Why not Kung Fu

[47MartialMan]

IMHO (yeah right), Belts, pajamas, etc. are shit to sell your students (or thier parents). They never existed in kung fu. The outfits are peasant garb of the time period. You spend more on that costume than those people would have made in years. Trophies are another warning sign, as are glory walls. These are usually (but not always) trappings designed to distract and impress rather than educate. They are money makers--thats why they are there. Find those who teach to support thier habit. Thier martial art habit.

I will close with a quote from Miyamoto Musahi that answers the colored belt question best:

"Other schools become theatrical, dressing up and showing off to make a living, commercializing martial arts; therefore it would seem that they are not the true way." --The Book of Five Rings

i guess this applies to Shaolin Monks

[Ironpalm]

i guess this applies to Shaolin Monks

Shaolin monks wear traditional robes and live in temples where they practice various gongs. Not all of them are FIGHTING monks and where can you find one?
PLEEEZZE dont say Shaolin Temple. But no, I wasnt actually refering to monks.

[BaguaBoxer]

Monks

Well the monks dress that way everyday of thier lives. Not just when practicing Kung-Fu so I guess if you were Bruce Leroy form "The Last Dragon" then it would be ok but if you have to put on a uniform to train will you be able to tell an assailant "Hold on before we fight I gotta change my clothes" train it what you'll be fighting in. Now if you fight in tournaments yeah train in a uniform but for those of us who train for the streets jeans and a tee shirt say Kung-Fu for me too.

[47MartialMan]

Shaolin monks wear traditional robes and live in temples where they practice various gongs. Not all of them are FIGHTING monks and where can you find one?
PLEEEZZE dont say Shaolin Temple. But no, I wasnt actually refering to monks.

There are no "authentic" Shaolin monks. It is all propganda for a namesake

[BaguaBoxer]

The Truth

lets face it though the truth is some of the best fighters in the world we most likely will never know about because they train and fight don't live near civilization and feel that competition is a sport that doesn't advance there skills. i for one feel that a trophy is not going to make me a better fighter I'd also almost bet important vital parts that they don't attend "schools" and they don't wear uniforms.

[jubaji]

lets face it though the truth is some of the best fighters in the world we most likely will never know about because they train and fight don't live near civilization and feel that competition is a sport that doesn't advance there skills.

Ah, this old song again...

[jubaji]

i for one feel that a trophy is not going to make me a better fighter.

LOL

I'll bet that works out just as well!

LOL

[Tom Yum]

lets face it though the truth is some of the best fighters in the world we most likely will never know about because they train and fight don't live near civilization and .

what??

You are telling us that the best fighters are the guys that live in a hut in the woods and somehow subside off the forest? Self-subsistance aint easy, but I think you're slipping into movie land.

[BaguaBoxer]

well

I may have exagerrated to get my point across but what I'm saying is the people who don't take themselves to seriously and have fun with training are usually the best and don't feel they need to enter contest or shout it to the world that they are that good.

[Tom Yum]

I think you are mismatching personalities and success.

I have met people from traditional MA arts who are tough fighters and really good at applying their system - like you suggest, they have been training for a long time and are really good. Tang Soo, Silat, Karate - you name it.

There's nothing wrong with entering a competition. That certainly solidifies your ability that is allready there.

[jubaji]

what I'm saying is the people who don't take themselves to seriously and have fun with training are usually the best and don't feel they need to enter contest or shout it to the world that they are that good.

Absolutely wrong! All evidence points quite to the contrary.

You are clearly attempting to impose your insecurities on reality. Good luck with that.

[jubaji]

I may have exagerrated to get my point across.

You may be completely full of shit!

[jubaji]

.........................................................

[WonderingTaoist]

Who's full of shit? jubaji, you seem to disrupt Any discussion of the Martial arts with bullshit. Its obvious the closest you have gotten to learning any martial art is eating at McDonalds (Never even been in a Mcdojo much less a actual training hall). You cant stand to see anyone discuss anything that doesnt include your martial heroes. Sponge Bob Square Pants and She-Ra. In short, STFU

[jubaji]

Its obvious the closest you have gotten to learning any martial art is eating at McDonalds -

I thought we covered this.