Just started in PGH and have questions

[danjfoley]

I hope this is the right place to post. I want to take kung fu classes. I'm in Pittsburgh, PA. I am going in for a consultantion / free class at rothrock this week. Some questions: (by the way i'm 33)

1. I'm worried when I see on the web site they have kids getting a black belt. What can getting a black belt really mean if some 8 year old can get it?

2. Is there a better place to take it? Anything wrong with rothrock?

[Sammygirl]

Well, I don't know anything about the Rothrock school. I'm assuming Cynthia Rothrock doesn't actually teach there, and it's a chain school or something.

Always go with your gut, though. If something doesn't seem quite right, it probably isn't.

I always encourage people to visit at least 3 different schools, in person (not just their website), watch an entire class or do a free lesson if offered, and ask plenty of questions.

There is a Wah Lum school in the Pittsburgh area (this is totally a shameless plug, sorry). Usually WL doesn't do a free class but you can go watch a class and talk to the sifu.

Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi of Pittsburgh

And I think there is another traditional kung fu school in the area but it slips my mind right now. But definitely compare at least 3 schools and don't sign up for anything until you have done so and are able to weigh the differences, benefits & minuses to each program.

[Sammygirl]

Edit: You can also check out the "Schools" listings by state on the Dragonslist: It's located on the topmost menu under "Resources."

I'm always forgetting that...

[danjfoley]

what about the kids with black belts ? I would think a kid shouldn't be allowed to have a black belt.

when i get a black belt i want to feel like i really mastered something... but if a kids can get it.. how hard can it be?

[Sammygirl]

Good question!

In Wah Lum, we solve that question by just giving everybody a black belt on day 1! (Well, not really. A black sash. We don't have belt colors.)

I'm not sure why little kids get black belts, really.

[danjfoley]

well.. no schools listed in pittsburgh! so that doesn't help..

there is this place:
Welcome to Pittsburgh Kung Fu Center i like that they listed prices.. how does this place look.. i think i will call and ask for an appointment to check them out.

Now.. how can i really evaluate a place without actually signing up for a class?

[danjfoley]

wah lum is too far away by the way.. or i would check it out.. it's in butler.. i can't really be driving any more then 20 min or so.. (i'm in the south hils of pgh)

[danjfoley]

but if you don't do belts how does one know what skill level they are at.. i certainly want to do belts.. but i want to know it's hard to get there.. i'm kinda liking what i see at the pittsburgh kung fu center.

by the way .. i'm horribly out of shape.. not in the "fat" department.. but just in the enduarance area.. but that will be ok right? i'll work my way up correcT?

[beknar]

Looks like they have sparring. Hooray! But what kind of sparring? Do they allow leg kicks? Hits to the head? Hits to the back? Biting ears off? Excessive equipment wearing? No equipment wearing? Naked and oiled turkish fighting?! Going to the ground? Fighting on those $!#*! mei hua poles?

[Sammygirl]

Kind of irrelevant at the beginner level. The sparring type I mean.

PKC looks like a school well worth checking out as they are affiliated with Chin Woo. Plus Eagle Claw is a totally bada$$ system, the Chin Woo curriculum makes for well-rounded TCMA'ists, and you'll really be learning Yang Style tai chi as opposed to "Tai Chi Karate" or whatever, and that's a real jewel of a form to have.

Looks like they have colored sash rankings, so you won't have to worry about how to tell who's at what level. (In a system that doesn't use belt/sash colors, the way to tell where a person is at is to either ask them, or to actually see their skill.)

“	Now.. how can i really evaluate a place without actually signing up for a class?	”

I wrote about choosing a school in my fantabulous blog a few months ago. A bit wordy, but hopefully it will help you out:

Choosing the right school for you

Basically, it's difficult when you don't know what to look for. I went through the same thing when I was starting out.

Don't worry about being out of shape, either. (Other than the usual checking in with your doctor etc.) The goal of TCMA is to make better people first, good fighters second. I was terribly out of shape when I started kung fu, it took several months to feel like I was able to handle a whole class, but no one ever got down on me for being bigger or weaker than others.

[Pope_Wingnut]

they do a free class

go check it out

web site looks ok

chief108 is an eagle claw practishoner

if you want more info about the system i sure he would

go on and on and on and on ...................

about it



oh yeah and welcome to the DL

and tell us what happens

[cpdavngr]

I'm currently a fairly new student at the Rothrock Kung-Fu school (Rothrock's Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy, Pittsburgh, PA) I'm a second level orange sash at this point (adult classes). So far I've learned a bunch of self-defense techniques, some kickboxing, as well as "forms" (katas). Most of the stuff we've learned seems to apply to real world scenarious (chokes, grabs, punches, etc...). However, these are only the basic techniques. You don't learn the advanced Eagle Claw techniques until later in training. However, there are advanced classes you can take. In the advanced classes, you will learn some basic black sash level things such as joint locks, weapons, and Eagle Claw specific fighting techniques. As far as sparring goes, we haven't really done anything serious yet, just simple attacks on each other (again, only second level orange here). However, the fact that they sell thick head and body protection in the training facility makes me think that things will be getting much more interesting down the road...
This being the first martial art I've ever taken, I have to say I'm satisified with the curriculum. Although this was not my first martial art choice when I was looking around (Aikido of Pittsburgh was my first choice) I took the classes for self defense and physical fitness reasons and they seem to have a very well rounded training system which works for me. The Kung-Fu facility was just more convenient for me to get to than the Aikido school but I have no complaints so far.
Anyway, hope this helps. I think they're offering two free classes this month so I'd definitely at least go check it out. Good luck!

[FightingFat]

[Muldov]

Cant remember how i actually stubled accross this thread considering im new to the dragons list, good site though.. anyways, wanted to touch on a few things...for future refrence

“	Well, I don't know anything about the Rothrock school. I'm assuming Cynthia Rothrock doesn't actually teach there, and it's a chain school or something.	”

No she doesnt. Master Rothrock does teach there, and Thats his Ex Wife from way back when, no its not a chain school.

“	Originally Posted By: danjfoley what about the kids with black belts ? I would think a kid shouldn't be allowed to have a black belt. when i get a black belt i want to feel like i really mastered something... but if a kids can get it.. how hard can it be?	”

When you hit black belt, the only thing youve mastered, from any style, and ive studied Shotokan and a few others a long time before Kung fu.. when you hit black, youve really only mastered the basics and the discipline it takes to keep going. Admirable to hit it yes, but again black is when you really start learning the ,meat and potatoes of what the techniques are all about. The kids get Jr Black, which they wont start learnign the dangerious techniques till later. its more self esteem.

Ive been going there for a bit now, and ill tell you, its very good. the instructors are knowledgeable, and helpful all through as you go along, And Master Rothrock is the real deal.

BUT the most important thing is, like sammy said, choose the right school for you. Whats right for me, you may not go for. dont judge a school by its website. talk to the instructors, visit, watch for key instruction points. I went to a couple of schools looking for some key factors, listening for key words, for what i was looking for. all in all, ive been very happy with them. If you havnt found a studio yet, good luck to ya!