This is my story so far...it’s hilarious, messy and embarrassing all at once.

5 months ago, I approached tai chi teachers in my area, because I became convinced it could help me in several ways - as good exercise, healthy discipline, pure enjoyment, and to sort my chi.
I'm regaining my health from severe Post Viral Fatigue (M.E./CFS).
At worst, I was practically bed bound; couldn't walk for 3 years, and one of my vocal cords was paralysed for 7. I had to re-learn how to stand and walk, and in a way, tai chi etc., is just another step in that process. I was already making progress, but my mobility improvement had ‘levelled-out’ – and I couldn’t find a way forward. I still have to resort to using a wheelchair for distances (yes, I am like a female Andy Pipkin - though hopefully not that bad looking, and minus the attitude!)

I seriously question any kind of dramatic results for conditions like this - but honestly, I've made more stable progress since starting training, than before. No other forms of exercise have worked like that FOR ME. Exercising with a fatiguing condition is challenging - I found much of the wisdom and techniques of training helped me navigate my own way through that, and were transferable to managing my health on a whole new level. The key has been to just start where I am, and proceed with care - the usual advice for anyone really I suppose.

I'm in my 30's, and a complete newbie - I practice wudang tai chi chuan, qigong and tao yin. I was intrigued by martial arts but never even dreamt of practicing; now I adore it.

I've meditated regularly, for over 10 years, and am qualified in several complementary therapies. I've worked diligently to regain my health, and so far the 'martial world' has kind of brought it all together in a way that nothing else has been able to. I may be mistaken, but I can't think of any other avenue that would, so comprehensively?

Everything going on here is a tremendous resource and inspiration for me, so THANK YOU GUYS!

All in all, I'm finding the entire experience brilliant for reorganising and retraining my body, mind and energy. My wellbeing, stamina, energy, confidence, co-ordination, and strength are slowly improving week by week on every level, testament I think to the pure genius of martial arts, and the wise guidance of a good teacher!

Thanks for sharing such an inspirational story and of course consider this your official welcome to the Martial Edge forums!!!

Jason, Ben, Lesley, Ian, Sham and myself (The Martial Edge team) are working very hard to make this 'THEEEE' online resource for martial arts so im pleased to hear you have such good feedback about the site already.

There is still alot of work for us to do in terms of development of the site etc and in terms of editorial we have only just scratched the surface.

Thanks again, and keep posting!!

well done man, really good to hear it helped you out

Just to add to Jasons point. One of the things we are planning when the forums get busier is to have 'discussion programs' essentially where we have an expert or martial arts personality sign it to the forum for an hour and engage with questions from members of the community.

But thanks for the heads up and keep them coming!

Cpt Jagger wrote:
well done man, really good to hear it helped you out

Thanks Pete and Jason! Really appreciate all you're doing.

Wu ming347 wrote:
Cpt Jagger wrote:
well done man, really good to hear it helped you out

Thanks Pete and Jason! Really appreciate all you're doing.

oops! Sorry - thank you TOM, had a blonde moment - even tho I'm not blonde!

Wow Caz - It's great to hear the progress you're making. I'm really glad that you've found something that works this well for you. let us know how you continue - it's always good to hear of people beating PVF/ME/CFS :hugs: