Originally posted by Doc
It was really simple.
Glad you think so. I thought my question was as simple as it could be.
However the answer did not give anyone an opportunity to defend their position in the manner they wanted. There was an obvious disagreement and I had no problem with that, but I sensed what was wanted was an answer where antagonists could go down a list and simply say "no you're wrong" to everything.
Not at all, but thanks for misinterpreting. What I was looking for was an explanation for why you thought two very distinct arts were so similar. You didn't answer.
I admit to not considering myself an expert in Taiji in general or what they teach in particular, and don't claim to know what they do. How could I? But I also wouldn't make flat statements about a Kenpo I don't know anything about as well.
So, you point out my lack of information regarding kenpo, point out my limited knowledge of taiji, and state that I have no basis for my assumption that they are
not alike, then turn around and state your own lack of knowledge in taiji but somehow are still able to profess they are the same???
Given - you know about EPAK kenpo, having studied at the foot of EP himself. Given - you know nothing about taiji and how it is studied (your own statement). But you can state as a matter of fact that they are the same? How do you justify that?
Given - I know nothing about EPAK kenpo, only having seen it in a school once a long time ago. Given - I study Xingyi, Bagua and Taiji, so I am familiar with those arts. Fact - I have never stated any knowledge about kenpo, only that from what little I have seen of it, kenpo and taiji are not the same. I asked for clarification from someone in a position of authority in kenpo (you), but rather than having been provided some form of comparison, I was simply told I don't know enough to question your statement... Whatever.
My statement was at least conceptual and followed by some qualifications. The other side presented a flat "this is not the same as this" without knowing at least one side, and took it upon themselves to speak for all taiji. I do not speak for all Kenpo, only my own expertise.
Your qualifications don't mean squat to me. I don't care who you trained with nor for how long. Really. A person could train for years with the best masters available, but if that person's learning, understanding and knowledge suck, then he is still only a half-*** student (regardless of lineage).
I am no master (even though you alleged that I thought myself to be one), hell I'm not even a qualified advanced student. However, being that I
am a student with a student's concerns and a student's ego, I ask questions, and I don't care what rank or level of status or presige the person claims to enjoy. I ask anyway. If the questions are too hard for you to answer or too uncomfortable to entertain, that really isn't my problem is it? If you aren't ready for the questions, you shouldn't make statements in public that may incur enquiry...
You tried to wow me with your resume. Your resume doesn't impress me, and your arguments that I should somehow simply acquiesce because of a list of famous people that you have met fall far short of their goal. Impress me with your personal knowledge, not by the allegation that because of who you trained with your knowledge by association must be beyond reproach. Respect is earned, period. You can show me all the trophies, certificates, belts and pictures you want, and I'll still not be impressed with you as a person.
It was not my intent to start such a confrontation and if someone had simply said, "My Taiji is not anything like the Kenpo I've seen." we could have had a great discussion where we both learned something.
Sorry I didn't pose my answer in the form of a question... My taiji is not anything like the kenpo I've seen. Would you care to explain to me how you think kenpo and taiji are the same art? That still sounds a lot like the question I have been asking for several days, but maybe it comes across more to your liking this way...
Y'know, nevermind. After fighting through the morass of your evasions and half-answers, I don't care to hear the explanation anymore.
Have a nice evening. Sorry if I pissed anyone off with this, but I'm tired of asking nicely over and over again and somehow being made to be the bad guy in this...
Gambarimasu.
:asian: :tank: :asian:
and why did I stay out of it so long........? because Yilisifu seems to be the only person replying who can give a balanced argument without degenerating into the playground stuff........
