Raze

lol, gimme some of that sounds like fun!

Hi Aefi As u kno, I'm no expert on any MA style, however as you asked for opinions on the club based on what their website, here goes: For starters they've haven't gone for a home-made website, which tells me they take their school seriously, so good first impression. Concentrating on the Wing Chun Area... Defo get a 'good' feel, they seem knowledgeable, friendly and unapologetic. Sam Kwok is indeed a student of Yip Chun, as you can see here: http://www.wingchunkuen.com/who/masters/yipchun.html and I think Sams own site is here: http://www.kwokwingchun.demon.co.uk I liked the 'articles' but they didnt say who wrote them (might just be duplicated from other sites?) I had a quick butchers at this one: http://www.akhtars.co.uk/martial-article.asp?ID=57 which seemed pretty good. I think the price is high but is around the same I have seen other Wing Chun Clubs charge. Not sure what the actual classes would be like but I guess you will be able to tell us that once you take the freebee! Go for the freebee and go with your intuition - u'll know whether it's the right school for you or not Good luck and let us kno how u get on!

SuperAefi? I've not had a been to see any schools yet (gis a chance ) but have been looking at some websites Will try and talk to as many people as possible and see what schools/intructors have the best rep down here. So hows the work on the teleportation coming along...?

Oh yes - I forgot! What u doing up so late anyways? Angels are normaly example setters?

Now wouldn't that come in handy Not that I'd use the ability to look at/thro things I shouldn't tho (bet u would!)

Gotcha

That's very kind of you Aefi, something tells me you are a bit of an Shame teleportation does not exist (u mastered that yet!?) I'm going to do as you say and try to go to as many 'schools' as possible. I think I will in particular, see how I 'connect' with the instructor/sifu as I feel without this we would not be able to give each other 100%. This will probably sound stupidly spiritual, but I think I will instinctively know when I find the right school/teacher/style. You are probably quite right about the ones that advertise the most are probably the ones that are the least best. It's always good to have a website - the net is a very powerful and useful tool (I'd be lost without it!). Thanks once again for the essays, they were appreciated and read in full! Also if you find yourself to one day be relocated in South Wales... PM me and perhaps you could give me a few lessons! Btw just watched that BNP documentary on BBC1 - scary stuff!

or was I testing you.... ....?

Thanks Aefbird I would move onto proper classes once I felt a bit more comfortable but by the look of it, I wont have much choice anyway as I guess I would be hard pressed to find a 1to1 instructer. (You offering? jus kidding!). I'm going to do my best to go 'watch' a few classess and get a feel for the set up of each club. However I am a little worried that (as in all areas of life) some people are just into instructing for the money side of it and are not really bothered about really[/] getting the most out of thier students, hence me thinking an enthusiast would be a more dedicated teacher...

Thanks again for the info and links Is this a really bad idea?.. Learning from someone who is interested in starting out in teaching themselves? I think I'd much rather not go to a class full of people!

p.s. how comes nobody recommended Wing Chun in my 'getting started' thread...?

Thanks for the info guys. Informative site there Drunken Monkey, ta... should u be driving in that state tho?

Sorry if this question has been done to death, but whats the diff? I've seen people go out of their way to emphasize one or the other when talking. Also from what I gather, Wing chun seems to be a style that has a bit of a 'reputation'; as being one of the best out there. I was wondering if there is a style that worries wing chun'ers? I.e. is there a style that a Wing Chun guy of high standard would find difficult to deal with another guy of the 'other' style of equally high quality. Mantis perhaps? I've been interested in Wing Chun for a while but am exploring the possibilites before committing myself, I just want to be sure.

Thank you all for your help and direction. (Thanks Aefibird for the essay, I read every word!). Here are some answers to the questions you raised... Purpose? Self defence but the other aspects such as fitness, mental agility etc will be an appreciated bonus. Area? South Wales, Nr Cardiff. Style? Many of the styles mentioned by you guys seem to be good 'allrounders' I was hoping to find a style that would best suit my pyhsical size - is there anything out there that was designed specifically with 'thin' people in mind? I don't think I'll ever be a 12+ stoner (I'm 10 n ahalf). Does anyone know any dedicated instructors in South Wales? As many of you mentioned this is of high importance - I'm sure once I 'choose' a style I will then try to find an instructor who I feel I will 'get along' with the most. Oh I nearly forgot, Weapons? It's not a priority so a style that doesn't need them to be effective would be best suited. Thanks once again for all your help and I'm sorry if I'm coming across really stupid!

Hi All (Sorry if this is in the wrong section!) I've been thinking about getting into martial arts for almost as long as I can remember however the right oppourtunity along with not having the time hasn't been so... until now. I was just wondering what your thoughts would be on recommending a style for me. Based on my physical and mental state... I am 28 years of age although I look alot younger (now I'm not looking for compliments, just making this point so you get an idea about me). Looking young isn't always a good thing, it makes people think they can 'bully' you or take you less seriously. On top of that I am quite thin, which again adds to the 'people thinking they can 'bully' me' bit. I would say I am quite 'fast' but not strong (although I am not a complete weakling!). To the outside world, people see me as confident and self assured, however in actuality I get scared at even the thought of a 'fight'! But saying that, If someone was attacking my family I would definately not run away! Again I am not looking for any compliments but I think I would be quite suited to a style that required 'brains' as well as I think I could 'think' if need be. (I dont mean to slate any styles by saying that but just emphasising that I doubt I would be suited to a style that just required me to get the most hits in.) This is probably pointless, but, I think I'd prefer one to one tuition as I would feel 'stupid' in front of others. If you've reached this far I would be greatful for your thoughts or advice. Thanks in advance.