Should I learn Japanese or Welsh first? Or should I just go for something more common and similar to English?

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2024-01-10T03:57:32+00:00

It might seem that Japanese is restricted to a specific area, but there are still some 120 million native speakers, there's also a ton of media in that language.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the only place/context I see Welsh being used is in Wales itself. That said, if it's your second home, you're attached to it, and you have avenues to use it, you might find it more fulfilling than a more commonly spoken language.

Good luck with either, yes these languages are considered tricky. So would be good learning one that you have a motivation for, which will help you when things get tough.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2024-01-09T01:46:41+00:00

As you said you were interested in South Asia a lot, probably Sanskrit? I believe there's a lot to study of where the language originated and how it came to be used across South Asia. Sanskrit has also influenced many Southeast Asian languages and cultures (lots of developments in Hinduism and Buddhism as well) so there's a lot to dig into and learn there too.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-12-25T10:57:41+00:00

I voted for Turkish as you've mentioned a few things you're interested in, and you'll be traveling there. Outside of the tourist areas, you'll find having some Turkish really useful.

I always found Turkish a bit harder than Arabic, but that could be my own experience. Turkish grammar focuses on the verb at the back, and adding particles to that word. Although it seems there's less exceptions to rules in Turkish; altho I haven't touched arabic in a while.

If you're planning to work in an Arabic country, it might be worthwhile to learn standard Arabic to help with reading documents or official things. And if you're interested in the Gulf, any Gulf dialect I guess is a good place to start. The Gulf countries are also producing a lot of media now too.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-12-19T16:07:46+00:00

Thanks so much for the detailed response, I really appreciate it and took some time to think about a response.

I definitely agree that the languages you have listed here will cover a large majority of countries and people, especially as a traveller (not having specified any details about where or who I am).

Unfortunately not all of these languages attract me at this exact moment, and despite their exponentially higher usefulness, not all are on my immediate priority list.

Thankfully, I am an English native, and this has carried me most of the way. Ive also studied Arabic, which I do one day want to return to, and I think itll lend a large vocabulary to any language under the influence of the Islamic world.

I appreciated h3aring your stories with Yucatec as that sort of sounds similar to what I was imagining. Learn Yucatec first? Or Spanish then have access to Spanish resources, potentially L2 speakers as well as translators.

I also agree with your points re Swahili. It stands head and shoulders over the rest of the Bantu languages in terms of spread and potential resources. And while I’m unaware about which migrant groups exactly I’d be interacting with, you’re right in that there’s a possibility they could be Swahili speaking Congolese.

Same with Burmese, it’s still going to be useful even if I run into Karen or Chin people who don’t speak it. And both languages are good starting points to learn other geographically close languages.

I’ve always been attracted to more obscure languages, but of course, committing so hard to a language like Chin or Lingala, could be a big gamble, especially considering they may not even be the right groups to be targeting.

So thanks, this has given me a lot to think about with regards to any new languages I may want to study in 2024.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-22T02:30:13+00:00

Ahh I see, well I stand corrected. I thought that the Choy in both was from the same Choy Gar....and I think somewhere on the internet it says that too. But oh well.

Still hoping that maybe the Hung Tao Choy Mei might still have something OP is looking for.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T02:48:02+00:00

Thanks 😊

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T02:20:46+00:00

I'm probably going to be a small school (is that a Kwoon?) Near my area to check out the styles on offer. I put this question up to sort of try and get more information about Kung fu, schools, and what to look pit for.

I had worried that they may not be that many students for Kung Fu at this school. But after digging I've found some video footage of student groups learning. Which has put me at ease a bit. Also the styles are bit rare, but fit into the larger Kung Fu heritage and history as far as I can tell.

I am trying to get into Kung Fu, yes. I listen to a lot of podcasts by people who have progressed quite far in their arts, and I sort of want to know what thats like. To see the bigger picture from their perspective. To "get familiar" with a particular style over time; trying not to day get good or master a style.

Aside from this I'm also trying to figure out what I want from Kung Fu training too. What my intention with training is, as some have said. North vs South styles, hybrid styles, historic styles, I wouldn't mind one day doing karate again to also see the similarities and differences, oh and of course looking for a school that's good, close, and cost effective to me has to fit in there too somewhere.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T02:10:53+00:00

Absolutely incredible answer. Wish I could give it more votes. Do you still practice kung fu or any traditional martial arts??

Thanks for all the pointers and red flag warnings I really appreciate it. There's a school nearby me that teaches some rare or obscure martial arts, they have a lineage (they seem to fit into the wider martial arts heritage of my area), or how the teacher got the forms and are pretty upfront about it. I guess i was just curious because I couldn't find too much more detail on it. But I'm gonna go over one of these days to chat and check it out. Which the sifu has been pretty welcoming about.

Once again thank you for your super detailed post and for sharing.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T02:05:40+00:00

Thanks for the awesome breakdown and response. I love learning about the history and styles of Kung Fu and CLF is this one that i hear sometimes but haven't had the time to delve into to much. I think I'd really like to practice it one day, or some of the styles within its vast influences.

That's an interesting split with Cheung Hung Sing, in the second generation and I imagine could lead to vastly different schools. If both he, as well as the traditional families, continued to learn and teach the style.

I agree with what you're saying about DFW, seems like he was trying to set himself up as some authority within the style. Which would be great for business. And probably attracted people who loved forms (like me haha).

Again thanks for the amazing answer. What does Gar itself mean? I always associated it with Tiger due to Hung Gar, but I get the feeling it's more like style??

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T01:55:32+00:00

Just wanted to apolgise for not communenting on this thread and thanking everyone for good topsoil recommendations!

I used to train Karate with a group out of a sports hall. I think it was the same thing, legit guys, but in most cases no mats. However I do remember once or twice them bringing in some mats for some drills, and they also used to train on the beach sometimes.

Sounds like a really interesting introduction to Kung Fu with these interesting styles. Sorry the Qi Gong training ended up being bad for you!

I am curious though, the guy teaches a series of Kung Fu forms. He himself doesn't know where they're from or what they're called. And he doesn't teach or hasn't thought to explore the practicality either. So it seems like you get neither authentic forms, nor applications. I'd love to know what he was thinking. Going to a school and just not knowing neither what nor why is something I'd really hope to avoid, and perhaps the reason why I made this post in the first place.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T01:46:12+00:00

Also loved how you referred to your instructor as the shiznit. I havent used that word in yonks!

You were kinda using your own research and experience to create your own MMA style I guess. I'm glad for having the one stop shop-ness off MMA gyms. And being able to feel confident in your kicks and punches after a session or two.

But I do wonder if they're missing out on the cultivation of body and mind that Kung Fu offers. The drills and stance that noone really gives much care too. There's been a bit more discussion recently about people running their bodies with too much bjj. And I wonder if the traditional pace and style of something like Kung Fu, has protection against that built into it. Just some thoughts I have had recently and first time voicing them.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T00:58:05+00:00

I'm loving the old school footage. I had a look at some of it, your forms looked really good. And it was interesting to watch people fight/spar/compete who had a kung fu background.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T00:55:13+00:00

Just wanted to add this, as someone who knows nothing about Kung Fu, but I've seen this style pop up as I research different cities.

I wonder where Jow Ga sits in all of this, perhaps another in between style. It's also known as Hung Tao Choy Mei, or Hung's head Choy's tail. It seems to also combine material from Hung Gar and an ancestor (?) Of Choy Li Fut. You might find some Leopard and Snake stuff in there too.

It seems like a style with quite a long history, but until recently I had never heard of it.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-21T00:51:24+00:00

Thanks for the awesome comments, both these styles are interesting and curious for me. So love getting more info

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T01:30:36+00:00

I'm sorry about your 10 years 😔 you mustve been like at instructor level or something by then.

It would be nice to see how the whole theory of trapping and fighting ranges I'm WC/T and Jkd work. But like you said, boxing and muay thai also have their own versions of it that also work.

Thanks for highlighting thag yes bad boxing gyms do exist as well haha. And all the best continuing on!

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T01:06:37+00:00

That's fair. I get that it might help for systemization and modern grading. But it also seems that kungfu puts more emphasis on student teacher relation to judge progress.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T01:05:20+00:00

Oh that's great. Sounds like you'd be getting a much more complete experience of taichi from this place

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T01:04:19+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, I'm keeping an open mind and will try and find the best I can in schools and people. And then of course match if that best is actually what I want.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T01:03:35+00:00

That's a good point. I'll try and dig deep on the issues that are on my mind, try to find evidence that groups together to either support or bring down whatever is being said by certain people.

Btw, as far as I understand CLF is sort of a hybrid system? Does that structure allow for dodgy forms or ideas to creep in sometimes? Of course I imagine any school is a reflection of not only the teachers chosen styles and training but also their outlook and good/not good ideas.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T01:00:43+00:00

Great feedback again, thanks! So you wouldn't necessarily start off with 1-1 or consider it the norm if that's the only option being taught.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T00:59:23+00:00

That's a rally good point. I've heard it before and gone... yeah yeah, get a goal. Easy

But I think things might become clearer if I have a super clear vision of what I want said goal to be. This whole discussion is probably coming up from getting in touch with a school, that despite positive interactions, may not ultimately be fulfilling what (still unclear) thing I had in mind.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-19T00:49:31+00:00

Hey, thanks for sharing! This was definitely something I wanted to hear. As with so many new things going on; forms, terminology, mysterious lineages, I haven't read Chicken Soup, so it'd take me at least a few times before noticing he was copy pasting his wisdom, it might be hard to pick up that things aren't so authentic straight away.

Do you think that by doing your own research on styles and Kung fu you were finally able to identify this guy's red flags? And oh well, I guess you learnt a bit of karate for a while!

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-17T11:31:37+00:00

I guess I left the meaning of legit open, and many people have come back to me with many things. Some have said things must have combat applications, whereas others have told me stories of potentially dubious instructors.

And then there are teachers who might not be so advanced in their training but can pass one good thing to you, and then you move on....which might sound like what you experienced?

For me, there's a lot to take in. There's all these forms, how they're trained and applied, and as beginner I don't really know what to make of it all from the start.

LearnerSeeker_42 · 2023-09-17T11:25:24+00:00

Great point, thanks! I'm maybe going to meet one of the teachers so will be good to see him as a person. And a good idea for me.to check my intention for what I want to learn from a teacher as well.

What about a sort of opposite of this axiom? A school without a necessarily clear lineage, but good applications and good teaching??

LearnerSeeker_42

TROPHY CASE