Prodigal Son

Great article ! >>>PS<<<

As I have said before, Brucey didn't finish his WC training, so HE didn't know if it was better or not. JKD is cool, and there is much to learn from it for all styles, although I think WC is better. But then WC my style and if I thought another style was better I'd be studying it. JKD is an ideology, really... respec' and all that >>>PS<<<

Hope I'm not getting too off topic, but with all due respect, are you telling me that someone could learn to do a single choreographed WC fight 'EXACTLY' in one day - let alone 3 forms - to a level that could convince a real practitioner ? A friend of mine, whom I had not seen for a while, came to visit me, and told me that he had been training with a well known "Sijo" (apparently) in London for about a year. His 1st form was riddled with obvious mistakes, but according to your argument it should at least 'look' right if he had been copying his teacher. Wing Chun is simply too detailed to be choreographed convincingly for those who are not already practitioners. Compare Keanu's kung fu in the Matrix (obviously rubbish) with that in Reloaded (getting better). And before anyone gets upset, I'm not saying it's 'real' - I'm talking about the grace and naturalness in his movement. Different class of Kung fu, but same teacher, same level of editing and choreography. It takes time, practice and ability to look good. And as for judging level of ability from film, I never touched hands with Mr Lee (or Mr Li yet), so film is all I have to go on for both of them - but Jet Li's WC looks pretty tight to me. Respect to you all, >>>PS<<< P.S. Part of my work involves editing and shooting video. If you can EXACTLY reproduce Jet Li's quality of movement, let's get together and make a Kung Fu flick (and a whole lot of money).

Long white beard and enormous white eyebrows. >>>PS<<<

I think that a trip to China would be a fantastic experience that one way or another, you will never forget. But if it is really martial knowledge that you seek, then all those $$ would buy many private lessons with a great Sifu at home... I can only speak for the Wing Chun world, but if you turn up to train in Hong Kong - well, anywhere really - without a letter of recommedation (usually stuffed with good luck money !) then the Sifus will train you with a smile - and tell you NOTHING new. Are the guys who run 'Shaolin' any different ? One way or another, it will all form part of your path Respect to you all >>>PS<<<

I would never diss Bruce, but.. I saw an interview with Mr Li, who said that he had studied many martial arts for several years whilst at the Chinese academy - including years of Chi Gung and other internal martial arts. Jet Li was China's best representative, and the Chinese govenment invest heavily in training such people. Wu Shu is invalid as a martial art (and yeah, I know it's a bit flowery)? What, less valid than karate ? Just cause Bruce could beat up on Chuck Norris means nothing - I have beaten up too many xth dan karate blackbelts over the years whilst working on the doors in London. Watch Drunken Master to see the Wu Shu form in action (the auntie does it). Check out some of his films where Jet Li throws down REAL techniques - Fist Of Legend etc., and then tell me the boy can't fight - it's ridiculous to say that. I'm sure he's not where he is today based on his good looks or who he knows - he is a badboy martial artist by anyones standards. Bruce Lee has become a Holy Cow - 'the greatest fighter who ever lived' - nobody could beat him - oh, except for Wong Shun Leung (his teacher),who regularly slapped him like a bitch - and who knows who else. I mean, it's not like he had to actually ever had a real fight or anything... respect to you all >>>PS<<<

I seem to be misunderstood here. I was not making any categoric statements about throat-punching children. ("But not if he was six months old !" Well, duh...) I was attempting to illustrate my point: A relatively small amount of power applies to a soft part of the body (eyes or throat) can cause plenty of damage against a stronger opponent - if it is done FIRST. I'm not saying that everyone will be sucessfull all the time with this, because that's down to the individual's state, training etc. But we can work towards an aspired level of ability with certain techniques. Our philosophy is to practice for such moves, and we believe this to be the best way for us. Shotokan practitioners believe that the opposite is true and so they train for power. We all have our opinions and the opinions I express here are my own, and from my own perspective. Just sayin what I think "There are no invincible moves" Wing Chun motto Respect to you all >>>PS<<< BTW.... My eight year old niece, who has two years training under her hat, definitely COULD crush yer throat. Come round to the house and let her try if you think I'm telling porkies...

Power is soooooo over rated. You could have the weight of ten Tysons behind you, but If I can hit you first you have lost your eyes. A child could crush your windpipe. So if it's all about speed, the shortest distance is a straight, centre line... >>>PS<<< ________________________ "You will have no problems when you have no qualms."

I don't claim to be any authority... Brucey-Baby moved to the US when he was in his late teens, unless I am mistaken. From that day he never trained with his Wing Chun teacher, so his training effectively stopped at the 2nd form (Chun has 6 in total). Now whilst I am not dissing Bruce in any way, I wonder what his contemporary students, who went on to finish the Wing Chun system (a style which is extremely clannish and secretive at the higher levels) under Yip Man himself, were capable of doing when it all kicked off ? Maximum respect to Bruce Lee - a true warrior. ...I still reckon Jet Li would do him. So there. >>>PS<<<

Hi guys This is my first post on this list, so I hope I don't bore anyone or upset you all with my opinions... I think that before taking up any art it is wise to look at your own structure and choose an art which suits it. If you are a big powerful bloke, then it doesn't matter too much which style you use on the street as most of the blows you recieve will not put you down, and those that you land will be very effective. Take up Karate and get a black belt in two years. If you are not so big and strong, you will have trouble putting a larger opponent down even with a good punch - so I would suggest a martial art which uses fouler methods, such as Wing Chun - IF you can find a teacher who is any good. 15 years to become a Sifu. Kicking styles ? Not so good in confined spaces (bars, busses, churches etc.) or against close range fighters such as myself. Looks very impressive though. Also ask yourself how dedicated you will be. Some of us train for hours every day and our art is a 'path' - others want to train just enough to protect themselves, so something complex like Wing Chun or Aikido would not be the best investment of time. Respect to you all, >>>PS<<<