that was quite a read! yes there is definately a difference between a self defence situation and a one on one fight organised beforehand no rules as you said. but i still feel that there are elements from each that a good fighter should have. i definately agree about the will to win, the ability to have no limits and so it all takes, mind on one thing and one thing alone to win. but i still feel that the traditional kung fu has something to add, i mean it was implemented in the times of no guns of any sort and in times a war in the east. Some of the principles still apply to the basics of fighting. Some stuff is just for show and flashy with no actual benifit. I have took part in taekwondo and karate, and no offence intended to anyone who does these arts, but these are definately for show with no real fighting ability emphasised. i still feel though that kung fu's cannot be dismissed so easily. Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Eagle Claw all i feel are not flashy wishy washy arts, call me unexperienced if you wish, but i can see for myself that some of the stuff works. The training is excessive, with emphasis on power (innerstrength which i believe in), sensitivity, and heavily damaging attacks. I feel that one can learn to use an opponents force against them in certain instances, expose weaknesses and exploit them. I believe in explosive power, also called inch power. This is just because of the way i have trained, and the fact i can punch harder than people with alot more muscle.
Well i myself cant comment on my sifu vs a fighter like yourself as i have the upmost respect for both of you. However as said earlier i can never undermine my sifu as his skill and power shine, his knuckles have been so conditioned they are like rocks. and this isnt any brainwashing i truely believe he is an excellent fighter.
Having said this, again i must say that i have already become aware that Kung Fu alone is not the best. I have always believed a true martial artist is one that explores all the arts available, devises a system that they in their heart feel right and implement it to beat their opponents. As said i have looked into Muay thai, and still wish to look at BJJ, aikido and street combat.
So leglock, 20 years is very very impressive, thats more than my lifetime right now. May I ask what sort of things you have done to build up your knowledge of unarmed combat? Much respects. Nunchaku |