[QUOTE=bawang;1285931]traditional kung fu culture has never been similar to traditional upperclass chinese culture. it was always a subculture/counterculture of soldiers, criminals, and nomadic people who immigrated to china. however there is a energy and fire in kung fu that is missing in modern times for many people and it can help us and give inspiration and encouragement.
confucius list of gentlemanly arts had caligraphy and playing harp, but also lifting logs, archery and chariot fighting wearing 200 pound bronze armor. yes kung fu is about refinement, but not the pinke finger up kind of refinement. its about refining iron.
kung fu culture is not about pouring tea and bowing so low it looks like ur giving urself a blowjob. its about learning to be mentally and physically strong, being loyal and never betray, and helping the weak. these principles are simple but are difficult to do in real life.[/QUOTE]
Ditto to what others have said, go for a cultural training experience, not for a superior one. China is huge, you can find all kinds of training depending where you are, like in the US. It’s gong fu’s place in the culture that is completely different, it’s a real perspective shifter. And it’s nice to have company. Also, as Gene pointed out, when you’re a foreigner doing gong fu in China, people are looking at you, and there’s a real pressure to represent.
And, sorry, but I’m taking this opportunity to plug the articles I wrote about training in China.
