Nothern shaolin Kung fu - Kick boxing .

[Rainbow_Warrior]

Is I wrote...I back to kung fu....but I am also with kick boxin some days to get more contact , and do some hard contact with a couple of friends.

I ´ve some problems at kung fu training , because my shifu corrects me my guard position very often..... I ´ve been doing boxing and kick boxing for a considerable time....and the guard does nothing to see with kung fu.

Both are good....but I am used to close ( or semi close) my hands , and use a fist guard (maybe cuz the globes??). It is more confortable for me , but it is not correct at some parts of the training.....I also use that guard as natural in a danger situation.

Another difference on the guard position is that the guard shifu suggest me is 40 % on the left leg ( front , I am right handed) and 60 % on the right with my left hand semi extended and the right hand against my chet, and the average boxing guard I´used is a little agressive and lean toward the opponent ( of course you may move your torso to avoid the hits).

So....at kung fu training I try to adapt to that guard , but I do not feel confortable....All the other things work great.....

Ideas ?

[bushido_man96]

Well, I would say for class, do what he says. This is the problem with stylized forms of guards. The boxing guard has proven its worth over and over, and personally, I prefer it, and it is essentially what I fight with in TKD.

I would just try to keep straight what you are doing in which class, but on the street, or when sparring (in either sport), use what you feel gives you the best defense, and is most comfortable.

[Traditional-Fist]

Is I wrote...I back to kung fu....but I am also with kick boxin some days to get more contact , and do some hard contact with a couple of friends.

I ´ve some problems at kung fu training , because my shifu corrects me my guard position very often..... I ´ve been doing boxing and kick boxing for a considerable time....and the guard does nothing to see with kung fu.

Both are good....but I am used to close ( or semi close) my hands , and use a fist guard (maybe cuz the globes??). It is more confortable for me , but it is not correct at some parts of the training.....I also use that guard as natural in a danger situation.

Another difference on the guard position is that the guard shifu suggest me is 40 % on the left leg ( front , I am right handed) and 60 % on the right with my left hand semi extended and the right hand against my chet, and the average boxing guard I´used is a little agressive and lean toward the opponent ( of course you may move your torso to avoid the hits).

So....at kung fu training I try to adapt to that guard , but I do not feel confortable....All the other things work great.....

Ideas ?

This is a typical type of problem faced by cross-trainers. It is best to remember that different styles have different concepts and methodologies, and it is normal that some movements/techniques in one style to feel more comfortable than the equivalent in the other. Some styles will require a certain type of a guard and weight distribution and others will require a different type.

My suggestion is to concentrate on one art and of course kung fu would be be my preference, and give up the other so that you don´t end up mixing concepts and theories, which will slow down your general progress. However, if you just want to learn to fight as quickly as possible and just like full contact sparring, then give up the kung fu.

Remember, if you are practicing kung fu, you are training in a very profound an rich art, mixing that with a relatively simple art such as kick boxing, then you are asking for confusion and dare I say "cross-problems".

If you come to really understand one of the arts (wether kung fu or kickboxing), to the point where you are happy and comfortable with its basic requirements, then you can start training in a second art if you really want to. Hopefully, this way you can minimize any arising confusions.

[elbows_and_knees]

As someone who has been there - I was training muay thai, then spent some years in northern longfist kung fu and went back to muay thai - I would say when sparring, do what feels comfortable to you. When I was in kung fu, I did my forms the way I was taught. However, I had similar problems to what you are describing with my stance and guard. Also, he would correct my kicks. I was more comfortable with my muay thai though, and that's what naturally came out. Eventually, he stopped trying to correct my sparring, because even though I was different, I was still incorporating things he was teaching me and I was effective with it.

I currently teach muay thai, and take a similar attitude. If a guy has trained before, I let them do their thing, as long as they are effective with what they are doing. Case in point, we have a guy who has been boxing for 10 years. His footwork is different from a thai boxer's, but he's great at it, so I let him work it into his thai boxing. He is truly making his art his own this way.

That said, I will correct things like low hands in a guard (like our TKD guys do) but for the most part, if they can make it work, I don't try to change it.

[bushido_man96]

As someone who has been there - I was training muay thai, then spent some years in northern longfist kung fu and went back to muay thai - I would say when sparring, do what feels comfortable to you. When I was in kung fu, I did my forms the way I was taught. However, I had similar problems to what you are describing with my stance and guard. Also, he would correct my kicks. I was more comfortable with my muay thai though, and that's what naturally came out. Eventually, he stopped trying to correct my sparring, because even though I was different, I was still incorporating things he was teaching me and I was effective with it.

I currently teach muay thai, and take a similar attitude. If a guy has trained before, I let them do their thing, as long as they are effective with what they are doing. Case in point, we have a guy who has been boxing for 10 years. His footwork is different from a thai boxer's, but he's great at it, so I let him work it into his thai boxing. He is truly making his art his own this way.

That said, I will correct things like low hands in a guard (like our TKD guys do) but for the most part, if they can make it work, I don't try to change it.

I like the attitude that you take here. That is one of aspects of being a good instructor; being able to help the student come into their own. When it comes to forms and things like that, then the style becomes important. However, in fighting/sparring, it is important to be able to move naturally, and anyone will do what is comfortable for them.

[Rainbow_Warrior]

Well . I am not alone in those problems

I am concentrated on Kung fu at this moment , but I really want to still doing some kickboxing to preserve my physical cardio and reflex.I agre

I liked what elbows_and_knees said.... but you need a very open minded instructor like he seems to be . And my instructor is VERY traditionalist ( he is disciple from a chinese master) , so...he ´´respect ´´ other arts...but I think in some part of his mind , think that KUNG FU is the key of the universe.But in other way..this guy is great in what he does , and is a nice guy that I know from my 7 years old . So...is very friendly and teaches very well , that ´s why I want to still at this schoo.

I agree with the traditional guy about the richness of kung fu. I returned to kung fu , looking for the peace and the wisdom of the movements , but I am so far from being a Kung fu master.And the traditional MA has a long way to the top ( or at least good level) ,and the top moves far every day.I like that, but the kickboxing gives me skills for today , and keep me tuned for combat .

I I had a 7 years backgroung on kung fu in my late chilhood early teenage , but I spent time on boxing and kickboxing...and ´´forgot ´´ many techniques , glad of the ´´effective ´´ contact sport. But today I realize that both things are different...and no Better , or worse.

If you come to really understand one of the arts (wether kung fu or kickboxing), to the point where you are happy and comfortable with its basic requirements, then you can start training in a second art if you really want to. Hopefully, this way you can minimize any arising confusions

I am not a novice at kung fu or kickboxing , but I am not great either in none of ´em, but I understand the ``basics´´of both arts. So...I can easily turn to the kung fu guard , but it is NOT natural to me today , that is my problem.

The solution of bushido man of is good, focalize in the kung fu guard during it´s training...and use the confortable guard at combat...Is what I do most part of the time...but sometimes the boxing guard scapes from my mind during the training , because I am forcing it.

[HG]

but I really want to still doing some kickboxing to preserve my physical cardio and reflex.

You can do the same using your Kung Fu. If you aren't then you should be. Drilling at combat speed for cardio & sparring for timming & reflex. Train Kung Fu and fight using it.

but you need a very open minded instructor like he seems to be . And my instructor is VERY traditionalist ( he is disciple from a chinese master) , so...he ´´respect ´´ other arts...but I think in some part of his mind , think that KUNG FU is the key of the universe.But in other way..this guy is great in what he does , and is a nice guy that I know from my 7 years old.

It's hard enough to learn Kung Fu on it's own. Adding other philosophies & principles just adds to the confusion. Everyone has their bias towards the martial art they practice. So don't fault the guy for having some pride in his chosen style.

So...is very friendly and teaches very well , that ´s why I want to still at this schoo. I agree with the traditional guy about the richness of kung fu. I returned to kung fu , looking for the peace and the wisdom of the movements , but I am so far from being a Kung fu master.And the traditional MA has a long way to the top ( or at least good level) ,and the top moves far every day.I like that, but the kickboxing gives me skills for today , and keep me tuned for combat.

Put the time in and you will develop the skills. If you are training correctly it won't take as long as you think.

[Rainbow_Warrior]

It's hard enough to learn Kung Fu on it's own. Adding other philosophies & principles just adds to the confusion. Everyone has their bias towards the martial art they practice. So don't fault the guy for having some pride in his chosen style.

Is ok to be pride. But some people is too proud , and that´s what happens with my sifu. Kung fu is an awesome MA ( for me) , but as other MA , lacks in some points. That is why I like to do other style.

Adding other philosophies & principles just adds to the confusion

As far I know kick boxing ( like boxing) does not have much philosophie , just to win the opponent with strenght and/or technique. Maybe the problem is with some principles in kicking....The kickboxing uses more the hip -

I would like to practice Kung fu more aften , but my college schedule doesn´t let me and my shifu gives 3 clases per week ( I lose one class per week being at college class). So I am going twice a week to Kung fu and one to KB...also do body building and swiming.

I try to practice forms when I am alone , and do the best I can...I ´ll traing like a beast in this summer. I am waiting for hollydays ( remember I am under Ecuator , so we got spring now )

[elbows_and_knees]

Considering that muay thai has a huge buddhist influence, there is plenty of philosophy there. However, as it is primarily a combat sport style, you may not be taught that aspect.

[Rainbow_Warrior]

Considering that muay thai has a huge buddhist influence, there is plenty of philosophy there. However, as it is primarily a combat sport style, you may not be taught that aspect.

Yes , I ´ve seen on Tv Thai boxers reciting mantras and things like that...but the kick boxing I ´ve learned is much like western thing ( obviusly with the heritage of technique). At least here , in my country ,Thay box , kick boxing and full contact are teached w/out spiritual background .