HG

Teaching beginner students worked for me. Their enthusiasm to learn pumped up my motivation.

Chinese martial art schools that teach form & the training methods (faht) behind them can fight. Choy Lay Fut, Jow Ga, Hsing-I, Wing Chun & Hung-Ga are just a few systems that have well established fighting reputations.

Crunches on a exercise/swiss ball - greater range of motion then doing them on the floor & your back is supported. Hanging knee or leg raises will focus more on the lower abs.

Yee's Hung-Ga in Clifton

-- Coming from a CMA background I can tell you qigong is separate & not part of a form. General characteristics of qigong are simple repetitve motions or stationary postures that are held for periods of time. Correct breathing is also of great importance. -- Qigong is best learned by your Sensei/Sifu. It will be a waste of training time if done wrong. -- A focused mind will always benefit technique.

Excellent, well said. No drills = No skill

I somewhat agree to what you said. But in saying that, you left out something that would disagree with your argument. I learned that traditional martial arts I know use both methods. The way I'm traditional martial arts is to block only when I have to, or during a situation that I would feel it would be better for me to block, rather than evade, or just straight out take the hit. Mainly, for advanced students, they are taught how to evade when they gain enough knowledge. Blocking in martial arts I find is more of a way to get your opponent in a situation that puts you in a advantage. Not to merely stop a technique. When a martial artist simply stops a technique without having put themselves in a dominant position, probably made some error. But thats a choice, traditional martial arts avoid and absorb as well, more than standard training on tv shows of course. And I think MMA block somewhat. They use a certain part of their body to minimize any serious damage, this could fall into a similar definition as a block, right? Martial art discussions and actual martial art training are two different things. If most traditional martial artists discuss, that doesn't nessaceraly mean that they would represent a martial art well, this goes for anyone... Unless its some master or something of that sort. However I think I made some post about this earlier. Once again the thread was focusing on specific blocking methods. There will always be debate on every aspect of martial technique. Coming from the Hung-Ga style I've come to depend upon a strong bridge & look to block whatever is heading my way. It works for me. Does this mean it's the only way, of course not. I'm just on the far end of of the 'blocking' spectrum. Rather than trying to fault one another let's just enjoy the different perspectives of martial art styles.

Exactly

Yes, a good Sifu will have the ability to teach "x" style in a manner that you can grasp.

emptyflower.com click on "Xingyiquan" Hsing-i.com Both sites have plenty of information on Hsing-I, Ba Gua & Tai Chi.

Hung-Ga & Lau-Ga are separate styles. Hung Hei Guen founded Hung-Ga. Lau Sam Ngam founded Lau-Ga. Hung,Lau,Choy,Lei,Mok make up the five family systems of the south. I believe Fu Hok Pai(Tiger Crane Fist) practices some of the Lau-Ga forms. Traditional Hung-Ga however, does not have a Lau-Ga form in it's curriculum.

There are too many details left out of books or videos. There is no substitute to joining a school and learning from a qualified Sifu. Proper instruction is well worth the price of a long commute. Good luck in your search.

Peter Rangar had an article in last month Inside Kung-Fu along with his 2 page ad. IKF has also lost a lot of credibility as well , it seems the serious practioners get passed over for the cover article by movie or music stars with a passing interest in martial arts.

With the exception of the opening & closing bow none of the sounds is used for shouting.

IMO Wing Chun is one of the better CMA out there. It's a time tested art with a rich successful fighting history. I think it falls back on the individual to learn all aspects of their art to become a well rounded fighter.

very good. Dim mak exsists however it's not a short cut to kung fu mastery. A Sifu won't even bring the topic up until you have put the time in to learn your chosen style.

You make a good point for all kung fu practioners. Reliance on any one attribute makes your movements predictable. As a Hung-Ga guy I've had the opportunity to spar against Wing Chun. Those who rely on chain punching don't seem to be able to adapt once countered.

There is no shortcut to a strong horse stance. Ask your Sifu/Sensei to correct your body posture & alignment. Then make it part of your daily practice. Results will come.

Hung-Ga uses sounds for specific movements.