Thoughts on learning martial arts online?

I've been considering starting Tai Chi, but don't have the funds to pay for a school in real life. A lot of videos are online that guide you through each step -- is this a reliable way to learn Tai Chi (or any martial art, for that matter), or is it too precise to learn without corrections from a teacher?

I think it is always better when you train under a teachers guidance

It would be better if you could arrange some sort of barter deal with your instructor to help defray expenses. Learning any martial art without an instructor is kind of like learning to drive without ever operating a vehicle. Afraid it’s wax on wax off time Daniel San.

Superman

TaiChi happens to be the only martial art that can be learned on-line.


Once you learn, learn to apply it later

Flora V. Arbor wrote:

TaiChi happens to be the only martial art that can be learned on-line.


Once you learn, learn to apply it later

I disagree, for obvious reasons.

Do not let the perfect get in the way of the good.

Nice link..

Nintyplayer wrote:

I've been considering starting Tai Chi, but don't have the funds to pay for a school in real life. A lot of videos are online that guide you through each step -- is this a reliable way to learn Tai Chi (or any martial art, for that matter), or is it too precise to learn without corrections from a teacher?

I used to be an instructor of Chen style Taijichuan for about a year. Every two weeks a student would go to my Sifu to show what they've learned, and they would make corrections where necessary, spar, and we would go about our business. The reason we did it this way was because my Sifu didn't own a building, and because we all had lives to live.

It's not impossible to learn Taiji without an instructor, but it's more difficult without one. It's hard to know what you're doing wrong unless there is someone around to tell you. That being said, it's far from impossible if you're open minded.

I would put more emphasis on finding sparring partners. It doesn't matter what kind of instruction you get if it doesn't work against a live resisting opponent. Combat in self defense, like any other physical activity is something you learn by doing. You never saw a Olympic runner who never ran, or a championship swimmer who never touched water, right? You won't know how to fight unless you've fought, so get some sparring partners.

Get in shape. A lot of training is free and can be done without instructor. You can train MA when you can afford it.

Defie touches on an important point, and that is to have sparring partners. Learning a martial art online is easier if you train with a friend (if you can't spar with a trained opponent). You would like your form to be perfect, but the more important aspect in this case is building confidence in your ability. Find a friend who will be honest with you about your progress. You don't want to try to patrol unless you are confident you are competent in your style. Enter a tournament to test what you've learned.

Some community centers have free or incredibly cheap martial arts classes.

Professors Wally Jay and Toru Tanaka were guest instructors at the YMCA when I was a teenager.