I'm currently unable to attend the kung fu school in my area,and not wanting to miss out,I was wondering does anybody know any good online kung fu learning resources? I'm at a beginner level,but would like to advance,if only a little before going back to my classes and being waaaay behind the rest of my clasmates.
202041
http://www.shaolinchowka.com/shaolin-kung-fu-gallery/
223396
There is a very old and very true saying... \n\n"The Jack of all trades is a master of none."\n\nI believe it is a good thing to learn multiple martial arts. The issue is that many martial arts are fundamentally so different that it is hard to learn them together.  Arts like Tae Kwon Do and Aikido are so different from one another that learning them together is not a problem. Other martial arts such as many forms of Kung-fu are do conceptually different from Tae Kwon do that learning the art will be very difficult, if not virtually impossible. \n\nFor instance. Aikido uses circle to enter into your opponent and bring him down with any number of throws, pins or locks. Tae Kwon Do uses strait lines to enter into an opponent and then either attack with a strike (Kick or punch) or block their strike and then counter strike. Many forms of Chinese Martial arts don’t block, but rather parry attacks. They also use circular or more common angular movements to enter into an opponent and prefer multiple rapid attacks using chi as power rather then the one or three step sparing drills used in Tae Kwon Do.  Furthermore, many forms of Chinese martial arts are as much mental (philosophical/strategical)  as they are physical. It will be hard to do one thing one way in one class and another way in another class. Also, traditional Kung-fu instructors will not train a person who is studying another martial art. Not because they think there are is the best or some such nonsense as that, but because they are afraid that if you divide your thoughts and energies between their art and the other art(s) then you will not be able to give 100% of your time to their art. \n\nRemember, many Martial Arts, (Unlike Tae Kwon Do) take many, many years to become even the least bit proficient in. Learning forms is not the only goal. In a traditional Chinese Martial Arts school it often takes several moths to learn a single form and then a year or more to get to a level of proficiency that the Sifu thinks you are ready to learn another form. I've known more then my share of people that have dropped out of Chinese martial arts schools because they felt they weren’t learning anything new after working on the same form for six months. \n\nThe problem you will face is that Tea Kwon Do is linear and hard. Most of your forms are Move, then strike. Step left into a front stance, then perform a down block, followed by an upper block, step right into a right front stance and then do an eyelevel front punch. Chinese martial arts forms are different. As you step into a stance you are striking and before you settle into the position, you are already moving again. It is much more fluid. Everything flown one into the next. TKD is more Choppy. In fact, if the forms are not performed in a Step by step fashion, you aren't doing them right. (I have a 2nd Dan and use to judge at tournaments) \n\nAll I am saying is that is would be hard to master an art that requires your undivided attention if you are not giving your undivided attention. It's something to think about.
30052
In my opinion, nothing replaces being in a school with a live instructor.  Online classes may help strengthen your technique, but without the basic knowledge...online classes are futile.
621314
wing chun huh?\nI know all 5 forms and know chee sao... but never have officially learned it in a classroom.\nI learned Chee Sao through my Mi Zhong Lo Han (my jhong law horn) Its really all the same.\nI have a set of randy williams books that show everything...\nthey are good, have you seen them? I learned the forms from those books and Grand Master Lee corrected my posture..\nI really like it. Can you analyze me by video I upload? Im in texas...\nBelt really isnt that important to me..\nI just want authentic wing chun people to say im doin it correctly..\nI have video I pirated of Yip Man to help... :) all forms done by him..  I know there are different lineages that fued, and want to stay clear of such things. I just wanna learn wing chun and no one can agree on how it should be nowadays. So.. \nI can trade vids with you if you want.\nI have lots of forms,\nall kyokushin karate\nall tkd\nall wing chun\nall bjj techniques\nall drunken style techniques\nI cant give out my good ones though...\nmaster lee would skin me. Strictly forbidden.. if anyone wants to learn, they can come to him. I have some sword fighting video too.. web cam.. i wanna practice.. ! ive got 7 years experience with other arts too. So form and strength, and moves are all familiar cause the body only has two arms and two legs. ;)
149200
There are many martial arts schools that teach weapons at more advance belt levels but rarely few that actually have students spar with them. The two martial arts I've trainined in that teach weapons and they are taekwondo and shotokan karate. Why don't you try kendo?
262539
There are some excellent books and training videos out there. Check your local bookstore for them. I am trained in Kempo and reading a book written by the late master Bruce Lee. It's called "Tao of Jeet Kune Do." Not only does it provide great training methods but it gives great mental insight as well.
48760
hi there, mehereintheeast.  I'm not sure exactly where you can take Chinese classes.  I took some Chinese a few years ago and the way I found a teacher was by going to the campus of a university and asking people who looked Chinese. (Amazingly, every person who I thought was Chinese was actually from China.)\n\nYou answered my question about Guru Rinpoche, and I have a few more questions about it.  Your answer implied that Buddhas are not monks.  Most forms of Buddhism consider Shakyamuni Buddha to have been a monk, and in the Pali texts, he refers to himself that way, as do his disciples.  Is there a different view in the Nyingma school?  In the present case, I am not calling only lamas monks, but all five levels of ordained practitioners as defined by Tibetan Buddhism. Also, is there any record of Padmasambhava having been ordained?  He trained at monasteries in India, but I don't think he was actually ordained.  And finally, have you had any contact with Tibetans, Nyingmapa or otherwise, who feel that his choice to have various female consorts prevents him from maintaining the status of being a monk?  I understand that some people there feel that way.\n\nThanks.
132320
I went to teaching conference before I gave my first lesson.  I didn't have to, just felt I should have some training before I start.  Two of the main speakers have articles out almost every month.  They both said what they write and what ends up in print are not the same.  One lost his job when he made the statement in public. \n\nI was so confused after the second day, felt out of place sitting in a room with coat tie and half everyone age.   This was 20 years ago.  I went to a driving range just outside of Austin Texas to check it out.  I started watching this guy give lessons that I could relate to.  Two guys sat behind me and made comments but I didn't turn around.  This guy kept everything  simple.  When the guy behind starting taking he lesson, I realized it was Tom Kite.  I asked his dad what the instructors name was and he said Harvey Penick.  I said Harvey who?\n\nThe PGA is coming up with some volunteer certification programs, I don't think that will solve the problem.  \n\nOne problem no one has prove anything and no checks.  I came unglued one night when I came across a infocomerical with my cart boy in it.  He said he played on the Pepsi Tour and was Teacher of the Year....... I set him to take his PAT the next week and never saw him again.  The PGA section called me and said he shot 115 on the first round, so they sent him packing.
228788
The information highway is only as good as the input. I have found many mistakes while surfing for research material. It seems too many opinions are spicing up the Internet; but it lowers value to information. Case in point; I did some research on Chinese Shaolin. Since there were so many differing articles, I finally decided to get a translator and gain the correct information from some monks.
585334
hhmm u can just about google or yahoo anything you wanna look up so try that..heres one to get you started...as for books......i would say go for the teachings cause they help you understand what its really all about rather than the history part of it.....im learning too and it helps me differentiate between buddhism and taoism and maybe confucianism.......the site i sent ya has a history part...i think you should know a bit of the background before you go head in...hope this helps
306039
I took a look at www.mugendojo.com. They've taken a bunch of martial arts and attempted to combine them. These martial arts are not the same and some are built upon different philosophies. You might end up getting a sample of each and a mastery of none. \n\nHere's some info from one of my old answers:\n\nHere's what I would do:\n\n\n1. Get a sheet of paper and write down exactly what kinds of benefits you wish to obtain from studying karate/martial arts. It's a good idea to know exactly what you want to achieve.\n\n2. Go to www.smartpages.com and look up MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION in you city and state. It will tell you what martial arts are taught in your area and where the schools are located.\n\n3. Once you know what martial arts are offered in your area look their definitions on the net. Note the similarities and differences between each. A good place to do that is www.wikipedia.com.\n\n4. Visit the schools in your area. Ask for a free class. Make sure you find a Master Instructor who is overseen by a larger governing body.For example: Many Tae Kwon Do schools belong to the World Tae Kwon Do Federation. Verify your instructor's credentials.\n\n5. Choose a martial art that lines up with your goals.\n\n\nSome Martial Arts:\n\nTae Kwon Do and Karate will provide you with a great cardiovascular workout. They will also tone you. For the best results go to class around 4-5 days per week and at least 20-30 minutes a day at home to practice your moves.\nKoei Kan and Isshin Ryu are two good styles of karate. You can also look up Kenpo.\n\nThe best thing about the Kung Fu styles is that they are usually "complete" systems meaning they cover stand up, ground, and weapons combat. Yu Chia is an interesting form of Shaolin Kung Fu.\n\nKrav Maga, an Israeli style of self defense, is a superb physical workout. Around 4-5 days of Krav with transform your body. I've watched it happen. Fair warning! The workouts are intense! Take a look at Jennifer Lopez in the movie Enough. She's doing Karv Maga.\n\nHope this helps!
308686
Realize you know nothing,this way you do not get discouraged when you have a hard time executing a technique.Listen without wondering.accept that this is a life journey with no end,that it is impossible to "master" anything,that you are an eternal white belt and student,black belt is not a lofty goal,and that black belt means nothing more than you are rteady to learn more advanced techniquesand above all else...have fun with it while being serious
512565
If you trust your skills why not compete? May you be the first martial artist champion who started training late!  Good luck!
479150
If you've learned all that you can from your trainer, why pour more money into him for no return?  Now you should practice on your own for a while to refine what you've been taught...if you seem to 'plateau' after a while, return to him/her for a critique of your technique...(leave on good terms to enable this).
331097
No i don't do Shui Chiao but i practise Wing Chun. But i am wanting to study more of a grappling art such as yours. Or maybe chin na. But preferably Judo. I feel in a combat scenario people with a more grappling based art are more likely to come of well. You didn't mention whether you did Shui Chiao. Or whether you were just looking for a teacher. May i suggest something if you are looking for a teacher. Buy Robert W Smiths Chinese Boxers Masters & Methods. In there he states that Shui Chiao resembles an early ju-jitsu. And he had a test with a Taiwanese wrestler and won. And would have won easier if they hadn't restricted the moves he learn't in Judo. I know it doesn't sound as cool. But Judo sounds like a really effiecient type of fighting. Plus the conditioning is really intense. I work with a guy who was a big deal in Judo and he is really tough. Just thought i might let you know.
197025
If you're looking for a self-defense class....these are the things I would look for...and also, warning signs to watch out for.\n\n1- How simplistic are the techniques that are being taught? \n   Rule of thumb: generally when techniques are overly complex, they're overly prone to failure against a non-compliant attacker...heh..{cough} Tae Kwon Do for example...avoid it at all costs.\n\n2- Does the system teach techniques that are universally applicable? i.e. - do they work against strikes, chokes, grabs, weapons and so forth....if they do not, they're too unilaterally minded to be useful.\n\n3- Does the class have a bunch of students wearing white uniforms screaming for no good reason? Do they perform very static, mechanical movements ala 'rock 'em sock 'em robots?'\nIf so....walk away, just walk away.\n\n4- Do they charge outlandish prices for classes, promotions, and 5 million different colored belts?\nIf so....walk away, just walk away.\n\n5- Do they spar w/ big targeted pads on their chest, poofy helmet things, and shin pads?\nIf so....just leave politely.\n\n6- Do they have a few classes you can try out for no cost and/or obligation? \nIf so, use them.\n\n7- Lastly, to they teach evasion and counter/release techniques over standing there and trying to block?\nIf so, that's a good thing...definitely a good thing. Blocking fails more often than not...it's better to just not be there.\n\nArts I would reccomend if you can find them :\n\nJapanese arts : \nBujinkan Budo Taijutsu (under a qualified Hachidan instructor or higher.) \nAlso, certain kinds of Aikido...depends on the mindset of the class, some are great...some do the whole Zen-hippie thing too much.\nKoryu Jujutsu is great as well, Hontai Yoshin Ryu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu are great schools if the instructor can get past "kata mindset" and work on real combat.\nOut of all of them, I'd reccomend the Bujinkan first.\n\nChinese arts : \nChen Tai Chi - looks slow, but teaches principles of balance rarely seen elsewhere...and it's great for iso-kinetic exercise.\nChoy Li Fut (choy lay fut) - great southern striking art...lots of curriculum, but geared toward street fighting.\nHung Ga - southern art that combines strikes, throws, and locks/joint breaking w/ ease. GREAT workout too.\nXingyi-quan : tedious to study, devestating when mastered.\n\nKorean arts : I reccomend none.\n\nMuay Thai : for scrapping, 'nuff said.\n\nAnd also any kind of basic police training for unarmed or handheld weapons training - they teach great release and counter techniques very similar to Bujinkan material (same kind of mindset.)\n\nAlso, the Israeli art of Krav Maga....brutal and nasty.\n\nYou can always e-mail me directly if you want a more detailed answer.\n\npeace, and happy hunting!
610725
Oh yes def u can learn online have u got a socket behind ur head..but u need to get that chair from the movie the matrix where he's jus programmed to fight without practising..thats cool init.first drill a hole in ur head and get some wire connected to ur cerbellum..and that wire should connect straight to ur pc then get all the action movie and load it in ur brain u'll be the master of martial arts....congratulation u've learnt it.