shogeri

There are many teachers who teach kung fu as a hobby, or as a health aid. This doesn't do the art justice, just as it's not right to teach any martial art that way. Now specifically practicing kung fu as dance, that is actually termed Modern Wushu, whereas traditional Wushu, just meant 'martial arts'. The essence behind the forms and techniques are effective, but are useless if nobody teaches the student how to apply them dynamically, making those techniques have a life of their own. Well, a Mantis student would strike to various points on the face, and on the body. After being attacked, they would use circular type motion in order to gain a better position in which to strike. They also use their wrist as a locking maneuver as well. They kick frequently also, and tend to work the entire body in order to dehabilitate the opponent or kill them. Mantis does work, but how well depends upon the student and their understanding of what they are doing. If all they show you is a move, then that is all you will have ~ a move.

This may have been said by others as well: In regards to this particular stance. You will tend to limit yourself in regards to only being able to use one hand and foot. And this also slows you down in regards to transitioning to using multiple strikes with both arms and legs. I would tend to use the stance for stamina and strength in training, and use it as a transitional gap shortening technique in realistic situations.

Women just want to know that you are there, willing to spend time, and listen to them in a sincere way. And it's true, one should never place too much emphasis on extra-curricular activities away from a companion, unless they are either doing one as well, or with you.

I got my ego beat out of me as a child up to the age of 18. If someone needed help I would. If the situation doesn't call for physical contact then don't it. Do only enough force to stop the person from continuing. Most states have incorporated the good samaritan law. Just some thoughts...

"there are strikes that can cause serious disruption of body functions" You are correct. Many cultures, besides China have been figuring these things out. They just haven't got the market on it like TCM does. Type in acupuncture or acupressure schools or teacher in the google bar. Or go to http://www.naturalhealers.com for more info.

I drove 35 minutes to class...I drive 50 to 60 just for work... You gotta do, what you gotta do...

In sum, we are all just human. Nobody, not one, is above reproach.

Take note of why something failed, fix it, while dwelling on what makes you successful, and then refine it, and repeat it.

I do not live there, nor know of anyone personally in the below list, but certainly there is one in the list that will suit your needs. Good Luck! ------------------------- Arizona School of Integrative Studies - Clarkdale/Prescott Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College - Flagstaff - Flagstaff Apollo College - Mesa, AZ - Mesa Apollo College - Phoenix, AZ - Phoenix Arizona School of Massage Therapy - Phoenix - Phoenix National Personal Training Institute - Personal Trainer Program AZ - Phoenix Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA) - Phoenix Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College - Phoenix - Phoenix The Bryman School ~ Phoenix - Phoenix Phoenix Therapeutic Massage College - Scottsdale - Scottsdale Rainstar University Acupuncture Program - Scottsdale Bennett/Stellar University - Sedona NAMTI - School of Massage & Bodywork-Botanical Studies - Sedona Arizona School of Massage Therapy - Tempe - Tempe Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences - Tempe Southwest Institute of Healing Arts - Tempe Southwest Institute of Healing Arts - Tempe The Bryman School ~ Tempe - Tempe Apollo College - Tucson, AZ - Tucson Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine - Tucson Asian Institute of Medical Studies - Tucson Desert Institute of the Healing Arts - Tucson

I ditto those replies...

He is either trying to satisfy or fulfill a person need/want/desire, or one that is socially driven. If he does things outside the presence of others, then it is more personal to him. Physical confrontration is a last resort, but it seems to always be first on the list of things to do. If you can get him away from other's talk it out, focusing on Him. Being sincere when seeking the truth behind his actions. If all that he wants is a physical demonstration, then forwarn the school staff that he keeps insisting on such, and that you are trying to avoid such, and that you would appreciate any type of backup. Cause if they fail you, then you may have to stand up for yourself. Fight to win, and bring out (or reach in and find) the animal instinct of survival within you. Good Luck ~ as I have been where you are at.

Cool thanks!

Jujutsu as well. Mostly any style that teaches defense, while controlling the situation with as little force as necessary is what most police administrations or organizations desire.

There is usually nothing wrong with asking questions, and asking for further explanation. Going up against someone you think is wrong. Well, just do so with respect, and follow whatever code of honor, or chain of commnad that is in place. Better to not know, and ask. Than to not ask, and not know. Just more thoughts...

Well, a style based upon technique, I could see something like this happening. Mine is more principle based, along with hands on application of various situations, in order to demonstrate a solid foundation of dynamic combative thinking. These things would be apparent prior or during a Black Belt Test, so if one of my instructors or for some unlikely reason, myself, missed something like this, than in all reality it's also a reflection upon me. Now if there has been a huge gap in time, and they have slipped up on their techniques or principles, well that should be expected. Again, the Belt is a snapshot of a given time in their life, in which they learned something tangible, and knew how to put it to use. Just because you give someone a gun, doesn't mean that they have to keep it loaded, and continue to know how to use it. They should do so for themselves first, and not for the person who gave them such a tool in the first place. Out of respect, in some way, yes. More thoughts...

Though I posted valid information regarding acupressure I tend to agree with the above post just as well.

3 to 5 times a week for about 1.5 to 2 hours per session.

Sometimes things happen around the world at very close intervals in time. Sometimes they are a diffusion of ideas. With belt color, or rank, I could see african tribes doing something similar in regards to knowledge or skill.

Cool!

Thanks!

That's about the same as Okinawan Goju Ryu.

I get long winded...sorry...lol gasp. gasp...I write so much, I take the air out the room, and my brain...helppp mmmeeee...

Like mentioned before there are many different angles to this story. Here are some more thoughts: In some sense, women, though few, were allowed into the temple, since some older manuscripts and drawings suggest such. Perhaps it was also the thought of women back then, that they felt out of place among so many men. If you lived back then, you certainly wouldn't want the whole culture of China to send all the female population to the Shaolin temple since they treated people as equals within the wall, save for rank, or position. Outside of Shaolin walls, women had their place. It was just more prevailent that history focus on the man's journey, even though the way of Buddhism was universal regardless of gender. However, for the longest time, there wasn't an all female temple until the Yong Tai was built. I believe as time, society, and culture permitted the role of women shifted quite often. All the arts of the temple were aimed at leading one closer to enlightenment by providing tools to make a whole person, both physically, spiritually, and mentally. They also learned crafting, and trades. There were 5 main temples, though not all of them may have been operating at the same time. Also, many of them were burnt down, and then rebuilt throughout the turbulent history. These 5 primary temples were, Henan (Hunan), Fukian (Fujian), Kwangtung, Wutang, and O Mei Shan. Each served a different purpose or function. Think of them collectively as a university if you will. The first four temples had the brands of the tiger and dragon on the left and right forearms respectively. Sometimes the phoenix and a dragon was chosen, or two dragons. The O mei shan temple had the mantis and the crane on the right and left forearms. Or sometimes, dual cranes. Another reason for fewer women turnout, is that at some point, the Shaolin temple was putting our warriors. Now the military itself was male-dominated. It is noted, or accepted that Ng Mui, (buddhist nun, Bil Gee master and Dim Mak expert) helped develop Wing Chun Kung Fu, founded Dragon shape boxing and Wu Mei boxing. Shaolin also shifted between a Taoist focus and a Buddhist one. During war, more emphasis was placed on the fighting aspects of course. Or one would logically come to such conclusion. There a myths, legends, folklore, paintings, poems, and literature, that suggest a wide array of different stories surrounding the Shaolin way of life. That's all for now... Have a great day!

It is a traditional sign of respect, put forth by the student, to go back as a white belt after a long absence. Some take it away based upon a drastic unexpected change in the moral, ethical, or legal behavior or actions of the the student. This is rare, but can happen. In my system, the rank exists for the instructor first, student second. However, since they did earn it, I will instead take away the ability to certify other's within the system if such happens. A form of disassociation if you will.

Aye, the rub of Conventional Medicine becomes more and more apparent. Out of greed and arrogance, it has operated without it's older sister, Traditional Medicine for much too long now. Allopathy [other disease] refers to the system of treating disease by inducing a pathologic reaction that is antagonistic to the disease being treated. That is they work backward from the symptom to arrive at the disease. Then treat the disease. On the other hand: Naturopathy [same disease] refers to the practice of not using drugs, major surgery or cutting edge medical technology to treat disease. Naturopaths rely on alternative treatment approaches that emphasize the natural restorative powers of plants, animals, and the patients themselves. This includes the management of such things as diet and supplements, homeopathic and herbal remedies, acupuncture, homeopathy, stress reducing techniques, counseling and massage. Naturopaths are trained to treat and support the whole patient, which includes lifestyle and environmental factors that influence general well-being. Both Naturopaths and Allopaths can diagnose illnesses from the same sources. Naturopathic medicine should be used with, not in place of Allopathic Medicine. The medical philosophy of naturopathy can be found in Tradtional Chinese Medicine. ------------------------- I would say now might be the time to find out if your body is capable of healing itself using the natural approach as well. That is, the next step is to find a naturopathic doctor, since it seems that Conventional Methods may not working as you need them to. ----------------------- The sad part is that harm may have been done to your growth plates at the time. This means that your knees may not have matured properly into adulthood. This is not a temporary condition. When the growth plates are messed up, and do not have the opportunity to go through their natural function, it has a lasting effect on the usage of the joints in question. This is just theory, as I am not a doctor, just a fellow Martial Artist, who started as a kid, and has children in sports, and otherwise. Hopes and prayers go out to you, and I hope you find an answer that works for you.