Snakeeel

I don't teach MA but I do teach scuba diving. We carry insurance and have the students sign an "expressed release of liability form". While I have never been sued but other instructors that certify for the agency have and the release has always held up in court. I teach many lawyers and they hate the form because the language is very binding.

I consider myself a devout Christian and would have done exactly the same thing...probably much worse. Great job. Absolutely no reason for guilty feelings.

Chi is not a supernatural force, its a natural force or energy that we all possess...thus it is God given. It's relatively easy to prove its existance. IMO there is nothing biblical or unbiblical about it. It is not the Holy Spirit nor unchristian.

Each of the arts you mention include many different styles. Find a style that matches your body type be it tall, short, heavy, lanky, etc. IMO not all MA styles fit every body type. Personality...are you aggressive or passive? If you find an art that matches you as an individual you'll have more fun, learn more and probably stay with it longer.

Choy Lay Fut

I was always the smallest kid in school so I had to fight almost every day until I got into high school. Once there I only had to fight two or three times before people figured out that I wasn't going to take their crap. Smooth sailing after that.

I think this is true of most southern styles of Kung Fu.

Skeptic...you hit the nail on the head...outstanding commentary. Great piece.

I'm 5'5" tall...everyone is taller than me:) When opposing someone tall I take advantage of their disability of being tall, I like to work very low...knees, groin and such and then work my way up. Most often my speed compensates for my size...I go around, under, etc. I've never felt disadvantaged when working with someone tall, actually it's all I've ever known.

No. Frank built an empire in a very short time teaching thousands of students and accumulated millions of dollars. Closed his schools in the early 80's I think. I left California in 78. Dennis moved to Montana and still teaches there.

Google

Double strikes are very effective in the right situation. My personal favorite combines a trip over one knee while hitting with a back hand to the throat and hammer to the groin as the opponent is going over. Does tend to drive his head into the ground though...

Did not train under him...met him once at a demonstration in Long Beach , Ca. He was 62 at the time and amazing to watch. I trained under one of his 1st generation black belts, Frank Woolsey and Master Dennis Kirby.

Hey Chaz I've tried Tai Chi and unless you have much less of an aggressive personality than I do it'll be a tough transition for you. I liked the moves but I just can't move that slow and soft. Not in my make up. Hope you have luck finding what you want.

We call that an open block...both arms go wide open...freaks the other guy out long enough to get inside and do your thing.

Not very well.

You agree with Chaz. You cannot fight defensively against multiple opponents. You must attack relentlesly and brutally. Never let them get you in the center...keep moving from one to the next. I think that 5 attackers as in the original post can be handled. I have fought three opponents at the same time and it was not difficult...it worked out just as I had been trained. I'm sure that your instructors teach you to fight multiple attackers...do what you're taught and it works just fine.

Have not had to since I was in high school...bout a hundred years ago.

Many times the willingness to take a few hard knocks from the instructor is a benefit. From the time I was a yellow belt I worked out almost exclusively with brown and black belts. I was willing to take the hits to learn from them. No one ever intentionally hurt me but I did get hurt sometimes. Those guys go at it a lot harder than the lower belts. But by the time I got my brown belt I had learned hundreds of black belt techniques. I was the dummy in a lot of demonstrations and glad to be there.

Nope

Absolutely depends on the country or state you live in. In most states you are allowed to defend yourself if you fear for your life or the life of a family member. An old saying goes something like this..."I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6" if you get my meaning.

Each style has its own methods of teaching. Some methods make no sense to outsiders but, the style has lasted for generations so there has to be something to the system. To each his own. Wouldn't be much fun if we all did it the exact same way!

I don't think anyone is pulling rank here. The point being made is that if you want people to treat you with respect then you must give that respect in return. Saying things like "DUH" is not a sign of respect, senior or not. In response to his original question: Forms do not always translate well into a combat/sparring situation. We do not teach using forms for that reason. We teach techniques and combinations first and use forms later to fine tune the student.

Pick a style...master it...then learn another if you feel the need.

Southern styles tend to be "harder" and more aggressive. Lots of in close fighting and offensive in nature. Upper body strength is important. Northern styles involve more kicks and generally, at least the ones I've seen, tend to be more defensive arts.