The reason why many kung fu fighters fight like kickboxers

Wai Jia: The Kung Fu Forum Kung Fu Forum
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The way my Sifu explains it is that you should be like a tank and just roll over your opponent counter when nessacary and immobilize(throw or lock) as soon as possible. Unlike kickboxing where they go back and forth tradeing blows. While you “roll” over your opponent you should have focus and not just throw haymakers. Our Kungfu fighting is fast continuous and focused. In real Kungfu fighting I don’t think there is much of “feeling each other out” either. In kickboxing they don’t really defend the same either alot of KF styles make heavy use of the forearm in defense while kickboxers usually just cover up.

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ttt

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“Not much else I think you can do, like I say, with your hands covered.”

I disagree with that, although I do think there is a very strong tendency to throw lots of punches and forget other things when wearing big ol’ gloves. Kung Fu doesn’t just begin and end with the hands.

Feet/legs can kick, trip/sweep, jam, push, pull, etc. Hips (yours and your opponents) are very important in controlling when in close (you’re not wearing gloves on your hips, are you? :wink: ). Shoulders, elbows, forearms, head, knees, feet, hips can all be used to strike/control. Grabbing is tougher, but it’s not like your hands are completely gone either.

It’s tough to override “punch mode” when you’re wearing gloves, but it can be done. (For the record, I still cannot override “punch mode”, so you can apply the whole “grain of salt” thing to my advice if you like :slight_smile: .)