Hello, I'm a little new to this site and was wondering how to select a kung fu school. I have a huge interest in Southern Mantis and Bagua, but am also interested in Choy Li Fut, Tai Chi, Yi quan, Northern Mantis, and Dragon and Tiger Styles. From what I can gather from the posts that I have seen and read, there is a ridiculous amount of "fake" kung fu out there to the point that I have heard some people say that authentic kung fu doesn't exist, or that certain styles are alive in name only ( I hear this about Bagua and northern styles a lot). I have very little experience with kung fu and was wondering if there are tell-tale signs/good ways to determine if a school is legitimate or not. I am not looking to do kung fu as just a health exercise or fore performance, but am legitimately interested in the fighting applications of these arts. I want to learn these arts as they were meant to be taught. I also am looking for schools throughout my area (south central Virginia/ North Carolina triangle and triad areas) and would love recommendations if anyone could give me any.