Iron Arahat

The football and runner analogy, they are all bound a defined set of rules, and are limited by such. Winning a medal means that your work well within the confines of a 'game'. A ski race is a timed, the fastest time win, only if you follow the course and hit all the gates. You may get down the hill in the fastest time using a more creative route, but will recieve a DNF, as you worked outside the confines of the game. UFC also has confines and rules that effect the outcomes. Some promotions ban kicks to downed opponents, elbow strikes from certain angles, strikes to the back of the head, eyegouging, fish hooks, finger breaking, and small joint manipulation. Also they have rounds and refees, and so on. As for not having "Not having stylistic limitations" there are always limitations, no matter what you train. This is a fallicy and a myth that the MMA likes to perpetuate, along with this unreal concept that they have all that because the are not "bound by a style" that this makes them better fighters. They are still limited by the tools and knowledge supplied through training.

Not much different by the than some stuff that keeps schools open, that claim we don't train a "style", or use sporting events to claim superiority.

Due to their training methods, most kung-fu stylists are not good golfers. I am positive that a kung fu stylist trained for such an event they would do well, using the tools that they have.

The thread has deviated a long way from the original post. Most MMA schools that I know are either focused on "sport" and "competition" UFC, IFC, whatever. They produce very good and talented ring athletes. They develop their style around winning on the ring, not saying that techniques cant be used otherwise, but their focus is "spot". There are the other schools that feel they should take from other arts and combine, because other arts are incomplete. Use what is "usefull" and disregard the rest. They take what they feel is useful from boxing, jujitsu, tae kwon do, kickboxing, and others. They take bits and pieces to make their complete art. Many people who fall into this category claim that no one should be forced into a "style" and develop their own. Typical problems specifically with the second type is a lack of a base in an art. A couple years here a couple years there, they become a "jack-of-trades", but a master of none. In many cases they have poorly developed skills, and pass on a unproven philosphy that they have developed. They will often claim a well rounded approach, that covers "all the bases", thus making them a complete art. When the truth of the matter is that they may have enough basics in each to get by. This type will also make notation that they teach "all ranges of fighting", and name the shortcoming of other arts in this regards. While this may be true to a degree with arts that may be focused in "sport" others it can be far from true, but the MMA will believe that this is the case to ease their mind, thinking that their "global" training will be their advantage over anyone who is not of the same training regime. MMA dodges behind a concept of "no fixed style", and that they adapt to any situation, based on the flow of a fight. Truth of the matter is no matter what you train, you will have strengths and weaknesses.

White Warlock, a nice piece there, and presents some good information. As I said before no matter what you train it is how you train, and use the tools at your disposal.

I believe Sho-ju was refering to MMA events, not MMA practitioners, and this is what I am refering too. I agree that there are people who go to MMA schools that probably have no interest in competing, but depending on the quality of the instruction of the school, and the schools focus they may be just training in a "sport". If you look at the history of the UFC and such, many of these so called "kung fu" stylists are a joke case in point Jason DeLucia. Jason who has videos in Combat Akido (not kung fu) also claims to have trained in five animals kung fu, judo, jiu jitsu, and tae kwon do. The guy is a MMA in my eyes, but was labeled "kung fu for the event." Delucia prefers to be refered to as a "Hybrid Wrestling instructor." Test of skill is the real world, not a ring. Rules make anything kung-fu and MMA safe for practicioners (which is good). It's all in how you train and use your tools that you have at your disposal.

For what?

MMA you are looking at is a "sport". Many people have no interest in fighting in such events, and often those who are drawn to compete are far from the best, and are looking to make a name for themselves. There have been people who claim to be kung-fu stylists in some big MMA events, but like anything in North America in regards to martial arts, anyone can call themselves an instructor or a "blank" practitioner.

Ummm looks like any other NHB tourney. Don't see any biting or eye gouging going on, and I am doubtful that it's permitted.

I personally do not believe in the belt system whatsoever. The only place it may be marginally practicle is to give an outside observer and idea of the skill level of the wearer. The other is a a marketing tool, and as a carrot to dangle in front of students. Many people become arrogant and egotistical when the recieve their black belt. Also this practice of giving the belt to children is really silly, this "world's youngest black belt" thing you read every year it seems now. I have seen many black belts in my life that you wonder, "what is the standard" Including those who have stepped into my school, and boast they are black belts, don't follow the program, becaus ethey know all. (Some who learn that this is not the case). Train that is all you should do, train hard, and train for yourself not the recognition of others. Almost 20 years now I have trained, and still no black belt. My advice train for yourself, if you are in a rank system, take pride in your accomplishments, but remember that a black belt is just that a belt. Be proud of the accomplishments for what they are, not the token. Just as a joke I always say when someone asks me if I have a blak belt. I always say, "Yeah I've had one for years, but I think next time I'll buy the brown one at Walmart."

With GUns there is also legal ramifications of using he thing. Just think people have gone to jail for accidental discharge of a firearm. You likely won't have that problem with a bo.

yes.

That is a dangerous proposition for some schools especailly if their bottom line is money. Long cotracts, extra training, sparring clubs and so on. Some schools can suck thousands of dollars out of students in just a few months. Beware of the "Buisness school" with Halloween parties, lots of "special training" etc.

Why would you want to learn such a thing?

No offense, but if you are looking for pointers to create a style you need to increase your knowledge base.

For me I will still be training the same style as I have been training for the past 20 years.

Name is just that a name. Many schools focus on the 'fancy fu', others just focus on teaching, learning and adapting. True there is nothing magical about a kick. Most styles generally have the same kick, maybe just different theory and different names. Too often as martial artists we focus on flower names, rather than the grit of a technique.

Small boy near the bottom...is demonstrating "Monkey" http://www.shaolinwushu.ca/calgary.html Whle there are many styles the link you have given, that author has seemed to have made some people upset. http://www.chinesekungfuonline.com/english/fake_monkey_kungfu3.htm

Really I can't see why not, Christians had no problems killing people who followed the Islamic faith during the Crusades, and would not convert. Had their share of "Holy Wars". Why not defend yourself...

This is by far my fvorite picture: http://www.angelfire.com/ky/jacksonshaolin/images/Mantis2.jpg If it doesn't show the link is http://www.angelfire.com/ky/jacksonshaolin/images/Mantis2.jpg More Images at: http://www.angelfire.com/ky/jacksonshaolin/photos.html Can't tell much though maybe a mix of karate and modern style

Some of the Master pictures are interesting on that site http://www.shaolin-do.com/masters/index.shtml Also the kata names are interesting as they include Japanese names, and with over 40 "katas" I am curious how technical they are. I would be interested to see pictures

Also make sure you put in effort in class, train hard, not half hearted you will make gains.

Well to put it simply, when I taught I also had no sit ups or push ups in class. Why, because most people learned that in grade school, and hopefully the will gain the self discipline to do these things themselves. You will gain power, speed, and strength over time with any physical activity.

Just wanted to share a video entry for the Hot Shots Film festival...Rod a buddy of mine did a great job, a must for anyone who loves mountain bikes! Quicktime required: http://www.painincorporated.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=161&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Shaolin Wushu is probably the style that you would look to study (not "Modern Wushu") is probably the closest, as there is Shaolin's historic routines, such as Tongzigong which were believed to be taught to the Monks by Ta Mo. The exercises are depicted in this stone rubbing from the Shaolin Temple: http://www.wle.com/media/SL1515.jpg