I don't want to hijack this thread Gene but the history of fencing provides a template for martial arts history and interpretation in general... hack and slash sword play on the battlefield evolved to thrust fencing in personal defense (and dules of personal honor). Methods changed as technology changed, and once prized theories were cast aside in the face of reality
Since several people posted while I was writing my first response, let me continue.
The series title 'secret fighting skills' was originally conceived as a tongue-in-cheek comment on what is happening in the MA world. If you actually watch my dvd's there is nothing in them presented as 'secret'. I think my explanations are straight forward and to the point and I try to explain the historical perspective as best I can given the circumstances. I just happen to like the 'military combatives' approach to the traditinal CMA. Let's get serious for a moment, who would have a real need for xingyi rifle and bayonet training in this day and age? But I wrote about it because
a. I have some knowledge of the subject and
b. A small group of people who deal with me also like that kind of thing
I try to present accurate information as shown to me from various sources including the modern 'knife stuff' from the wu jing.
take it for what it's worth. 'nuff said
A fascinating book is "By the Sword" (can't remember the author's name). It is a hisorical analysis of the use of swords in combat. Mostly European based, but a little of Asian bladework is also thrown in there.
Since several people posted while I was writing my first response, let me continue.
The series title 'secret fighting skills' was originally conceived as a tongue-in-cheek comment on what is happening in the MA world. If you actually watch my dvd's there is nothing in them presented as 'secret'. I think my explanations are straight forward and to the point and I try to explain the historical perspective as best I can given the circumstances. I just happen to like the 'military combatives' approach to the traditinal CMA. Let's get serious for a moment, who would have a real need for xingyi rifle and bayonet training in this day and age? But I wrote about it because
a. I have some knowledge of the subject and
b. A small group of people who deal with me also like that kind of thing
I try to present accurate information as shown to me from various sources including the modern 'knife stuff' from the wu jing.
take it for what it's worth. 'nuff said
BTW About 15 years ago I used the xingyi bayonet techniques against a group of army instructors and had no trouble beating them
There's a joke in there somewhere, but gosh darn it, I couldn't find it in enough time
Let's get serious for a moment, who would have a real need for xingyi rifle and bayonet training in this day and age?
Sorry for the side banter.... TTT
Of course you easily beat guys with bayonets... it's all in the secret kung fu training techniques. All you kung fu "masters" regularly do that kind of stuff.
Of course there is never any video of you so-called "masters" going live against anyone you are claiming to have beaten... or going live against anyone, for that matter.
However, there is always plenty of video of you demonstrating your "lethal" techniques on complying students.
That was a good read. A better one is The Complete Bibliography of Fencing and Duelling by Carl A. Thimm. That's really more of a source point for any fencing research, but By the Sword covers the modern age much better and it's more digestible for the common reader.
Techniques have changed with shifts in technology and society. Logically then, they will continue to change in the future. The current 'reality' will probably fade too, if history is any teacher. This is one reason why we study history.
Gene Ching
Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
Author of Shaolin Trips
Support our forum by getting your gear at MartialArtSmart
I also believe that too many adhere to the myth that everyone fights the same. Maybe if KF stops attacking Revere for a minute he can comment, but I know that police train differently in different countries. In Japan with a blade culture they train differently than Americans that assume guns. Filipinos are a similar blade culture. And in the old UK, the head butt is a prominent feature of their bar fighting.
It is very easy to be critical, sitting in front of a monitor with just under 3000 posts. It is another thing altogether to do it to someone's face. Your Forum-Fu is strong, "Knifefighter". I'd be curious to see if your ass can cash the cheques your "mouth" writes.
You're welcome to come on by any time you happen to be in Calgary to "check me out" and see if I know how to handle myself in real life. I'm nowhere near the level of Mr. Rovere, but I do enjoy crossing hands with as many folks as possible... you know... to "see if my **** works".
Also... I'd be very curious if you'd show us how it should be done, my friend! Post us up a short clip of you and put us all in awe of your martial prowess!
Royce can choke as many people as he wants. He'll never have a cartoon as cool as Jackie Chan Adventures.
-- Chang Style Novice
Both my teachers trained soldiers how to fight and also went "live" against the Japanese and Communists in the 1930's & 40's and you've done ???
Before this gets any hotter... I honestly think you should all take it down a notch. Revere has a lot of training with military guys in China. Interesting stuff, stuff you don't see too often around here. For Hau and Revere, Knifefighter is no keyboard warrior. He's a legit BJJ black belt and a dog brother. He knows weapons, particularly blades. KF comes off harsh at times, but he's probably cute and cuddly in person (ok, maybe not)
KF, care to comment on the comment about different police in different cultures having to train differently
Also... I'd be very curious if you'd show us how it should be done, my friend! Post us up a short clip of you and put us all in awe of your martial prowess!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwLFeIqjQ3Q
Now for some clips of your "master" going live?
I won't hold my breath.