I remember reading about a Chinese Kung-fu student and writer in Hong Kong in the 80s. He wrote some fictionalized stories about legendary figures in the Chinese martial arts. And, being a romantic to the core, he more than half believed the stories he wrote. Consequently, when looking for a Sifu, he always sought out the least known and most unlikely masters with obscure lineages. He secretly hoped to happen upon one of those unkown mystical savants of the martial arts who would reveal great secrets to him. The unfortunate reality was that he just ended up spending a lot of money to get second-rate training. As the person telling this story put it, "There's a reason why certain systems have become well known. They are usually the ones that work!" Apparently, seeking a system just because it was rare and exotic was not the best way to find a practical fighting art.
On the other hand, I have to admit that when I came first to Shaolin, then to Wing Chun (and later WT) in the 70's, they still had an exotic air. Fortunately, WC/WT also turned out to be very practical..."the real deal". How many of you were drawn to your art because it seemed rare and exotic? Did it live up to your expectations? And, how do you feel about WC/WT now that it is becoming so well known?
On the other hand, I have to admit that when I came first to Shaolin, then to Wing Chun (and later WT) in the 70's, they still had an exotic air. Fortunately, WC/WT also turned out to be very practical..."the real deal". How many of you were drawn to your art because it seemed rare and exotic? Did it live up to your expectations? And, how do you feel about WC/WT now that it is becoming so well known?
