Actually I’m more annoyed when they call Lion Dancing Dragon…
I think it’s a bit myopic to expect the general public to distinguish between the styles of martial arts, much less the styles of Kung Fu. Most people still mix up Karate, TKD and KF, and that’s ok. It makes our work clear. Just explain it to everyone you see. If it bores them, then you need to seriously reflect on why you are bothering to explain. If it interests them, sign them up.
Chinwoo-er,
Originally posted by Chinwoo-er
Why is Stuart “sounding” so anxious about this ? It was a question to think about and I get the feeling that he is so offended that he is hell bent to make sure that I look at like an ignorant idiot. Even if you succeed, what’s the point ?
Er, I’m right here chief. If you want to know why I sound anxious, ask me.
Anyway, my apologies. I didn’t mean to be hostile. But as a non-CMA practitioner, I get as fed up with your assumptions about non-CMA as you get about other people’s assumptions about CMA.
And you are discussing CMA as if it were at some sort of disadvantage. Basically, I don’t see it.
I have thought about everything that has been said here. Everyone knows how the world works in such a elementary level. That is why I posted this idea. There is no doubt that the term KF works. There is no doubt that the majority doesn’t know one style from another. But is it completely impossible to change it so that the names of styles of CMA becomes common knowledge so that asking for specification wouldn’t be raised in the first place ?
I guess I don’t understand why that’s offensive to you. I mean, to my mind, it’s more an opportunity to discuss than a hinderance of some sort. I practice eskrima. Invariably, the other guy in the conversation says, “Oh! That stick thing!”
Obviously, there’s much more to it than sticks. And now I have the opportunity to teach him as much. To my mind, that’s a good thing.
I thought whether or not taking the quesiton a little further for discussion was both fun and intellectually stimulating.
I guess not.
No, I think you’re right. And righteous indignation aside, it’s been a good thread. So if you can see your way clear to forgive me getting punchy, we’ll be back on the right track. Cool?
Stuart B.
This is the scenario for someone who really thinks this art prestige is anything real, or anything that matters:
Prestige random:
“You dont have kung-fu”
…
goes home and tells mom
Guy who really cares about his ‘kung-fu’:
“Your kung-fu sucks”
…
kicks guys ass
“Ok.”
wtf
:eek:
:eek:
Uhhh I’m confused…
yeah the Lion Dance vs Dragon Dance thing is an affront to my sensibilities also G.
Even better when you tell someone you like Chinese Lion Dance and they say “Line dancing? I dodn’t know there were chinese cowboys!” and then you have to go into a whole explanantion oif the pete townshend album and then show pictures of various lion costumes and Chinese New years events and then cross corolate them back to the album, cowboys and the fact that a lion is not a dragon.
Come to Jesus - Still confused? 
cheers
Originally posted by Kung Lek
[B]yeah the Lion Dance vs Dragon Dance thing is an affront to my sensibilities also G.
Even better when you tell someone you like Chinese Lion Dance and they say “Line dancing? I dodn’t know there were chinese cowboys!” and then you have to go into a whole explanantion oif the pete townshend album and then show pictures of various lion costumes and Chinese New years events and then cross corolate them back to the album, cowboys and the fact that a lion is not a dragon.
Come to Jesus - Still confused?
cheers [/B]
Oh man, I hear that!
Stuart, bloody great post! (The long ranting one, I mean).
The real question is why should anyone know or care if you do hung gar rather than choi lay fut or hsing-i? The only legit answer is “they are interested in martial arts.” And then they’ll almost certainly know already that there’s lots of kind of kungfu, karate, etc.. I it’s Mr. Random who’s asking, start with the general answers and get specific if they do. Picture this:
“What are you reading?”
You might say “I’m reading today’s editorial column from John Hightower, former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, former editor of the Texas Observer, and founder of the Alliance for Democracy. He’s attacking George Bush’s stance on Iraq on humanitarian and foriegn relations grounds.”
or you might say “The op-ed page.”
Both are true, but you have a pretty good idea of how much information the guy really wanted. He’s asking because he wants to know if he can look at the sports section, not because he’s interested in the article you’re reading.
Serpent,
Stuart, bloody great post! (The long ranting one, I mean).
Hey, thanks mate! I appreciate that.
That said, again, I have to apologize to Chinwoo-er. It’s not that I thought your original question was a bad one. But it did spark a rant. And however valid that rant might be, I didn’t mean to target you with it. Sorry.
Stuart B.
Chin-Wooer, unfortunate victim of a random drive-by ranting.
When will I learn to use my powers for good? 