About Sifu Richard Mieir-King Expertise Since 1971 I have been involved, trained and instructed in 5 Animal 5 Family Kung Fu and can answer questions on subjects such as Qi Gong, Hand Conditioning (Iron Palm and herbal practices), Southern Kung Fu Systems, Weapons, 5 Animal 5 Family Kung Fu, health aspects of Kung Fu and fighting aspects of Kung Fu, and various techniques. Our system is based on the 5 major Animal Styles which are Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Leopard, and Crane. We also teach a variety of other animal styles such as Black Bird, Peacock, Horse, Donkey, Elephant, Ram (also called Small Cross Set) and other Animal Styles. Besides Animal forms we also teach forms such as Butterfly Palm, Praying Mantis, Combination, Crab, and others. The Family Forms we teach are Hung Gar, Choy Gar, Li Gar, Fut Gar and Muk Gar. We also teach a variety of weapons such as Staff, Quarter Staff, single and double batons, Spear, 3 Sectional Staff, Nunchaku, Iron Sais (Gen), Chain Whip, Kwan Dao, Darn Dao, Single and Double Daggers, Chinese Wand, Axes, and more. Kung Fu is a way of balancing Body, Mind and Spirit.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Besides teaching the general public we have also taught law enforcement officers, prision guards, boarder patrol agents, bouncers and more.
Question i've done more investigation then the average person and i have come to the conclusion that none of the martial art schools in my town are really very good.
My question is, in a city with a reasonable asian population how would someone anxious to learn real kung fu from a traditional teacher even find one? going door to door isnt the best idea....i wonder if trying chinese medicine and acupuncturists might help (because of the common practise of both fields that many persue) even if i do find one...what do i say? i am young and dont have any serious commitments so i could train full time if the teacher was say....retired? any insight would be great !
thankyou
Answer hello Spencer,
I have been asked a similar question before. I cannot comment on any schools you have been to or what you are perceiving.
I would say that to find a good teacher you don't have to live "in a city with a large Asian population" as you noted. There are both Asian and non Asian instructors that are excellent.
If you have exhausted every method at your disposal I probably can't add any more. I'd only say that you need to not only look at the commercial schools but also check out YMCA's, park and recreation programs and any other community facility or community organizations which might host classes and recreation programs. Let friends and family know what you are looking for and see what suggestions they have and also ask them to check with their friends. You can ask practitioners of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. I would not necessarily assume that they teach Kung-Fu, if they do so much the better. However, if they don't they might have recommendations for you. If you find a teacher, simply express your sincere desire to learn. Be open to whatever you find. If the person wants to train you part time that is fine, if they happen to have the time, patience and desire to train you full time in some way, and you are open to that, then you have that option as well. Much of this is something you have to be open to discovering and rolling with as it comes your way, there are no "premixed" answers for you. Just be humble, respectful and open to what you find and keep the scope of your vision broad.
Good luck on your research and eventual training.
Sincerely,
Sifu Richard Mieir-King
Kings Kung Fu and Tai Chi - www.kingskungfu.com, http://home.sprynet.com/~rmieir
King's Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung - www.kingstaichi.com
Great Martial Arts Stuff - www.GreatMartialArtsStuff.com
Fighting Masters Seminars - www.FightingMasters.50megs.com
