Iknow I have only been training a brief time but this stuff is hard to do.
When I first saw 7 Star forms my classmates made it look easy. But this stuff ain’t easy.
Sifu makes us keep a note book and reviews terminology during the middle of the work-outs which makes remembering a little difficult and the drilling it just seems to go on until you can barely move.
Sifu wants you to work on every movement he teaches you and he wants you to know a least 3 uses for the movemnts and don’t try to show him some textbook application because he seems to have no love for it.
The 3 star and leg striking drills are murder and the chi-gung is impossible. No one can breath out than long. And how do you get a loose body with arms like ropes? Please excuse my venting.
Stick with it.That’s what kung fu means hard work.You’ll eventually be able to do it.When I firt started I could barely reach hip height when I kicked but I could go ove my head on a good day.
I know it’s hard but if you stick with it you’ll see that hard work has it benifits.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=“-1”>quote:</font><HR> the drilling it just seems to go on until you can barely move [/quote]
Perfect! That means that you are doing what you are supposed to do.If it’s getting to hard tell your sifu about it and talk things out with him and get advice.
You can breathe out that long.It’s normal for beginners to have dificulty breathing.Don’t worry about it.I had the same trouble when I did taiji.Just ask your sifu again.In time you’ll get it.
Remember the only easy way is the long way.There are no sort cuts in life.Don’t give up on yourself you can do t.
Simply put, you won’t get to be Jet Li in 3 easy lessons. It’s tough, but worth it. On top of “50 kicks” drills, hard chi kung, static horse stances, repetitive form performance, etc… I took mantis kung fu from a fellow sailor on an aircraft carrier. http://www.dragonslist.com/homepages/external/jjmantis/
That means in our free time between standing a watch, cleaning, fire drills, training, eating and sleeping, we took time for kung fu. Needless to say, the class went from 50 wannabees to 6 to 12 good students. I even quit for a few months, but got back into it. And trust me, the results in the end are worth it. The style may not be for you. Please don’t take mantis because it is easy, but because it is hard.
You’ve gotten some good advice harkfu. Stick with it. Nothing good comes easy. You have to work for it. In the beginning it’s always rough. Kung Fu means a skill that is achieved through hard work. Don’t worry , your body will begin to adapt and you will get used to it. Eventually it will get easier. Hang in there.
Peace
NO ROAD IS AS LONG OR FILLED WITH AS MANY OBSTACLES AS THE ONE TRAVELLED BY THE CHINESE BOXER. FEW ATTEMPT TO TAKE IT . THOSE THAT REACH IT’S END ARE EVEN FEWER.
I don’t know the drills you are talking about but I do rememeber the first few months of my training. I couldn’t walk up stairs for a day or two after training. But now having got where I am now, I have to say that being here feels great. Still a long way to go though…Keep persevering.
Stick with it man, that’s what the MAs are all about. If you want to get good at it, you gotta work hard.
Having said that, it is always hard at the beginning. After a while it will seem easier. Then people will watch you and think that you make it look easy
Everyone is right. You have picked a difficult style to learn but that is also what makes it so special. Seven Star Praying Mantis is a complex and sophisticated style and your early training is difficult because your body needs to be conditioned and taught how to move for this style. All drills and practice have meaning and purpose. As others have said, it will get easier as you continue to practice. Your body will be accustomed to the demands you are putting on it now. It is the same with any sport. A runner must train hard before he/she is able to run a marathon. Keep going and you will understand.
(Bowing In) Don’t take this the wrong way but you need some ruff love. (smack) Snap out of it. Nothing that is worthwhile is truly easy. And the reason why your classmate made it easy because when they first did it they went through pain and soreness too.
Let me break it down to you. Northern Shaolin 7 star praying mantis. The connection is not just dealing with the mantis, this style has monkey foot,tai applications, kicking and fist forms , the works. For example if you have done the seven star blocking drill it builds up the forearms and your senitivity. IF done properly it hurt like hell but you body is the best AI machine known. Your body will adapt, just stay focused.
Trust me when you start to learn more, you will feel better.
“In life you either have to run over situations or step over them, you choose.” Self quote
That means that you are doing what you are supposed to do.If it’s getting to hard tell your sifu about it and talk things out with him and get advice.
But now having got where I am now, I have to say that being here feels great. Still a long way to go though…Keep persevering.