Blackstone,

Without a knowledgable sifu to guide you the way, you will never learn traditional kung fu. Your friend in the park that gives you occasional tips isn't doing you any good. You're not training traditional praying mantis. You don't belive in DOJOS? Where are you from? Maybe I can find a good sifu near you. I agree that the student chooses the sifu but the sifu also looks for the right student. If the sifu doesnt' like you, he will hold back on teaching the true essence of kung fu. Many of the traditional close door sifus actually do CHOOSE their students. They do that to weed out the bad students and to save time. Blackstone, please, where are you from?