Introduction and Kung Fu
Original Poster: Polutoka
Forum: Kung Fu Styles, Chinese Martial Arts
Posted On: 13-03-2006, 14:57
Orginal Post: Polutoka: Greetings to all. I am relatively new to this forum, so I will introduce myself. I am a 19 year old college student currently living in my mother country, Argentina. I have been interested in Martial Arts since I was a child, although the conception of what they are has changed all through my not so long life. I expect this perspective to dynamically evolve and, interestingly enough, never quite finish... at least as long as I remain human (there are no current plans to do otherwise, so... :P).
Anyway, leaving the brief presentation aside, I have become interested in Kung Fu. As always, when I find something of interest, I start to research about it. History and lineage, techniques and forms, schools and overall idea about the Art in question from others' point of view. But it has been much more difficult than other cases I have stumbled upon (as those of Japanese Martial Arts, that seem to be more organized, administratively speaking). That is why I turn to you, my fellow mates.
I have found http://www.shaolin.com/ to be of much help (since I currently plan on doing an animal based type). Can anyone confirm if the information that there appears is accurate? The polemic course of Kung Fu generates and emphasizes doubts on reliability issues.
I'll post my other questions later on... wouldn't want to bore you guys from the start xD. It is a pleasure to be able to be part of this community and I'll see to it that any help I can offer is carried out. Thanks you for your time and help.[/url
Post: Hengest:
[quote=Polutoka I have found http://www.shaolin.com/ to be of much help (since I currently plan on doing an animal based type). Can anyone confirm if the information that there appears is accurate? The polemic course of Kung Fu generates and emphasizes doubts on reliability issues.[/quote
First of all, welcome to the site mate. It's always good to have some new blood join us. I hope you enjoy your stay. :D
As for http://www.shaolin.com/ , personally, I'd say it's an accurate account of Shaolin myth but not of history. All it does is say "academics can't be trusted" then use this an excuse to go over the same tired old stories that even a lot of kung fu students will admit is almost certainly fantasy.
I'm always dubious about groups who claim to descend from secret masters who held the only true lineage but then won't go public as they're very private people, or whatever. That's the kind of thing Ashida Kim used to do. He's considered a joke by most, yet these Order of Shaolin guys seem to get away with it. The subject of their book came up yesterday on another thread. I was initially interested, but after reading more about these people, I don't think I'll be wasting my money on it.
The problem is, as you say yourself, tracing kung fu history is remarkably difficult. I would personally recommend reading people like Stanley Henning and Adam Hsu. Not to say that their accounts of kung fu history are 100% correct, but they're generally well researched and they seem to have both feet on the ground.
Also, we have several members here who are well-versed in all things kung fu, so I'll hand over to them. Bloodybirds, Black Panta and nbotary, among others, are all chaps that I think you could benefit from talking to on this subject.
Happy hunting!>
Post: WushuPadawan001:
When researching Kung Fu I find that it is best to avoid the internet as it is full of Kung Fu bull-shit. If you really want to learn about Kung Fu then I recommend going to the book store and picking up some stuff by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, Shou-Yu Liang, Wen-Ching Wu, Helen Wu (I think she has a book out, maybe it?s Grace?.), and David Chow (Mr. Chow has a book called ?Kung Fu History, Philosophy and Technique? which has a good overview of the ancient Chinese martial arts world).
btw, just so know, my background is in Kung Fu, Taiji, and Wushu.>
Post: setsu nin to:
Polutoka welcome to the forum!>
Post: Gazelle:
A hearty welcome from me too!>
Post: bamboo:
Welcome :D>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Welcome sir at the beginning of your path!! There is a very good kung fu person in Argentina that I know from another discussion website. I will try to remember his name/style from the other site or go to the other site and ask his contact info from there.
Thank you to Hengest for the recommendation. I would be more than happy to answer kung fu questions if I can or refer you to either forum members or other sources. BTW, WushuPad, Nbotary, Punchdrunk, and Stazzi are all local kung fu brothers of mine here in Houston. I concur with Wushu's suggestions but you should also try books on true Shaolin. My Shaolin master taught me a family bird style to go along with my other masters' bird styles.
Animal styles are unique and intricate, and take many years of pain and diligence to learn as, if you really want to obtain decent skill, you must eventually practice both the attitude and martial mentality of that animal, whether it is mantis, snake, eagle, etc. I would suggest to you that you get a strong foundation in northern long fist or southern nan quan if available in Argentina as a good prelim training to an animal style.
You have commenced a path that is filled with wonder, excitement, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. The people on this forum are excellent sources of info and you find a diversity here, both in the types of martial styles and educational backgrounds. As a suggestion, listen and learn from Tease, Black Panta, Hengest, Samurai,Bamboo, Setsu, and others who have been doing this for awhile and can offer great advice and counsel!!!
Welcome and enjoy!!!>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Wow, people from Canada, Argentina, Cyprus, London, etc. this is the exact reason I think this forum does a great service and is fun to participate. Thanks to all of the moderators who keep it focused, clean, and enjoyable...just thought I would say that.
Time to pick up the son for the weekend and practice with him. It is disgusting how easy a 9 year old picks up techniques, apps, forms, etc....his joy of it reminds me of why I love it on a constant basis. One of the great things about kids....they remind you of what fun it is to learn and absorb things with a smile on your face.>
Post: BLACK PANTA:
I dont think our friend is going to be posting here much. It's now March 3rd and his original post was on Feb 23rd.>
Post: Gazelle:
I won't be from Cyprus for long, my parents are moving back to UK this summer, which is one of the reasons why it would be a bit awkward (just had a complete blank then on how to spell awkward!) to come visit you this summer. And of course, i shall be off to university anyway in UK.>
Post: BLACK PANTA:
[quote=Gazelle I won't be from Cyprus for long, my parents are moving back to UK this summer, which is one of the reasons why it would be a bit awkward (just had a complete blank then on how to spell awkward!) to come visit you this summer. And of course, i shall be off to university anyway in UK.[/quote
is anyone else confused by this post, or am I trippin?>
Post: Gazelle:
Sorry. Bloodybirds was saying about how this site is bringing people from different places together, and i am the one he was refering to when he said about Cyprus (unless there is someone else about that lives here as well?), i was just informing him, and anyone else who fancied knowing that i won't be here for very long, so you wouldn't have Cyprus on your list of where people live who go on this forum.
And i was explaining a bit more to him besides.>
Post: Polutoka:
Thank you all for your kind welcome and the interest you have shown in answering my questions!
I have been with some PC issues, but have gone to libraries in seach for the books you recommended =). I must say that most of them are not being imported in Argentina due to lack of convenient exchange rates. Those of which that can be ordered are pretty pricey, so saving has commenced!
Before posting, I already read this forum for some time and I do agree that it is a commendable international community. This has made a very rich perspective environment in which a lot of views from cultures wide and abroad can see light, always respectfully and very openmindedly.
Again, I thank you all and hope to catch up on my reading so I can start participating as soon as possible.
My salutations.>
Post: samurai6string:
Polutka> welcome to the forum! I have been on a semi hiatus or I would have welcomed you earlier. It is always good to have a new knowledgeable member, glad you are posting now instead of just watching.
Bloody>thanks fer including me in that short list. :)>
Post: Bloodybirds:
With honor Samurai!!!! Having lived in some fun places, I love the exchange with different perspectives, although I would be curious to the rest of the forum if all of you feel, those of you from other countries (not the US), if your specific culture affects the way or ability for you to train in your art. I think it would be interesting to see how the art has adapted to the culture that it is taught in, or vice versa. Just something I would love getting feedback on.>
Post: Gazelle:
That would be interesting, you'd probably find in more isolated areas, or/and where training is confined to the people who live in that place that it would. It wouldn't take much i would think for things to begin to have subtle changes, no matter how subtle they might be.>
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