Martial Arts

[lightng]

Cool. I live in the Cheshire area, so not far away from you if you're in Runcorn. Where do you train for each of these?

I'm interested in Martial Arts (MA) for self defence. I researched it on the web, and found that a lot of people were suggesting Muay Thai or Kickboxing for stand-up fighting and BJJ for ground fighting. Apparently that's what a lot of the MMA/UFC/cage fighter types train in.

I was fascinated by Wing Chun because of the (apparently unique) trapping techniques, and also because of the scentific theory behind it (triangulation, protection of centre line, re-direction of force etc). However, I was surprised to see a lot of people on MA forums slagging off Wing Chun and casting doubt on it's effectiveness for self defence. Why is this? I know there are a lot of childish people on the web who feel they have to run down other styles and hype up their own, but why the lack of respect for Wing Chun? I respect all martial arts.

Cheers,
Bwana.

Yes MT and kickboxing are very effective stand-up arts and well suited to both the ring and self-defence. MT and kickboxing tends to cater mainly to the younger audience i.e. teens and twenties. Wing Chun is a great method of self defence and suitable to a wider audience because it relies on structure and contact reflexes rather than strength.

The trapping you see is generally quite contrived on youtube videos with one practitioner tying the other up in a figure eight knot. In application trapping is simple, direct and may only last for fractions of a second. Wing Chun is not the only martial art to employ trapping - its just that they capitalise on it. You will even see boxers applying trapping if you know what to look for.

As for Wing Chun getting a bad press. Well, its a popular martial art and like you say there are plenty of childish people out there so you're gonna see some slagging off. The world is full of keyboard warriors because its easy and doesn't require any training (or intelligence).

There are plenty of places to train in the north-west whether it be BJJ, MT, MMA, Wing Chun you're after. Will PM you.

[OwlHoot]

Martial Arts are for small eastern people. All noise and no action. A glasgow kiss does the job more effectively. That or a pump-action shotgun.

Like that film Tough Guys :

Belle (Alexis Smith): I should warn you, I know karate!

Leon B Little (Eli Wallach): and I warn you (opens trench coat and levels a shotgun) I know Winchester.

[TimberWolf]

Leon B Little (Eli Wallach): and I warn you (opens trench coat and levels a shotgun) I know Winchester.

Or as I've heard said: "Yeah, well I've got an 'A' level in brick".

[Cyberman]

Jeez, thats a bit restrictive!!!

[Cyberman]

I did Bujikan Ninpo Taijutsu for a few years but now train in Aikido.

I did Ren Ting once, but it was too expensive and did nothing for my six-pack. Now I do Ohh Ning and I can afford a six-pack every night.

[TimberWolf]

I did Ren Ting once, but it was too expensive and did nothing for my six-pack. Now I do Ohh Ning and I can afford a six-pack every night.

Is that like Iro Ning, which is good for the (esp. ladies) buttocks and upper body?