Wing Chun or Krav Maga

[glockfu]

I am looking to get started in either Wing Chun or Krav Maga. Which one would you say is better.

1) I am looking for something that is designed for street application. I am not looking for an art based around sport.
2) I want some conditioning.
3) I do not just want a self defence. I want more of an offense art with striking.
4) I also want something that is not one dimentional (ie. just striking or just grappling)

Mainly I want something that is effective in real life situations. Weather it be an attack or a fight.

I have taken JKD and liked it A LOT. I know that there is a lot of Wing Chun in JKD but I do not know how much or what has been modified. In addition I hear that Wing Chun is a lot more traditional the JKD wich would translate to a longer learning curve for actual street application, right?

What would you suggest I take up? Thanks.

[sihing]

Glockfu,
Very good question. My background is exclusively in Wing Chun, so obviously I will recommend it. My only exposure to Krava Maga is through a video I downloaded. The lineage I belong to is not like your typical form Wing Chun that most are used to(trapping hands, low kicks, etc.). My Sifu had the privilege of learning to distinctly different forms of WC and has developed a system of WC that is as unique as it is effective. The WC in my kwoon covers all ranges of combat, we kick high when necessary and can grapple on the ground, it is all there in the WC system if one knows what to look for.

I will not try to compare Wing Chun to Krava Maga, as I do not have a thorough enough knowledge of Krava Maga's techniques or combat philosophy, all I can say is that WC is perfect for combat. The techniques and concepts in the system allow one to have a better chance for a positive outcome in a confrontation, IMO, than any other Martial Art in the world today. Why? Because it transcends limitations and uses logical and scientific concepts to overcome an opponent. Of course one has to put the work in and become proficient in the techniques and have a very good understanding of the concepts behind what is being done and practiced, but let me tell you that once that is done, it is there for you always and forever, with less effort required to maintain your combat abilities. Most styles/systems are incomplete and require the use of "physical" attributes, such as speed, strength, stamina, toughness etc, to be successful in them...Not all people possess or can obtain these qualities, even if they train hard, e.g. senior citizens, children, disabled people, small people. Wing Chun is based on "skill" attributes, such as timing, positioning, sensitivity and technique. More people can obtain and retain these qualities faster and maintain them longer without training than arts based on physical attributes.

Now, not all Wing Chun is created equal, and this is just my opinion, but some of the lineages out there are incomplete and will not allow you to learn all that is needed to be successful in combat. This is due to many factors, to which I will not go into here. If you are in Canada, near the Calgary area please feel free to drop by our academy to try out a class. Good luck to you in your future endeavours in the Martial Arts.


Sihing

https://www.wingchun-canada.com

[Mr. Gordo]

I am looking to get started in either Wing Chun or Krav Maga. Which one would you say is better.

1) I am looking for something that is designed for street application. I am not looking for an art based around sport.
2) I want some conditioning.
3) I do not just want a self defence. I want more of an offense art with striking.
4) I also want something that is not one dimentional (ie. just striking or just grappling)

Mainly I want something that is effective in real life situations. Weather it be an attack or a fight.

I have taken JKD and liked it A LOT. I know that there is a lot of Wing Chun in JKD but I do not know how much or what has been modified. In addition I hear that Wing Chun is a lot more traditional the JKD wich would translate to a longer learning curve for actual street application, right?

What would you suggest I take up? Thanks.

Did 10 years of Wing Chun, cross trained in JKD/kali and southern mantis in this time period. Afterwards did Ba-Gua/Hsing-I.

Forget Krav Maga, continue your JKD and go heavy on your kali. You heard right, there's a much bigger learning curve in traditional Wing Chun mainly due to unrealistic applications shown by most teachers, and more importantly, lack of footwork. The kali will cure the footwork as well, and your timing and rhythm will increase your ability to enter on someone. kali or boxing will juice up any stand up fighting art.


Mr. Gordo

[Uncle Corny]

i agree with gordo in that you should take up kali. my own addendum is you've already had your exposure to JKD, the biggest hype. but let that be your base. take up kali.

[glockfu]

I can't take JKD for reasons beyond my control. If I could then I definately would. I think that's my ideal art. So no Krav Maga huh? I'm not too familiar with Kali but I am assuming that it is a form of kick boxing right? Won't most of the training be aimed towards sport applications? Also, wouldn't a lot of it contradict JKD training? As in strong side foward, kicking from back leg and so forth. Thanks for all the replies! Any other suggestions or comments?

[Seismic Anamoly]

Glock Fu,

Here's another opinion for ya buddy.

Learn Kali. Learn Wing Chun. And you will do just fine. Kali is a filipino martial art that stresses heavy use of knife, but they also have open hand techniques. I would recommend Kali to anyone. These open hand techniques look very very very similar to Wing Chun. Wing Chun-if taught in a proper context for street fighting-will resemble more of western boxing in terms of mechanics (i.e. angels of attack, elbows-in, roll with punches, etc...). Now in regards to your questions bullet-by-bullet:

1) Meet with any instructor that emphasizes fighting for the street. But use your best judgement in what looks like something you can pull off in a fight. If it requires more than 2 movements to pull of it's probably bullshit.

2) If you want conditioning. Join a gym. Or join a MMA club that has regiment or diet set-up for their schools fighters.

3) You'll find that with Kali and Wing Chun

4) Then you may want to go to MMA. I am a big believer in being able to take what you know and apply it to any context of fighting, but others may disagree. Whatever you do, dont fall into the mind-trap that all fighting is done in the way that you see on UFC, PRIDE, etc...those are good fighters that spend their lives training for that sort of thing. If you have a life outside of the gym then your not obviously going to spend 8 hours a day in the gym so you may not need something as INTENSE.

I will say this though, Wing Chun covers alot despite what others may say. True, it is not as effective in the ground as say something like Jiu-Jitsu, but that doesnt mean you cant use it either. It's all dependent on the way you train and who you train under. I've had no complaints about my instructor and we've covered several levels of combat in Wing Chun (in terms of fighting range). Good Luck.


-Seismic Anamoly

[sihing]

Quote: Seismic Anamoly:
"I will say this though, Wing Chun covers alot despite what others may say. True, it is not as effective in the ground as say something like Jiu-Jitsu, but that doesnt mean you cant use it either."

Just like Jujitsu is not as effective standup. Each has there emphasis, but I would rather develop techniques that can take a man out very quickly and can be used against multiple opponents effectively.. If your into street fighting then the art must be effective against multiple opponents and have strategies to deal with them..

Sihing