what do you consider health!

do you consider the form work or chi kung, general fitness, bag work, as the health in kung fu.

if you had to pick one of the above which one is the best for health.

i would choose forms!!! because you can do them with tension, rings, fast, and slow. also you can learn to fight with them. unfortunately you wont get timing, power as much as pad and bag work. but thats my choice. can get timing and distance from 2 man sets.

anyone disagree?? :D

peace

bakmeimonk@hotmail.com

What happens if we disagree?

I would have to say flexibility, and cardiovascular respiratory endurance. Seeing elderly people who have maintained these capabilities is awe inspiring, and to witness people my own age who haven't is inspiring as well.

very true ten tigers :)

its good to see old folk still flexible and healthy, **** buggers are fitter than me. :)

peace

bakmeimonk@hotmail.com

Here's a related question: Does a fit body bring with it, automatically, a fit mind?

Robin

Definitely not, Robin. It helps, though.

Health to me, is more mental than it is physical.

a healthy body makes you feel better both physically and mentally and propably helps you being more posetive, i had no confidence and now i dont let people tramp on me :]

Free thinkers are dangerous.

I'd have to agree with TenTigers. Seeing people in their 70's, 80's, or 90's still training and performing really gives me inspiration and shows the essence of Chinese kung fu.

I would have to say that before I started KF i sucked wind going up three flights of stairs in my office building- now I take steps 2 at a time-probably thanks to sa ping ma training. My skiing has also gotten better-don't get wiped out after a half a day like I used to- so KF has had some positive cross-pollination in other aspects of life, which is as it should be.

Kung Fu is in the basics, Health is in the basics. This includes stretches as much as excercises and actual martial arts basics.
Forms can be done incorrectly but if the basics are practiced it lasts forever.
It is nice to see old people being flexible and capable at such advanced ages, however it wasn't forms by the time they reach 80, as it is the stretching and basics.
As such their demonstrations will be good when they choose them to be (As most Masters are modest thus hide their true skills, except for their disciples) based not on their forms but their basic skills.

Fiercest tiger, when I read that question I had hideous flashbacks to old lectures :)
As for the mind/body thing, it can help. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural euphorics, and lead to a sense of wellbeing.
It also lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Add to these physical effects factors such as improved self esteem and sense of accomplishment, which should come from training at a good school, and you're doing well in the whole mental health area.
However, you can run into problems if you become overly concerned with exercise, fitness or appearance, which can be the pitfall.

"Weapons are the embodiments of fear,
the wise use them only when they have no choice"
Lao Tzu

thanks for your post, anything thjat helps in fitness with mind and body is a bonus isnt it.
thanks again. ;)

peace

bakmeimonk@hotmail.com

An old yet simple practice for health is

"Zhan Zhuang" standing practice that is vital and excellent for harmonising the body (1-2Hrs a day is all it takes :))

Regards
Shi Chan Long

to find your answer just look at your average kenpo/kempo practicioner, i believe you will find your answer very disapionting indeed. i dont mean to besmerch anybody but this is how i feel.
kenpo/kempo sucks
always has
always will
but hey,,, at least its not wing chun.[seriously]

The Chinese concept of health is very different from the western. I agree with the internal masters who believe that good health and fitness do not nessassarily go hand in hand. Let us listen to what they have to say:

"...one may reach the state where the spirit is preserved within, the body is healthy, and the spirit full, the intellect wise, desicions made adroitly and reactions made spontaneously. Consequently, the life energy will be maintained resulting in good health..."

-Wang Ji Wu, Hsing I Master, lived over 100 years

(paraphrasing)"Hah! Young man you know nothing! You see a fat old man, but look closer! I can eat more than you, drink more than you, sleep longer than you, and have more sex than you! You may be young, but I have Chi. Without Chi, there is no health."

-Wong Feh, Bagua Master, addressing a young B.K.Frantzis

It appears that there is more to good health than doing splits at eighty and practicing forms. Good health, according to the above mentioned Masters, seemed to indicate a certain "joy of life", an enlightened happy state, free from turmoil and full of zest. These men were obviously fit for thier ages, but what gave them the advantage over us simple mortals was Chi! Let's not neglect giving credit to our Chi Kung training. Fighting skills are impressive, Forms demonstrations are really entertaining to watch, but when I reach my 'hundreds, I'd still like to have sex like a teenager! :eek:


Best regards, ScarletMantis