This is one of the best videos I have seen concerning traditional Chinese martial arts, and probably the best I have seen to date that explains the advantages of learning the internal disciplines (which includes Tai Chi Chuan as well as 7 Star Preying Mantis, as described).
While the term kung fu as it is used in the West refers to Chinese martial arts, I do not use it specifically here, as the term is much broader than that– and can encompass every pursuit a human may undertake. This is what I love about the Eastern paths; they can permeate and infuse every aspect of life.
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the tao of jaklumen 
August 26, 2014 at 23:41
This is the first of your posts to finally show up in my email. I “followed” you a while ago, but for some reason it didn’t set you up for updates. Well, my friend, it looks like you are finally “set up” and I can read your articles too. Yay!
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August 27, 2014 at 08:59
Yay!
It might have been difficult for a time because I set everything to private… maybe notifications fell through because I didn’t send you an invite at that time. Sorry about that; I’m glad things are sorted now!
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August 27, 2014 at 03:44
I have been a martial arts fan for quite awhile and dedicated some years to taking Muay Thai Kickboxing as well as Kuntao Silat.
I appreciate the years of dedication it takes for mastery and the internal (spiritual) benefits that are possible from traditional martial arts. However from a realistic combat/application standpoint, I find that many traditional students are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to practical self defense.
No matter what the needs of the individual are, it still doesn’t change the fact that traditional Chinese martial arts are quite beautiful and the discipline needed is legendary!
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August 27, 2014 at 08:57
Right you are, Vic. Much of the time, though, I think this point has been misused. This seemed to be the way of so many ads featured (usually in the back) of martial arts magazines. I was often turned off by their tone because they seemed to promote a “king of the mountain” tough guy mentality– like Ed Gruberman of the Firm’s “Tai Kwan Leap: Boot to the Head”– “just show me all those nifty moves, so I can start trashing bozos!”
I’m sure you agree that misses the point of self-mastery and self-discipline inherent in the Eastern paths. I also feel that verbal self-defense is more important first and foremost, to avoid physical confrontation whenever possible. That was what drew me to George Thompson’s Verbal Judo/Tactical Communication, when I was introduced to it during my short stint as a security guard.
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August 27, 2014 at 14:49
Muy interesante! I enjoyed the video. 🙂
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