Kung Fu - Hard on the knees?

[SevenStar]

depends on the style. some systems utilize a horse stance that requires the toes point directly forward - this can be bad on the knees in a low horse. other styles require they be pointed slightly outward. this is easier on the knees.

[taiji fajin]

taiji should not be hard on your knees, ever. It should never be hard on any joints, but rather strengthen them and train you to not move them in painful ways

[David]

Knees don't rate as a general issue in kung fu. Train and apply correctly - no hassles.

[Juniper]

I have a bad left knee that has had two arthroscopic surgeries, and a kneecap re-alignment surgery. That was six years ago. I started practicing kung fu about a year after my last surgery (the knee cap one) and my knee has been stronger than it has ever been, even after having to go through physical therapy.

If you pivot properly for things like roundhouse kicks, and keep your hip aligned over the heel of your foot in your stances, you should be fine. Get good extension on your kicks, but don't overextend the knees.

Hope this helps! Juniper

[GTF]

In Hung-gar we do the horse stance which is very hard work on the legs and knees and i've noticed that i have got stronger and after only three weeks

[fujita san]

u think thats murda on the legs try taking shoalin kung fu it may help to lose fat and gain muscle but it aint easy

[KF Dude]

If you find a good school you will have nothing to worry about. Listen to your body - nobody knows it better. Stance training in general is hard on the legs. They will be sore. Know the difference between good pain/bad pain. Best of luck.

[cheeks]

Know the difference between good pain/bad pain. Best of luck.

this is the important bit, do your legs hurt, or do your knees hurt?

if it is a joint problem stop immediately and ask your instructor for help

[Bruce WillPete7]

I'd have to say when starting something knew, and using muscles you have never utilized before there is no doubt you will feel pain in the beginning. Like most kinds of physical exercises you will be rebuilding muscle and therefore undergo a change in your body. Fortunately you will get stronger from it if you never give up, and your body will adjust. Good luck tho and hope you the best.

[Infrazael]

Not really. It hurts the muscles (quads, calfs, etc) and the ligaments because that's where the pressure buildup is (I guess knee would be included. . . . but I'm not sure).

Your knee doesn't get into masses of pain.

Muay Thai hurts your knees more. . . . well. . . . because you actually learn how to use them correctly!!!

I wouldn't worry about kung fu and knees. The stance transitions actually puts more pressure on my knees than merely holding a stance