OK fgxpanzerz, so you know where I am coming from and my experince:
Began training at 4 in Isshin-Ryu. Broke first board at 8, first brick at 10. Continued in Isshin Ryu to HS, stopping to play Football and then one year of college ball then back to it.
Studied Hung Gar under Frank Yee and Mantis under Milton Chin’s disciple who also studied with Gin Foon Mark. Also have a little Wing Chun.
Now, I am not into forms though I now the entire Isshin-Ryu system and most of Hung Gar. I like to fight, and that’s how what Mantis I know was passed on to me. I like the real deal – no bull.
With that said, 95% of what I see out there is all bull. My level of respect for Master Chan Bong is where it is because he deserves it. After 24 years of MA studies he IS the best THAT I HAVE SEEN. I have seen quite a lot.
I seriously doubt that you would speak this way to Master Chan. I can not speak for him or his more senior students, but, message board or not, I will not tolerate someone bad mouthing a)a true master that I am certain is light years ahead of your understanding of MA, b) a true gentleman and c) my sifu.
Like I said I am one of his newest students and can not speak for my master of his senior students, just myself: Maybe we can get together and trade hands. I only know a mere fraction, practically nothing of Master Chan’s theories, but already he has improved my fighting and they way I view it tremedously. I am grateful for the foundation that I have, I am hoping this man can build my talent to the sky.
Please, if you had a bad experience at this man’s school truly stop and ask yourself why. I can not think of a more highly respected Sifu in the NY area or in the US. He is low key, but to those in the know …
So, please, have a nice day. I truly meen that. Just if you do not have soemthing nice to say about a tremendously talented, sincerely nice man, then why not just say nothing at all. Your attitude could prevent other sincere and open hearted students from missing the opportunity of a lifetime by being turned off of training with a geneous because of your remarks.
Stillness in the heart of motion.