NatGun
01-16-2002, 02:14 PM
I have always thought that martial arts, and more specifically Kung Fu were the highest forms of physical discipline, and finally after years of wanting to start learning, i finally signed up. I have been trying to do as much research on the web as i could on the different styles, but i have rarely found anything on actual combat effectiveness of the different styles, basically as far as i can tell, Wing Chun seems to be the style with the most direct "Martial" applications, but I know little on this subject.
The Kung Fu school i have joined, curriculum breaks down like this: there are 3 levels, beginning with Nanquan. Level 2 teaches Changquan, which includes staff training. Level 3 includes Eagle Claw, Drunken Boxing, and Monkey styles, also training with several weapons becomes available such as the halbard and 3-section staff.
I have read that modern Nanquan and Changquan are basically art forms, that are used for demonstration competitions and have little actual "martial" applications. Now i fully expect that any Kung Fu style has an element of show and an element of combat applicablility, but If i am going to learn a "Martial Art" i would like to know that I am learning something that is actually teaching me how to conduct myself during combat, and not a style that is impressive to look at, but has little combat merit.
I am not trying to start a discussion on "which style is better" as each MA practitioner has different reasons for learning different styles. But for someone like myself who cares little about flash, and more about combat effectiveness, have I made a mistake attending a school that teaches nanquan and changquan?? There is a Wing Chun, and a Praying Mantis school near by, but they are more difficult for me to get to. Is Wing Chun, or praying mantis a better choice for me?
Basically I want to know what you guys think of Nanquan and Changquan in a combat situation. But any information you can give me on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
The Kung Fu school i have joined, curriculum breaks down like this: there are 3 levels, beginning with Nanquan. Level 2 teaches Changquan, which includes staff training. Level 3 includes Eagle Claw, Drunken Boxing, and Monkey styles, also training with several weapons becomes available such as the halbard and 3-section staff.
I have read that modern Nanquan and Changquan are basically art forms, that are used for demonstration competitions and have little actual "martial" applications. Now i fully expect that any Kung Fu style has an element of show and an element of combat applicablility, but If i am going to learn a "Martial Art" i would like to know that I am learning something that is actually teaching me how to conduct myself during combat, and not a style that is impressive to look at, but has little combat merit.
I am not trying to start a discussion on "which style is better" as each MA practitioner has different reasons for learning different styles. But for someone like myself who cares little about flash, and more about combat effectiveness, have I made a mistake attending a school that teaches nanquan and changquan?? There is a Wing Chun, and a Praying Mantis school near by, but they are more difficult for me to get to. Is Wing Chun, or praying mantis a better choice for me?
Basically I want to know what you guys think of Nanquan and Changquan in a combat situation. But any information you can give me on this subject would be greatly appreciated.