Spanky11 said:
I found that there was just a little too much mysticism behind the whole thing, i mean Dim Mak, and all that crap....
but the thing is, its the traditional Kung Fu styles that haven't progressed, and thats why I think they are useless.
, I think you'll find that nearly all of them have incorporated many other styles into their arsenal -
and not just "iron claw", and "preying mantis" (incidentally, where do they come up with these great names?).
1.I agree with the mysticism, but all styles posees that to some degree.
Does the Thai grave dance make the sport more combat effective?? No, but it is an integral part of the style.
DOes counting " ich, ni, sun, sei," make any more sense than using 1,2,3,4??
No, but Most Japanese styles insist upon it as well as wearing gi's and Hakama even in a non-grappling environment where training in shorts an T would be much more comfortable.
DO you see what I'm saying? All styles contain tradition that IMHO, should not be forgotten in the name of combat effective practicality. Other wise we may as well all train American shoot or collegiate wrestling and boxing
2.How can you say that traditonal styles have not progressed? Some have some haven't. The same can be said for many styles of Karate.
William Cheung has certainly taken Wing Chun to new levels, introducing advanced blade and weapons work as well as modifing some hand sets to better defend and attack against modern boxing.
3.Yes they have incorporated many other arts. But remember Bruce Lee created JKD from 27 elements of which 12 were Kung fu styles. How can an such an art, proven combat effective, have a base of Kung fu that is IYO, useless.? There must have been some practical things in those 12 styles of Kung fu. Filipino arts melted Kung fu, Kun Tao, BOxing(boksing), Spanish sword(espada y daga) and whatever else they could find to create the escrima/Kali systems that are so respected for combat effectiveness for years.
I trained Mande Muda Silat with Herman Suwanda before he died. A blend of pure Indonesian Silats such as Harimau and cippecut. AND I'll put it up against any sytem out there for combat effectiveness.
Iron claw, Preying mantis comes from the old 5 animal syatems descriptions and from the nun(i forget her name) who invented Kung fu.
Yes the names are silly when translated, but so is jab, jab, double rack 1,2. overhand, bob.
Or "canopener, banana split, heel hook,"
Or ikari wagazi or whatever the japanese kicks are. It cracks me up when talking to a karatetka who uses the japanese terms for his moves.
Where I come from, a roundhouse is a roundhouse.
One last thing. You take kyo kushinkai?
SO you use a low horse stance with reverse punchs from the hip to build shoulder strength???
Cool, where's the practicality of holding your hands that low.
I protect the head, not the hip.
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