Martial Arts Poll

[GoktimusPrime]

Now i wouldnt pretend to know too much about its history.
Im not too sure about the exact Shaolin style.

I strongly advise that you do. There are a lot of martial arts schools - especially Kung Fu - and even more especially those that use the name Shaolin - who aren't authentic. I've seen a few schools here that use the name "Shaolin" but when you cross reference their claims it turns out that they have nothing to do with Shaolin whatsoever. Some of them don't even have a background in Kung Fu!

Some tips:
#1: Ask your teacher about your style's lineage. A good teacher should be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of references that you can cross check (just like a bibliography in a book).
#2: Do your homework. Go to the library or bookstore and check up the web. Do other independent sources support your teacher's claims? If not then their claims are suspect.

My teacher often says, "Don't just take my word for it. Go do your research."

Some things to be aware of:
+ Kung Fu history is shrouded in mystery because a lot of historical information was either poorly recorded at the time and/or since been lost. A lot of information was lost during China's Cultural Revolution when they burnt books, destroyed temples, executed monks etc. Most of that knowledge can never be recovered.
+ Most of the ancient history of Kung Fu today - especially the origins of certain styles, are based more on word-of-mouth legends rather than actual historical facts. As a historian you can only rely on what _facts_ tell us. Anything else you need to regard as simply myths (as romantic and wonderful as they may sound).
+ See here for a list of Kung Fu styles that originated from Shaolin (e.g. Xingyi, Six Harmony etc.). Note that it _is_ possible for a style to contain the name "Shaolin" even though they didn't originate from the Shaolin temple. This is often because they were influenced by Shaolin Kung Fu even though they are not direct descendants of it, e.g.: Shaolin Wuzuquan (Five Ancestors Fist), Shourinji Kempo etc.

I have yet to start Tai chi thats really advanced.

The main styles of fighting Taiji are Chen, Wu and Yang, although there are variants of each (e.g. Long Fist Chen Taiji).

I know our style has had input from many styles over the years. Some of the most intresting coming from small circle JJ. I particularly enjoy that.

Well, Juujutsu is obviously Japanese in origin. I'm not saying it's bad - but from a style authenticity POV it's obviously not part of Kung Fu.

Your training in Kungfu?

Already answered here.