The field of kung fu includes a vast spectrum of styles. Each style has a special orientation and unique characteristics, depending on the origin of the style and the particular emphasis of the teacher. Thus, choosing a style and instructor includes many variables, and should be considered an essential first step for the student planning to study any martial art. Not only are kung fu styles diverse, but each teacher is different. So are the needs of each student. The key to choosing is to match your needs with the right style and teacher.
However, unlike other martial arts where there is often a certain uniformity of styles and teaching methods, kung fu has evolved over the centuries without developing any organized network to standardize and promote the traditional arts. As a result, the process of finding a qualified kung fu teacher may be difficult and time-consuming. The student should consider this time well spent, however, as if searching for a rare treasure that if found will enhance his physical and mental development. It requires both time and patience to learn kung fu, and these qualities are necessary in seeking out a teacher.
In proposing to study kung fu, the student must first honestly assess his own abilities and needs. He should identify his main reason for becoming involved in kung fu, and then direct the search in that specific area. For this purpose it is useful to differentiate the basic aspects of kung fu training: art- emphasizing performance and aesthetic qualities of the movements; exercise- emphasizing health benefits and conditioning; martial- emphasizing practical application and usage. These categories provide a focus for the student's inquiry, helping to define an area of kung fu that will most satisfy him.
If the student has had only very limited exposure to kung fu, then it is worthwhile briefly to investigate all the basic categories. This may involve visiting or participating in classes, going to demonstrations, talking with senior students and instructors, reading whatever is available in books or magazines. If there is difficulty in locating the kung fu teachers in your community, then check the phone directory, the directories in martial arts publications, perhaps the officials of local Chinese organizations, and other resources that may be of assistance. Keeping a written record during this initial period of searching may help in discovering what style and category of kung fu is of most interest to you.
Once you have decided what category is most suitable to your own needs, then you can further investigate that area. You should also know that most kung fu teachers do not advertise for classes. They are very serious about their art and only accept a selected few students. Again, the best way is to visit the classes (if possible), speak with the students and teachers, therefore gaining more insight and experience for you. It is important to treat this process seriously, evaluating both your own skills and needs and the expertise and teaching skills of the various teachers.
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