Ba Gua Zhang & Xing Yi Quan

[Chino]

I've just begun to train in these arts... anyone have any experiences with it? How effective is it in the real world?

[Bligh]

If you put the time in, you will never be disappointed with these arts IMO. Be patient, and you will have skills for many years to come. Who is/are your teacher(s)?

[Chino]

I've recently started to train at the Shen Wu Academy in So Cali - Tim Cartmell is the instructor. He is a bonafide badass, and a hell of an admirable person as well.

You know, I've never even heard of this stuff til like a week ago, and in all honesty I'm a little skeptical. I hope the training proves to be a good investment.

[Bligh]

You are in a good place. Be patient and you will get what you want. Leave early, and there will be a point in your life when you will regret it.

[Chino]

Thanks for the advice Bligh. I definitely won't be leaving Tim's school. In fact, it's the best that I've been to.

[4 Ranges]

Bligh:

what's your experience with these arts? I've always been curious about them....

[Bligh]

I have always had a scholarly interest in combative neijia (internal arts), although absence of a legit teacher has impeded my personal study. Tim is a real deal guy by all accounts I have seen.
I think bagua and hsing-i have a definite combative application when taught properly. The techniques will also not decay as much with age. Like silat, these arts allow you to move into a different kind of intensity as you age. Tim's students compete in tournaments regularly, as do Mike Pattersons. Both of these men could (in non-flowery terms and a fast paced curriculum) show a student how these arts could add to your overall combat effectiveness. They could fit well in your JKD.