Tai Chi or Qi Gong?

[dtstiachi]

Kinson,

Most if not all Tai Chi styles use Chi Kung Excersizes for Chi development. Chi Kung helps a person cultivate and focus the chi in their body where as Tai Chi uses Chi in its martial applications. Find a Tai Chi school that teaches and uses Chi Kung excercizes. They will help your MA, especially if you practice any intenal art.

[Kajukenbopr]

I read about Chi Kung being used as a type of Kung Fu, and very effective at it.

of course, you wont find much info on Da Cheng Chuan, but, its out there....

as to effectiveness, both tai chi and chi kug do the work. You get healthier, and more powerful as you train.

For Tai chi: Yang and Chen style

For Chi Kung: Zhan Zhuang

Both tai chi or chi kung can give you what you need to take your karate to the next level, you dont need to use them as part of your martial arts training(for punching, kicking or anything like that) other than excercise.