New to Martial Arts
If you are new to martial arts training then I hope this might be of use to you. I've trained in various systems for 15 years and have seen a lot. Some good, some bad. It might be that Cyclone Wing Chun isn't what you want but if I can help you find the right place for you then hopefully I have saved you some of the pitfalls of what can be a very rewarding journey.
The worst thing for me isn't people spending allot of money on classes, or a lot of time, both are fine if they enjoy it, just going to something in the belief they are getting something they are not which is why I've written this section.
Its not practice that makes perfect its what you practice!!
Its essential that you are clear about what you want from your training. If its self defence then don't go to a club (or in some cases system that is very sport based.) If its fitness then have a look at the session the club does, doing kata for an hour then some drills won't really make you fit, boxing or even boxercise will!!! If you want a true fighting system then don't assume the system will do it alone. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! I could have probably learned much of what I know in half the time had I trained with the right people and the right system. And there are systems within systems.
Try and Sort the Wheat from the Chaff.....
Martial Arts as a whole is an area full of hot air. I can't think of many areas where the same rules seem to apply. Instructors make claims to be Masters, Grandmasters, from the "True" lineage, inheritors of a secret knowledge blah blah blah. If I make an analogy with say learning to swim.
So the instructor says learn my swiming system, I'm master Bob, I'm 9th Dan Swimmer from a true lineage of a secret swimming system. If you follow me you'll become a master swimmer.... 2 years on: But I can't swim very well, there are people who haven't done this system and they can swim....Ahhhhh yes but it takes time, stick with it and you'll soon realise your potential.....10 years on: But master I can swim a bit but when will I become the master swimmer???
Yeah sounds crazy but actually it happens rather allot in martial arts. Doesn't happen half as much in MMA or Boxing because they fight. (As do we) and have a culture where you have to be able to prove what you can do. I have seen martial arts instructors giving themselves all manner of grand titles and when it comes down to it they are often no better than an average instructor, sometimes not even that. I have come across some truely great instructors too who are modest and humble who let their ability speak for itself.
