Any Shaolin Wahnam students/sifus based in the West Midlands, UK?

[Mike Maley]

Just wondered if anyone here is based in the West Midlands area of the UK?
Would you be interested in a meet up to chat and compare systems, methods, philosophies etc? All in a friendly manner of course.
It would be good to meet some of you in person as only so much can be gleaned from books, internet and videos.
(I can't really afford to travel to london or Scotland to check out classes).
Shaolin Wahnam is an intriguing system.

[Matt F.]

Hi Mike,

I'm glad you realize the importance of first-hand experience when it comes to forming a solid opinion about someone/something/etc. As you said, one can only learn so much from the internet alone. Though our Shaolin Wahnam forum is a great source for information about what we do, it is nothing compared to meeting face-to-face or learning directly from a master.

I am glad you have come here to find out for yourself. If you keep an open mind, I am sure many of your questions will be answered, and perhaps some of your past opinions/misunderstandings about Shaolin Wahnam will be altered.

All my best.

-Matt

[Antonius]

Hi Mike,

I don't know how far you are from London or Scotland, but I guess I'm a little confused. You've already read Sifu Wong's books, so the next logical step is classes, right? If you can't even afford to travel to where the classes are, then I'm not really sure what you're expecting.

As a professional teacher, I'm always suspicious of people who say the words "I can't afford this". There are exceptions, but 99% of the time, it translates to "I don't value this". It usually turns out that these people can afford Starbucks, HBO, eating out, etc. These arts saved my life, so I'm not so keen on teaching people who don't value them.

Also keep in mind that I traveled from NYC all the way to San Francisco to find out if Shaolin Wahnam was for me, spending my last dime in the process.

All the best,

[Mike Maley]

Hi Mike,

I don't know how far you are from London or Scotland, but I guess I'm a little confused. You've already read Sifu Wong's books, so the next logical step is classes, right? If you can't even afford to travel to where the classes are, then I'm not really sure what you're expecting.

As a professional teacher, I'm always suspicious of people who say the words "I can't afford this". There are exceptions, but 99% of the time, it translates to "I don't value this". It usually turns out that these people can afford Starbucks, HBO, eating out, etc. These arts saved my life, so I'm not so keen on teaching people who don't value them.

Also keep in mind that I traveled from NYC all the way to San Francisco to find out if Shaolin Wahnam was for me, spending my last dime in the process.

All the best,

Ok, so are you saying that just because I'm not wealthy enough I can't learn SW?

[Antonius]

Ok, so are you saying that just because I'm not wealthy enough I can't learn SW?

That's not what I'm saying, no.

[shao]

He's trying to say your not dedicated enough most people travel worldwide just to get a taste of what shaolin is, while it's expensive depending on your budget what you learn lasts for a lifetime compared to a meal which satisfies you for a day leaving you hungering for more.

However you can check if there is any local instructors in your area here http://www.shaolin.org/general/instructors-list.html

[Mike Maley]

He's trying to say your not dedicated enough most people travel worldwide just to get a taste of what shaolin is, while it's expensive depending on your budget what you learn lasts for a lifetime compared to a meal which satisfies you for a day leaving you hungering for more.

However you can check if there is any local instructors in your area here http://www.shaolin.org/general/instructors-list.html

Ahh. Thanks.

[Antonius]

I'll try to clarify.

Mike, I'm confused about your motives here. What are you after? Normally, people read Sifu's books and if they are interested, they join a class somewhere. If they can't afford a class, they usually try to save up the money, or go learn from someone else.

If you can't afford to join a class (whether it is from genuine financial problems or due to priority problems), then what do you expect? Why do you want to meet Shaolin Wahnam students or sifus? After all, we're just a bunch of zealots following a self-pronounced grandmaster in golden pajamas, right?

[Mike Maley]

I'll try to clarify.

Mike, I'm confused about your motives here. What are you after? Normally, people read Sifu's books and if they are interested, they join a class somewhere. If they can't afford a class, they usually try to save up the money, or go learn from someone else.

If you can't afford to join a class (whether it is from genuine financial problems or due to priority problems), then what do you expect? Why do you want to meet Shaolin Wahnam students or sifus? After all, we're just a bunch of zealots following a self-pronounced grandmaster in golden pajamas, right?

I'd like to make up my mind based on actually meeting you guys. Surely that's a good thing.
You've obviously read my posts elsewhere as I use my real name and don't hide behind a fake one. I just want to see SW in the flesh.

I'll have to pop along to one of the London classes next time I'm down that way. if it's ok for me to do so of course.

thanks for your input.

[Antonius]

Mike, I think that you're missing the point. The question is -- why would any of us want to meet you? Considering the negative things that you said about us and our beloved teacher on the Dragon's List, can you really blame us? You've been polite here on our forum so far, but you haven't exactly apologized.

I'm sorry, but I don't buy the whole "I'd like to make up my mind based on actually meeting you guys" thing. On the Dragon's List, it was pretty obvious that your mind was made up long before meeting any of us. Can you blame me for thinking that you're probably just here to troll?

By the way, my wife is one of the many who cured herself of cancer, thanks to Sifu Wong's qigong. After what you said, can you see why I might be less than interested in meeting you?

[Ste]

Mike, I think that you're missing the point. The question is -- why would any of us want to meet you? Considering the negative things that you said about us and our beloved teacher on the Dragon's List, can you really blame us? You've been polite here on our forum so far, but you haven't exactly apologized.

I'm sorry, but I don't buy the whole "I'd like to make up my mind based on actually meeting you guys" thing. On the Dragon's List, it was pretty obvious that your mind was made up long before meeting any of us. Can you blame me for thinking that you're probably just here to troll?

By the way, my wife is one of the many who cured herself of cancer, thanks to Sifu Wong's qigong. After what you said, can you see why I might be less than interested in meeting you?

Is that serious about cancer?

[Antonius]

Yes, it's serious.

[Ste]

Yes, it's serious.

That is amazing. So how does that work?

[Matt F.]

Hi Ste,

For a nice overview, have a look at Sifu's most current Q&A - http://shaolin.org/answers/ans12a/may12-2.html

-Matt

[Mike Maley]

Mike, I think that you're missing the point. The question is -- why would any of us want to meet you? Considering the negative things that you said about us and our beloved teacher on the Dragon's List, can you really blame us? You've been polite here on our forum so far, but you haven't exactly apologized.

I'm sorry, but I don't buy the whole "I'd like to make up my mind based on actually meeting you guys" thing. On the Dragon's List, it was pretty obvious that your mind was made up long before meeting any of us. Can you blame me for thinking that you're probably just here to troll?

By the way, my wife is one of the many who cured herself of cancer, thanks to Sifu Wong's qigong. After what you said, can you see why I might be less than interested in meeting you?

People have been known to change their preconceived ideas before.