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The questions of fighting style

Hello, my name is Korojimi
I live in here in Japan, and have been a practitioner in many martial art forms. Including, Karate, Jeet Kune do, Taekwondo, and only two branch of Kung fu. Wing tsun(chun) Only Chain style, and Mixed style wushu. I was born in Japan, and have moved to the U.S when I was 8. Then to China, Korea and back to Japan. Over the many years of my training. I have seen and learned to respect each art.

Through many internet disputes among the big three. (Karate, Taekwondo, Kung fu). And disrespect among these great artforms. I feel I need to put out the definition of what Martial Arts means.

Firstly, a martial artist undesrtands balance, power and grace. Style does not differentiate one artform to the next. There is no way of quote 'Chinese way, or Japanese way of fighting' - Bruce Lee. This quote, is what brings martial artists together.

If you take one artform to compare with the next. Or judge on site without training. You are, not a martial artist. But in fact a disgrace.

Let me begin, Here is the most discussed, the BIG THREE.

Taekwondo

Probably the most popular martial arts in North America.

Ancient Taekwondo was developed by three Korean Nations. Of course, to this day - it is not alike. After liberation of Korea, and Japanese occupation. the practice of taekkyeon was banned. Although the art essentially vanished, some aspects of taekkyeon may have survived through underground teaching and folk custom. As the Japanese colonization established a firm foothold in Korea, the few Koreans who were able to attend Japanese universities were exposed to Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, and some received black belts in these arts. Koreans in China were also exposed to Chinese martial arts.

Taekwondo, is modern today - is based off of Karate, and styled by Chinese martial artforms. Giving it a flexible defense against many attackers. Taekwondo remains the least diverse in style. As there is only one style. Rank among Taekwondo is usually among experience. Gaining belts and rank is similar to those in Karate. Many of the training exercises in modern Taekwondo today is Breaking Bricks, and wood to test strength and control. Practicing very powerful punches, and fast kicks. Precise punches can deliver a knockout with a single punch.

TKD also has training in a small variety of weapons. The Katana, Nunchaku and occasionaly the bo.

Karate

Karate today, is mistaken a lot to be a Japanese artform. But it is actually developed by Southern Chinese Kung fu. Translation - the Chinese Hand, (or fist). Originally, it was written Chinese Hand in Japanese 'Kanji' a form of writing. But because of poor Chinese/Japanese relations. They felt they should change to "Empty hand" This was one of my first learned arts.
Karate is a Concentrated, attack and defense. Most famous for its throws, and screams. Karate is similar to that of Taekwondo. Namely not as flashy. Karate training like Taekwondo is practicing punches and kicks among objects like wood and stone. Also gaining rank is similar.

Kumite, literally (Meeting of hands) is a way of sparring in Karate. Karate self defense is effective against only Karate itself. Against any other artform it appears almost useless. Its offensive power on the other hand is extremely effective - but has the crowbar effect.

Higher diciplines in Karate learn, control, experience lightning fast and still powerful strikes to lose the crowbar effect. Karate is also famous for its posing. It teaches discipline amongst self. And to respect other fighters at the end, and beginning of every match. Learning similar weapons in Taekwondo.

Karate splits into a few more catagories each learning different techniques. Unlike Taekwondo. But like Chinese Martial arts. Here is more information below - as it says it all there, and I shall not need to copy it down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate#Kata_.28Forms.29

Kung Fu

Probably the most complexed out of the big three. It has also influenced the other 2.

Kung fu, meaning (Skill) Is itself not a style, but a category for many styles in Chinese Martial arts. Developed in ancient, very very ancient times. Times in caves, before society. Kung fu is the mimic of animals. While developing for many generations to come. It became style of fighting. Unlike the other 2, where they are themselves. Kung fu branches off into hundreds, if not thousands of different styles.

As ancient as it is - Kung fu styles, were developed to counter mainly other kung fu styles. In North America today. Kung fu teaches namely two branches. Wushu, Wing tsun. Within Wushu and Wing tsun, a limited style is in there too. Wing tsun teaches few styles. Such as Linked, Chain hands. Which is to bombard an opponent with punches, while at the same time controling your opponents hands so they cannot punch. Wushu, is known widely for its flashy moves. Wushu, in itself has a variety of style. One in which is to strike faster than a snake, and just as precise. Wushu, and Wing tsun. Are considered the MOST basic in the branch of Kung fu.

As we ascend among the branches, there are too many to explain here. Is each branch teaches you new discipline and more strength power and technique. In another branch - it specializes in flight, or leaping attacks, and kicks. Another would be only powerful punches, instead of speed punches.

To the teachings of Dim Mak, or the Death touch, has influenced Ninjitsu.

Ascending even further - unlike Taekwondo and Karate. If you wish to learn more, you have to travel to China. Or hope one of the Shaolin monks come to you. In the U.S one famous Shaolin monk brought the teachings to New York. Though critisized by other monks.

Probably the most disciplined are the Shaolin. The Shaolin rarely test their skill on a stack of bricks or wood. But on walls itself. For two hours, they punch a hole in a concrete wall each day. Depending on the branch of shaolin you learn upon. To having another smash a bo staff onto his body. One of the incredible feats achieved, is some children under 13 will hang themselves by the neck, and meditate while being hung.
"Wood does not fight back" - Bruce lee. One of the famous quotes. But is true - to avoid the learning "Chess" effect. Which most practitioners in many styles use - they spar every day, to keep reflex sharp.

Each Kung fu class usually has a chain like this In this example:

Skill-->Specified attack style ---> in more advanced styles, there is an animalia form. Crane, mantis etc.

Shaolin Kung fu, branching into many different styles also have one base.

In this base, is to learn other three martial art forms, with same rules as they do. Among the three are Taekwondo, Karate, and Muay Thai. Gaining rank the same way, etc. The other base of Shaolin martial arts is religion. Respecting all nature, and living things. And of course Chi. Or energy. Learning to direct pain away, or to inject Chi. The science of this is yet not understood. But there is evidence it exists. A lot is not known about Kung Fu. As it burries some of its secrets within the temples. Learning of other martial arts forms is crucial to the shaolin as it quote 'Made to counter any attack'.

They also learn a very large variety of weapons. many swords, A variety of spears, bows, and long to short staves. Knives and needles.

Bonded to a sacred belief. Shaolin kung fu, unlike lower branches of kung fu. Are restricted from entering fighting competitions (though sometimes do, but rare) as it violates a rule of no violence. Word before Fist. Sometimes considered "Not real fighting" Kung fu is as real as it gets as it has pioneered many martial arts forms and teachings among the ages.

Unfortunately if you ask me, I'd rather pick Taekwondo. It is less complexed than any branch of Kung fu, but more effective than Karate.

Posted by Hiro_Nakamura on 2008-01-26 19:05:01 | Rating:

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		Thanks for the vast info...if I wasn't so tired, I might absorb more of it:P I agree. Complex. I guess I can be a simple-minded disgrace but wish not to be. I have been bitten by a bug that interests me in foreign cultures. I am fascinated with swords, shuriken, nunchaku, other ninja weapons, kunoichi, geisha...etc.
Posted by brainstormer on 2008-01-27 01:33:47