 | | 
January 27th, 2005, 03:20 PM
|  | Beginner | | Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Style(s): I'm searching for Kung Fu Year(s): 1/2 Year
Posts: 8
Rep Power: 0 | |  Newbie with a question
Greetings all,
I'm new to the forum so I thought I would start by introducing myself.
I'm a 35 year old male, married with a 2 year old son and a 3 year old daughter. I've always been interested in the Martial Arts and about 6 years ago I sighned up with a local martial arts school. The school instructed in Karate-Kickboxing-Grappling and I enjoyed the training. However, the school(owner) and ultimately the training was inconsistent, disorganized and had no "real" philosophy. I stayed with the school for about a year before getting fed up with its disorganized approach calling it quits. Soon after that I heard that school closed due to mismanagement.
So now that you have a little background I would like to ask your advice or opinion. The school mentioned above had no katas or forms to speak of and progression was based on the owners opinion of how you ranked. I don't want to get into another situation like that but I do want to continue to pursue the Martial Art. My choices are limited in my area and are basically these. Tae Kwan Do, Shotokan or I've heard rumors of a sifu who teaches Shaolin Dragon Gung Fu. I've ruled out Shotokan and Tae Kwan Do seems so commercial that I'm not sure that's for me either. I'm very much into the philosophical side (Taoism) of the martial arts and Gung Fu is most appealing but I know very little about the different types or what to expect. I know that basic concept of Dragon Gung Fu, or at least I think I do. I believe the forms are Tiger, Crane, Snake and Panther. Is this something I should consider I should I settle for the more established Tae Kwan Do school in town
What ever insight you can offer would be appreciated.  |
January 27th, 2005, 05:58 PM
|  | Super Moderator     | | Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: FLFL
Posts: 15,835
Rep Power: 100 | | | sounds like the school is 5 animal, yes it will have those forms and some concepts of Tao or at least what the Sifu thinks it is.
so of those that would be the one, however like most schools you should visit watch what they do and try to get into a one on one with the Sifu to get a feel of his views how involved he is and how you interact with him. Those will be very important issues down the road...oh and welcome to the DL
__________________
You are not where you have been and you are not where you are going you are only here. |
January 27th, 2005, 08:28 PM
|  | when TKD strikes | | Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Delhi, India Year(s): 8
Posts: 2,536
Rep Power: 37 | | | “ | this something I should consider I should I settle for the more established Tae Kwan Do school in town
| ” | |
Learning TKD is not bad.... hey I do this... it's fun... only u need to find a darn good teacher....which I did...
-TkdWarrior- |
January 28th, 2005, 09:15 AM
| | Beginner | | Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Style(s): I'm searching for Kung Fu Year(s): 1/2 Year
Posts: 8
Rep Power: 0 | | | Thanks aqira and tkdwarrior. Yeah, I think thats good advice. I think the best thing for me to do is talk to my perspective instructor and get a feel for what he's all about.
A couple of people I know are in to tae kwan do and I've watched them practice a bit. I have no doubt TKD would be a blast and very rewarding. The instructor has a good reputation but I haven't talked him yet.
The Shaolin Dragon Gung Fu is more appealing to me because of the philosophy behind its creation and development. Taoist and buddhist influences and the way that it uses nature as it's guide. That's very appealing to me.
Are there alot of Kung Fu people here I've always found the history of the different kung styles fasinating. |
January 28th, 2005, 09:25 AM
|  | mogate victim  | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Leeds Style(s): wc/arnis/(b)jj Year(s): since 2002
Posts: 9,000
Rep Power: 150 | | | first off welcome.........i think youll find most people here are into chinese physical culture in one form or another.........but you do get other martial artists as well........
__________________
"...any theory that satisfies the facts demands assumptions which are completely absurd."
Aleister Crowley |
January 28th, 2005, 10:27 AM
| | when TKD strikes | | Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Delhi, India Year(s): 8
Posts: 2,536
Rep Power: 37 | | about choosing the teacher | “ | 7. How to choose a teacher for Martial arts
This is one of the most toughest question. Why Because it's hard to tell about anyone just by looking at person… but here's catch Do you believe in 6th sense No then you should start to… You should be able to follow your teacher.
A good teacher will create a powerful aura around himself.
A good teacher will have friendly vibe around himself(that's difference from schmoozing vibe with grin). In martial arts You should look at How the students are behaving It tells you lot about his class and attitude. Most of times students copies his/her teachers moves and attitude and it shows big time.
Let me share with u my experience, I Recently went for this World Renowned yoga Instructor to gain expertise In Yoga. While talking to him I felt a hole b/w us which was sucking my power/strength. I wasn't comfortable so was my friend… we both wondered why it was so Anyways we went ahead and enrolled ourselves at his class and learnt he's not good teacher. We quit soon after… That Void was just getting Big… | ” | |
U r not new to MA but I think you'll find this intresting http://www.lifestyledecision.com/Spo...al/MAFaq1.html http://www.lifestyledecision.com/Spo...al/MAFaq2.html http://www.lifestyledecision.com/Spo...al/MAFaq3.html | “ | i think youll find most people here are into chinese physical culture in one form or another......... | ” | |
yup... we also talk about porno, bush. gays, bush and lot of other intresting stuff too ..
-TkdWarrior- |
January 28th, 2005, 11:17 AM
| | Beginner | | Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Style(s): I'm searching for Kung Fu Year(s): 1/2 Year
Posts: 8
Rep Power: 0 | | Thanks tkdwarrior. Thats good stuff.
A little porn never hurt anyone! I'm not homophobic. Can't say the same for Bush on either count!  |
January 28th, 2005, 12:38 PM
|  | Advisor   | | Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: N.E. Ohio, USA Style(s): Now,primarily chi kung an Year(s): 30-35
Posts: 3,548
Rep Power: 100 | | | CognitiveQuest
Welcome and enjoy. As you already see, there is much that can be learned here. As far as your question, the Shaolin Gung Fu teacher would be my choice hands down.
Jeff(fuzzy30) |
January 29th, 2005, 12:14 PM
|  | THUNDERING MANTIS | | Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: sanford, maine Style(s): pai lum & tai chi Year(s): 22
Posts: 89
Rep Power: 6 | |
| “ | Originally
Posted By: CognitiveQuest
The Shaolin Dragon Gung Fu is more appealing to me because of the philosophy behind its creation and development. Taoist and buddhist influences and the way that it uses nature as it's guide. That's very appealing to me.
I've always found the history of the different kung styles fasinating. | ” | |
welcome to the dl brother!!! gung fu definitely has a lot to offer as far as philosophy, animal, and internal concepts. just like everyone has said, it depends on the kwoon that you choose. i started in shotokan when i was 7 and then moved to tkd in my early teens. i had great fun in those arts, but when i got into kung fu i found there was a lot more to dive into. the philosophy and internal methods fascinated me and gave me more to ponder and eventually gave me other ways to express myself. the first time i met my sifu i could feel the humbleness and passion for teaching in him. that is what told me that "this was the guy who could guide me to my goals". check out those schools around you and let your heart help guide you. good luck!!
__________________
"Like two snakes in fierce combat, you cannot tell where Buddha sat." |
January 29th, 2005, 04:53 PM
|  | Junior Member | | Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: South Elgin, Illinois Style(s): Kung Fu Year(s): 3 months
Posts: 12
Rep Power: 0 | | | im new to this whole Martial arts world too, but i'd definitely check out the kung fu school. i mean c'mon.....its kung fu. |
January 29th, 2005, 05:13 PM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boston Style(s): Wah Lum/Yang Tai Chi Year(s): passing by
Posts: 6,463
Rep Power: 153 | | | I would say, check both options out. Kung Fu will, at the least, introduce you to a different culture and maybe a different way of looking at things. But like tkdwarrior says, make sure you have a good feeling about the place & instructor. A school may look awesome and its students may look really skilled, but if you don't feel good about it then head the other way. In fact, I would visit both schools at least twice to watch classes.
Welcome aboard!
__________________ "Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san
"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes... |
January 30th, 2005, 12:06 AM
|  | Dragon's List Allumni | | Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta, Ga Year(s): 13
Posts: 5,102
Rep Power: 69 | | | Where in Louisianna
__________________
"When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Cam McHargue" |
January 30th, 2005, 01:29 AM
| | when TKD strikes | | Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: New Delhi, India Year(s): 8
Posts: 2,536
Rep Power: 37 | | seems like stormy knows someone in luisiana... good luck 
-TKdWarrior- |
January 31st, 2005, 09:42 AM
| | Beginner | | Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana Style(s): I'm searching for Kung Fu Year(s): 1/2 Year
Posts: 8
Rep Power: 0 | | | StormMountain - I'm from Northeast Louisiana.
I really appreciate all the responses. You guys have really made me feel welcome and offered a lot of really helpful advice. I know I will enjoy my time here and there is no doubt I will benefit from the wealth of knowledge in this community.
Well, I tracked down the guy in my area who teaches "Shaolin Dragon Gung Fu". I called him up and talked to him for about 20 minutes over the phone. Our conversation left me feeling a bit uneasy. A number of things he said didn't add up. I'm not sure the guy is what he claims to be. One night this week I'm going to go to his dojo and watch a class. I'm also going to a TKD school to meet the teacher and watch a class. I've heard pretty good things about the TKD school. It's looking like I may going with TKD. |
January 31st, 2005, 09:54 AM
| | Dragon's List Allumni | | Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta, Ga Year(s): 13
Posts: 5,102
Rep Power: 69 | | Well, I believe that Master Liu opened a school in New Orleans. www.liuinstitute.com He's a real deal shaolin monk, and a famous SanShou fighter. (His main school is in Mobile, AL)
I also think Cam might know of some kickboxing/MMA schools in the area.
Go with the teacher that you like best and feel most comfortable with. If it's crappy kung fu then don't do it, but do go check it out. You may find a school that exactly the style you want but the teacher stinks. TKD can teach you plenty of solid skills that you can transfer to other training later if you wish.
__________________
"When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Cam McHargue" | |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | | 
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:37 PM.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.0.0
|
