What are some styles of karate/MA that are less intense? Kenpo is fast paced and I can't take that

Question

(heart condition) but I love the MA? Are there other styles that aren't as vigorous? I took Kenpo but had to quit...

Answer 1

The only two that I can think of for someone in your condition would be Tai Chi and/or Aikido.

Perhaps some internal styles of Kung Fu.

Good luck.

James

Answer 2

Aikido is a very soft peaceful "spiritual" art. It maybe what you are looking for. Though don't think you'll be a "great" martial artist if you can't "hang".

If it's not a good school, you maybe able to take an internal MA. Buut if it is a good school, you will find it harder than your Kenpo.

Answer 3

A lot of people do not think of it, but Tai Chi is actually a martial art form.

It is practiced slow both to get the forms perfected and to build strength.

It is even fairly effective if you decide to speed it up like karate.

Answer 4

Tai Chi

Ba Gua

Qi Gong

Wu Wei

All of the above are Taoist Internal Martial Arts.

You might also want to explore some of the possibilities of Japanese Jiu Jitsu which focuses on submissive techniques (joint locks, chokes, etc.)

Answer 5

a word on internal arts....other than taiji (tai chi) ...bagua and hsing i chuan can get QUITE vigorous.

any instructor should let you train at your own pace given your condition. in aikido you will be taking alot of falls, i dont know if this will effect you or not.

okinawan karate kata's tend to be slower than kempo forms. you might look into it. and/or tai chi.

i agree with pvp...tai chi has some really really good self defense material in it if you get a goot shrfu.

Answer 6

Try Tai Chi.  The link give a match demonstration for you.

Answer 7

Tai Chi is for you.

We have some older student with our school and they are doing well with it.  

Answer 8

Well, not only Tai Chi, but any of the Chinese Internal Arts are great.

The training for the internal arts is Nei Gung(internal work), which can help strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system altogether.

Don't be afraid of vigorous exercize, unless you just had some kind of surgery. It is Stress, that you have to eliminate. That is the real killer.

Find yourself someone with a good rep and long term practitioner.