MMA & Chen-Style Tai Chi

I went to class last night and attended MMA Lite for 1.5 hours followed by an hour of a different Tai Chi class. This type of Tai Chi was more active and actually made me sweat a bit. The class started w/ a good bit of stretching, which was great after MMA. I think a lot of the moves are geared to self-defense. One drill had my opponent and I grab eachother's arms, and they would attempt to push me over, while I had my feet separated shoulder distance and parallel (a rather vulnerable position). Practicing this should tighten up my core and all sorts of weird muscles I'm not used to using. I'm supposed to redirect the energy from the opponent back to them. Toward the end of class we practiced part of one of the forms, which is probably what most people think of, if regard to Tai Chi. There's a focus on stance and being very firm in that stance. Not as easy as you'd think.

MMA Lite was fun, as usual. We practiced some kicks and leg sweeps. Shaun used me for many of the demonstrations. Needless to say, I'm sure I'll be sprouting up some new bruises today! There are 2 other new female students, and he has us practice more basic techniques. It's nice to not be the only newbie. :)

Oh, and I went to kickboxing on Saturday - that workout was CRAZY! One guy actually passed out!