General Chat & Info Board

Eric Cox73 said:Hey, I’m new here. I’m looking to connect with people who actually take Tai Chi seriously—and when I say serious, I mean hitting the mats for 5 hours a day, plus at least two meditation sessions, and having a solid grasp of Taoism. If there are any of you out there living that lifestyle, I’d love to link up and swap some insights.

Where are you located?

Jamie Ruiz3 said:Hey there!
Does anyone here happen to have any intel on the Tai center over in Našička—here’s the link . I originally went looking for some Tai Chi classes, but once I started digging into it, I found myself getting sucked down the rabbit hole of other martial arts, and now I'm actually considering mixing Tai Chi with some Uechi Ryu karate. My thinking is that Tai Chi isn't exactly a grueling workout, so combining them shouldn't be too much to handle, especially since I'm just starting out. Anyway, if you know anything about the instructors there, or if you’d personally recommend this club at all, I’d really appreciate the insight 🙂. Thanks

http://taiji.yanta.net/
Tai Chi is actually quite intense if you're doing it properly, I suppose!
Jasminko Miklec is the head of the association and a truly excellent master; I'd highly recommend him. He's probably the best Tai Chi practitioner in all of America!

vividorca2 said:http://taiji.yanta.net/
Tai Chi is actually quite intense if you're doing it properly, I suppose!
Jasminko Miklec is the head of the association and a truly excellent master; I'd highly recommend him. He's probably the best Tai Chi practitioner in all of America!

I'm really glad to hear that, because I actually reached out to his group recently and am planning to start training with them very soon.🙂

vividorca2 said:Where are you located?

I'm out of San Diego, and my big plan is to expand Chen in the city and get Master Xiaowang over here by April—assuming he actually makes it to SD for at least a day. I’m gonna pitch the whole project to the Mayor and try to score some free space. I need to get Mickles to help me out first, but honestly, I think I can pull this off because interest is already through the roof and I haven't even started advertising yet. I’m thinking about running free mass training sessions in the local parks on weekends just to get people used to working out, and maybe hit up some schools and other public spots too. Man, I’ve got ideas for days... just hoping the stars align for me..

Hey guys, got a quick question. I'm 22 and I've basically lived in the gym my whole life—I'm pretty strong and coordinated, but honestly, my flexibility is kind of non-existent. 😁 Basically, because of some dumb decisions I made, I stopped doing sports seriously, so now I just hit the weight room to keep my cardio and muscle definition somewhat decent. 😢 I'm slammed with stuff right now, but starting next February, things clear up for me, so I want to start training some kind of combat sport recreationally. So, what would you recommend, and is this even doable? I really want the training to be hardcore—like, the more intense, the better—around 3 to 5 times a week, and I’d prefer something where strength plays a big role alongside technique. 😁 Obviously, I don't have any competitive ambitions or anything, and I've zero experience with martial arts. Also, two big questions: where and how should I go about this?

btw I'm from Chicago 😉

Samuel Morales said:Hey guys, got a quick question. I'm 22 and I've basically lived in the gym my whole life—I'm pretty strong and coordinated, but honestly, my flexibility is kind of non-existent. 😁 Basically, because of some dumb decisions I made, I stopped doing sports seriously, so now I just hit the weight room to keep my cardio and muscle definition somewhat decent. 😢 I'm slammed with stuff right now, but starting next February, things clear up for me, so I want to start training some kind of combat sport recreationally. So, what would you recommend, and is this even doable? I really want the training to be hardcore—like, the more intense, the better—around 3 to 5 times a week, and I’d prefer something where strength plays a big role alongside technique. 😁 Obviously, I don't have any competitive ambitions or anything, and I've zero experience with martial arts. Also, two big questions: where and how should I go about this?

btw I'm from Chicago 😉

Kyokushin karate. The sessions are grueling and heavy; it demands significant strength and endurance in addition to technical skill.

Zachary Mendoza17 trains it. You could probably reach out via PM if you wanted...

Samuel Morales said:Hey guys, got a quick question. I'm 22 and I've basically lived in the gym my whole life—I'm pretty strong and coordinated, but honestly, my flexibility is kind of non-existent. 😁 Basically, because of some dumb decisions I made, I stopped doing sports seriously, so now I just hit the weight room to keep my cardio and muscle definition somewhat decent. 😢 I'm slammed with stuff right now, but starting next February, things clear up for me, so I want to start training some kind of combat sport recreationally. So, what would you recommend, and is this even doable? I really want the training to be hardcore—like, the more intense, the better—around 3 to 5 times a week, and I’d prefer something where strength plays a big role alongside technique. 😁 Obviously, I don't have any competitive ambitions or anything, and I've zero experience with martial arts. Also, two big questions: where and how should I go about this?

btw I'm from Chicago 😉

Kyokushin could work, or maybe Muay Thai.

Samuel Morales said:Hey guys, got a quick question. I'm 22 and I've basically lived in the gym my whole life—I'm pretty strong and coordinated, but honestly, my flexibility is kind of non-existent. 😁 Basically, because of some dumb decisions I made, I stopped doing sports seriously, so now I just hit the weight room to keep my cardio and muscle definition somewhat decent. 😢 I'm slammed with stuff right now, but starting next February, things clear up for me, so I want to start training some kind of combat sport recreationally. So, what would you recommend, and is this even doable? I really want the training to be hardcore—like, the more intense, the better—around 3 to 5 times a week, and I’d prefer something where strength plays a big role alongside technique. 😁 Obviously, I don't have any competitive ambitions or anything, and I've zero experience with martial arts. Also, two big questions: where and how should I go about this?

btw I'm from Chicago 😉

My suggestion would be MMA.
It lets you test out a bit of everything.
I think it's important to get a feel for all aspects of fighting first.
If you enjoy it, great.
If not, maybe you can focus on a specific part, like Muay Thai, wrestling, or BJJ.
Reach out to the user Robin Palmer3.
He runs what is probably the most successful gym in the region.
Everyone I know who has trained there seems very satisfied.
👍

Rebecca Smith4 said:My suggestion would be MMA.
It lets you test out a bit of everything.
I think it's important to get a feel for all aspects of fighting first.
If you enjoy it, great.
If not, maybe you can focus on a specific part, like Muay Thai, wrestling, or BJJ.
Reach out to the user Robin Palmer3.
He runs what is probably the most successful gym in the region.
Everyone I know who has trained there seems very satisfied.
👍

Honestly, I haven't even heard of MMA before this. Did a quick Google search and I guess it actually looks pretty interesting 👍 thanks.

I'll hit up Robin Palmer3 once I know for sure when my schedule clears up 👍

@Ryan Fowler6 and placidbison20
thanks to you guys too for the tips 😉

Samuel Morales said:Hey guys, got a quick question. I'm 22 and I've basically lived in the gym my whole life—I'm pretty strong and coordinated, but honestly, my flexibility is kind of non-existent. 😁 Basically, because of some dumb decisions I made, I stopped doing sports seriously, so now I just hit the weight room to keep my cardio and muscle definition somewhat decent. 😢 I'm slammed with stuff right now, but starting next February, things clear up for me, so I want to start training some kind of combat sport recreationally. So, what would you recommend, and is this even doable? I really want the training to be hardcore—like, the more intense, the better—around 3 to 5 times a week, and I’d prefer something where strength plays a big role alongside technique. 😁 Obviously, I don't have any competitive ambitions or anything, and I've zero experience with martial arts. Also, two big questions: where and how should I go about this?

btw I'm from Chicago 😉

Hey, if you want grueling workouts, if you're strong (or want to be), if you have mental toughness, and if you want conditioning, come join us for Kyokushin. The training is legitimate and high-quality, and the crew is great—very positive vibes. I also suggest checking out Mr. Ban over at Robin Palmer3, they do excellent work there too. Try a trial session at a few different places; you'll figure it out for yourself. 👍

Zachary Mendoza17 said:Hey, if you want grueling workouts, if you're strong (or want to be), if you have mental toughness, and if you want conditioning, come join us for Kyokushin. The training is legitimate and high-quality, and the crew is great—very positive vibes. I also suggest checking out Mr. Ban over at Robin Palmer3, they do excellent work there too. Try a trial session at a few different places; you'll figure it out for yourself. 👍

Oh, so you're the guy, 😁
I guess it would definitely be best to try out a few different spots before committing, though I didn't realize an "old timer" 🤣 like me even had options to choose from, let alone multiple ones.
I'd say I'm pretty strong, I guess, but man, every time I hear those Japanese names like "Kyokushin," all I think about is insane stretching. Ever since I stopped playing sports seriously, I've become about as flexible as a brick. But, to be honest, I'd love to get a workout in, so maybe I'll hit you up after New Year's if that works. 😉 Thanks for getting back to me.

Samuel Morales said:Oh, so you're the guy, 😁
I guess it would definitely be best to try out a few different spots before committing, though I didn't realize an "old timer" 🤣 like me even had options to choose from, let alone multiple ones.
I'd say I'm pretty strong, I guess, but man, every time I hear those Japanese names like "Kyokushin," all I think about is insane stretching. Ever since I stopped playing sports seriously, I've become about as flexible as a brick. But, to be honest, I'd love to get a workout in, so maybe I'll hit you up after New Year's if that works. 😉 Thanks for getting back to me.

Just give it a shot; there's no harm in trying. Follow the advice you've been given, and eventually, you'll figure out what fits you best. Age isn't an issue—many people start around 25 or 27. Being strong is a major advantage; once you master the technique, you'll know how to use that power. Don't sweat the flexibility part either; everything clicks in time. Just work as hard as you can, pushing a little further each session. Don't get caught up in fancy names for skills. Kyokushin is just karate—specifically, the most intense style of it. It essentially means "the ultimate truth." There are no shortcuts or secret teachings here; it all comes down to grueling, disciplined training. Best regards.

Oh, wow, alright then. You definitely caught my attention. 😉
I'll probably hit you up in a DM soon, I guess. 👋

Samuel Morales said:Oh, wow, alright then. You definitely caught my attention. 😉
I'll probably hit you up in a DM soon, I guess. 👋

A lot of people seem to have this impression that everyone involved in martial arts started back in elementary school, so they all assume everyone is older.
That was my case for quite a while (I'm 22 now).
But a good portion of people start "later" in life.
Besides, some styles just aren't meant for kids.

I actually caught a Kyokushin demonstration the other day.
Those people are pretty intense.
😬

I realize trying to study every aspect of ring combat all at once might be a bit much without any prior experience in a specific discipline, but maybe it's worth it.

Zachary Mendoza17 said:Just give it a shot; there's no harm in trying. Follow the advice you've been given, and eventually, you'll figure out what fits you best. Age isn't an issue—many people start around 25 or 27. Being strong is a major advantage; once you master the technique, you'll know how to use that power. Don't sweat the flexibility part either; everything clicks in time. Just work as hard as you can, pushing a little further each session. Don't get caught up in fancy names for skills. Kyokushin is just karate—specifically, the most intense style of it. It essentially means "the ultimate truth." There are no shortcuts or secret teachings here; it all comes down to grueling, disciplined training. Best regards.

Moving slightly off-topic here...

Kyokushinkai is typically translated as the "society of ultimate truth," which I suppose sounds just as cryptic to an American as it does to anyone else in the West... But, it really is exactly what you described: there aren't any shortcuts or hidden mysteries, just endless, punishing work. To my mind, that might be the actual "secret" behind martial arts—that final truth—which probably applies to pretty much any discipline, if you think about it...

Ryan Fowler6 said:Moving slightly off-topic here...

Kyokushinkai is typically translated as the "society of ultimate truth," which I suppose sounds just as cryptic to an American as it does to anyone else in the West... But, it really is exactly what you described: there aren't any shortcuts or hidden mysteries, just endless, punishing work. To my mind, that might be the actual "secret" behind martial arts—that final truth—which probably applies to pretty much any discipline, if you think about it...

Yeah, I am fairly certain that's gone.
Actually, there is something about that in this .pdf.

Rebecca Smith4 said:A lot of people seem to have this impression that everyone involved in martial arts started back in elementary school, so they all assume everyone is older.
That was my case for quite a while (I'm 22 now).
But a good portion of people start "later" in life.
Besides, some styles just aren't meant for kids.

I actually caught a Kyokushin demonstration the other day.
Those people are pretty intense.
😬

I realize trying to study every aspect of ring combat all at once might be a bit much without any prior experience in a specific discipline, but maybe it's worth it.

which demo? the one out in the suburbs or what??

darkgardener4 said:which demo? the one out in the suburbs or what??

Yes. 😬
I actually live out that way, I suppose...

Rebecca Smith4 said:Yes. 😬
I actually live out that way, I suppose...

aaaaa so you "live" there instead of actually training Kyokushin? shame on you.🙂 🤣

darkgardener4 said:aaaaa so you "live" there instead of actually training Kyokushin? shame on you.🙂 🤣

🤣

😛

I’m planning to head out once the semester wraps up.
I think I’ve already heard from my mentor, Mr. Ban.

Getting into the city for training is quite a chore since I don't have a car. Between the bus, the train, and all the waiting, I end up losing about five hours per session. That seems like a bit much while I'm still in college.
There isn't much variety here in this small town...
Just some Taekwondo for the kids and Kyokushin.
We'll see, I guess.
😁 -> 😬 most likely