Help Choosing Style

Samoreye

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I am interested in learning Kung-Fu. It has been over 20 years since I studied Karate (reached upper novice level). I am really interested in learning Kung-Fu. My choices in the area I live in are somehwat limited. I am 5'10 1/2" and have a slender build. Way back when I was a decent kicker due to my leg speed and reach, not that this should influence anything. The most important interests I have for learning kung-fu are :

1) Fun
2) Physical and mental conditioning
3) Forms (unarmed and weapons)
4) Self-defense
5) Can take or leave the sparring aspect

I am about to look into the following styles and would appreciate comments on them as to which others prefer and why? Also, would some of them be more suited to my body type then others?

1) Seven Star Praying Mantis Style

2) Mu Dong Kung Fu (also known as Wu Dang) incorporates the five Taoist elements of water, earth, fire, wood and iron.The five Shaolin animals of tiger, crane, snake, leopard and dragon are also evident in the many forms of Mu Dong Kung Fu. This internal style of kung fu ranks the highest level of expertise within the family of Chinese martial arts.

3) Chuan Fa - five animals (Snake, Tiger, Leopard, Crane, and Dragon) and a number of Southern Gung Fu systems (Lau/Liu Gar, Hung Gar, and Lohan Chuan).

4) Wan Yi Chuan Kung Fu is a family art based on the traditional animal styles of Kung Fu. Being a newer adaptation, I couldn't find much info on it. I know the main sifu studied Northern Shaolin and Tai Kou Kung fu which is based on several of the classical animal styles including Monkey and Drunken Monkey

Thanks.
Sam
 

Xue Sheng

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Some of your explanations are a bit off, Wudang Taoists and Shaolin (Buddhists)???

Chuan Fa, if you mean Chángquán is not Southern is Northern and if you do mean Ch'uan-Fa it is not exactly a CMA although it comes from CMA.

One of my favorite web references for CMA
http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-chinese-martial-arts

tánglángquán (Northern Preying Mantis)
http://www.answers.com/topic/northern-praying-mantis

Wudangquan
http://www.answers.com/topic/wudangquan

Chuan Fa? do you mean Chángquán
http://www.answers.com/topic/changquan

Hung gar
http://www.answers.com/topic/hung-gar

Lau Gar
http://www.answers.com/topic/lau-gar

Louhan (Louhanquan)
http://www.answers.com/topic/luohan-martial-arts
 
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Samoreye

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I tried out a 7* class and enjoyed it. I still plan on trying out the others too. I did find out more details on that Chuan Fa system. Another name for it is Liu Seong Gung Fu. This is one system they teach which William Reeders learned at the shaolin temple. The other is Silat which is a combination of Pukulan Cimande and Tjikulang.

Sam
 

Hawke

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Greetings Sam,

Check out the schools around your neighborhood and meet the instructors. The instructor will be more important than the style. Take a free class and see if you get along with the other students.

Who teaches the class? What's their philosophy about martial arts and fighting?

Ask yourself if you like the training? Some places hit air, other places hit each other and you will have bruises. You will see some dojos where students workout before they learn techniques and other places where there is no workout at all.

Contracts, hidden fees, annual dues, test fees, etc. Know what you are paying for to avoid surprises and if you do a contract is it hard to get out of it or are there exceptions?

Keep researching and try out different styles as well. Hopefully you will find a place where you can see yourself training year in and year out.
 

Jade Tigress

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Try visiting each school and see what meets your criteria. :)
 

Yeti

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RIGHT BEHIND YOU!!!
You're on the right track. Go visit each school, try a class and/or talk to the students and instructors. You decision should be easy from there.
Good luck.
 
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Samoreye

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I decided to do a 30 day free trial learning 7* Mantis. The Sifu aslo knows Bagua as well which is an option after you develop a strong base of Kung-Fu.

Sam
 

Changhfy

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Hey Sam,

Wow it sounds like you have quite a few choices thats great!

Anyways I have had first hand experience in most of the systems that you mentioned.

I would say when searching for a school it should never be a matter of what system is being taught, but how that system is being transmitted to the Todai (students).

Thats most important, for example I could be studying per say the worlds number 1 system (bad analogy but hear me out) but if that Sifu doesnt transmit the inner knowledge of the Faat (methods) than to be honest your time there is almost meaningless.

Inless the students criteria is based more on a hobby or activity type basis.

But I've also had quite a few years of Qi Xing Tang Lang (Chat Sing Tong Long) and enjoyed it incredibly.

But just make sure to check the Sifu's qualifications before jumping on the band wagon.

I would rather study from a average Sifu who is able to transmit the system at a high level, as opposed to studying from a Sifu who can kick my butt in a few seconds but has no ability to transmit the teachings through san sau or other means.


I hope this helps you.


take care,
Zach
 

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