Kung Fu - Hard on the knees?

[Billy Jack]

I am exploring the possibility of taking a Kung Fu style (i.e. Hung Gar, Tiger Style, Wushu, etc.). I have heard that due to low crouching stances, this can be murder on the knees. Any thoughts?

[Iron Arahat]

I have found that my knees are in better shape because of it. I played amercan football for years, and my knees were pretty much destroyed by the end of university. A helmet to the side of the knee will do some bad things.

 

I have found that the low stances have helped with th stability of the joint. Some people have probelms because they are not flexible, or are to rigid.

 

 

[van_damme]

My knees are much stonger aswell..the stances build leg strength,which helps you kick higher,harder and faster,and it makes you more stable....so dont worry about ur knees my friend...they will be fine!!!

[tessone]

Exactly. You should be all the better for the low stances.

 

The thing to watch out for is kicking full force without something to stop your foot. This causes detereoration of the joints and is the main reason many TKD masters end up giving up their practice early in life.

 

 

[owthathurts]

Yes, it is true that wushu is hard on your knees. When I first started my knees did hurt, but now they never hurt! Once you get used to the stances your knees will become much stronger than before.

 

Always becareful and don't push yourself too hard. Knees are very very important!

 

[Billy Jack]

Thank you all for your insightful responses. I have always had a keen interest in pursuing a Kung Fu style, but held back because of the knee issue/concern. Your responses encourage me to move forward.

[dtstiachi]

Tai Chi can be hard on the knees. It depends on what style you take. (Some styles have postures that are deeper than others.) I am trying to really watch my knees. I have experienced some pain in the past few weeks that has me concerned. Good luck and stay healthy.

[PhDPeddler]

I will agree also. I have found that if I keep my kneecap above my toes then they where alright. If your knee's do begin to hurt ask a question about the stance and your knees.

[KungFuMan]

dtstiachi,

According to my research practicing authentic Taichi with an authentic master or qualified instructor will never be harmful to your knees. If anything your knees will become more powerful.

I believe the above statement to be true for kung fu styles as well.

KungFuMan

[Popkov]

in the long term it will make your knees stronger, but it can realy hurt when doing some basic things if you do alot of the same move but it stops after a while.