Has anyone here had any direct experience with this style of kung fu, from whatever lineage and in whatever form? Though known for its brutality and violent directness (something not quite in-line with Wahnam practice or value), it is surprisingly rare to see in the world of self defense, BUT, this school, located in France, appears to have been able to take a very traditional and seldom-seen style out of pure demonstrative form and into the realm of intensive and realistic street application while still maintaining its traditional roots and form. I don't really have any interest in pursuing this, just thought this find was very interesting and a fun look at what level a traditional art can be taken to, even by those who don't seem to have or have access to any internal methods of cultivation or internal force (though they certainly have plenty of external force.
First, Sifu's comments from one section of his Q&A regarding Pak Mei and his style (http://shaolin.org/answers/ans01a/feb01-3.html):
"Pak Mei Kungfu is a superior fighting art. It was specially developed by Pak Mei to fight the Southern Shaolin Kungfu of Chee Seen, and its hallmark is the phoenix-eye fist for striking vital points. But this does not necessarily mean that a Pak Mei fighter is better than a Southern Shaolin fighter.
Personally I prefer Southern Shaolin Kungfu to Pak Mei Kungfu. There are many reasons for my choice, and one of the most important is my kungfu philosophy. While combat efficiency is important, other considerations are also significant. To me, Pak Mei Kungfu is mainly geared to fighting, whereas Shaolin Kungfu offers a complete programme for personal development.
Pak Mei Kungfu is deadly; it does not bother with those technique which do not kill or maim. Hence, its range of techniques is limited — very few holds or throws, for example, but its limited techniques, such as a strike to the solar plexus or throat, are highly effective and destructive.
In contrast, Shaolin techniques are marked by compassion. Instead of striking an opponent's throat, a Shaolin disciple would hold his neck under control but without seriously harming him. Instead of breaking an opponent's arm, he would press the arm to the ground.
Pak Mei Kungfu emphasizes internal force training, but it is tailored to destroying an opponent. In Shaolin Kungfu, besides its use for combat, internal force is used for enhancing vitality and mental freshness."
Check out these two videos from their Youtube channel:
Traditional training and inside look:
Street-applied self defense:
Thought this would be an interesting look into this style and maybe generate some discussion into their street-approach or what they may be sacrificing or overlooking when emphasizing combat only.
Kristian
First, Sifu's comments from one section of his Q&A regarding Pak Mei and his style (http://shaolin.org/answers/ans01a/feb01-3.html):
"Pak Mei Kungfu is a superior fighting art. It was specially developed by Pak Mei to fight the Southern Shaolin Kungfu of Chee Seen, and its hallmark is the phoenix-eye fist for striking vital points. But this does not necessarily mean that a Pak Mei fighter is better than a Southern Shaolin fighter.
Personally I prefer Southern Shaolin Kungfu to Pak Mei Kungfu. There are many reasons for my choice, and one of the most important is my kungfu philosophy. While combat efficiency is important, other considerations are also significant. To me, Pak Mei Kungfu is mainly geared to fighting, whereas Shaolin Kungfu offers a complete programme for personal development.
Pak Mei Kungfu is deadly; it does not bother with those technique which do not kill or maim. Hence, its range of techniques is limited — very few holds or throws, for example, but its limited techniques, such as a strike to the solar plexus or throat, are highly effective and destructive.
In contrast, Shaolin techniques are marked by compassion. Instead of striking an opponent's throat, a Shaolin disciple would hold his neck under control but without seriously harming him. Instead of breaking an opponent's arm, he would press the arm to the ground.
Pak Mei Kungfu emphasizes internal force training, but it is tailored to destroying an opponent. In Shaolin Kungfu, besides its use for combat, internal force is used for enhancing vitality and mental freshness."
Check out these two videos from their Youtube channel:
Traditional training and inside look:
Street-applied self defense:
Thought this would be an interesting look into this style and maybe generate some discussion into their street-approach or what they may be sacrificing or overlooking when emphasizing combat only.
Kristian
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