doing twenty push-ups makes me feel winded and I have never been able to do a pull-up, lol. However, I am very flexible/agile for my size and have a good amount of stamina/determination when it comes to these things. At the gym I don't do too bad with my weight lifting. My legs are especially strong and once I did 2 sets of 10 reps on the leg press with 500+lbs, maxing out the machine. I am also starting to do swim exercises and probably going to join a local Wu Shu club at school.

 

Hope this isn't too much info. Let me know what you think.

[Luckykboxer]

I have a very strong opinon on this and i think it is very straightforward so here goes...

 

Video Training makes an excellent addition to regular training in person, I think that a combinaiton of video training and personal training is the absolute best way to go.

 

Next would be personal training alone.

 

Next would be Video Training alone

 

Last would be no training at all.

 

So basically if you have no other option i think it can be beneficial for sure.

 

Now for my advice....

 

try to find a school in your area that teaches Taichi, and hopefully has a video/dvd you can purchase and train with.

 

take the video home and go through it, and as you feel comfortable contact the school and schedule a private lesson or two..

 

at some point you will get the taichi form down with acombination of video and personal lessons and will be able to follow allong with or without the video.

 

good luck with it i hope you enjoy

[delta1]

I do not recomend learning Tai Chi (Taiji) by video. There are a lot of intricacies in the postures and transitions that, if done incorrectly, will destroy rather than heal. Particularly susceptable, especially for a larger person, are the knees. You need a good instructor to correct you before you develope bad habbits and debilitating problems.

 

Another questionable, and even dangerouse, practice is self developement of internal energy. Forget what you read on the internal forum here- qi is real and another thing that, if handled improperly, your training can do seriouse dammage to your health. Fortunately, you are more likely to just waste your time doing things like locating your tantien on the surface of your belly somewhere below your navel. ( )

[G95champ]

My take on all videos

 

They are a great training aide. Meaing if you work the move in class and then use the video to study it or refresh on it thats great.

 

I also think you can learn how to do things from a GOOD video

 

However no one should ever watch a video and think they know a given move. It takes reps over and over and no matter how many times you watch it, it can not replace asking questions and doing it yourslef.

[Haufbraus]

I agree with you guys. Now if you were to recommend some videos what would they be?

[G95champ]

I use the Kenneth Funakoshi video series a lot to refresh on kata and application.

 

I really don't figure there are bad films just people that misuse them. Use them as a aide not a method.

[Rotten Head Fok]

Because of my current location I have built a video library as instructed by my Grandmaster via a distance learning program. I like them for what they are but I have some years of training in school so as I watch the videos I know what is being explained as opposed to a beginner never having been Instructed in person. I strongly suggest that anyone beginning a martial art get trained from an authorized Instructor for at least two years before using video tapes.

[torris]

I couldn't imagine trying to start any form of Martial Art by Video only. It would take forever to learn, and no one could determine if you were doing it right or not.

 

I agree, as an aide, great. By itself, nope.

[CloudDragon]

As long as you have an opportunity for some actual face to face training (preferably with whomever made the video) I think it is a great idea.

[Drunken Monkey]

my thoughts on videos.

 

they are a supplement.

 

they are not the real thing.

 

even if you have someone to practice with,

 

unless they have first hand GOOD knowledge of martial arts,

 

at best you will be imitating,

 

at worst you will be creating bad habits.

 

granted that some training is better than none,

 

i still hold that if you are going to train badly,

 

i'd rather you not train at all.