The example below is intended to illustrate the beauty of Wu Xing theory. Showing how the feeding/generative cycle we flow through is optimised for continuous countering of every move in the flow of the opponent, assuming they are also attempting the dominant move to counter us and we’re one step ahead.
Continued…Which Martial Art is Best?
For what purpose? In order to recommend a martial art, I really need to know what is your goal. Ideally I’d also know a bit about you, like what your training background is, and what your strengths & weaknesses are, as well as what specific club you’re thinking of joining because every martial art has better and worse teachers. But if I know nothing about you or your teacher – only your general status & goal – here’s what I’d recommend…
Continued…What is a Shillelagh, Rungu or Iwisa?
Did you know the Celtic Shillelagh is essentially the same tool as the Maasai Rungu and the Zulu Iwisa? They’re all traditionally made from nature in the same way, for the same purpose.
Continued…Physical differences between the sport of gloved boxing in the ring, and art of bareknuckle boxing in the streets
The general strategy, and the viability of certain moves, changes a bit between gloved boxing and bareknuckle boxing. The difference is especially noteworthy when comparing the sport of gloved boxing in a ring, vs the art of bareknuckle boxing in the streets. Here are some of the key differences I’ve observed.
Continued…How is Self Defence so different to Sport Combat?
The goal is different
- In the streets, pacifying the attacker is the goal – aiming for maximum peace – this means it’s ok to step back a lot, making good use of space and deflections in an attempt to dishearten the attacker, using Aikido footwork and deflections for example.
Why are great traditional martial arts scarcely seen in sport?
- Safety. Rules are imposed and protective gear is worn to ban some key moves and diminish the effects of other key moves.
Why do some JKD teachers feel legitimate, when they’re so bad?
The problem is, a lot of JKD teachers can claim to have trained under someone who trained under someone who trained under someone who was trained by Bruce Lee. So superficially, this makes them seem like a legitimate teacher of Bruce’s Jeet Kune Do.
Continued…Why learn a range of martial arts instead of just mastering one?
Ideally you’ll practise a range of martial arts that are all highly effective and inter-complementary yet focusing on different things.
For example, Wing Chun Kung Fu is focused on parrying and counter-striking techniques – it’s probably the best martial art in the world for dealing with someone trying to punch you in the face, by blocking and punching them instead.
But if you want more dynamic movement, to have more options and to deal with a wider variety of situations, including some less serious situations and some more serious situations, you will need to delve into other arts too.
Continued…What evidence suggests Tai Chi came from Shaolin, alongside Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is commonly taught as coming from Shaolin, but Tai Chi is not, however there is ample evidence to link them, as follows.
Continued…What martial art should I learn?
The answer to the question ‘What martial art should I learn?‘ depends on who is asking, and what are their reasons for wanting to learn a martial art.
So let’s assume you’re an average Joe who mainly just wants to learn effective empty-handed combat.
Continued…Is Boxing a Martial Art?
Yes, boxing is a martial art.
Modern standard western boxing has limitations, for example, rules dictate that you can’t grapple, or strike with anything but the fists, you must wear well padded gloves, and you must fight from a standing-up position; however, the skills that boxing does focus on are integral to any strike-style martial art like Karate or Kung Fu for example.
Some martial arts focus on striking (like Karate) while others focus on grappling (like Judo). Western Boxing is one that focusses specifically on striking, more specifically on striking with the fists, but this hyper-niche focus by no means stops it from being a martial art.
Is Tai Chi an effective martial art for self defence?
It depends what level you’re at. For beginners, tai chi is usually not practical for self defence; meanwhile for experts, tai chi generally offers deeper insights into familiar practical moves.
Is it easy to learn Tai Chi at home?
You may have recently bought a DVD or started watching a YouTube channel with the aim of learning Tai Chi at home. Now you’re wondering, is it even possible to get good at tai chi from home, without attending a class? The answer is yes, to a certain level – you could call it a vanity level – and then to progress further you really need to practise Tui Shou (Push Hands) with a partner.
How can someone become a Wing Chun master?
There are two types of Master
There are so-called masters, and there are genuine masters (much rarer). Each has unique requirements, as follows.
Is Wing Chun an effective martial art?
Wing Chun is an effective martial art
Wing Chun is one of the most effective martial arts for empty handed combat.
Continued…