developing good movement

[macmerc]

I was hoping someone here could point me in the direction of a martial art that helps develop good, flowing and agile movement. I am not looking for a fighting art necessarily (I will pursue kali or pekiti for that), but one that will help me to move more "gracefully" (not like a ballroom dancer, but just smoothly, easily) and to respond more quickly and smoothly to situations/obstacles, etc.
thanks,
-->macmerc

P.S. : this does not have to be a filipino art.

[HeadHunter01]

Have you checked out Tai Chi or Aikido?

[Reactor]

Macmerc:

No need to look further than kali. As you grow in your training, your movements will become more efficient and the "grace" that you seek will come in time.

Sure there are "styles" you can do that look graceful at the rudimentary stages, but they are closer to dancing than anything else. They might also mitigate your progress in your fighting art, as grace comes from the natural and efficient body mechanics that develop from your fighting movements. These come about from specificity of training.

Just my opinion though.

Reactor

[William]

Another good post.

Reactor is right. Kali will develop what you seek. The ability to smoothly move through ranges, angles, attacks and counter-attacks from open hand to weaponry against single and multiple opponents is the hallmark of Kali. Even people who have trained years in other arts are amazed at how well it can smooth out their movements.

IMO, you don't really need to look any further.


William

[Batman]

yeh, the idea is to keep the weapon moving. kali isnt like most arts where there are a series of sharp movements. Some attackes look like coreographed dances

[chris davis 200]

Agree with above - In most arts you will eventually start to flow with ease of movement - once the movements become natural and instinctive to you.

If you are looking to release tension in your muscles so that they can react better then Tai chi would be worth a look.

Cheers
Chris

[krys]

Silat might be the martial art you are looking for... Silat and Arnis form an excellent combination.

There are soft (like tai chi) and hard aspect in Silat (like very hard external kung fu).
You also have to practice artistic forms, which helps you to move smoothly and gracefully as well as being relaxed while fighting......
Breathing exercises and internal training allow you to react instinctively besides generating striking power.

This can also be found in some Arnis styles, but the art component is usually less emphasized



Mabuhay ang filipino Silat at Arnis.