How is Lama Pai Different?

[rogue]

Didn't want to derail the CTS thread.

Originally Posted by lkfmdc
And finally, yes, Lama is different than most TCMA systems, and it may have been a surprise. As open as it is today, it still surprises people when they see it up close. Very different than most TCMA

Dave, How so? What is different about it?

[RD'S Alias - 1A]

It's the only style based on a animal that can't actually fight.

[Drake]

It's the only style based on a animal that can't actually fight.

The Dupisha Ignoramus? I heard they were extinct.

[lkfmdc]

running out the door, but will get to this later

[jdhowland]

Rogue, if you don't mind I'll jump in here with my two cents worth until you get a response from Dave. I'm several time zones away from him, so I can lurk while the eastern seaboard is asleep. Mwa-ha-ha!

There are several old threads here you can dig up that discuss the odd non-chineseness of lama. In brief, there are some similarities to boxing which also gained respect among some chinese fighters for its aggressive, simple approach and emphasis on head shots. Some of lama's noted qualities are the constantly shifting footwork and evasive bodywork, an almost haughty, arrogant disregard for the opponent's "bridge" (don't let him dictate your response, just keep attacking) and the familiarity with all ranges of combat.

There is a current thread about power generation in lama.

Hope this helps.

John H.

[KFNOOB]

Is Lama to be learned before or after you have more experience elsewhere? I am confused on that. There are to schools of thought even within the CTS community. One Sifu says you need to learn Lama first because he then teaches CLF which is more difficult (maybe I misheard him). Here, they say the opposite (and I think they know better here).

[jdhowland]

Is Lama to be learned before or after you have more experience elsewhere? I am confused on that. There are to schools of thought even within the CTS community. One Sifu says you need to learn Lama first because he then teaches CLF which is more difficult (maybe I misheard him). Here, they say the opposite (and I think they know better here).

Good question. I'm not from the CTS line so Mike or Dave might have different opinions, (and I'd love to hear them). I'm in my fourth decade of training in both traditions and I have some pretty strong opinions about the subject.

First, lama is not meant to be learned after something else. It is it's own complete system. It is also notoriously difficult to learn and to teach. For this reason, many instructors who teach multiple systems let a student have a few years of experience in something else before teaching lama. Another reason for this is that lama schools were traditionally secretive to protect their unorthodox methods and many teachers hold it in reserve while they teach something more open-to-the-public.

CLF's fast flurries of circular and corkscrewing techniques make it appear to be more complex. But it is also known as one of the easiest systems to master.

My advice is to learn CLF if you want reliable self defense skills with just a few years of training. Devote a lifetime to lama if you want to develop an uncommon level of skill with timing and positional superiority. I just teach as I was taught: first, lama basics. Second CLF sets, gradually introducing basics and applications. Last, lama sets, applications and sparring.

Is one system better than the other? In the past CLF has defeated Lama. Lama has defeated CLF. I had two teachers who learned both as did Chan Tai San.

As Stan Lee used to say, " 'Nuff said."

[hskwarrior]

Imo Its Not The Style, But The Practitioner That Makes The Difference.

Clf Can Take Up To 3 Lifetimes To Master..........and Thats Why My Sifu Has Always Said To Find Your Favorite Techniques And Master Those.

Clf Has Beaten Muay Thai Fighters, And Wing Chun. But It Goes Back And Forth.

Clf Is Hard To Learn If You Don't Have A Previous Martial Art Background.

[Shaolindynasty]

I practice both CLF and Lama. They are more similar than different. Lama has a "heavier"(best way i could describe it) power than CLF. CLF uses allot of loose whipping motions.

As for the "non chinese-ness"(is that a word?) lama is similar to other southern styles like clf, hung ga etc.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Lama Pai is great, I prefer apple or lemon merangue myself, Lama Pai is a tad to furry for my taste.


Many systems are best studied with a sold foundation in something else like SPM for example, but can still be done by a rookie.

[lkfmdc]

I don't mean to be offensive to anyone, but if you are using Lama techniques like other Chinese martial arts systems, ie using bridges, blocking, sticking, etc then you are basicly doing more CLF or maybe some lineages of Pak Hok

Lama Pai does not use bridges, in fact, you really shouldn't even block. It is about angles, intercepting, simultaneously countering, etc. The footwork is VERY different. There are also the principles of "chaan" and the "si ji fatt"

[sanjuro_ronin]

I don't mean to be offensive to anyone, but if you are using Lama techniques like other Chinese martial arts systems, ie using bridges, blocking, sticking, etc then you are basicly doing more CLF or maybe some lineages of Pak Hok

Lama Pai does not use bridges, in fact, you really shouldn't even block. It is about angles, intercepting, simultaneously countering, etc. The footwork is VERY different. There are also the principles of "chaan" and the "si ji fatt"

Sounds like JKD to me
Maybe even lionsroar.....

[jdhowland]

I practice both CLF and Lama. They are more similar than different. Lama has a "heavier"(best way i could describe it) power than CLF. CLF uses allot of loose whipping motions.

As for the "non chinese-ness"(is that a word?)

Nah. I just like to make up words in my lighter moments. What I meant to say was "anti-chineseiosity."

[Shaolindynasty]

Lama Pai does not use bridges, in fact, you really shouldn't even block. It is about angles, intercepting, simultaneously countering, etc. The footwork is VERY different. There are also the principles of "chaan" and the "si ji fatt"

Ok thats true. I was referring more to the way forms look.

[jdhowland]

... if you are using Lama techniques like other Chinese martial arts systems, ie using bridges, blocking, sticking, etc then you are basicly doing more CLF or maybe some lineages of Pak Hok

Yes. This can't be emphasized enough. Although lama and CLF are sometimes called "sister styles" because of certain similarities (e.g. "loose" power generated from the waist and some techniques in common) their strategies are quite different and if you try to blend them you lose the method entirely.

CLF is from Mars. Lama is from Hades.