Sunday, April 26, 2009

Some questions about Chinese Kung-Fu.?

Since I was a boy, I've been fascinated with Chinese culture. Chinese music, Chinese food, Chinese Kung-Fu,


the Chinese language, Chinese history. I love it all. And I love watching Kung-Fu martial artists do their thing. I'm also a huge fan of Kung-Fu cinema, especially the Bruce Lee %26amp; Kill Bill movies, %26amp; yet I don't know how to do one Kung-Fu move.





The reason why I like Kung-Fu is because I just like the overall style...the way Kung-Fu martial artists move, kick, punch %26amp; block. I can't give a really deep answer other then I just think it's cool.





Most of the Kung-Fu schools in my town are too far away from where I live, %26amp; are too pricey, so I thought I should try learning from a DVD. That way, I can practice when I feel like it, but could I become decent at it all from watching a DVD?





If so, can anyone recommend one to me, %26amp; finally, is Kung-Fu a good style to learn from because I've heard there are better styles, but I think that all depends on who's doing it.

Some questions about Chinese Kung-Fu.?
I would take the closest thing to you, maybe karate, Judo, Kenpo or anything else its similar and you can get your foot in the door. Or if your still in high school take wrestling. Kung Fu is cool but the main reason i think you should take martial arts is to defend yourself and Kung Fu isn't necessarily better than any other martial arts.
Reply:Kung fu isn't a style, its a form of martial art with many hundreds of systems/styles within it.





DVD training is of limited use WHEN you have experience however when you have no experience they are only one step above learning from a book. One of the major differences between kung fu and others forms of martial art such as karate, silat, boxing, etc is the fluidity of the art. This is impossible to learn unless you are taught in person. Personally my advice would be this, go to the various schools of kung fu that are within possible travelling distance and explain your difficulties. It may be that it is expensive and you have to do odd jobs in order to pay for lessons but many of us did that in earlier days and travelled major distances for lessons when lessons and instructors were few and far between.
Reply:If you just want to do it for physical fitness health etc videos can be of use but as far as defending yourself probably not .





It's more interesting than buying a set of wieghts and pumping iron which most people quickly get bored with.


Be sure to get instructional videos that break it down move by move so you can get it right not demo videos.





Martial arts are practiced with 3 goals in mind health fitness and self defense you will be aiming at 2 out of 3 of those goals.





good luck
Reply:look up these styles to see the differences, as some are both linear and circular in concepts some are not. San Soo has hanging blocks that are linear in concept as well as windmills and the 8 step patterns that are circular when doing techniques at various angles with and with no block. It uses both concepts as it is not limited.


San Soo


Now Chinese Chuan Fa having roots in Shaolin is basically circular, yet it's offshoots as Kenpo is , also has alot of linear to it. The style Okinawa Te has alot of Linear to it, and was the first style in the islands based from Chinese San Shao, the windmill concept is circular, the hanging blocks are not.


Southern Chinese styles are more hand work as they wore alot of clothing in Southern China due to extreme cold, northern styles where it is warmer having less clothes the styles tend to be alot more leg work.


Some styles are based in animal mimericky, some are not as San Soo . You need to find what your goals are, being combative, health, sport, or lifestyle.


Tai Chi , Wing Chun, Chuan Fa, Shuai Chaou, San Shao, Mantis, 5 animal, eagle claw, etc, they all have a rich history and a way to build both character and ability.


Frank Woosley San Soo in the beginning


Ron Van Brownings San Soo after


Once you learn enough you can learn techniques from many sources. It is not Brain Science. My older brother earned his 3rd degree from Jimi H. Woo in Encino, Ca. I fought my brother growing up. I learnt.


Today you go to prison for even challenging anyone. The law simple, PC 415


1st offense for even the challenge is 3 months in jail.
Reply:OMFG i am tired of people hating on other arts. People have just got to understand that martial arts are not just for fighting. As a matter of fact martial arts is only 50% fighting. The other 50% is dealt with disipline, virtues, philsophy, and the ability to know that if you work hard at something then it will pay of in the end.





People just want to take martial arts just to kick someone's butt, and then when they learn the art and use it in a fight they say it sucks. That's because of 50% of fighting that you learn from martial arts.





Look take this from me any art that will teach you fighting, disipline, virtues, and philsosphy, and hard work is a good art to try, and if you find a Master to teach you ALL of this stuff then he/she is a good master.





Also learning from a DVD is good but nothing compares to a good master by you side. But, if you want to learn from a DVD i reccommend WIng chun Kung fu. It is very easy to pick up and learn so maybe even without a master ou can be good
Reply:Obviously the people here don't understand that you can't just sign up for classes...cough cough Mr. 37 years of martial arts. There are a lot of videos on youtube that you can imitate, and there are also some tutorials up there. Chinese kung fu and wushu are great. What you really need is the passion to learn. It is possible to teach yourself, but a master would be better if you want to get more technical; however, getting yourself out of the completely-beginner stage isn't too hard. We're on the same page here, I can't find any classes around my area, so we have to play by ear most of the time.





There are many techniques involving jumping, high kicks, flips or spins that you CAN teach yourself if you've got the passion. Really, people will tell you that you're never going to...do a back flip in a fight, but if you can do those kinds of acrobatic stuff, it'll be easier to take on the simpler things that are involved in fights. Most important thing is to not take martial arts with the intention of getting in a fight in the near future. Plus you'll get a boost when you take your first lesson. Learn more about different types of martial arts on the Internet, via youtube and wikipedia so you're not completely in the dark.





Here's what I'd recommend if you're serious about teaching yourself: eventually down the line, find a class. There's probably a couple clubs in college. Martial arts involves a lot of stretching. Stretch everyday, make yourself more flexible. If you can teach yourself to do a split (not that hard btw), you're already on a good road. Just stretch your legs, put your leg up on a counter when watching tv and try to touch your chin to your toe (key word: try; never overstretch). Jump over trashcans or fences, and find a punching bag - go nuts on it. A key is to be adventourous and creative. Whenever you learn a new skill, improve it and be happy for yourself. Use sticks as swords or a dog leash for a whip.





Anyway, I'm sure one or two of your friends have taken formal lessons before. You don't have to bug them for free lessons, but if you ever learn a new skill, ask them to take a look. Be prepared for your first lesson and blow them away.
Reply:yeah!!! go azn pride there woot!!! well i recommend doing shaolin kung fu cause thats what im learning and its awesome...dont learn from DVD thats the stupid way...if ppl can learn from DVDs and be good y are there schools? every1 can just learn from a DVD.....u need to go to classes for the 1 on 1 training so they can tell u what u do wrong and how to be better....
Reply:the stuff you learn from dvds and in the kung fu schools are all most likely acrobatics. The stuff you see in movies are wushu, a gymnastics thing disguised as martial arts. It is hard to find a real kung fu fighting arts teacher in america.


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