The Golden Dragon School of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

Ditto for Kung Fu...

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=753398456808107&id=100064138773469&post_id=100064138773469_753398456808107

Recently someone tried to argue with me that their style of karate was the strongest. Informing me that because their athletes were successful in competition going back to the 1960’s, it was the ultimate, the strongest, and the best martial art.
Karate, has evolved into a diverse and widespread discipline. It can be practiced by a multitude of people from all walks of life….. from a very young age, to a not so young age.
It promotes physical fitness, mental discipline, sport or self-defense, there’s something for everyone. But a common misconception prevails - the belief that one karate style is inherently stronger than others.
The very notion of one martial art being inherently stronger than another is flawed. Because each style, born from distinct cultural contexts and historical needs, excels in different areas.
Comparing different styles head-on, is akin to comparing apples and oranges.
Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, demanding specific skills, strategies and philosophies.
Whether you’re a traditional karate practitioner, MMA fighter, combat fighter or any other competition martial artist, you train for are a very specific arena, dealing with very specific parameters. Context is everything.
To understand this misconception, you have to understand that the diversity within karate is a testament to its adaptability and inclusivity. Yet some practitioners cling to the notion that their style is superior.
The fallacy of superiority arises from a limited perspective that fails to recognize the richness of the martial arts. No single style can claim absolute superiority over others.
Karate is a dynamic discipline that allows for personal growth and adaptation, and the effectiveness of a practitioner lies in their dedication, skill, and understanding, rather than the particular style they practice.
Ultimately, the "my karate is stronger than yours" mentality stems from a misunderstanding of what martial arts truly represent.
It is not about boasting, domination, or proving whose style reigns supreme. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, and honing your skills into instruments of resilience, into excelling at sport, or being competent at self-defense.
When you shift your focus from the battle of styles to dedication and understanding of the discipline you practice, you move beyond the illusion of supremacy and start to unlock the true potential of your own practice.
Embracing diversity is crucial, as varied styles bring unique insights, techniques, and training methodologies. Cross-training and maintaining an open mind can significantly improve your skills in areas where you may currently lack proficiency.
The statement "my karate is stronger than yours" is not only factually inaccurate but also hinders the understanding of what martial arts truly mean.
Perhaps some individuals might benefit from expanding their horizons beyond their limited understanding of the martial arts they practice.
The art is irrelevant - it’s the person, how they’ve trained, their abilities, skills, their mindset in a difficult or challenging situation, those are the qualities that count.
There is no magic art that makes you superior to someone else. Recognizing the strengths of each style, developing your own adaptability, and embracing the true spirit of the martial way - that is where true strength lies.

Happy new year to everyone! Start how you mean to carry on, and get tha Christmas cake mince pie beer turkey laden asses out training, walking, doing forms, bag/pad work, diy gardening, swimming, weight lifting, cycling, whatever keeps your boat rocking 😉

Just been to train with my Tai Chi master, the eternally young John Bolwell. I had forgotten how tough a Tai Chi lesson could be😅😅. Inspirational stuff.

This is very similar to the approach of Firekiss kung fu....

https://www.facebook.com/100063540070216/posts/821317033329625/

'When I started out boxing, I felt within myself, as I do now, that I could knock out any man living. I could always beat a man's guard down, and when boxing for a contest I never attempt to spar for an opening, but I go right in to box, and win from the start. I do not believe in sparring to feel the other man out. The other man is second to me at every stage of the fight; I go in to win from the very first second, and I never stop until I have won. Win I must, and win I will, at every stage of the game.

I never had stage fright in my life ; do not know what it is, and do not suppose I could understand it if somebody would try to explain it to me. Another thing I will say: I never have been hit hard enough by anybody to feel it during the fight. I have never felt a man's blow in my life.'

- John L Sullivan

The three brave souls doing Firekiss Kung Fu training tonight in 30°C😅

“Let it be clearly understood that no man need hesitate to challenge me because I am a woman, or think he will be called on to show me any consideration for that reason. I grant no favors and I certainly ask none… I hope someone who desires to sustain the reputation of his s*x will challenge me before I get to be an old woman and give the ‘new woman’ another chance to prove she is the superior of man.”

Ella Hattan (1859-190?), known as “Jaguarina,” was one of the greatest swordswomen of the nineteenth century, and perhaps of all time. As America’s champion fencer, and proficient in the use of the foil, broadsword, rapier, dagger, and Bowie knife, Hattan would defeat more than sixty men in high-profile combats on both horseback and on foot; more than half of whom were fencing masters. In 1903, she recalled:

"A woman always labors under a disadvantage in any athletic tournament. Being a woman, she has to do twice the work any ordinary man would have to do to prove ability. In my case the audiences always seemed to take it for granted that there was a certain amount of gallantry on the part of the man fencing against me, simply because he was not fencing with one of his own s*x. If any point was in doubt and was finally allowed to me, the spectators were sure to say; 'Oh, he’s gallant, and has allowed her that point.'
That was why I always put forward my utmost efforts to beat an opponent so hard, fast and decisively that there could be no possible doubt as to my superiority. Some of the scars I carry on my face, sword arm and body show conclusively how much chivalric consideration was shown me because I was a woman."

After retiring around 1907, Hattan completely disappeared from the public record. To this day, her ultimate fate remains a mystery.

Remember a bit of intense early morning Firekiss Kung Fu training, is a great way to start your day and ensures it can't get any worse 😉🔥

Advanced Warning to all original/ex/senior students/their representatives...you know who you are😑! ..Next year will be the 25th Anniversary of The Golden Dragon School of Kung Fu and Tai Chi / The Golden Dragon School of Shaolin Kung Fu.... you know what that means right😳? Yep, the 25 year reunion class/get-together 🙏, probably towards the end of the year, say October'ish, so you have plenty of time to limber up, one last time.. go lower(you first), higher(hell no), faster(where's my meds), one more time before i get too old and retire from attempting such insanity. The 20th reunion class was a resounding and joyous success, so hopefully we can gather the clan one last time and get some of the absentee stars added to it😉.
Best regards, Darren Fitton

😉

I think you'll find they were😉

What a legend.

Afternoon I see Parliament have been discussing M Health issues be nice to see if anything gets done. I've been to loads of meetings over the years with Ministers & MP's who were going to do loads of things & guess what Mental Health issues are as bad now as ever Actions not just words are needed NOW

If you have started a new year diet and, or new years training routine, keep this in mind:-

'The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool' - Richard P. Feynman, Physicist.

Happy new year everyone 🎉🎇🎆🎇🎉🎇🎆❤️🎇🎉🎆........ now get back to training...higher, lower, faster😉

We may stage some random open training sessions over the next three months, probably combined training session of Shaolin Kung Fu, Firekiss Kung Fu and Yang Tai Chi. If anyone is interested and would like to be notified in advance of times and dates etc, then please message. Thanks, Darren

Mike and Ian enjoyed some Shaolin Staff practice this Monday night... Our Tai Chi and Kung Fu class enables all, regardless or age, gender or experience to enjoy the health and longevity giving powers of Yang Style Tai Chi, plus the vibrant exhileration and ancient fascination of Kung Fu.

Happy new year to all club members past and present, everyone who has shown an interest in our page, your families and friends, from The Golden Dragon School of Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
Kung Fu never leaves you, once it's taken root deep inside us, after years of the correct training. The last 20 year reunion class proved that everyone still had that original spark, so get ready to feel the force once more, because there will soon be another calling together of all the 'old school' legends, for a second reunion class. Watch this space😍.

Merry Christmas to one and all! Have a good rest, ahead of 2022 training and potentially the resurgence of more original format Golden Dragon School Kung Fu classes and/or reunion events🤞🤞☯️.

Neo still knows Kung Fu, apparently. If you fancy learning a bit of the same, we include some fundamental Kung Fu routines in our Tai Chi classes, or if you want something more 'hands on' then our FireKiss Kung Fu classes, are based on a mix of Southern style Kung Fu and Western boxing, bound together by a touch of Bruce Lee's JKD philosophy, then that's for you😊

https://youtu.be/OrzgxUhnYjY

I Know Kung Fu - Matrix (1999) - Movie Clip HD Scene If you are a 🎥 movie lover - you're gonna love our channel 👌Get your popcorn 🍿 & 🥤soda and enjoy legendary scenes fromyour favorite movies. You might als...

In our Tai Chi class we are now learning the 'Flying Crane Chi Kung' routine. Come to Hollins Village Community Centre, Hollins, Whitefield, 7:30pm, Mondays to learn this majestic ancient exercise routine which will invigorate your health and wellbeing. Incorporating wide open flowing, dance like moves, which are accessible to all ages, the practice of the Chinese Crane techniques will help improve body, mind and spirit.

Matrix 4 - Yipee!!! Basically the best Kung Fu (and Tai Chi - Almost all Neo's static ready/loaded postures can be found in Yang Style Tai Chi🙂) series in recent times.

Tai Chi Class News:- The class is nicely ressurecting, post lockdowns and over the next few weeks we will be finishing up our revision/dusting off, our 24 step form and Nunchuk practice(Yes we like to mix things up and be versatile in our Tai Chi classes). So after that, we will be getting back to the Master Calligrapher Chi Gong routine and the gentle version of Shaolin Kung Fu Staff (elements of Warrior monk, southern Monkey Staff and Shaolin Wind Dragon styles)... we probably have the fittest, most versatile (and self defence handy😉) Tai Chi students on the planet, but our classes are still totally accessible to absolute beginners.

Tonight's FireKiss Kung Fu training was a tad hot in nearly thirty degrees..These T-shirts were tight on us when we started 😬

This is such a fun series. Way to many metaphors for my/our(you know who you are😂) own history in this🙈🙈. Not sure which camp my club most belonged to, the Laruso or Johnny shade, but its highly motivational food to startup the old Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes again in 2021 though😊.