I actually came on because I hoped the discussion could be saved from simply being an attack on the person, his personality or how he pose for pictures. Something that only rallies people to his defense and does not touch on those things which should be discussed.
Of far more importance is the evaluation of actual technique and beyond that, the essential elements of how one defines the art. On another forum recently, Sifu Funk and I debated directly and quite forcibly concerning our positions on the “evolution” of Gongfu. At other times he and I have gotten quite intense in discussion of technique and what is and is not Tanglang.
Certainly one can say whatever they want. The question of what lineage one is, regardless of the instance being in a positive or negative light is always pertinant to the discussion. My question was directed as it was to determine if such strong derision was coming from withing the WHF line, (and my surprise that I had not heard of it sooner), or from without. If RAY had been CCM line then I would understand also since there is a long history there too and understandable. However, in any case, it does not negate the legitimate critical debate which must take place on technical issues of the art we practice. I do not know RAY nor if he would answer my post in any respect. I am going to email him privately.
If I did not wish to be questioned, I would not post. Most certainly I do not have to subject myself to being treated badily as the potential exists on this list but the questions are actually that important.
Thank you for your kind comments concerning my decorum on most issues. I am afraid that my neutrality may be disappearing in the future. Hence my involvement in this list.
Thank you for your reasoned response.
Steve Cottrell
You said,
“So now I ask you whats up with that? Why didn’t you just come out & say that you were a critic right from the start insted of down playing the fact that you have criticized sifu funk before reguardless of reason…”
I will post again, (the third time) what I said in my first post:
"But let me also assure you that there is much criticism and lively debate between us of our generation both in public and private forums, and yes, even “face to face”, (When you are secure in what you do, you can do this), on the definition, scope practice and application of the art we love. "
I believe it was clear from the first that I said I have been a critic. There was no “playing down”, please stop mischaracterizing what I say.
Nonetheless, I look forward to your sending me the information. I believe that the nature of your discussion only speaks to the intensity of feelings you hold and not anything else.
By the way, when you send the information, could you send me the line of mantis you practice?
In the name of ethics and respect those of you who doubt Funk Sifu’s skill should go through the ranks. Starting with his students. First any questions about a Sifu’s skill can and will be answered by the students he has teaching. Next if you doubt his fighting ability then first you ask one of his students for a “friendly” match. I will leave the rest alone as for myself I am not on the level to challange anyone of a generation above me. So my suggestion is to contact some of Funk Sifu’s students he has teaching under him and relay your questions. Here is just a few I took the liberty to look up for you.
SHENZHOU,
SORRY BUT YOUR POST ABOUT A FRIENDLY MATCH IS REALLY STUPID. PEOPLE CAN HAVE THEIR OPINIONS ON A SIFU AND NOT HAVE TO DO SOME FRIENDLY MATCH. A GENERATION ABOVE YOU? YOU THINK THIS IS 18TH CENTURY CHINA OR SOMETHING? THAT’S RIDICULOUS.
JON FUNK CAN FIGHT BUT HE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT MAKES MANTIS - MANTIS. ALSO HE IS NOT CONNECTED AND DOES NOT MOVE AS ONE UNIT. HE CANNOT DERIVE POWER FROM THE GROUND AND SPINAL CORD, HENCE, NO FAHJING ’ GING’.
BUT I CAN’;T COMPLAIN, BECAUSE EVERYONE THESE DAYS ARE LIKE THAT.
That was a stupid post of mine. Stupid of me to think that people have respect within the Martial Arts Community. Stupid of me to think that respecting elders to me for one is correct, but for another, elders in a system that i claim to up hold.
But i should have known that there are people that do not teach respect anymore hence that rapid decline of the american school system. (Yes I am a Teacher in the inner city) But i will take that my post was stupid as it was directed to the wrong person, system, culture, intellect, ect…
So just as Sifu Cottrell has stated i will do the same and fade out before i bring shame upon my Sifu. Which by the way is that last thing I would want to do out of respect for him, my Si Gung, Brothers, Sisters, and Myself .
I HAVE NOT BEEN TO CANADA BEFORE SO I HAVE NOT SEEN FUNK. I HAVE NOT TOUCHED HANDS WITH HALF OF THE SIFUS THAT I CRITIZE. THAT WOULD BURST THEIR BUBBLE AND I DON’T NEED TO RUIN THEIR DAY OR PROVE ANYTHING. ALSO I TWOULD START A FIGHT AND I DONT NEED THAT EITHER. I GIVE MY LITTLE OPINION THATS ALL . IM NOT GOOD. IF FUNK CAN BEAT ME , THAT DOESNT MEAN ANYTHING BECAUSE I’M A STUDENT NOT A SIFU. FUNK SHOULD BE A STUDENT TOO AND GO FIND SOMEONE GOOD TO TRAIN WITH INSTEAD OF CALLING HIMSELF A SIFU. IF HE WATNED TO TEACH KICKBOXING OR SELF DEFENSE HE CAN BE A SIFU IN THAT, BUT NOT A SIFU IN MANTIS. I CAN SEE WITH MY EYES IF A SIFU IS CONNECTED OR NOT.
i heard that al cheng sent jon funk to go learn in hong kong. just wondering, how much did he learn from the mantis master’s in hong kong? i know from around that time, the chinese were still sort of against teaching non-chinese kung fu.
and with this friendly sparring thing, that is really dumb. i’d like to see jon funk get in a street fight with a mantis fighter from either china, hong kong or taiwan
I HAVE NOT BEEN TO CANADA BEFORE SO I HAVE NOT SEEN FUNK. I HAVE NOT TOUCHED HANDS WITH HALF OF THE SIFUS THAT I CRITIZE. THAT WOULD BURST THEIR BUBBLE AND I DON’T NEED TO RUIN THEIR DAY OR PROVE ANYTHING. ALSO I TWOULD START A FIGHT AND I DONT NEED THAT EITHER. I GIVE MY LITTLE OPINION THATS ALL . IM NOT GOOD. IF FUNK CAN BEAT ME , THAT DOESNT MEAN ANYTHING BECAUSE I’M A STUDENT NOT A SIFU. FUNK SHOULD BE A STUDENT TOO AND GO FIND SOMEONE GOOD TO TRAIN WITH INSTEAD OF CALLING HIMSELF A SIFU. IF HE WATNED TO TEACH KICKBOXING OR SELF DEFENSE HE CAN BE A SIFU IN THAT, BUT NOT A SIFU IN MANTIS. I CAN SEE WITH MY EYES IF A SIFU IS CONNECTED OR NOT.
Isn’t it sad when children can find nothing better to do than insult people they’ve never met or seen on the internet? I blame it on poor parenting. Remember all you moms and dads out there, the internet is not a babysiter!
Alright guys,…public forum or not,…this thread has degraded & I will not allow further discussion. This forum has been an example of good exchanges for the last few months. It will be that way again;starting with the closing of this thread.