Dance/ Martial Arts backgrounds

I haven't had much in terms of martial arts or dance training. but i find that i unknowingly draw alot (sometimes more that i'm willing to admit) from martial arts movies. Still trying to find some sort of sweet middle ground.

Yang style, I think. Learning the 24 form kata. It was a few years ago now... I never made it on to the 48 form or the sword forms.

I'm actually planning on taking up Hapkido on Monday. I have bought the uniform, cane, and everything else needed for the class.

Aside from what I already know, I think that martial arts, primarily Tai Chi, is a good mix for poi, or any performing arts for that matter

xan: yang style, i knew someone who did that (as well as other styles)...why did you give up? or do you (as in my case) still practice but at home or with friends, rather than going to classes?

RaveRepresent: yeah, tai chi is good (as are others martial arts and dance), stops you being so...falloverallot when doing stuff.
good luck with the hapkido

I gave up because I was in my final year at Uni and really needed to concentrate on my coursework.
Planning on taking up lessons again soon though. It's been too long!

I've also been thinking about capoeira...

yeah, my little sister does capoeira, i really like it, don't seem to be anyone teaching it around here though.

Yay for Capoeiristas and those who hand them burning staff

Hey Xan:
Nice Gort!

Thanks man... Gort shall return after a brief piratical interlude.

I've been doing tae kwon-do for 10 years and just recently started with poi - still struggling with weave though. I can get a butterfly, reels etc but I can't get that the under arm after going over without it getting tangled. aaaah frustration xx

It should happen pretty easily the moment you realise what the motion is, I'm sure. After that much tae kwon-do, you'll definitely have the dexterity and coordination.

Zum zum zum Capoeira Mataun!

OMG Brenn - thats what Kate sings all the time when she's happy!

I'm thinking of doing Tai Chi in the city next week, the problem is that it's very early and I live a fair distance away. I'll try and rope someone crazy into going with me

Melbourne unfortunately.

I just searched the lazy way - typed 'Tai Chi Melbourne' into Google and it came up with free classes in the CBD - substituting Brisbane gives you this and this one.

I've always wanted to try Tai Chi, but starting work at 8:30am in blackburn makes that a tad difficult. Maybe when i'm back at uni

Yep Gnor... me likey this forum

I've had very little formal training in either, really.

Three years in Shotokan karate (to brown belt), but that was about 6 years ago now... I guess it did help with stances and body positioning.

No real dance training at all (although, does a couple of years Irish dancing when I was about 5 count?! )... I watched ALOT of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers growing up, though

I think that planting your feet, and balance, are the most important things that can be learned from either discipline and transferred into poi dancing.

Poi is a rhythmic thing. What you choose to do with it is your own style (and for many people [eh Monkey] it's just about moving out of the way of a flying object

I just listen to the music... and try to make the patterns fit.

x