What would you do...?

[djphrenzy]

I have been researching Kung Fu in my area for about 8 months now and have come across the following styles/systems taught within driving distance:

Yip Man Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) - Head Instructor Sifu Benny Ming, 25+ years experience, 30 minutes away

Mixed Northern and Southern Shaolin (focus on internal vs. external balance) - Head Instructor Sifu Tim Norman, 15 years experience, 30 minutes away

Wah Lum Tam Tui Northern Mantis - Head Instructor Sifu Jeffrey Naayers, 15 years experience, 1 hour away (private instruction)

Seven Star Northern Mantis - Head Instructor Sifu Eric ????, 5 years experience, 1 hour away (private instruction)

What would you guys do with these choices? Anyone care to share their insight?

Steve "Phrenzy"
Kali/Pentjak Silat
http://www.djphrenzy.com

[EARTH DRAGON]

go watch a class and see which style you like the best.

http://www.kungfuUSA.net

[18elders]

I was very curious as to how much Jeff Naayers is going to charge for the private lessons?
What style of kung fu do you want to learn?
An hour drive is far if you aren't going to learn good kung fu!

[djphrenzy]

I don't know how much Sifu Naayers will charge for private instruction, he has not replied to my e-mail yet.

I also found another instructor in the Columbus area. His name is Sifu Tor Bieker, and he is recommended to me from shaolin.com. He teaches traditional Shaolin Gung Fu, specializing in Southern Tiger but is "profient in the other styles mentioned on the site." He teaches all aspects of Shaolin, including internal training, philosophy, sparring, forms, history and weapons. It sounds intriguing, so I plan on looking into it.

Steve "Phrenzy"
Kali/Pentjak Silat
http://www.djphrenzy.com

[baji-fist]

Steve,

I am not sure how far you are from Canton, but if you can try out Master Yang Xiao Dong. He is an excellent teacher from our Wu-Tang tradition. Currently he is teaching various praying mantis styles, bajiquan/piquazhang, yin style baguazhang, xingyiquan, mizongquan, chen and yang taijiquan, and various weapons. I have met several of his students at his yearly tournament in Ohio. Very impressive group and I definitely recommend checking them out. For more info about their school check out http://www.wutangcenter.com

BTW, I noticed that you practiced the Filipino arts. What style of Arnis do you play? I myself learned some Kali from the Largusa-Villabrille system. Also I had the opportunity to check out other arnis players back home in the Philippines.

You must eat bitter before you can taste sweet.

[djphrenzy]

Unfortunately, Canton is quite far away...on the other side of the state really. I looked it up on mapquest, its about 278 miles to his school, to far to be practical for me.

I study a blend of various schools of Kali and about 12 different styles of Silat. I study under Guru Ken Pannell at The Academy of Asian Fighting Arts in West Carollton, Ohio. If you want, you can check out their website here:

http://www.guild-hall.com/afa

Thanks-

Steve "Phrenzy"
Kali/Pentjak Silat
http://www.djphrenzy.com