Performances - Good & Bad

[Bamboo]

Hi all,

Just wanted to get your opinion..What are your thoughts on the merits of doing live performances for demos, fundraising or celebrations, etc.? On my side...

BAD: Performances add a great deal of stress to my already stressful life and detracts from the pure enjoyment of learning HG just for the sake of learning HG.

GOOD: Knowing that a performance is coming up forces me to get my lazy ass off the couch, train more, examine the forms more closely, try to develop a better understanding and refine the movements.

Thanks.

[Asmo]

If you show what you normally do in training there shouldn't be anything holding back your normal training. It just requires some time to get a plan togheter then of who does what. Why change stuff for demo's?

[SifuYui]

In my opinion, if you can't do a decent performance (demo of your style), then it's best to not do it at all or simplify it so that you can look good doing it. The reason is because you're "selling" people your art. You are, in their eyes, the professional. So if you can't make your kung fu look good, what chance do they have; and why should they want to learn from you?

We can't be perfect, but the demo should look good to the uninitiated and to the seasoned practitioner. Even a simple block-punch combo can be strong, sharp, and exciting to watch if it's done well.

As Asmo stated, keep it simple and stick to what you know. Then drill the crap out of that/those technique(s) till it looks good.

Everyone should have a couple of things they can perform well at the drop of a hat. You never know when someone might invite you to do a demo.

Yui

[banditshaw]

^^^^^

True Words!

If I were asked to do a demo right now I would do Lau Gar Kuen or Sam Ying Kuen. Just because I've done them countless times and I am comfortable with them. They are relatively short and can be done quite fast when practiced in that manner.

I've been so busy lately that I have been only working on Gung Gee at home and work, I really need to go thru some of my other sets before I forget them.

But back to topic.... I think Demos are great for all levels of practitioners. It also depends on the whens and wheres the demo is taking place. Like Sifu Yui pointed out. You want to put your best foot forward infront of discerning eyes.

[TenTigers]

I heard someone say this once, and I liked it: He said He believes all students should train and conduct themselves in class as if they were IN a demo. They should always give 110%, always look sharp, and train with good form and structure. There should be no difference between the way they perform their sets in class, and on a stage. This way, there is no last minute cramming, no change in the way they do things.
Of course, when it comes to "selling yourself," nothing looks sharper than a demo, and nothing is as impressive than seeing a class run like one

[crazedjustice888]

Speaking of demos, I have been asked to give a short one on Asian Day at my college. It is on November 18th, so my sifu is really drilling me. I am only going to do part of Gung Gee. Basically from beginning to the part where you turn around and repeat the horse stance part. They have asked me to showcase Chinese Kung Fu and since I gave a presentation on it in my Buddhism class, they want me to do the same there. So now I practice all the time. Never done one before and I am still YEARS away from being an advanced student but I think it is going to help me out to train harder. Besides...I get extra credit...

So yeah, I agree with what everyone is saying and can see it come to fruition in my own experience.