Questioning my M.A. Competence

[cathal]

I spoke with my Sifu, and he suggested that I scale back my workouts a little to let my body heal. He stated that he recognizes that I am in this for the long haul, so instead of blasting into my training like I was, I should "enjoy the journey", and pace myself. I just have to keep in mind that I will never learn all there is to know about my art, so instead of trying to make it to a finish line, I need to set some goals and do what I can to achieve them, and move on to new ones. Thank you for all the replies, they were very helpful.

That's pretty good advice, you can tell that to anyone in the martial arts.

[bushido_man96]

I spoke with my Sifu, and he suggested that I scale back my workouts a little to let my body heal. He stated that he recognizes that I am in this for the long haul, so instead of blasting into my training like I was, I should "enjoy the journey", and pace myself. I just have to keep in mind that I will never learn all there is to know about my art, so instead of trying to make it to a finish line, I need to set some goals and do what I can to achieve them, and move on to new ones. Thank you for all the replies, they were very helpful.

That's pretty good advice, you can tell that to anyone in the martial arts.

Very much so indeed! If I could relate to evey white belt that comes into the school that martial arts is something that should never be finished, and try to make them understand that, I think there would be many more happy martial arts practitioners in the world.

[mantis.style]

Yes, the overall path is never ending but until you actually reach the point where you can begin to step onto that stage of training, there is an end to what you learn. In the case of Chinese styles, the forms are a finite thing and you can dive into them striving to learn them in as short a time as possible. Once you have learnt these, then comes the never ending path of practicing them. The difficult to understand is that knowing how to perform a form doesn't mean you know it. That is the big difference. In fact, I would question any school where you take 3+ years to just learn forms.

Don't forget, historically, people used to train these things 7 days a week and they used to train hard.

[Traditional-Fist]

First time poster here. I am 36, and started taking Kung Fu back in March. Lately I have been questioning my ability to be good in the art. I have arthritic knees, and I have been working towards improving their strength and flexability. In all I go to material class five to six times a week, and conditioning class twice a week. I also lift weights during my lunch hour at work three days a week, and try to hit on the heavy bag at home when I have the time. With all of this, I have been disappointed with my progress. My kicks are not as good as I would like, my balance is less than stellar, and I still have problems getting down into a low stance. I enjoy the time I am in class, and do not have a problem learning the material. I just don't see myself improving as far as the implementation of the material goes. I have wondering if I am expecting alot for ony six months of study, or if I just am not very good at it. Anyone have any opinions they wish to share? Thanks for your time!

Some great advice from fellow forum members. Don´t over do your trainining, train right and NEVER even consider giving up.

Now, I would like to know what style of kung fu do you practise?

Also, the healing aspects of kung fu can never be understated. Do you practise chi-kung in a serious way in your school? Major styles of kung fu as practised in authentic schools take chi-kung practise very seriously.

I have no doubt that the right kind of chi-kung training will help your problem with arthritis.

Another question, does your sifu know about your weight training regime? Just lifting weights (pumping iron) in a gym is not something that correlates with correct kung fu training in general, even though weights CAN be used in a methodic manner for kung fu purposes, such as in resistance training,etc.

I am basically trying to find out what type of kung fu it is that you are practising, once I know, then perhaps I can give you more relevant advice.

[KungFu Disciple]

I am currently training in Northern Mantis. I just began taking a Chi Kung class on the advice of my Sifu, so it can do nothing but help. He is also working with me to modify my weight training to help more with my current fitness level and my M.A. needs.

[Traditional-Fist]

I am currently training in Northern Mantis. I just began taking a Chi Kung class on the advice of my Sifu, so it can do nothing but help. He is also working with me to modify my weight training to help more with my current fitness level and my M.A. needs.

Northern Praying Mantis is a high level style of kung fu and if your school/sifu is good and authentic, then this style will give you a lot of benefits both as a fighter as well as a person. Is your chi kung class with the same sifu?

I am glad that you are practising chi kung, because without out it your kung fu will miss a very fundemental element, making it weak and without essence (no chi kung = no kung fu), and as I said before, your health will benefit in all dimensions. Does your school have a web site I could look at?

[Robin]

Your sifu has very good advice. Which means your school is probably a good one. Keep at it!

I'm about your age and to be honest, I feel that styles that demand physical attributes, or should I say, athletic capabilities, while are excellent and beautiful, are probably not the styles for me. Face it, I can't be as fast as a 18 year old, nor can I get to their level of flexibility. I've seen injuries and mine take considerably longer to heal compared with younger people. Fast metabolism means fast recovery.

But this can be turned to my advantage, not disadvantage. I think I am stronger than the typical 18 year old (although not faster). I have some experience that he lacks and I see the big picture. Once I realized there's little chance I can do what these guys do (hey, I got a family and work too, I can't practice 24/7!), I started looking for MA styles that emphasize technique and biomechanics over physical abilities and speed. For Kung-Fu styles, I think that Wing Chun is the least physical intensive compared with other Shaolin styles (I've trained in those as well). For striking techniques other than Kung Fu, probably Goju Riyu karate would be interesting to practice. TKD, Capoera, Boxing and Muy Thai styles require considerable more physical fitness to train in so I ruled them out. Generally speaking, grappling techniques require less of a power/speed abilities but strength is helpful. Of those styles, I found Aikido, Judo and BJJ to be personally interesting.

- Robin

[Adonis]

I am taking Glucsamine with Chondrotin and MSM. That seems to be helping my knee's. Just hang in there. Work on your flexiblity. Try balance training excercises to help you out each day.

What exactly about your kicks you have trouble with. Kicking high you loose balance, your not that flexibile so hard to kick high? You don't feel like you got speed or power in your kicks?

[fujau]

First time poster here. I am 36, and started taking Kung Fu back in March. Lately I have been questioning my ability to be good in the art. I have arthritic knees, and I have been working towards improving their strength and flexability. In all I go to material class five to six times a week, and conditioning class twice a week. I also lift weights during my lunch hour at work three days a week, and try to hit on the heavy bag at home when I have the time. With all of this, I have been disappointed with my progress. My kicks are not as good as I would like, my balance is less than stellar, and I still have problems getting down into a low stance. I enjoy the time I am in class, and do not have a problem learning the material. I just don't see myself improving as far as the implementation of the material goes. I have wondering if I am expecting alot for ony six months of study, or if I just am not very good at it. Anyone have any opinions they wish to share? Thanks for your time!

try this it has helped me with my joints i am 42 and have problems with my joints GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN & MSM seems to have stopped the aching after the training only if i can find a supplement that makes me more flexable :•)

follow this link

http://www.agestop.net/Agestop/product_detail.aspx?PID=259&CID=85

[KungFu Disciple]

I am taking Glucsamine with Chondrotin and MSM. That seems to be helping my knee's. Just hang in there. Work on your flexiblity. Try balance training excercises to help you out each day.

What exactly about your kicks you have trouble with. Kicking high you loose balance, your not that flexibile so hard to kick high? You don't feel like you got speed or power in your kicks?

I have started training in leg strength and flexability since I first posted this, and also convinced one of the instructors to have a class during the week that focuses on kicking technique and conditioning. This has really helped me out alot. Just this past weekend I got first place in my division for sparring, and they told me that my kicking has improved 100% I am still sore afterwards, but I can see improvement, so I am pleased.