General Questions About Training

1. Why do I have to stretch or do conditioning before I start?
Stretching and conditioning are the only way for you to improve your practice as well as your skill in Kung Fu. As your body becomes more conditioned it is protected from injury. Also, by performing the exercises, you increase your vitality and improve your health. Stretching acts as the body's natural lubricant. By stretching the muscles and tendons, your body can react quicker and move faster as well as develop more power.

2. How much space do I need to practice?
Most exercises can be performed at the width and length of your body. As you progress and begin to learn advanced forms and use weapons, you may want to move your practice to an area that can support jumping, sweeping, kicking/punching and multi-directional movement. Ideally, a backyard provides ample space.

3. What kind of clothing should I wear?
Depending on your weather, the clothing should be loose fitting. A T-shirt for a top and shorts or sweat-pants are acceptable during self practice. Uniforms should be worn in a more structured environment. Tennis-shoes or light footwear is ideal.

4. I feel sore. Should I stop until the soreness goes away?
Continue to stretch and work through your soreness. Getting sore muscles is natural. You must remember to work through the soreness so you can progress.

5. I don't understand why I have to learn stances.
Stance training is fundamental to Kung Fu. All movements can be defined based on the stance that the action is performed upon. The body works together through proper stances to deliver more power. Without stances, your techniques would loose their power.

Questions About Internet Training

1. What kind of Internet Browser should I use?
Make sure your browser is up to date. Internet Explorer or Netscape are fine.

2. What kind of movie player should I have?
Currently, the majority of the files are shown in Microsoft's Media player. Eventually they will be made available in Quicktime, Windows Media, and Real Player.

3. Can you make the movies quicker to download?
Speed is dictated by your connection to the Internet. If you have a slow connection then it will be slower to download. All of the files are optimized for BroadBand connections.

4. Is it possible to see the movies at full screen?
In the Windows media player, choose VIEW and then Full Screen.

5. How come on different days it seems slow even though I have a fast Internet connection?
Internet connectivity is based on the number of people that are online at one time. Some days there are more people using up your bandwidth and other days there are less people so it may appear quicker.

Questions About Kung Fu Practice

1. I am having trouble remembering the techniques. Is there an easy way to remember?
Kung Fu requires many, many hours of practice in order for you to master the basics. Part of the experience is learning about your balance, body movements and reactions. You should learn small pieces of the technique and practice them. Once you feel more comfortable, put the pieces together to form the complete technique.

2. I remember the techniques but think there is something I am missing when performing the action.
You may be able to remember the movements but miss the important factors that make up good technique. Make sure you concentrate on exact placement of your hands and feet. Also notice the position of the body. Are you leaning? Standing too tall? Are your hands and feet out of alignment? Make sure you compare your position to that being taught with the utmost scrutiny.

3. I don't understand how I can use this for self-defense.
All of the material presented is for your self-defense. Look at the end of your training to see all of the practical applications.

4. I am following the movements but mainly doing my own thing. What's wrong with that?
Kung Fu is especially designed to make the most out of proper body mechanics. Performing the movements correctly allows a small force to overcome a large one, simply on mechanics alone. Doing the movements incorrectly will not provide you with the desired result and may result in your injury if you are not careful.

5. I know all of this stuff. Why do I have to relearn it?
Repetition is key in developing your Kung Fu to reactionary levels. You should never have to think of what move you will do in a life threatening situation, you should just do it. Repetition allows your body to remember all of the moves.

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