Double Standard for Kung Fu

[Subitai]

This thread is to move this discussion to it' own idea.

I believe that there does exist an unfair standard for kung fu. Again, it is based on peoples' perceptions of kung fu. Namely the movies and folklore are to blame and they are not a REAL representation that replaces good ol' fashion sweat and hard work.

I encounter quite often that people think kung fu should be fancy or be able to WIN with "STYLE". This frustrates me to no end.

I have a big brother "GENE" in charge of a Great Magazine "Kung Fu Qigong" and for some time I've thought about writing. But then I think, who cares what people think? But for you guys. Ok...I’ll spill a little.

* Take the SWEET science of Western Boxing...I love it. Simple, direct, flowing and VERY effective. But when a boxer misses or blocks, slips, bobs and weaves...He is SETTING UP his opponent. He is always allowed that forgiveness to get his "GROVE" on and ultimately...get into his opponents timing or just plane set it up so that he can finish. This may take a few exchanges or even many rounds but the job gets done.

** Kung fu on the other hand is often perceived unfairly...Immediately, people assume the KF man must be just like in the movies using animal styles or movements EXACTLY as they are done in the forms.
....IF it doesn't go down that way, Kung Fu sucks. Views of the masses.

Even more educated people don't give Kung Fu enough Set Up Time...if it needs it. This goes for any Traditional Martial Art as well btw.

*** Let's use a very simplistic example. ..Insert any TMA " Here ", doing a basic upper forearm block and reverse punch VS. a MMA doing boxing. Let's just keep it simple and not even talk about ground fighting yet. The two combatants are not already bridged or touching each other and are free to move and use their footwork.


For this example, if the MMA is using a JAB/Cross...the TMA needs to be aware of the method and to be able to get into his opponents timing to be able to use this straight up method of block and punch. If he fails the outcome is obvious...the TMA was using a slower method vs a faster jab that undoubtedly set up the TMA to get the smack down from the cross.

Pretending that all I knew was Block and Reverse punch and all my opponent knew was Jabb and Cross. It may take me awhile but I know that I have the skill and method to make it work. THE KEY IS TIME and EFFORT to set it up. Reality is...it make take me a few times to get it, but once I did, I know I can make it work.


But the point of this whole tirade is that people would not give me the time. The MASSES view for sure is that, if I failed on the VERY 1ST attempt or if it didn't look as pretty as when I was doing a form...then it must be no good. It's unfair, fighting is dirty and gritty, plus my opponent will Undoubtedly resist me or protect himself...thus another reason that my method (although working) may not look so pretty.

It's the hard work and toughness of the person that wins out, styles are only a vehicle to learn the methodology, they are not doctrine.
I'm not complaining mind you, I’m only making a point of other people’s perceptions. So take the grain of salt if you want.

Yes Kung Fu does forms but forms are not fighting. Most people who are doing KF are not Professional fighters...I highly agree. We've all said it 100 x's on a 100 forums...it's not the style, it's the hard work of the person that wins.

It's funny how history repeats itself...I may have to cut and paste old threads.

"O"

[markt]

[JPC]

[TOET]

[APAV]

[Fat Cat]

[Subitai]

[Fat Cat]

[Sifu at Large]

But the point of this whole tirade is that people would not give me the time. The MASSES view for sure is that, if I failed on the VERY 1ST attempt or if it didn't look as pretty as when I was doing a form...then it must be no good. It's unfair, fighting is dirty and gritty, plus my opponent will Undoubtedly resist me or protect himself...thus another reason that my method (although working) may not look so pretty.

Just as you pointed out, that incorrect view of the masses is based on the movies.

I think part of this has to do with the identity crisis that CMA has had for far too long. There are too many people out there who want to hold on to that "my plane crashed in the Himalayas, and I was found by a monk" kind of BS. And then there is the floating, flying, touch of death nonsense. These selfsame "masters" are the same who are unable to be tested, as they are too deadly.

I really try to ignore a lot of the misconceptions. I gets difficult to drum up students though. And then there are the endless "hey, you wanna see what happens to this 'kung fu guy' on youtube who tried to fight an MMA guy?" questions.