Most people never fight in their entire life. If martial art’s ONLY purpose is to fight, there is something wrong – too much effort for something that hardly ever get used. Some martial arts classes emphasize so much on health and other aspects that the participants cannot even hit properly. Some emphasize so much on forms and imitation that they lost the spontaneity, creativity and the rough edges of reality.
Practicality depends on purpose and has to match that with the participants. While LHBF has a form that is practiced soft and slow, my primary goal is not health – health and fitness come as a side benefit through baseline training, relaxation techniques. On the other hand, while the principles/skills taught can be used for tournament fighting, the training/class emphasis do not get the participants ready for tournament fights either – tournament fighting requires different and more resources (training time, age group and other physical attributes, equipment, rule specific sparring, etc) and we are far from being able to do that.
My kung fu classes are for those that enjoys both physical and intellectual challenges. I aim to share the “internal style” wisdom and practicality in real combat situations without endorsing its myths. Mechanic efficiencies and strategies are explained so that it can be applied consistently. I will map combat principles in non-combat situations to help you make it relevant in daily activities. Our system is intentionally open-ended so participants understand and are free to innovate (versus just imitating).
Given our goals and recognizing the time constraints of the classes, we adopt a “class plus” approach:
- we only meet once a week. If we use the time to do just baseline drills, you could have done it by yourself at home. The advantage of the class environment is its interaction, discussions, interacting with different partners (size, shape, height, arm reach, energy, inspirations, support, etc). Furthermore, I am available for questions and answers, corrections and detailed explanations, sharing of experiences and refining new specifics.
- you need to train outside class as well – both physically and mentally. The first challenge is obvious and simple – practice all the new skills, improve on old techniques AND do all the baseline training. The second challenge is to work this blog – you need to apply the principles in both combat AND non-combat situations. If I can get you to adopt the principles as your own so that you live and breathe it, then it will be there when you need it because it is part of you.
Exercise (email me):
- Have you been consistent in training outside classes?
- After the last few months, have you noticed any changes in yourself?
- Does my goals match yours? If not, please explain.
- What do you enjoy most about the classes and approach?
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