Gandalf... been meaning to ask you..

[GraziLovesMary]

Have you ever taken any Tai Chi? I know youre into martial arts, and have done Judo, and I think a couple others, but have you done any reading or taken any classes on Tai Chi and its meditative relative, QiGong (or Chi Kung)??

I havent taken any classes yet, but while in the library I grabbed "The Complete Idiots Guide to Tai Chi and QiGong" and while its funny learning anything from those books, the author really is quite good. It makes me feel so damn healthy lol. And I thought I was healthy before :p

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

'Morning Grazi! Good to see another martial arts enthusiast here, it really is one of the most satisfying challenges of the mind and body. I definately plan to go back to it should I ever be capable again (and I believe I will right now).

I've never done tai chi (though I know a couple moves from that and Wing Chun), and have a bit of experience in Judo and Aikido. I actually just downloaded a video from Isohunt called "TaiChi - the 24 forms". I checked it out briefly and the instructions are excellent for a beginner, so you may want to try downloading that particular video.
It's a fascinating excercise being based in KungFu, meditation, and energy channeling techniques, and I hear it's actually quite a hard workout on your muscles. So I definately plan on learning it at some point, just haven't had the time lately.

Hope all goes well for you in your training!:jointsmile:

[GraziLovesMary]

Well the reason I asked, was because I have been thinking of your back problem ever since that thread, and Tai Chi and QiGong strike me as something you should try immediately for immediate results. It was just a gut instinct I had that was sickeningly strong. I would recommend going to the library and getting the book I mentioned in the first post, as the author does an excellent job explaining every imaginable aspect of the arts, their history, techniques, reasonings, everything. I would also recommend seeking a full 64 form version for full benefit.

Oddly enough, Wing Chun is another art I am currently in the process of studying and practicing along with my traditional Shao Lin training.

I have a great amount of respect for Judo, and more so, Aikido, however the Chinese arts are a good deal older and more refined in methodology and effectiveness, as well as body conditioning, than Japanese martial arts.

Have a good one and good luck!!