What are some of the things you have to do when starting Kung Fu?

Question

I just started Shaolin Kung Fu. Should I stop lifting weights? I fear I might be a bit too slow if I continue.

Answer 1

there are alot of things you can do to prepare for shaolin kung fu. The weight lifting is fine but i'd lower the weight and start over again. You're going to be using you're muscles in an entirely new way and if you start at a rediculous wight while praciticing stances, forms, conditioning excersizes, etc. you can seriously hurt yourself.

Shaolin is fast, strong, and flexible martial art. start split training, stretching excersizes, horse stance (if you don't know what that is, you will, trust me on it). muscle tone will come from your stances.

Answer 2

It really depends on you and the school you are going to. Some do a lot of isometric and plyometric strength training exercises and weight lifting may or may not be needed in addition to that, others do practically nothing but forms. It really depends on you and what you want to gain from both lifting and martial arts. I will say that for a while when I was doing full contact tournaments I was doing quite a bit of weight training and did feel like it slowed me down and hindered my range of motion. We are all different though, so it may not slow you down.

I'd give the classes some time and maybe cut back on the lifting to see how the classes go. If you don't feel like you are getting enough strength training in then by all means pick the weights back up. Be sure to stretch well and often and you will definitely suffer less in speed and range of motion loss.

Good luck!!!

Answer 3

It depends what what you are trying to accomplish. Nowadays, most schools are tailored to the public to increase revenue. So whereas previously practionioners would already have to be in excellent physical conditions this is no longer a necessity. So for the first question, you probably won't have to do anything besides listen and learn.

For the second question: In Kung Fu, or all martial arts in general, speed is perhaps the most important aspect. Most serious fighters experiment with different body weights to find the one which suits them best. As long as you are not EXTREMELY muscular in which your body becomes a burden, continue lifiting weights if you desire. Most students lift weights on the side as well.