On the other hand, if it so happens that you do have a choice of styles, then by all means consider this factor in your choice. Chapter 3 includes descriptions of the most popular forms of kungfu currently being taught in the U.S.; you can undoubtedly get more information from the school itself—both from talking to the instructors and from watching the students at work.
Style of School
A third factor to consider is the style of school. Kungfu is an ancient art, handed down through generations, over centuries, and now across cultures, and thus, the style of its teaching has naturally evolved. In the past, political and social pressures influenced the status of the martial arts; today, economic conditions and cultural norms create new pressures, influencing how and to whom the art is taught. In China in the past, kungfu skills were traditionally taught individually, handed down from a master to selected students. Money was not an issue; often a good student paid no fees and was possibly supported by the master. In contrast, in the West today, public class teaching has become the norm, and kungfu tends to be taught more like other Western athletic disciplines and sports, in large schools supported by the tuition of students. The result is a range in school styles from traditional/Chinese to modern/Western, and any specific school will fall somewhere between the ends of that spectrum. A new student out to choose a school should be aware of this range in school styles and then choose what he or she finds most comfortable.
Traditional Schools
In the old days, a kungfu school was structured and run much like a family. There was mutual commitment between student and teacher in the context of shared historical and cultural traditions. The teacher accepted the student like a son or daughter with the responsibility to teach, guide, and support students in their studies and development. Likewise, the student accepted the teacher like a parent with the responsibility to respect and obey him or her, and to study with full devotion to the art and dedication to the school. And both teacher and student felt appreciation of and responsibility to the long line of teachers and students that went before them, because it was only these previous efforts that had preserved the art and made the present learning possible.
This means that, in a traditional school, there is a strong presence of Chinese cultural traditions. There is a hierarchy of respect and responsibility among students, and there are subtle obligations above and beyond the mere learning and teaching of fighting strategies and techniques. In these schools, learning kungfu is part of the greater education of mind and character. Older (that is, more advanced) students will often spend time with the teacher(s) after class; they will assume duties around the school (for example, cleaning); and social events will be organized for holidays and special occasions. They will also assume responsibilities for teaching the younger or newer students.
The teaching style in a strongly traditional school also differs. The teacher, or sifu, will often teach more individually, according to each student’s capabilities and much more in the context of long-term development than short-term gains. The teacher-student relationship tends to grow in depth and breadth over time. That is, in the beginning the sifu may be assessing the student’s commitment, discipline, and inner qualities, even more than his or her physical abilities. As the student shows sincerity, so the sifu will extend the teaching, matching the commitment of the student. Thus, learning in a traditional-style school could require much more self-discipline and be much more personally challenging.
Modern Schools
In contrast, a kungfu school leaning toward the modern end of the spectrum will be structured much more like classes in other Western athletic sports or disciplines. The responsibilities between teacher and student are much more limited in scope. Generally, classes are large; students line up for work-outs and follow the instructor as he or she goes through the routines. Then, typically, students break up into smaller groups to work on special forms, or according to different levels of ability, for special instruction. Time in class is usually well structured. This sort of school is very suitable for people who have limited time and energy to commit to their workouts, who simply want to get some exercise and training, and who like the structure (and greater anonymity) of the group sessions.
Assessing Schools
Once you know your motives and understand the spectrum of school styles— from traditional to modern—the next step is to see what is available in your area. To find schools, you may ask your friends for recommendations or look for advertisements in the phone book, on the Internet, in recreation centers, and so on.
Then visit schools that seem promising. The best approach is to call in advance, find out when you might come watch a class, and then make an appointment. When visiting, you should be assessing the school itself, the teacher, and the students, as well as what is being taught. All will give you clues as to whether this is the place for you.
First, assess the school itself. Is it clean, spacious, well equipped? You may see modern weight-training equipment as well as racks of weapons and trophies. Wall mirrors are very useful for correcting movements and learning new postures. If it is a traditional school, some area of the practice room will likely be set aside to commemorate past masters and/or to show devotion to the art. In the old days, there would have been an altar with incense, fruit, and a statue or painting of Guan Gong, legendary general and patron saint of justice and the martial arts; today, one may find photographs of past grand masters and calligraphy. These are meant to inspire students and remind them of their responsibilities, their goals, and the cultural heritage of kungfu; they are not religious symbols.
As for the teacher, find out his or her background. Whom did he learn from? How long has she been studying? How many styles does he know/teach? Do you think she is qualified? Do you like his forms, her style? Does he personally instruct, or do senior students do most of the teaching? Can she explain theory as well as applications of the techniques being taught? Assessing the teacher is admittedly difficult, especially for a beginner. Not all teachers from China are necessarily good; not all Westerners are necessarily second-rate. Knowing more than one style is almost necessary to truly understand the techniques, but no one can be a “master” of any style (much less more than one style) unless one devotes one’s life exclusively to practice. The more a person studies kungfu, the more humble he or she should become—as well as more skillful. The longer people teach, the better they should be. But, even so, all great teachers start somewhere as beginners too. Follow your “gut instincts.” Rather than analyzing a teacher’s background too critically, perhaps simply try to determine whether you could get along with this teacher and whether you feel you could learn effectively from him or her.
Watch a class. First, see if the teaching style suits you. In some schools, classes are quite formal, and students practice together in ranks. In other schools, students learn and practice individually with the teacher circulating among the students correcting them as necessary. Some people prefer the discipline of a class; others enjoy the freedom of self-study. Second, see if you like the look of what students are learning. Does this style of kungfu appeal to you? Is this what you would like to do yourself? If some of the students are doing spectacular aerial acrobatics that you think are totally beyond your abilities, do not be put off. First, such techniques are not essential—they are not fundamental aspects of kungfu, nor are they necessary to learn. Second, you really don’t know what you can do until you train, have instruction, and then try!
Next, after class is over talk to students. How long have they been studying? How often do they come to class? Are they dedicated? If they’ve been studying a long time at the same school and come regularly, then it is likely that they are satisfied both with the quality of the teaching and their progress.
Do you like the students? Are they the kind of people you would like to become? Kungfu is more than mere physical exercise; it is also a journey in self-development.