Fraudulent Sifus?

[awakenwired]

Hi guys, I'm new to the board. And pretty green to MA. I was looking for a good Sifu, and am a bit gunshy after hearing about all the tkf stuff. I've read early threads on how to look around, see how good the students are and what not, I'm starting that, I was also wondering if there was anyway at all to do anykind of check on the net. Like past competitions and what not that a Sifu may claim to have won? Any sites out there that has a database like this, or anything that would help do some sort of research on something like this? I know once I get into this I'm giving 110% as I do with anything I start, but being green and a bit naive, I want to be sure I'm not only handing over my cash, but my dedication and loyalty to someone legitiment. Thanks in advance to any replies.

[Hau Tien]

I'm not sure about other schools... but I know that my Sifu offers a question and answer period (within reason, of course... he won't give up the "secrets" of the style, if ya get my drift) and a free first class to see if you like it.

I would assume this is a fairly common practice... When I first came to the school I asked the Sifu about his lineage... and was quite pleased when he went through his lineage in detail with me and explained in detail about the style.

I'm not sure how to spot a fraudulent Sifu... I got very lucky my first time out. I would guess someone who skirts questions about where he got his training from, the lineage of his style, and those that try to sign you up for extortionist fees without even letting you see/participate in the class would be things to watch out for.

Hope someone else can be of more help;)

Hau Tien

[GeneChing]

But faking winning competitions is...

Most tournaments today will have some sort of web presence, but if the tournament is older than say 5-10 years, there's nothing on the web. There is no national registry or anything like that. Tournaments are privately won and sponsored, so the only ones who might keep the results are the winners and the hosts.

[MonkeySlap Too]

You can always ask on the board as well - you will get a wide variety of answers, but you can find common threads. A good way to help you choose where to study is to think about what you want to learn - some schools emphasize sportive use, others health and well being, and others 'martial' application, and yet others some combination of the three.

The hard part about choosing a school is that you really need to be an educated consumer, and that is impossible until you come out the other end, and even then it is suspect.

Where are you in the Pacific Northwest? What teachers are near you?

[tri2bmt]

Awakenwired,

Your quest can be long or short. Lucky I found a good sifu after sifting through three or four.
Things I would look out for would be:

Ego. If the teacher has a big ego and tries to impress you, get out.

Uneducated. Any sifu should be educated at least in basic bone and muscle therapy if not acupuncture. He should explain the style to youl, what it wil contain, what you will do and how you will learn. He should also ask for a medical record to ensure you're healthy enough to do the art.

Fees. The money is always necessary and should not be the first topic he touches on. There should be no contract forcing you to stay there for a long time. You should always be allowed to watch a class and freely ask any questions.

Courtesy. Although you will be a student he should still respect you as you respect him.

The only thing I couldn't tell you is the general feel I got when I started where I am. Each person will be affected differently and you should know if the place has a bad atmosphere or one you would enjoy learning in.

By the way, what style are you looking for? May I suggest Hung Gar?

Hope you luck in your search.

[awakenwired]

Thanks for the time you all spent to reply. I really appretiate it. I'd like to study Shaolin. Fortunately Northern Shaolin doesn't seem to be too terribly scarce here in the Portland/Vancouver area of Oregon/Washington. I've visited one school so far. The Sifu seemed very knowledgeable. Winning competitions isn't a real big selling point for me. It was just the only real thing I could think of that might be researchable to at least prove or disprove a schools credibility. This entire process has an odd feel though I must say. The first school I visited, I was actually quite nervous. And was ready to answer all kinds of questions like: What brought you here? Why do you want to learn Kung Fu? And What attracts you to THIS particular style? I was sort of in job interview mode, hoping that the Sifu would feel I was "Worthy to train in his academy" sort of thing. But it became the other way around. I asked all the questions, And there was a time or two where perhaps he may have seemed a touch more nervous then me. But I tend to over anaylize things, especially in foreign situations like this though, and could have been misreading him. But I've read alot of posts on this subject now. It looks as if I'm going to have to just jump in feet first. Get my feet wet and then take it from there. There's still a few places i need to visit. And hopefully I'll be able to make a desicion in a week or so. If there is anyone in my area that can shed a little light on this that would be great as well. Thank you all again for your thoughts on this.

[MonkeySlap Too]

I don't know any Shaolin teachers up in that neck of the woods, but I do know Park Bok Nam has a BaGua teacher up there, and Stevan Plinck, an excellent Pentjak Silat Serak player is up there too.

[joedoe]

I think wushuchik is from Oregon. She does northern Shaolin. Try messaging her or something and ask her.

[wushu chik]

If you would give me the area you are in...i can sure try to help! There's not many northern schools around this neck of the woods, and am happy to try to help ya any way possible!!! Make sure you ASK lots of questions from the schools you check out though...to make sure they have what you want to learn !

~Wen~

[yu shan]

Awakenwired,

Contact wushu ckik, she will steer you in the right direction, even if it means changing styles. This happens in the MA world.

I hear, ask questions, questions, of the Shrfu. My first question of the person inquiring, what do YOU want out of this? I will always remember what that student said. We all know that there is so much to offer, I try my best to fulfill my students dreams. There are also the idiots that come by with the ****up questions! That could be a thread all in itself! "like, how much do you charge man"
Watch out for the super ego, not much in the Chinese styles, only in TKD! CMA tends to beat the ego out, and brings on the humble, it is called a good Shrfu.

Monetarily: take care of you teacher.