is tai chi worth taking?

[TKDist]

If you are interested in the martial arts aspect, make sure the teacher isn't one who recoils in horror at the very idea of their beautiful art being corrupted by violence. Also avoid the chi kung magic powers crowd, who will promise you that they can cure cancer and levitate.

This cracked up..."can cure cancer and levitate" LOL <img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>

[sanchin]

I agree that taiji can help if you're also practicing one of the other arts. I had real trouble with learning naihanchi kata as I was just too stiff, but practicing taiji for a while really helped. Training in the form can help develop real power, and pushing hands develops a good touch reflex to react to strikes, and to be able to destroy your opponents balance.

Think I'm getting too old for this...

[PizDoff]

"Lastly, even though you don't believe it, TC does train you for the "street""


I said-"train for the street not just for the art"

my statement doesn't mean that I think Tai Chi doesn't work, you misunderstand me, I am saying learn to use TC in a combat situtaion instead of just doing forms "all the time"

the pushhands practice i have done with the TC people at my gym has really helped me develope balance and understand force, so i am not knocking TC

--

Let me introduce you to my friends: Fist, Elbow and Knee.

[J-kid]

Proble NOT

[DanDavis]

I would definitely recommend it. If you can do it on the days you're not practicing your other styles, that's great! It's not a very strenuous style and you actually can use some of the movements for self defense. Believe it or not, the opening posture actually saved my neck in a fight once!

Another thing I would suggest is starting off with the yang style. It's definitely the most basic of the different families.

"Strike first! Strike hard! No mercy, sir!"

[PizDoff]

"Proble NOT"

that'll teach you to speak with food in your mouth

--

Let me introduce you to my friends: Hand, Elbow and Knee.