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Saturday, April 16, 2005
Tai Chi and Cross Training
Novices and laymen always ask the same question - what's the best martial art?
Well, the simple answer is there isn't one, but a better answer would be the style that is most effective for you.
People do tend to think that the style they adhere to is the best, and I'm positive most of us have defended our own style at least once in our lives. But I've found that dedication to one style is both admirable but also a limitation.
The benefits of cross training in styles is obvious: greater spread of knowledge and making your body and mind adapt to different training styles and fighting styles, thus promoting flexibility of thought and action.
Some styles cross quite complementarily, like karate and southern Shaolin styles, as they have similar stances and strikes, whereas training in Kung Fu like Wing Chun and cross training Capoeira has an obvious difference in thought and motion. One's breadth of knowledge is increased, which is all a part of self improvement.
Like Bruce Lee espoused, take the best parts of one style and add it together with the best parts of other styles, although to be frank, JKD has an obvious base in Wing Chun, boxing and grappling, which is not to say that this combination is not effective, for it certainly is, but I would add a further dimension to this: Tai Chi.
Bruce learnt Tai Chi as a kid, as well as Wing Chun, and I think Tai Chi actually had much more of an emphasis on his overall fighting style than is commonly perceived.
Despite what most people might think, Tai Chi forms a superb base for any martial art, with fluid, seemingly simple movements, which are easy to learn but very difficult to master.
The flow of movement teaches the body how to maintain dynamism and shifting of momentum to absorb, deflect or push through, requiring and promoting a good sense of balance.
The speed, or lack of, at which practice seems to take place is deceptive; if you need to you can make that movement fast! Combining the defensive movements of Tai Chi with your regular striking sparring is a seriously good move!
Plus Tai Chi is used the world over for its health benefits which are timeless and proven.
Want to learn more? This Offer has the full Yang Style Tai Chi form and explains its benefits and use of the form.
More on cross training later.
Keep it Kung Fu
Well, the simple answer is there isn't one, but a better answer would be the style that is most effective for you.
People do tend to think that the style they adhere to is the best, and I'm positive most of us have defended our own style at least once in our lives. But I've found that dedication to one style is both admirable but also a limitation.
The benefits of cross training in styles is obvious: greater spread of knowledge and making your body and mind adapt to different training styles and fighting styles, thus promoting flexibility of thought and action.
Some styles cross quite complementarily, like karate and southern Shaolin styles, as they have similar stances and strikes, whereas training in Kung Fu like Wing Chun and cross training Capoeira has an obvious difference in thought and motion. One's breadth of knowledge is increased, which is all a part of self improvement.
Like Bruce Lee espoused, take the best parts of one style and add it together with the best parts of other styles, although to be frank, JKD has an obvious base in Wing Chun, boxing and grappling, which is not to say that this combination is not effective, for it certainly is, but I would add a further dimension to this: Tai Chi.
Bruce learnt Tai Chi as a kid, as well as Wing Chun, and I think Tai Chi actually had much more of an emphasis on his overall fighting style than is commonly perceived.
Despite what most people might think, Tai Chi forms a superb base for any martial art, with fluid, seemingly simple movements, which are easy to learn but very difficult to master.
The flow of movement teaches the body how to maintain dynamism and shifting of momentum to absorb, deflect or push through, requiring and promoting a good sense of balance.
The speed, or lack of, at which practice seems to take place is deceptive; if you need to you can make that movement fast! Combining the defensive movements of Tai Chi with your regular striking sparring is a seriously good move!
Plus Tai Chi is used the world over for its health benefits which are timeless and proven.
Want to learn more? This Offer has the full Yang Style Tai Chi form and explains its benefits and use of the form.
More on cross training later.
Keep it Kung Fu
