Does kung fu have realistic sparring sessions?

[goedikey]

Hello,

 

I will be switching from Karate to WhiteCrane kung fu in my area.

 

I am very interested in the short range applications but am concerned that the style wont prepare me mentally to confront a real situation with a non collaborating partner.

 

Most kung fu schools I have seen do not spar but I think this school may be an exception. I havent seen the sparring practices happen yet.

 

So I am wondering if Kung Fu philosophy in general involves some kind of realistism that allows one to behave in a stressful situation, like kumite in karate.

 

Thanks !

[dingyuan]

Not much Kung Fu styles have realistic sparring sessions, I am not so sure about Wing Chun but I know that Baji Quan has a sparring session and so does San Shou., those animals may not have them I think.

[MenteReligieuse]

That does not depend on the kung-fu style AT ALL! It depends on your kwoon and master! Ask them instead.

[dingyuan]

Not really, have you ever seen a Tai Chi or Hung Gar free sparring class?

[47MartialMan]

We had, but not too often. Injuries had happened.

 

Sparring was a phase for higher practitioners (not that high) in order to minimize injury because of abilities.

 

In other words, methods had to be perfected before their application.

[Nick_UKWC]

We will be starting to spar in the new year I expect, so over a years training before that. The trouble as I see it is that you can't do Wing Chun with gloves and you can't hit full force/speed without them.

 

You need to be taught well to avoid injuries with this kind of thing I guess. I doubt people learning boxing or kick boxing would get in the ring so soon if it was bare knuckle.

[Ricochet]

Methink it depends on the school. In my class, we spar sometimes (usually only after class, though) and it's pretty good, I think. So, basically, just ask around until you find a school that fits what you want.

[Zhong Gau]

yeah,

 

If there is an unquenchable desire to get real bare knuckle fighting experience, or even to test what you've learned i can refer you to several very traditional chinese stylists who'd love to feed you to thier students.