Orange County, CA?

[Vulcan300]

Hey, all. I've just moved back here to Orange County and I've got some time on my hands, so I've been looking for a place to learn some martial arts. I've never done any sort of kung fu/traditional Chinese martial arts before, and I was curious to try it out. I checked out the directory, but the only thing I could find was Tim Cartmell's Shen Wu; unfortunately, I can't really afford the private instruction and I'd feel a little more comfortable in a group setting anyway, I think. So... anyone know of a place with some quality instruction?

I've done a few years of Tae Kwon Do and Kyokushin Karate in the (distant) past, and I also recently started doing judo. I kind of wanted a change of pace with an internal martial art. I'm most interested in Bagua, but beggars and choosers and all that. XD I'll pretty much try anything.

Thanks in advance.

[baguamen22]

You can still go to his classes right? Why not those then? All of the standup (wrestling/striking) is mostly from the IMA anyways. In terms of privates, I know from experience that Tim tends to be pretty with prices, just make sure you talk to him about it.

[JAB]

Go to Tim's group classes and you will learn more IMA in 6 months, then with someone else for over a year!
Jake

[xingyiguy]

Forrest Chang teaches Xingyi in Mission Viejo

Sudan Jeffers teaches Xingyi in Downtown Los Angeles

Both are disciples of Li Tai-Liang.

[xingyiguy]

Danny Regan is teaching in Anaheim, CA.
He is a disciple of Li Tai-Liang.

[strawdog]

Danny Regan is teaching in Anaheim, CA.

Since when? When did Beegs move back to Cali?

[xingyiguy]

Danny Regan is in Ventura County, CA now.

Since August.

He's going to start teaching soon.

You can look him up at http://www.regansmartialarts.com/

[strawdog]

The best thing for you to do is just train at Shenwu.

[shawnsegler]

Tim is pretty amazing it's true.

S

[Shane]

If you're in Orange County you'd be really happy after checking out Tim Cartmell's ability to explain and simplify the most complex concepts. There's no bullsh*t and no 'call me master' junk. If you're into the 'call me Shir-Fu' stuff, you might be disappointed. Its just great group of people learning the real deal and getting profficient real fast. (and yes, much of what he teaches in every class is how to apply techniques from the internal arts).

If you haven't already, drop by from 3-6 on any Saturday and just hang out.

Best of luck.
Shane

[kshurika]

I studied with Forrest Chang for a very short time (just a few sessions), but not Xing Yi. Very nice guy, extremely smart and the short demos of Xing Yi I saw were impressive to say the least. He'd be a good choice.

I'm in my second year of studying Xing Yi with Tim. No disparagement of Forrest (because I never studied XY with him), but I vote for Tim. The way in which he presents the material, teaches the applications, makes sure you get everything..... and then goes over it again, and again, and again, until it becomes part of you - that's the way to learn something deeply IMO. He doesn't hold anything back; he's not on a Shr Fu trip and he rarely uses the word "chi".

p.s. All this advice you're getting here about Tim is the same advice I got on this same forum after asking the same question about two years ago. If you're serious about Xing Yi, you won't go wrong with Tim.

[Shane]

Vulcan300, you mentioned being interested in Bagua Zhang and rumor has it that the group Bagua Zhang classes at Shen Wu (Tim Cartmell's school) will be starting up again probably on Saturday mornings in the near future. Bagua Zhang is my favorite too.

You also mentioned not being in a position to afford private lessons, Tim has 'open mat' every Saturday from 3pm-6pm, when students and friends get together to practice any and everything. If you come by and introduce yourself, you could probably hop in and workout. The open mat sessions vary widely, some guys just working on their ground game (BJJ) other guys might have gloves and gear and spar hard, some just doing randori with each other. There's much to be seen and much to be learned (and occasionally scrumptious chicks are in the mix too). If you wanted to see Bagua, Tim or any of his long time Bagua guys (myself included) would be happy to show you whatever you ask.

Shane

[strawdog]

his long time Bagua guys (myself included) would be happy to show you whatever you ask.

Speak for yourself Shane. Show a complete stranger whatever he ask, really? You're way too generous.

IMO, people need to go book Tim for private lessons (be an actual Shen Wu student) and attend regular Shen Wu class to get to ask whatever he wants during open mat.

[edededed]

Scrumptious chicks sound nice.

Unfortunately, in general one has to be able to afford something in order to learn it... (I cut down on food, myself.)

[Shane]

True, Strawdog, and thanks for prompting a clarification. I didn't mean I/we/Tim would show 'everything' asked by a stranger during open mat; but that a stranger could come in, generally get a feel for whats going on and ask questions. It's been my experience that if someone drops by and asks to see an example of a double-palm change being applied, or how Lady Works the Shuttles works, or how pushhands develops etc, those types of questions are usually answered or demonstrated.

Shane