ShaolinGungFizzle

Ive been studying world-wide combat techniques and philosophies extensively for the past while, and Ive come to the conclusion that Shaolin Kung Fu, if practiced correctly, can be one of the best.

I know there have been Kung Fu practicioners in the past of the UFC, but currently, there is not one SOLID Kung Fu exponent. The closest thing Ive come across is a man that uses the the way of the samurai as his fighting style. Thats it! UFC actually IS NOT a well rounded fighting federation like I thought it was... Id say about 65-70% of UFC exponents use forms of Jiu-Jitsu. Boxing and wrestling are also very popular in the UFC.

Now Ive heard alot of bad stuff about Shaolin Kung Fu(Alot from Bruce Lee himself), but Im still confident that I will find it to be one of the worlds most effective, and deadly forms of combat. Now of course, you cant use lethal maneuvars in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and I dont think you can use pressure point maneuvars and things like that. Ive also never seen a fighter use powerful hand grip techniques like the Tiger Claw.

Most Chinese Kung Fu isnt suppossed to be used for competition, but people have still competed under this form of fighting. Masters claim that MOST Kung Fu exponents these days arent well rounded, and they learn more of the technique and "body" of the style, rather than being complete and focusing on things like the development of internal force.

What do you people think about Shaolin Kung Fu?

Pawn80

I practiced northern shaolin long fist for a year. I thought it was an amazing style and i will be going back to it in the future. I left it to start muay thai & bjj.... i figured i would do the full contact fighting while i was young enuff... but i see kung fu in the future.

DrumzCT

I've studied alot of traditional eastern martial arts and recently moved to a school that teaches BJJ and JKD concepts.

My problem with traditional arts after starting JKD is that you become a predictable fighter when you adhere to one "style". JKD allows you to evolve and focus on techniques that fit your style/body type/natural talents. It makes you unpredictable and you become the best fighter that you yourself can be because you are given the freedom to find what works best for you.

That being said, of all the traditional martial arts Shaolin Kung Fu seems from what I've read to be the most practical. Do you know if they have any grappling/groundfighting though?

Crashsti

Shaolin Kung Fu certainly has a very big reputation. supposedly the art from which all other martial arts came from. as far as ever seeing a Shaolin Kung Fu fighter destroying the competition in the UFC? very doubtful, although i myself have often wished some mystery fighter from the mountains of China would appear and use Shaolin Kung Fu to destroy every opponent in his path. there was in the very early UFC's fighters who were supposed Kung Fu practitioners. they were destroyed in most instances. MMA has proven what works in sport fighting and what does'nt. a straight up Kung Fu man is'nt going to be making waves. although i truly do believe that to train in Shaolin Kung would be exciting.

jabber

kung fu can go to the ground, it depends what particular style of kung fu. usually use joint strikes to break bones dont know of any kung fu submission holds other than straight up choking(claw technique). it is certainly very sad about the representation of kung fu in ufc. seeing guys using fixed positions and getting nailed in one round when they represent one of your favourite styles is seriously embarrassing.

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shogun

I've seen some really tallented kung fu artists (san shou?) in KOTC. Rent or buy the box set from Blockbuster. You'll see numerous guys who are fairly well rounded but have one particular martial art that still shows as their base.

Crashsti

if you think about Shaolin Kung Fu it was created by Buddist monks who are forbidden to kill. to be used only in self defense. you have to also consider that Kung Fu stylists probably always fought with other Kung Fu stylists, the idea to beat the other guy and determine who was better at Kung Fu. so when you bring along another style such as boxing its not out of the question to think that he won't be able to defend against something as simple as a straight jab. MMA has shown that Kung Fu by itself is unfit for use in the cage.

DrumzCT

Hey shogun, any fighters off the top of your head that you know have a kung fu base? I've got the KOTC Underground set and don't remember seeing anyone listed as being a kung fu fighter.

shogun

none that I can remember off the top of my head. I think Cung Lees martial art was a form of Kung Fu (san sho?), and he had a student fight. He was freakin crazy. I would have to watch the set again to find out lol.