I've been seeing an increasing number of people who are claiming to teach styles like Tai Chi for self defense. From what I've seen, the internal styles DO have a "functional" side to them...If you're willing to put in the time and effort into learning them.
Was wondering which you preferred? The HARD, External styles (Karate, various forms of Kung Fu, etc...) or the SOFT, Internal styles (Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Aikido, etc.)?
Arnold
Was wondering which you preferred? The HARD, External styles (Karate, various forms of Kung Fu, etc...) or the SOFT, Internal styles (Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Aikido, etc.)?
Arnold
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Re: Internal versus External styles....
Tue, March 7, 2006 - 2:39 PMI study a style that is a combination of hard and soft style. I don't know how much you know or accept of the concept of yin yang, though your symbol would suggest that you're familiar with it.
There is no absolutes in life, so by logical conclusion both styles are appropriate. Every confrontation does not end in a fight, so soft style that can transition to hard style would be more versitile.
My system of martial arts has escapes, joint locks, throws, kicks and punches and of course fatal arts. I hope I never have to use the hard extreme, but my "tools" are kept sharp just in case that I do. -
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Re: Internal versus External styles....
Sun, June 15, 2008 - 10:57 AMI agree with L. The situation dictates the response.
If you choose not to study hard or soft, at least become aware of their abilities. Understand how you can use your style to counter the opposite.
I have studied some hard and some soft styles. I like the mix. I am not a "martial artist", but at a close friend has pointed out, I have dabbled for 25 years, so I picked up something worth while. He has a brown belt in Crane style Kung Fu, and I tend to confuse him when I switch from soft to hard without warning, then counter his counter attack with soft again.
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