Should I begin doubting Kung Fu? (the combat styles)?

Question

Its been famous for ages but I just can't seem to find any evidence where Kung Fu has really shined in all its glory that its hyped up to be. The only art that redeems itself for me is Wing Chun, which is very effective in a fight, especially punches down the centerline in a straightline.

But what about Choy Li Fut? Praying Mantis? Eagle style? Five Animals?

I've been such a Kung Fu addict (not the movie type) for so long that I find it frustrating how a simple search of Muay Thai on YouTube can produce dozens of amazing fight videos but a Kung Fu search has only a few real fight scenes. More of them loosing then winning too.

Whats the deal, Kung Fu?

Answer 1

It is more than just fighting it is a way of life for most that do it outside the USA in particular. Same goes for most styles. They live and eat it day after day.

Shaolin is good, Hungar I trained in was good. Kenpo which is Okinawan but with heavy Chinese roots.

Kung fu is still a great style and way of life. It is just not for all.

ever watch Fearless with Jet Li? sure it was Wing Chun but he beat all, even the Japanese. So I think Kung Fu is still a great art, just finding the right teacher that matters.

Answer 2

Kung Fu is as explained simply good work. But as far as well being efficient, well did you know that most folks will never fight in their life. That is most folks whom participate in Martial Arts of any kind.
The concept to alot is safety not sport fighting. Now sport fighting has it's place, but realize in America the Baby Boomers and such are now in their 40's and 50's. They would rather love and watch the sport than get pummeled every day.
So now for styles that work well, lets look at history. Kung Fu or Chinese styles are equal to both Roman and Greece in longevity. They have a better traced history as for styles though
It is not superior to none, nor less than. It wasn't developed with others destruction in mind. It was designed for self discovery. One of the rewards is self defense, as is great health, peace, and an understanding of our weaknesses and strengths .
This is all a part of learning to win. Many kung fu styles will produce todays winners. Winners in life. What can be better?

Answer 3

Kung Fu is a beautiful martial art which requires great flexibility, athleticism, and artistry. It has also been greatly hyped by Hollywood. The reality is Kung Fu is not practical when it comes to street fighting or MMA. It does not teach ground fighting which is where 90% of fights end up. Kung Fu should not be shunned because it has great historical significance and artistry but for god sake, don't expect it to carry you in a street fight or an MMA cage.

Answer 4

When the Vale Tudo and UFC tournaments first started they sought to answer the question as to which single martial art is superior. The answer? None.

While certain styles prevailed over others (some even on a consistent basis) what has been proven is that no one martial art exclusively wins all the time. What we have found out is that certain aspects of certain martial arts, when combined together, have the most practical application. In effect there has become a new martial art named MMA. With jiu-jitsu ground game, Judo throws, Muay Thai kicks and elbows, boxing strikes, and more, all combined to make an effective and devastating martial art.

Kung-Fu is an incredible art form and fighting form, and yes there are practical applications of plenty of moves taught in Kung-Fu, do not view it simply as a be-all-end-all. Learn it, use what you can and adapt. In the end you probably will never say, "One time I was in this kung-fu fight..." You will say, "I was in a fight once..." and that is the moral of the story. Become a better fighter by studying all forms of fighting.

Good luck, chin down and keep your guard up.

Answer 5

Think of it like as Kung Fu was the ancestor style of combat. Now, the modern martial arts has surpassed Kung Fu by far. Honestly, I think boxing is by far the most effective style.

The movies has exaggerated the power of Kung Fu. However, Shaolin monk's kung fu is not to be underestimated. They will still whoop your **** with ease if you are not careful.

Answer 6

I would encourage you to look up Shao-lin Kung-fu. It had Mantas, Eagle, ad Five Animals Pa-Kua. It also has Dragon, Snake, Black Tiger, and many other various styles and forms.

I take Shao-lin. I believe it is a very fine example of kung-fu. Our Grandmaster, Grandmaster Sin Kwang The', is one of the coolest people I have ever met.

Shao-lin is also very effective in self defense. It uses a lot of pressure points, knock out from pressure points and joint locks. It could carry you into a MMA ring if you have trained with other martial arts, hence the name mixed martial arts because it not just one martial art its several being mixed together.

Shao-lin has an awesome history. Go look it up and read about it.

I also agree with Fresh. Kung-fu is a way of lifestyle.

Answer 7

I love Kung Fu - I find it to be very effective. I am taking a sojourn into Tang Soo Do right now --- after starting there, I was able to back up Dan's including masters. Maybe it is just me. They now nicknamed me "The Ferocious One" and ask me to represent them in tournaments.

My fighting style is Kung Fu though - although I am integrating things I am learning from them as any good martial artist should do -- in my opinion.

Answer 8

Firstly, Kung Fu is not a martial art. The term means "level of achievement".

You are referring to Chinese martial arts Fist styles, or Kuen.

Whether Shaolin or secular, they are all Chinese Boxing or methods.

The problem is, and this is from one of my teachers, who is Chinese, is that the Chinese don't really teach non-Chinese correctly nor completely.

And now it's even worst because it is now considered a sport.

If you learn the techniques but don't learn the hidden meanings of the movements... what they mean, how they are used against an attack, you are wasting your money.

My teacher, was a member of the Iron Guard and has been doing martial arts for 60 years. He calls it as it is. And I believe him.

And he teaches his art without holding back anything.

You don't have doubts in the art, just in the lack of it.

Answer 9

There is a split in the Kung Fu world between southern styles and northern styles. If you think Wing Chun is effective, note it's a southern style, and check out some other Southern Styles like Hung Gar, or White Crane. (off of which Karate developed) I tend to think the Southern styles are more effective, especially in their training techniques, and the NOrthern styles are more showy.

Answer 10

doubting kung fu combat styles