Well this certainly got heated. I will add to this being a kajukenbo practitioner. I hold a third degree black belt under Sifu Mark Simmons in a hybrid of traditional Chinese Chuan Fa and Chuan Fa Kajukenbo. I actually earned my first and second degree under Sifu Simmons and was just recently awarded third by one of Sifu Simmon's teachers as he is not longer with us (I have been a 2nd since 2003). I do my best to keep up my Chuan Fa training but in southern NH it is a hard as I am the only teacher in the area. I supplement my training in other styles. I hold a 1st degree black in ITF TKD (though I do not practice anymore due to knee issues) and a 1st degree in Chinese Kenpo. I currently train under Guro Peter Freedman in FMA and Master Dana Kiklis in Kysho Jitsu. I am a lover of all martial arts and believe that there is no one complete system. Each person has to find out what is complete for them. With a background in Kenpo, I found holes in my game - kicking, advanced joint locks and advanced weapons - so I sought out teachers who could help me fill those holes. Perhaps not everyone has these holes but I did. I believe the only complete martial art is the one that you create for yourself. I tell my students that what comes out of my mouth is garbage until they can make it work for them. I spent far too many years trying to fight like my kenpo teacher. It just was not practical. He was 4 inches shorter than me and 80 heavier. He was a great kicker. I was more of a boxer. After I was able to let go of the "kenpo is the best thing in the world" mentality, I was able to open myself up to a variety of wonderful new concepts in martial science.
On another note - While I do have a great love for Kajukenbo, I do prefer the Tum Pai and Chuan Fa approaches. As I have blown out knees and elbows from many years of bad technique, I prefer the softer styles.
Haaaa, me too Ed. I have even got a couple of tops and shorts with Hong Kong Phooey.....respects to one and all xxXXxx
Well said Aaron my like-minded warrior I couldn't have put it better myself.........all my love, peace and respects my great warrior friend XXxxXX
Oooooft! Thank goodness you guys all settled your arguments with such humility and like adults!! I thought for a second there I was gonna have to break things up and smack you all un your bums.......all love, respects and smiles to one and all of you xxXXxxXXxx
