Chin Na - Northern Vs. Southern

[Vittorio]

Sir,

My question is:  I am interested in receiving instruction in Chin Na if possible as well as having a generally more "formal" progression in my instruction(i.e., possibly a belt system).  Which style of kung fu will best offer these two goals?

I have nearly attained the rank of black belt in taekwondo.  I am interested in receiving instruction in another martial art but am having difficulty deciding which might a good next step.  In my immediate area there are a number of kung fu schools, most of which specialize in the northern styles.  There are a few schools, a bit further away, that offer either Wing Tsun or Jeet Kune Do.  In general, I would like to learn some Chin Na practices, more upper body emphasis, but also try to learn in a more structured atmosphere because I think I learn best with stepping stones or goals(i.e., working toward the next belt/sash).  Which styles will best help me achieve these goals?  Are there particular northern styles that cover all three of my preferences?

Thank you in advance.

[Lazaro]

Hi Chris, Thank you for selecting all experts and me for your question.  

Well, most systems of Kung-Fu I have ever seen have their own Chin Na, so I can't think of a style of Kung-Fu where you would not get Chin Na training of some sort.  If you are only wanting to receive Chin Na and no other part of the system then you will have to see if you can make special arrangements with that school/instructor unless you are open to studying all that they have to offer to get to the Chin Na training.  On being formal and having a belt/sash ranking system – I think you will find most traditional styles to be formal in each their own ways, on ranking with belts/sashes, you will find a wide variety of methods there.  Some schools do not give any sashes as rank, some others do give rank based on a color sash system and this is likely to vary from school to school.  So I can't really recommend a particular style to you as being ideally suited for the goal you are specifying.  

Now I will offer a few “shots in the dark” here.  You say you were in Tae Kwon Do so you are used to a lot of kicks and are probably pretty limber.  With that in mind you would probably fit into a northern style well.  On the other hand you say that you are interested in learning with more emphasis on the upper body, that sounds like a southern style which does a lot of hand work along with kicks.  So you will need to decide on what you want your focus to be.  Where are you located?   Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at [email protected] to explore this further if you wish.  

Also, please feel free to visit our websites listed below and please feel free to sign our guest book.  

I hope this has been of some assistance to you.  Have a great day!  

Sincerely, Sifu Richard Mieir-King

[email protected] ://www.KingsKungFu.com - http://home.sprynet.com/~rmieir - http://www.TaiChi.cjb.net

King's Kung-Fu and T'ai Chi Ch'uan Association - Universal Fighting Arts Federationhttp://www.GreatMartialArtsStuff.com - Great Martial Arts Supplies and Productshttp://www.MartialArtExpo.50megs.com - The Martial Arts Friendship Gathering, Expo and Exhibitionhttp://www.tonercartridge.cjb.net