Arys

Im not much of a karate guys myself, but I think hes great: check out some of his other fights. This is a highlight reel.

I just wanted to mention that Bruce Lee was "good" at Wing Chun, but he was not an expert. He never finished learning all that Wing Chun had to offer because he moved off to the US in search of something more before Ip Man could even teach him the final form. Also, some of the traps and such that JKD schools teach are derived from Wing Chun, but arent nearly as effective. Im not here to bash JKD, because I myself take it, but thats that : D

I was just wondering if the Northern Praying Mantis styles do chi sao and if so does it work anything like it does in Wing Chun. If so, how; If not, then how does it differ? Also would it be possible for someone in praying mantis to chi sao with a wing chun practitioner without too much problem? I'm specifically looking for at the Plum Blossom, Six Harmony (Liu He), and Seven Star. Also if anyone could give me some inside info on some of these differ, that'd be lovely. haha I realize this is a lot, but i'd be grateful for anyone with some info. I practiced Wing Chun in Chicago, but now that im at UIUC in champaign I dont have a wing chun club to train at. The only seemingly good school here for kung fu seems to be praying mantis. I ask because I still want to train and chi sao with my old crew and im hoping that praying mantis might give me some variety... even though my friends have a nasty habit of making fun of it.

ah good good, please ask if you can. I'm pretty sure there arent any other mantis schools here.

So I'm looking into checking this place out, I'm wondering if anyones ever heard of it. I know theres one in Chicago too. Its called: Song's Kung Fu Academy. http://www.songskungfu.com The head instructor is Grandmaster Keychun Song from what I could figure out. They seem to have ALOT of styles under one roof and that never seems legit to me... But I dunno, looking for any kind of feedback here thanks ^^. I'll probably stop by there some time this week, but till then ill be looking to see if any of you can dig up anything on these guys.

Wing Chun is an incredible system. Agressive, fast, and to the point. Or at least thats how my sifu taught it. So, I think if you want a great system that you will stick to, atke Wing Chun. hehe "sticky hands" is fun ^^

Im fairly new to the art and want to know some strengths and weakness it might have againt say striking arts or arts that focus primarily on grappling. Care to help me out?

Ah.. fitness in martial arts. Kickboxing would definently be one of your choices. (muy thai) Aikido takes incredibly long to develop so if you want fitness now dont take that. I take Hapkido and i'd say that would be a great choice as well. If you wanna go Chinese I'd say Wing Chun. Very fast and aggressive. Its a great work-out and and a awesome fighting system. Well, thats my addition to your list. All Martial Arts have a fitness aspect to all of them. Its really a personal choice. Its about what you likre most and what systems philosophy fits your purpose best. ^^ Good luck in you choice.

What exactly is hyperextension?

Ive heard that if you weight your hands and go through say.. a basic routine of punches, this will help build speed and stamina.. is that true?

What do you think of Hapkido as a Combat Art? Good on the streets? Or just good in the dojo?

My Sifu said that lot of the newcomers to Wing Chun have this problem. Mainly because of their technique and because their elbows arent used to that kind of stress. He said it usually passes after a certain amount of time. But it is true many people that train in Wing Chun do develop "Tennis Elbow" if their techinique is off.

How do you go about strengthening the hand? Mainly the fingers? Like grip, hold, strength, endurance wise.

What are the different styles of Hapkido? Any information on the type you may take or any you know of would be great. ^^ Im rather new to the Korean Martial Art Scene so anything would help.

Thanks for the great info ^^ Ill check it out within the next week and report back.

I just moved which means I had to quit my former martial art, Wing Chun. There is a Hapkido dojo by my house and im thinking about going to check it out and maybe join. Is there any was I can tell if this is a crappy dojo or a good dojo teaching the true art?

What are the pluses and minuses of shotokan? I found a really good shotokan Dojo around my house as well as a Kyokushin Dojo. Im not sure which one I would rather take at the moment. So I would like some info on Shotokan

Why doesnt anyone ever use it?? We shoudl set up a time when we would all meet and chat on the room.. If not the chat seems rather useless.. In my rather short time on these forums I've never seen anyone on it or using it...

Tattoos eh? I would get one other than the point I'd have it for all of my life.. Although a little one wouldnt be bad.. I have a Jade Dragon Tattoo place by my house its supposed to be really great and the artist is famous. But, I dunno although I would like a Ying-Yang on my left shoulder that'd be cool.. But whatever you guys do dont go overboard with it hehe.. Remember one day you'll turn 70 or 80 and those tattoos will look wrinkly and weird

I agree with Jerry...

Does it have katas, or forms? Various stances? I'm just trying to learn more about the art.. I'm trying to choose an art to go to and Kyokushin i sone of my choices.. So if anyone has any information could you pass it on? I heard that they hit you with a staff or stick.. Is that body hardening and is it really worth it? -Arys

I've never heard of a spiritual side to Hapkido. By the way what do you think about Kyokushin?

Would you classify it as a combative art or no? I'm not really sure what to think..

Wow.. I love these forums.. These are like the best I've seen so far.. All these cool features and stuff! Good stuff Patrick!

Woooh.. At first I thought I was young... That was before I read these posts lol.. We all have these over-age (or so it seems) philosophies and debates.. I feel better now.. hehe