h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

We did five animals, of which crane was one... I think I'm glad it wasn't the only one, though

Capoeira? Whats that? - I don't know anything about this stuff at all. I had maybe four Judo lessons when i was 8 before running out of pocket money, so i know nothing. I'd quite like to know something though. Particularly what the difference is bettween the techniques, histories and philosophies of the arts.

I did yoga for many years, and have often thought of moving into Tai Chi - because it seemed like a similar practice, and though i know it does have a martial element, i assumed (perhaps wrongly) that it wasn't the key element.

I'd be interested in following a marital art that was primarily a philosophical and contemplative art, which had a physical regime that would keep one fit, centred and aware while being in harmony with that theoretical core. Any sugestions. I like the sound of 'southern crane'.

ANy chance you guys could knock up a quick guide entry? Each make a breif description of your arts and the main differences between their approaches and techniques? It would be nice.

I was literally 8 years old when i did Judo, and 4 lessons is probibly an exageration.

I have never fought since. I've always been a pacifist and have hated the idea of hurting anyone, prefering to take a pasting than raise a fist in retaliation.

Last Christmas i had my first ever fight at the age of 30. A guy broke into my house and assaulted my partner, and in trying to eject him he started a fight. And the first thing i did was get him into position and trip him to the floor as i'd been taught in the couple of lessons i had twenty ytears before. Bizzarre how it could have embedded itself into my psyche like that. I can't remember anytrhing about the classes, other than having to do call and response shouting in some language i didn't understand and bowing, i probibly didn't even pay much attention.

A649749 is probibly the best guide entry i've ever read.

For information on Capoeira, I direct you to the guide entry I wrote:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/classic/A521803

This is one that I've never gotten around to finishing, but it'll do for an introduction.

Wampus

And I'll get around to doing that guide entry on BJJ one of these days...

I ve been training in Fujian White Crane Kungfu for about a year and a half now as well as Suang Yang, a form of tai chi.

This is a very traditional club which includes everything from kicks and locks to groundwork and conditioning. Its also good for getting you fit and i've managed to transfer alot of the ideas to other sports i do.

Although different from the 5 ancestors crane, it is a southern style.
For details of the style, see www.kungfu-taichi.com