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
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