RichardZ

Come back and tell us how you like it. Indeed, Chinese martial arts were not supposed to be about coplored belt ranking. most try to avoid being like other arts influenced by the Japanese rank system. Generally, status in Chinese martial arts were that like relatives. Littl Brother Big Brother, Number 1 Brother, uncle, etc.

Anything suirvives if it was taught correctly and has dedicated people.

I didnt know one dances on a mat. LOL Anyway, there has to be a balance of martial within the art.

I am the opposite. When I taught a good friend or realitive, I was usely harder.

Unless another type of hair is grabbed, chest, arm pits, ......

There is a martial art that uses firearms: Hojutsu Ryu If one is to be skilled in combat, which martial arts have been re-evolving per each passing era, one should become familiar with current weapons of any type readily avialable.

Good fighter = good at self defense. This maybe a double edged sword. A good fighter may indeed defend themself better than a average Joe. However, self defense does not stand alone on physical fisticuffs. Practical self defense has as much, if not more, mental development application, understanding or study far above physical. Brawn does not always win. Shear force does not always prevail.

Bo Staff: "Bo", derived from the Japanese word; rokushakubo, which basically translates to meand a six foot shaft or stick. Bo Staff (In martial arts a staff is a quarter stick-bo is the Asian term and translates the same) "Stick Staff" What are those words, if they have a category, that are misued per: Chai tea (Actually Chai translate to tea) so this is like saying "Tea Tea" PC computer (PC means personal computer-used out of context to mean IBM based machines) "Personal Computer Computer" Argent Silver - "Silver Silver" VIN Number - Vehicle Identification Number Number NIC Card - Network Interface Card Card ATM machine- Automated Teller machine machine PIN number - Personal Identification Number Number DC comics - Detective Comics comics DOS system ER Room. Emergency Room room? OR Room. Operating Room room? Hot water heater. Why do you need to heat hot water? AC current. Alternating Current current? And last but not least (and a few insiders will get this)... A knight chevalier. Can you think of any others where such a random misused will seem out of written context?

While it is amusing to watch a bo in a form, as much as nunchakus, the most effective application is the least fanct and simplistic ones.

Not trying to sound condescending; In actuality, there is no such thing as a "bo staff". This would be like saying ATM machine (Automatic Teller Machine Machine) That said, a short cudgel is more practical than a bo. The drawback of the bo, is area needed. And Spain had its share of fine quality sword making. Also to mention Damascus steel is highly prized. The Katana is not so perfect and it is made from two parts.

It was a interesting article. Reminds me of how we strive, in anything.

I was trying to register with my first name and initial of my last name, but this, and many other attempts were rejected. Therefore, I put a z on the end as a z, is hardly used on the end of anyname. I did this not to be cunning, but effective.

I have to somewhat agree. Chi is demonstrated in a much too quasi fantasy cosmic jumbo. And those who believe in it, like a faith in a religion, tend to try and explain what they feel or think. Some say, the blood or nerve pathways-signals are Chi. Some say Chi is energy like electro-magnetic or other electro field. I rather look upon what Chi may not be. I dont think it is a ultimate super human to be proven by such magic or parlor tricks. I dont think, it can be measured to fully explain per how one believes it should work. I dont think total faith in it should prevail over comon sense or scientific explanation. Chi has never gotten me anything that I truly needed in life thus far.

Complacency Defined as: 1.) A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy. 2.) An instance of contented self-satisfaction. Synonyms: contentment, satisfaction, sense of security, smugness, good feeling; ease, abundance, alleviation, amenity, assuagement, bed of roses, cheer, cheerfulness, complacency, contentment, convenience, coziness, creature comforts, enjoyment, exhilaration, facility, gratification, happiness, luxury, opulence, peacefulness, pleasure, plenty, poise, quiet, relaxation, relief, repose, rest, restfulness, satisfaction, snugness, succor, sufficiency, warmth, well-being Complacency has a fine line or gray area if it is in too much abundance, thus it could be synonymous with: conceit, egotism amour-propre, arrogance, complacence, consequence, immodesty, narcissism, outrecuidance, pomposity, pride, self-admiration, self-conceit, self-exaltation, self-importance, self-love, self-regard, smugness, snootiness, stuffiness, swagger, swelled head, vainglory, vainness, vanity “Complacency is a state of mind that exists only in retrospective: It has to be shattered before being ascertained.” Vladimir Nabokov Complacency has to be understood within human parameters. Using human experiences to form our aptitude, complacency is rooted within a psychological prejudice. The intellectual study to obtain and process this particular information is decreased by a sense of ardent exposure and dedication beyond acceptance. Almost, to a point of denial. As suggested within the theory of Ying-Yang, complacency has to be balanced and implicit, in order to not favor in one direction or the other. Per its first definition; A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy. Complacency becomes a problem when one categorically dismisses any notion from a subconscious verse; “It won’t happen to me” or “I am ready for anything.” A good example is from a scene in the Bruce Lee movie, Enter the Dragon; Han: “We are all ready to win, just as we are born knowing only life. It is defeat that you must learn to prepare for.” Williams: "Don't waste my time with it. When it comes, I won't even notice." Han: "Oh? How so?" Williams: "I'll be too busy looking gooood." And, most of us know what happens to Mr Williams. Could it be that training in a martial art be also considered as a type of insurance, something we may have to use, and not for a "if something should happen”, but “when something could happen”. And like insurance, there is no guarantee that we are fully protected in the sense of self-preservation. As a martial artist, we train and prepare, at least most do, for the actual “moment of truth”. In some real situations, some martial artists fair or do well. (I read and hear from many martial artists on how well they have done in a real situation, and rarely do I hear someone stating that they did poorly, or lower than expected.) But, does this give us total assurance that upon each situation, we can rely on our skill sets, each, and every time? What is your response or thought upon this thread?

A vertical fist, like a jab, could be a start up tactic. However, I would not count upon it as a finisher.

I have to somewhat agree. Much of Gung Fu styles today have too much emphasis on "style" or look, rather than realistic, street application. They seem to loose Chuan Fa design. Although, I must say, that a particular Gung Fu method or so, are applicable in a few defense situations.

I for one, think Chinese gung Fu form tend to be too flashy and loose much purpose on what a forn=m should do. Instead, they are mostly used for display. I have developed negative thoughts when looking upon anything labeled "Shaolin"

You are correct about the way to shout. A few Chinese styles I was in, did have a shout, but it was unlike others, per Karate. The concept and application were the same as you described.

I have to agree. back in earlier eras, certain conditioning had to be sought. However, not everyone can be conditioned or have positive results via conditioning as another. In other words, conditioning may not help certain people. There are long term detremental effects from conditioning, that in present society, is not warranted in a social norm.

Was is the accurate or most logical history of Vsing Tsun?

In many actual confrontations, the situation unfolds so fast, that these will not be applied. the good 'ol making a fist and the strike called a punch, is always paramount and used long before other strikes are even thought of or reflexed. Although, for defense upon a situation without the opponent seeing any forcasted posture, a eye rake, palm strikes, hammer fist, or other without such fanciness, is possible.

I went and looked into Shaolin Do. It is hard to authenticate, prove, or disprove its lineage. It has some interesting training and forms. But I cannot stand in judgement of it as I was far advanced when I decided to do a week free trial. In other words, I do not think they had anything to offer a seasoned martial artist. I think everything there was a hodge podge with a few descrepancies in methods. One of the instructors, wanted me to stay and be promoted fast, in order to help in instruction or franchise out, I guess. This is not to boast. For someone beginning and had not other options or other school to check out, then perhaps something is better than nothing. I had other things to do with my time than be there.

Nicle worded. One cannot deny that fighting, is a aspect of martial arts.

Good point. It was already decided that if she didnt want to, training would be private or not within the normal class structure. Though she did assist in the self defense seminars. Soon, it was plainly known that we were together, and she was known as the teacher's girlfriend. I must state, that I am not against it, but it has to be a balance of professionalism and private life. My relationship was a long established one and not one of a teacher taking advantage.

Well, I guess on a rarity, I sseen hair grabbed to smash a head, like a wrestler, but the actoion was so fast and stopped, that I dont think a defense could be applied in any amount of time. But this was on one rare instance.