Real, usable Kungfu/Wushu

[jimisgek]

After being out of action for a few years due to injury, I'm looking to get back into martial arts. The problem is that I started with a really good teacher in the UK. He taught Taichi but, he could use it. After I left the UK for Australia I couldn't find anyone teaching traditional Chinese martial arts who could actually use it. I've been to a couple of classes here but, it seems the real deal is just as rare. I know there's lots of people with good lineages etc here but, I get the feeling they never actually learnt how to use it in sparring or just are not willing to teach it. Of course it takes time and training but, I don't believe the bullshit about it taking 10 years before you can even start sparring.

I'm wondering if I should just give up and go for something like Systema or BJJ. (Anyone have any experience with these?)

Hoping someone can point me in the right correction.…

[UncleJamie]

Hi Jimis,

There are lots of good practitioners here, though as everywhere most are crap, and the poseurs seem to be the ones with biggest schools, most advertising, etc.

IMHO, the best traditional-style teachers don't have a lot of students, because they care about transmitting their art as a legacy. Also, while they may have experience using the art, why are they going to teach you that, when you don't want to learn the basics first. Again, I am speaking of TMA. There are quite a few choices for what you seem to want, depending on where you live. Do a search.

I have seen posts from a Wing Chun group that I think practices at CKS memorial. There are a couple MMA gyms/clubs in Taipei, do a search for these topics. There is a very good trainer here in Tainan called Master Hisham. Check out some of his Youtube videos here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHfK6eeMTkA.

Hope you find what u r looking for.


UJ

[trubadour]

the OP is in Taipei?

[jimisgek]

the OP is in Taipei?

I'm in Hualian at the moment spending most weekends in Taipei. I'll be moving to Taipei in July

[jimisgek]

Hi Jimis,

Also, while they may have experience using the art, why are they going to teach you that, when you don't want to learn the basics first. Again, I am speaking of TMA.


UJ

I'm happy to learn basics it's just that, with a lot of teachers, that is all they have. I don't believe the fallacy that if you train forms for 10 years you will magically have the ability to defend yourself. Basically I don't want to waste time with people who can't eventually teach me real usage.

[zuti car]

Hi Jimis,

Also, while they may have experience using the art, why are they going to teach you that, when you don't want to learn the basics first. Again, I am speaking of TMA.


UJ

I'm happy to learn basics it's just that, with a lot of teachers, that is all they have. I don't believe the fallacy that if you train forms for 10 years you will magically have the ability to defend yourself. Basically I don't want to waste time with people who can't eventually teach me real usage.

In a real situation you can only use the basics , complicated things does not work in a fight . Even if someone can do some complicated things during sparring session there is a little chance to do the same in a real fight . Successful self defense is more about proper psychological response to violence then it is about technique its self .If you want to learn to fight , then you have to fight , there is no other way .If you want to learn self defense then you have to learn much more then simple fighting skill and i seriously doubt there is a lot of people who can teach you that . About TMA , choose one stile and complete the system . Then adjust the system to your needs according to your fighting philosophy . Important thing is to exchange the knowledge (trough sparring ) with as many different fighters as you can from all range of different styles .