Originally Posted by
mjwny
So i'm new to the site, Kung Fu and martial arts in general. This past summer I spent a good month in China, and a few days at the Shaolin Temple and International Shaolin Kung Fu Academy outside of Luoyang. Watching, seeing and semi-participating I became fascinated with the art; philosophy and discipline. I promised my self I would take up Kung Fu once time freed up at home. As for my self, i'm in my mid 20's, pretty fit and have my own business, so i'm quit busy but looking to supplement some time at night, and even change my gym routine up to something different.
So that time has come, and in the past few weeks I have been visiting several Kung Fu schools in the area (Long Island/Queens.) Unfortunately there aren't many. From the three I visited, 2 seemed based solely upon self defense and application of the art in the real world. But, i'm not one to be a fighter, I dont pick fights, I have never been in a fight, and i'm not quit sure that's exactly what I want; though it seems cool to know. I already knocked 1 out of the 3 schools out. I'm having a hard time deciding really between the other two located in Flushing NY.
So to start with the first; it was based on Shaolin Kung Fu, fundamentals I saw in china. Practicality, I don't know yet; as far as applications I haven't seen enough either. But in an hour class, I broke a nasty sweat and used muscles I never even knew existed before. I could barely walk the next day... And i'm used to going to the gym, running 3-5 times a week. The unfortunate part was the mix of very few adults, some kids and a few immature teenagers; as well as the language barrier. It was very hard to communicate with the Sifu; (who did study at the Shaolin temple in China) some of the students had to translate for me; though when I wasn't doing things right, he physically moved me. As a traditionalist, this school had no belts; and no fee's for testing which is a plus.
The second school, the Sifu was very pleasant, knowledgeable in traditional Kung Fu, and has been practicing for over 20 years. I was able to easily speak with him, and understand all the physical movements and application. He also helped translate how one movement can be seen as a grab or punch. But from other friends in Martial Arts for years, they mention these are things you don't or shouldn't need to know until you master then basic fundamentals which can take months or even years. The class was 3 hours though, it was a lot of information to take in at once. However in 3 hours, I didn't break a sweat. A few stretches, a few movements, punches on a bag etc... Movements were tough but other students took their time and helped me. Some of the skilled students practiced weaponry towards the end which was pretty cool to see. But watching people of different belts; it seemed there wasn't much fluid motion to a lot of the movements; a lot of staggering, though some of these guys did know how to defend themselves. All adults in this class which was comfortable as well.
So to sum it up; I'm stuck between deciding on two classes which seem to be two different styles of Kung Fu from movements to philosphy. More then anything i'm looking to hear peoples advise and experience in what they trained/mastered in; expectations etc... I'm looking at the long haul here.
Thanks in advanced.