Training Place

[Taku-Shimazu]

V,

 

Do not question what you do not understand.

[fangshi]

Training in the forest is great for a relaxing and meditative experience , but , for most of us a dojo is far more realistic . I like to do both . Learn in the dojo and practice (when I can) in a quiet wooded area , it is very gratifying. I have done some training in the dark but only as advanced training . It is a whole different ball game.

[Taku-Shimazu]

Training in the forest is great for Tai Chi and 'slow' martial arts but for racey, fast arts not so good.

 

Training in the dark is excellent, i regularly train in the dark, in the forest at about 9pm - 11pm.

[Hawkeye]

Another vote for the dojo. The barn and barnyard aren't bad either but the dojo wins for the reasons listed in previous posts.

[Taku-Shimazu]

There is no winner, I just wanted to know where you guys trained.

 

What you mean is the dojo is more popular.

[SevenStar]

IMO, training in the forest is almost pointless. It's more of a fantasy training perpetuated by those who wat to live the fantasies they see, read and hear about. There was a 5 page discussion about is on the general froum, and I posted all my thoughts there:

 

http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=16331

 

since taku is talking from an internal perspective, he derives more benefit from the quiet of the forest - however, it's still not necessary for qi development. you can do qigong in the forest, in the training hall, in your living room...

 

I definitely disagree about efficiency. being in the forest is WAY less efficient. Why do you think it's more efficient?

[SevenStar]

the forest? the dark? wtf?

 

Actually, some people (like pavel tsatsouline) do advocate lifting in the dark or blindfolded on occasion. instead of relying on your eyes to correct your form, you have to feel the proper form. the same can be said of MA. having to adjust your stance, do footwork, etc. while you are unable to see can help you feel proper body mechanics better.

[AnonymousOne]

I feel it really doesnt matter where. Personally I like variety.

 

Sometimes in my gym at home, sometimes on my lawn, other times running up and down hills in the countryside, other times in the woods, beach, heck anywhere will do.

 

Changing the scenery is a good idea.

[Taku-Shimazu]

IMO, training in the forest is almost pointless. It's more of a fantasy training perpetuated by those who wat to live the fantasies they see, read and hear about.

 

I definitely disagree about efficiency. being in the forest is WAY less efficient. Why do you think it's more efficient?

 

Forest is pointless? you obviously have never trained there, the Chi/Ki in nature is far stronger than the Chi/Ki in the dead wood and bricks that make your Dojo. Tai Chi can draw Chi/Ki from nature into yourself, the practitioner.

 

And as for fantasy, what are you talking about? I think you got that off of a T.V. show, perhaps you need to read some Tai Chi books, maybe that would help.

[AnonymousOne]

"Tai Chi can draw Chi/Ki from nature into yourself, the practitioner"

 

I am sorry, I have to disagree with that statement. There is no magic force you can muster on demand.

 

Chi or Ki in Japanese, is simply focusing all your concentration and power on one point when you attack.

 

Many people mistake a heightened fighting spirit as some kind of magic force and that is simply not the case.

 

As for getting it from nature that is beyond the realm of belief. I dont know of any legitimate MA schools that teachs that concept.

 

In all my 41 years of training I dont know of any good school that teaches that at all. Even in Japan when I was there I never heard that.

 

Honestly that sounds like a Hollwood MA myth.