Well, I have been wondering whether I should take martial arts?
My parents studied Tai Chi, being taught by a grand-master. I remember going with them on there class’s, and I rather liked the experience. My parents asked me whether I would like to do Tai Chi as well. I declined then. I know the grand-master held me in high regard, and thought that I had considerable talent for Tai Chi. I remember following the moves they did. That was when I was 6-7 years old.
Now, the grand-master is around 70 years old. Hes still as strong as a bull, despite his age. I am now 15. I have been wondering whether I wanted to take up martial arts. I have a very low opinion on physical education, but that just might be because I am horrible out of shape. I have a good thick layer of fat covering my whole body. I am 20 pounds over my age weight for my age (that does not bother me, mind you. Such things do not concern me).
This grand master of mine is getting old, and I’m sure he is going to retire in a few years. If I want to take up tai chi, then now or within the year is the best time to do it. A part of me likes the idea of taking up a martial art. But a larger part of me is scared and withdrawn from the notion. I feel I am to physically inept to study martial arts, but even if I do try to start it up, it will be a long time before I become more fit and am able to do tai chi to the extent that I would want to. Do you understand my dilemma? Even if I start tai chi, I will be embarrassed to go to my class’s (he has small class’s, around 5 or so adults with him at a time) for at least a few months until I get in better shape.
If there was any martial art I wanted to study, it would definitely be Tai Chi. I do not like these other aggressive arts, like kung fu and karate, something more defensive/spiritual would definitely be my cup of tea.
If I had made the decision to study tai chi when I was younger back in those days, then maybe I would not be so out of shape, and maybe my opinion on physical education would improve (and it would save me considerable trouble and agitation in gym class). I have the talent (well, I had back then, I am hoping its still around now), and I have an excellent teacher. All the prerequisites seem to be there. I won’t have an opportunity like this one again for a long time.
This has been a decision I have been hesitating on for many years now. Over 5 years I have refused to take up Tai Chi based on my concerns, my low opinion for physical education, and my own ineptitude.
What do you guys think?
I have always been very hesitant when involved in physical activities. I am afraid I will look bad in front of others, I would embarrass myself (and usually do). It is not that I am lazy by any means, but an anxiety issue.
Its really the same thing with any other physical activity. Dance class’s, swimming, fencing (I honestly considered that) etc. Since I am not fit, I am worried I will embarrass myself in that activity. The only thing that does not concern me is walking, and I walk everyday, over 30 minutes a day.
Thank you to all of you who contributed positive and helpful answers 
I too have a parent who is very into Martial Arts. Specifically Shaolin Kung Fu and I remember learning a few things when I was younger, but don’t think that Kung Fu is the “Martial art for me”. Tai Chi is something that I have also had an interest in and I think that not only is it a wonderful relaxation art, but also a great way to get back into shape. The only thing is that you will need to be dedicated to it. You already know that though I am sure. Just do what you feel is best for you and don’t let anyone steer you in another direction. My opinion would be yes, start Tai Chi, but do it for yourself and nobody else. You may really like it and it can be life changing, but if you are not ready to start and feel like you might not enjoy it all that much, then there are so many other options that you have that you might like. It doesn’t have to be Martial Arts. You can join a dance class, start swimming, go for a walk every night for 20 + minutes, etc. Do something that YOU want to do and something that you think YOU will enjoy and have fun with. Good luck and well wishes to you.
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No, don’t do it.Save the environment.
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You don’t need to be in shape for tai chi, tai chi will get you in shape at your own pace. There are many tai chi players who are not thin including myself. I stopped doing tai chi and qigong for many years and just started again I’m not as flexible as I once was but I’m getting there again. I studied the yang style and teach it now after a long lay off. I suggest you study the Yang style( 24 forms) because the Chen and Wu styles is harder for beginners. If you need to get motivated and learn more about tai chi check out the site below It has Good reference material and videos that you can watch on their site. Good luck, hope you decide to study tai chi it will prepare you too for other martial arts styles if you change your mind later in life.
http://bluesparrowtaichi.blogspot.com/
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I think you like it, you want to do it, and you are just looking for excuses for being lazy. Move your lazy bum and just do it!
The most important concern about being overweight and building fat in your body is not in how you look. It’s about your health, especially after you get older. Don’t wait until it’s too late to regret.
— EDIT —
Apologies for making the assumption that you were being lazy.
I had very similar issue when I was young and I wasn’t overweight. The self esteem issue can happen to anyone regardless of their physical appearance, intelligence, social skills, etc.
The only “cure” I think is by making the first step and just doing it. That way you’ll slowly learn to accept yourself the way you are. It’s going to be very hard, especially in the start, so you need to be very brave.
Don’t worry about how other people think of you or whether they will laugh at you. You’ll realize that most people can actually accept that everyone has their limitations in one way or another. And those who like to look for others’ mistakes or something to laugh at will behave the same way to anyone. I’ve learnt to ignore them and I feel free and much happier once I managed to do that.
I just watched this video the other day about this guy with no arms and no legs who is living a happy live by accepting himself the way he is and appreciating what he has instead of feeling sorry for what he doesn’t have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY
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I absolutely think you should take martial arts, and Tai Chi in particular (which, in my humble opinion, sounds just right for you).
I was once rather out of shape myself, and realized that if I didn’t do something to change that, there was a good possibility that it could quite literally be the death of me. Taking martial arts has gotten me in much better shape, both from the physical activity of the martial arts itself and from a very wise master who got after me to exercise outside of the school as well (I get a gym membership through my job).
So, as I said before, go for it. It will help your health and view on not just physical education but life as well, and as you said, you may never get another oportunity like the one you’ve got now with your parents’ Tai Chi teacher.
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First, I want to say that being able to be taught under a Grandmaster is a huge opportunity. It’s also a great opportunity to learn in a small class environment where you don’t have to share space with 20+ students as you do in some other schools. It gives your instructor more time with you, which is exactly what you need to excel in any martial art. I would definitely agree that Tai Chi is probably the martial art for you. I wouldn’t worry about being out of shape…many people are when they first start their training. You will get into better shape as time goes on. Don’t pass up this opportunity! Good teachers are hard to find. You may never find someone up to par with the instructor you’ve already found.
Personal experience.
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