bullpunk Posted August 31, 2004 Posted August 31, 2004 Hey all! I'm rather new to this, so I hope you will forgive this newbie question, but it is important to me that I invest my time and money wisely. I am going to start studying martial arts again(last time I was like 12yo.) and I am curious of what you think about my choices. In my area study is limited to TKD, Jujitsu, and WC. I have definitely crossed TKD off of the list(the instructor is a pompus @$$) and I am left with JJ or WC. I have been dilligently researching both of them and I am really leaning toward WC, but before I commit all of that time and money I was hoping that maybe some of the practicioners here could give me some input of their experiences with the art(positive and negative)... just as a kind of final push in the (hopefully) right direction. Thank you in advance.
Oni Posted September 1, 2004 Posted September 1, 2004 Welcome to KF. I am also choosing to study WC and all I can say is that the people on this site will tell you what they know about WC and that is it you must make your own mind up go to the school you are choosing watch a few lessons speak to the instructor and the pupils and decide for yourself " You always get some motherf***er trying ice-skate uphill " Taken from Blade.
stonecrusher69 Posted September 2, 2004 Posted September 2, 2004 you should ask your self what style is more to your liking then find a good teacher in the style.If your not sure maybe you can try both styles for a few months then make a choice.My style is Wing Chun but I studied a few other styles before I found Wing Chun.Wing Chun is mostly a striking art close range .JJ has a lot of Chin na in it which wing does use to much.If your a beginner check out as many styles as possible.maybe the right one you have not come aross yet.. http://www.youtube.com/user/sifumcilwrath"When the student is ready the master will appear"
wing chun kuen man Posted September 2, 2004 Posted September 2, 2004 bullpunk, Welcome to KF. Wing Chun is a great selfdefense style of kung fu. How great will obviously would depend on the school/instructor and the lineage you are being taught. Generally speaking though no matter what lineage you practice as long as the instructor is good then you will learn good fighting and selfdefemse techniques. I study traditional Wing Chun with a mainland China lineage. We are taught striking (hand, elbow, feet,leg and knees) as well as grappling which comes at a later stage. We are taught Chin-na techniques as well. Iron palm is regularly practiced. The chi kung (internal energy/breathing) exercises are ever present as well. As far as negative aspects of Wing Chun are concerned there are none for me. I consider myself lucky to have found a great sifu (instructor) and a traditional school. Just some quick introduction to Wing Chun: Basically a close range fighting system. There are three main forms. What you will learn will be concepts that are the basis for learning the style. These concepts will be your guide in progressing in Wing Chun. Of course you will learn many techniques. Chi Sao or sticky hands exercises will be practiced regularly with a partner. This exercises will enable you to create sensitivity to your partners movements; help your bases, allow you to flow in your techniques; sense openings in his defenses and thus penetrate his central line and improve your reflexes. There are many other details regarding the above as well as other aspects to Wing Chun training but I think the above are enough as an introduction. As you train you will be taught the various concepts and theories of the style. Good luck. Wing Chun Kuen Man Real traditional martial arts training is difficult to find.....most dojos in the west are Mcdojos....some are better and some are worst....but they are what they are....do you train in one?
battousai16 Posted September 2, 2004 Posted September 2, 2004 with only one wing chun class all i can say is go with an open mind. the style was completely different than anything i'd ever done before; it was very awkward. be sure to visit both schools, though, and inquire about free trial classes. it's the only way to really figure out which one is right for you best of luck "I hear you can kill 200 men and play a mean six string at the same time..."-Six String Samurai
bullpunk Posted September 2, 2004 Author Posted September 2, 2004 Thank you all for the great replies! I have infact been to the JJ dojo and the instructor is a very good guy. He teaches JJ and Kendo which is very appealing(been in love with the japanese culture since I was very young) because I also collect swords, so learning the art would be great. HOWEVER, I have always had exceptional reflexes and I know that WC requires good reflexes and coordination, aswell as speed and various other attributes, which is why I am very drawn to this particular style. I like the idea of a fast-paced style that incorperates speed, precision, and good timing, but remains "soft" and allows for constant improvement throughout the years even as a very old man. Anyways, thank you all once again for the warm welcome and the replies. -bullpunk
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