Eagle Claw Kung Fu: Questions and Answers

  1. How long does it take to get a "Black Belt"?
    Basically, this is asking how long it takes to get proficient. Let me begin by saying that we do not use the same ranking system (besides, a "black belt" is only relative to that school!). Traditional kung fu did not use rank. The Sifu would teach each person individually as he felt their need. We follow this philosophy. It is based in the Taoist philosophy that the journey is more important than the goal. Also, every individual has so many different abilities (physical and mental), time constraints and goals that "time" cannot be averaged out. As my Sifu told me when I asked why we start with a black sash and move up to white, "Now that you have your Black Belt, you can learn kung fu!"
  2. How often do you recommend I train?
    As with anything you wish to get good at, the more you practice, the better you get. The words "kung fu" do not mean "Chinese martial art". They really mean anything where you have high skill through lots of energy (kung) and time (fu). With this in mind, we offer classes 6 days per week and you may attend all classes. Also, we have an open door policy. If the school is open and the floor is not being used for something else (call beforehand and ask) you are welcome to come in and practice.
  3. Is Eagle Claw offensive or defensive?
    The true term for Chinese martial arts is Wushu, which means 'to stop a fight using martial techniques' (physical or mental). It is inherently defensive!
  4. I'm not in very good shape, can I do kung fu?
    One great thing about Eagle Claw is that it gets you in shape from the ground up. If you train properly through the program, you will develop all of the aspects of what we, in the West, call fitness- strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, power and in turn lose body fat (providing you eat properly).