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There are so many styles to choose from I'm having a hard time narrowing it down to just one. I have a large build (not fat), I work out, and am looking for an "external" style and mostly upper body.
I'm thinking Wing Chun but any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the Virtual Kwoon of the Shaolin Wahnam Institute.
When choosing, you should decide what your aims and objectives are for training a martial art. What do you want to get out of it? In other words, what benefits do you want from your training? Then, you will be able to choose one based on what each martial art has to offer for you.
Is it just self-defense? Do you want something in addition to this?
Mark
Last edited by Mark Blohm; 11 December 2009, 01:44 AM.
"Then how could chi kung overcome diseases where the cause is unknown or when there is no cure? The question is actually incorrect. The expressions "the cause is unknown" and "there is no cure" are applicable only in the Western medical paradigm. The expressions no longer hold true in the chi kung paradigm. In the chi kung paradigm the cause is known, and there is a cure."
Is it just self-defense? Do you want something in addition to this? Mark
Both self defense and heath benifits. I have no interest in MMA or UFC or any of that. I dont want to compete, I'm doing this just for me. I tried Tai-Chi but thats just too slow. lol (yes I know thats internal)
I used to drive a truck cross country and all that sitting and inactivity has really made my health suffer. I got a local job last spring and have started working out at the YMCA to reduce my blood pressure.
My problem is the closest school is over an hour away (there are Karate schools close but thats not really what I'm wanting), so unfortunatly I'll have to learn at home via video/internet. I have had a love for the Chinese Martial Arts since I was a kid (I'm 39 now) so thats why I was wanting to take this path. I dont mind "internal" styles as long as its only mind/body and not a "religion."
I have had a love for the Chinese Martial Arts since I was a kid (I'm 39 now) so thats why I was wanting to take this path. I dont mind "internal" styles as long as its only mind/body and not a "religion."
Then Charles' suggestion is good. Wahnam offers short courses. You attend one, then practise for yourself. Later you can attend another and so on.
Welcome to the forum. My response may not be what you want to hear, but it's the best advice I can give.
People who are beginning their search in the martial arts often go in with an improper mindset. They've seen all the kung fu movies where the hero goes off and trains for years and eventually becomes a master. He usually does all kinds of cool training with buckets and sandbags and sitting in a horse stance smashing his body with iron rods, and in the movie we get to see couple second of each of these training regimens condensed down into a few minute video montage. It gives a very romanticized and inspiring picture of kung fu training that draws a lot of people to it. What you don't see in the montage is the struggles of consistent daily effort; the days where you aren't as motivated as you'd like to be. Many of us, myself included, still fall into this mindset from time to time, to the point where my Sisook (kung fu uncle) Michael has coined a phrase that has become a bit of a running joke between us: "Wanting the Montage." For example, on a day where I really don't feel like training, we'll be talking and I'll say something along the lines of "I really don't want to do kung fu today, I just want the Montage." At which point we'll laugh, and I'll usually head out to practice.
The reason I took the time to tell that little background story is because my advice will obviously be different if you're serious about practicing kung fu or if you're just searching for the kung fu movie training montage. Only you know what you're truly looking for from a martial art. If deep down all you're looking for is the montage (and that's completely fine) or if you know you aren't going to practice consistently (also completely fine) read no further. At that point it doesn't matter what style you pick, you can grab any videos you like and have that romanticism in the comfort of your living room. If you're actually serious about taking control of your health, and about learning genuine kung fu, I have the following advice which actually incorporates most of the advice you've already gotten.
Learn from Sifu Anthony Korahais (Antonius) in Gainesville, FL. He is hands down one of the, if not THE, best chi kung and kung fu instructors in the United States.
I know on the surface that seems ridiculous (It's 8.5 HOURS away). If you did decide on this course, however, you would learn real chi kung and kung fu and be competent to practice on your own. Some of his students (myself included) learned this way and have gotten excellent results. You could also take heart in the fact that 520 miles would not be longest distance traveled to learn from him in this way.
If you have any questions about what the process of the distance learning is like, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have about it. Also, Sifu Anthony is very accessible through PM, email, and his phone number is listed on the contact page of his website.
Anyhow, whatever you decide, good luck with your search. Hopefully we'll see you soon in Gainesville, but if not, all the best.
if you're serious about practicing kung fu or if you're just searching for the kung fu movie training montage.
This is not something I seen on TV last week and mindlessly decided "I want that too!" I am well aware of the difference between movies and real life and I know all about practicing... working out is the same way. Its not going to be overnight, its not going to be easy, and there is absolutely nothing romantic about it. I also took Karate lessons when I was in early teens but the lack of finances ended that after a couple months. This is something I have wanted for 25+ years and am now able to pursue it.
I know on the surface that seems ridiculous (It's 8.5 HOURS away).
No offence but it VERY ridiculous. I said there was a school an hour away... I'm not going to drive 520 miles to go to one and I'm certainly not going to relocate! If I was rich we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Wahnam offers short courses.
Do you have a link and do you know where the closest one is? Also do they offer online/video courses? Thanks.
After having to look up the definition of "kinesthetic," I learned that that actually might fit me. I have always had the ability to learn by "doing" rather than "hearing" so I am more than ever interested in the pursuit of Wing Chun. Thank God Almighty for youtube! lol
It appears that you are interested in Wing Chun. Well, I would say, find a club near you and go do it. Next year Sifu Wong will be giving a Wing Chun course, perhaps you would able to attend. There's something about Wahnam's system that is unique. Worth exploring.
If there is no Wing Chun around and you don't want to travel, all I can suggest is look at all the clubs in your area and simply make a choice or drop the idea. Some pointers; quality of teacher, does the style interest you, are the students any good (doesn't help if the teacher is good, but can't teach), do you like the attitude of the members...
Anthony's advice is important --- find a great teacher. The best style with a lousy teacher is not going to get you anywhere. A great teacher will always help you on your way even if it is not exactly the style of your dreams.
Anthony's advice is important --- find a great teacher. The best style with a lousy teacher is not going to get you anywhere. A great teacher will always help you on your way even if it is not exactly the style of your dreams.
Very well stated.
"Take a moment to feel how wonderful it feels just to be alive."
- Sifu
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away). If you did decide on this course, however, you would learn real chi kung and kung fu and be competent to practice on your own. Some of his students (myself included) learned this way and have gotten excellent results. You could also take heart in the fact that 520 miles would not be longest distance traveled to learn from him in this way. 
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