Kickboxing or Kung Fu?

[johnlambert]

Morning all,
I've been doing Chinese Kickboxing for about 11 weeks now and was graded for my orange belt yesterday. The thing is, although I've kept myself fit since leaving the Army, Im not as fast as the youger people doing the course (should have mentioned it's an intense course run by a friend) and im finding it hard to keep up. Another friend has suggested that I learn Kung Fu instead, he is a master practitioner of Lau Gar and thinks it may be better suited to me.
My question is; does anyother ABer have any experience in these styles of matial arts? if so what would they advise?
TIA

[crete]

ive dabbled in origami over the years, id be happy to give some advice john.

[Haggisdj]

Hi

I am 49 and I gained my black belt in Tae Kwon-Do last October. I find I can keep up with the young'uns in most things and have more staying power in some. I do have problems sparring against the really fit 18-25 year olds though.

I think you should find a style that you enjoy that is not an intense course. If you have a decent instructor he will take age, fitness, etc., into consideration when you join.

Hope this helps.

[johnlambert]

thanks haggis
Im 46 and as stonger than when I was 18-25, but this is so much faster and more furious than I imagined, also as the name suggests, it's all about boxing and kicking so it's more agressive than I need it to be.
I think I'll finish the course and try the Lau Gar
I'll keep you posted.

[enigma]

You've just inspired me to go for it and take up kickboxing John and Haggisdj , thank you ! I'm 31 and was worried that I would look like a granny in the class compared to all the younger ones but I am going to pluck up the courage and go for it. I've never done anything like that before - only judo in my teens- but I really wanted something new and exciting. A friend suggested kickboxing and I heard that it's really good for keeping fit but I was just worried about the age group of those attending. A quick question though if I may , can you just do it for fun or do you have to compete ? I just want to do it to maintain a good level of fitness but i'm not into competing at all. Well done to you though John and good luck on finishing your course. I was in disbelief reading that you had progressed to orange belt in eleven weeks until I read on that it was an intensive course. Phew !

John please forgive me for hijacking your thread now but I just wanted to ask Haggisdj a question if you don't mind. Haggis , you kindly offered to help me tweak my Myspace page which I was having difficulties with but you didn't leave your Myspace addy and I couldn't find you. I was wondering if that offer still stands ? I would be grateful for any help to change the graphics in the contacts box. Many thanks x

[Miss Random]

Hi johnlambert,
In answer to your questions;

No I don't .

Advise extreme caution.

Other than that, I like the answers to the questions I have read, so don't think you need to worry too much about your physique....

[Miss Random]

Sorry, meant YOUR answers to questions I have read.

[Haggisdj]

enigma

Hi... it's still Haggisdj - that should bring it up..