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With all the backlash against CMA Masters like William Cheung, Douglas Wong and Ling Teung, etc... I'd like to offer my own opinion on the matter.
The truth is, I don't believe that these "Masters" are frauds. I believe they truly believed that what was passed down to them had merit then and do so now. They're teaching what was taught to them as a matter of tradition, respect and career.
The problem is that they lack vision. They've become ignorant of the fact that everything evolves. Instead of building on what past masters taught them, they're simply replicating. Their styles, theories and concepts are stagnant; so that when faced with real obstacles, they fold.
Let me clarify something before we continue. To innovate, progress, or evolve a "style" or technique doesn't necessarily mean changing it. It can be something as simple as an adjustment of its principle. For example, at one time boxers fought with their chin forward. As time progressed, this became a liability, so the chin was taught to be tucked in.
We've seen William Cheung use propaganda to show how effective WC was against boxing. This was at least a start. However, had Cheung really investigated this matter through live training and combat scenarios, he would have realized the importance and addition of boxing strategies. Instead, he remained ignorant and egotistical; and became the blunt of many jokes after the Boztepe incident. The great William Cheung looked just as clueless as the next person in actual combat.
This incident and the first UFC should have forced many sifus to rethink what they knew, and some have. However, many remain unconvinced of the need to change; and still cling onto the idea that their "deadly" techniques that have been theorized over past centuries will automatically prevail should need be.
The truth is, I don't believe that these "Masters" are frauds. I believe they truly believed that what was passed down to them had merit then and do so now. They're teaching what was taught to them as a matter of tradition, respect and career.
The problem is that they lack vision. They've become ignorant of the fact that everything evolves. Instead of building on what past masters taught them, they're simply replicating. Their styles, theories and concepts are stagnant; so that when faced with real obstacles, they fold.
Let me clarify something before we continue. To innovate, progress, or evolve a "style" or technique doesn't necessarily mean changing it. It can be something as simple as an adjustment of its principle. For example, at one time boxers fought with their chin forward. As time progressed, this became a liability, so the chin was taught to be tucked in.
We've seen William Cheung use propaganda to show how effective WC was against boxing. This was at least a start. However, had Cheung really investigated this matter through live training and combat scenarios, he would have realized the importance and addition of boxing strategies. Instead, he remained ignorant and egotistical; and became the blunt of many jokes after the Boztepe incident. The great William Cheung looked just as clueless as the next person in actual combat.
This incident and the first UFC should have forced many sifus to rethink what they knew, and some have. However, many remain unconvinced of the need to change; and still cling onto the idea that their "deadly" techniques that have been theorized over past centuries will automatically prevail should need be.
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