Well, this is my first post here. I’m 20, and I’ve trained in Shotokan Karate for 2 and a half years and in Bak Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu for a tiny bit, maybe 5 or 6 lessons due to heavy academic work.
My interest in martial arts has always existed, yet only in this past half year, especially the last couple of months has it reached a peak.
I became aware that pursuing a martial art, a good one, one that suits you, can make you an overall better human being. It can elevate you physically, mentally and spiritually, and can go beyond just making you an fighting machine.
I see martial arts as not only a way for self defence as first comes to mind, but also as a tool to bring justice and peace around you in your local community, wherever you are, and a way to become one with nature, to live in harmony with what surrounds you.
Now I know the style vs. style discussion is a very popular one, yet it is an inevitable one in the field of martial arts.
From most people that I’ve talked to that have an interest in martial arts, the common view seems to be there is no “best style” that works for everyone, each person is unique and have to find out what style suits them best, yet, I have heard people say that there are usually better martial art styles that others IN GENERAL.
Now, my two or so years in Shotokan Karate showed me it was not an art for me. I was pretty good at it, got up to green belt (not that belts or ranks matter at all I’ve come to realize). Well, I became aware of my interest not only in the effectiveness of a martial art, but also of it’s “artistic” aspect. I’m interested in martial arts that are both effective and beautiful, graceful.
Well, in those terms, Chinese martial arts seemed to be my answer compared to Japanese or Korean or any other nation’s.
The phrase “Wu Shu magic” has ever remained impressed in my mind. I find it fascinating reading and hearing about legends of Wu Shu Masters, of the old Shaolin Monk Warriors etc. Their supernatural feats etc.
Well, I don’t expect to dream of doing anything of such caliber, yet I am willing to learn. To learn continuously and regularly when I can and do my best and reach what I can.
Yet the first step in in finding the right martial art style, the right instructors and training centers.
Now, what I am most interested in hearing from you people is your own expereinces in any Kung Fu martial art you’ve practiced, and your views and opinions on the subject and my inquiries.
As I said, I’ve done some Eagle Claw, and saw a friend of mine doing some Wing Chun, yet I am interested in hearing your thoughts.
Alkerian