Not too much evidence? Meaning that there is some? If you said that gar means family, would that also mean that the lau family came to England solely?
I assume that Andy means that the sole lineage holder of Lau Gar, Jeremy Yau, resides in the UK and that there are no "competing" lineages outside of the UK?
Lau Gar I havent seen any teachers or schools in my area so I dont know about lineage. I believe what Andy is saying that the Lau Gar spoken about on MAP is that of UK lineage . But like i said im still learning about it and will take a misquote if im wrong.
Yep, its mostly associated with Wing Chun but other styles use it as well. Hung Gar is mostly hand techniques and low kicks (often to the legs) so there is a vague similarity in function between Hung Gar and Wing Chun. The dummy provides an obstacle to practice the form against before moving on to sparring. It lets you get a concept of what can be done with the techniques as well, and of course there's the conditioning aspect too.
Chi Sao in Lau Gar. I've been told by my Sifu that the Chi Sao competition is restricted to Black sash only. It is a test of skill based on using techniques from the forms, with no protective equipment. I watched the Chi Sao at the last bkfa nationals, and was very impressed with the usage of throws, locks, and some pretty cool looking kung fu techniques. We practice chi sao in class. it is a very difficult exercise, and often seems to result in me getting some nasty bruises. The "sticky" part comes from attempting to maintain contact with your opponent, but it is very different from WC Chi Sao. More like free sparring, with kung fu techniques. I see what you are trying to say with the "missing the whole point" comment, but it is not a sensitivity drill like in WC, or "pushing hands" in TJQ. I think there are several interpretations of the term "Chi Sao". hope this helps your understanding. DAVE.
No problem at all Andy. It's a pleasure to help with your education. If there is anything else you don't understand regarding Lau Gar Kuen, please feel free to ask. I took it initially that as you did not understand about Chi Sau, that you were not a practitioner of Lau Gar, although after reading some of your posts I now see that you do have some knowledge of the style. My apologies if i implied any ignorance on your part. Anyway glad to help mate. Dave
Andy, Put up to what? I take it you know my Sifu then. Colin is my sifu, but he has not asked me to do anything????? I'm a little confused. All I did was try to clarify a point about Chi Sau. By the way what does ROFLMAO mean? Dave
ROFLMAO means rolling on the floor laughing my ass off. Colin would dispute it, but I'm a Black Sash in Lau Gar, and have also trained in Wing Chun. I know a thing or two about Chi Sau and what goes on at the LG nationals mate.
Oh! In that case I see why you were a little off with me. I didn't realise that you were a black sash in Lau Gar Kuen. Dave.
I'm not off with you mate, though I doubt Colin would enjoy hearing my name mentioned. I officially retired from LG a year or so ago. My take on some of the syllabus is a little off track for some, but if you ever need a second opinion, let me know.
I'm re-negotiating with my employers at the moment. One of the things I'm trying to wangle is a trip across there.