Kungfu isn’t a Martial Art

[@ashchaya7676]

"Like a butcher whose blade never touches bone; this too, is gung fu." - Jackie Chan, The Forbidden Kingdom

[@Wingzero90939]

I loved that movie as a kid. Those were the kind of fantasy films I really enjoyed since they were focused on Chinese legends and stuff.

[@gboy193]

This deserves more likes

[@richardhenry1969]

Jackie chan is nobody to idolize. Should see how people in Hong Kong think of him. He is a puppet for the CCP.

[@ashchaya7676]

@@richardhenry1969 You mean like 99% of celebrities? Shocking. It's a line from a movie, mate.

[@jan_kala]

Linguistics clarification: The reason the Wade Gile's represents what in Pinyin is written as is because the Chinese consonant is not actually a voiced G sound like in English, but rather an unaspirated K sound. It's the same k as in English "sKip". This is why Wade Giles also has the apostrophes after letters (

[@EzeHSK]

THIS. I think pinyin can be really confusing to westerners (I'm one so I should know) in that aspect. Though I still prefer it over wade giles. I mean I think it's better at teaching the different sounds. Especially the vowels. But that's just me.

[@TheGreatgan]

My suspicion is that, it follow the older language.. minan/hokian dialect was the official national language before mandarin we know today.. n hokian had pronounced "k".. i am not a linguist.. so this is just my wild guess..

[@RamseyDewey]

Someone needs to tell the Chinese this because they’re all doing it wrong, apparently.

[@TheGreatgan]

@@RamseyDewey dunno about mainlander, but most overseas chinese didnt aware about mandarin was always the national laguage/ cung hwa.. older people sometimes shocked when i told them the history of cung hwa, how it was actually northern/manchuria dialect.. before their reign, national language were closer to hokian dialect.

[@EzeHSK]

@@TheGreatgan Min nan is the language family from Fujian province. Cantonese was probably closer to an official language by number of speakers and closeness to an older version mandarin. Back in the days the Portuguese did some commerce in that region so our words for tea and other things com from there.

[@johnyricco1220]

“Gong fu” just means effort, but “hao gong fu” (good gong fu) means great skill. If you put a lot of work into studying for an exam, you can say you spent a lot of gong fu. However it does not mean you would get a good score, only that you tried very hard. But if you were to say your gong fu was good, then it means you have achieved a high level of skill after the work was put in.

[@cashusclay5466]

it can be read as both

[@OGFITNESS]

Life long Martial artists who dont train in fighting cant fight. That makes it very clear. Always insightful Ramsey! Osu!🙏🙇‍♂️🥋

[@notevenalex]

@RED CHUCKS they are martial artists if they dedicate themselves to an art,but they aren't a fighter

[@rohitchaoji]

@RED CHUCKS I propose new terms: Martial theorist and Martial enthusiast They sound stupid, but they probably more accurate describe people who like fighting in theory (learning forms, history, etc), and not fighting in practice. Probably.

[@kevinjung6130]

@@notevenalex I mean, I feel that way about people who do stunts, trick kicking, weapons demos, etc. Most of those people are very aware that what they're doing doesn't translate directly into fighting. They train for the sake of the performative aspects of martial arts and I think that's great!

[@kevinjung6130]

@@notevenalex In the Ramsey Dewey podcast #14 with Dr Antonio Graceffo, Antonio talks about the different majors/concentrations for martial arts in Shanghai University and I think that system works.

[@QarthCEO]

Frank has told me you came to America to grow vines. I came here to grow fish in my hatchery. We both grow children. You use science to make vines grow better. Like vines, children need training. Martial science provides a way of training. It brings mind, body, spirit together.

[@camiloiribarren1450]

I love that Ramsey saying he respects the original kung-fu and what it stands for. I practice Bajiquan, which is a great Chinese martial art and I hope Ramsey can experiment with it.

[@Ming1975]

I admire how this Japanese guy manage to get pass the racism from the real Bajiquan masters in China and get accepted, now he is the official Bajiquan master for Japan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJS1fqWNjJp9Zrs

[@DavidStewart-zy9zw]

Where might I find Bajiquan in the states? I think it’d mix well with Muay Thai.

[@Ming1975]

@@DavidStewart-zy9zw Bajiquan works well with anything, it's an actual melee war MA meant for armored men to fight other armored men with spears in crowded spaces. I think there is enough technics in games alone but how effective depend on how well you figure it out.

[@camiloiribarren1450]

@@Ming1975 adding to that, it’s known as the “Bodyguard martial art” due to many Chinese bodyguards knowing Bajiquan since the era of Mao Ze Dong

[@blockmasterscott]

I just thought of something. In all the years I’ve taken CMA(over 30), I’ve very rarely heard an actual CMA student say they study Kung Fu. They’ve always given the actual style, for example I take Choy Li Fut and Chen Tai Chi. It’s the people that never studied CMA that use the phrase “Kung Fu”. There are some students that use the phrase, but it’s really rare.

[@Mr.Smiley_J]

It's so exciting and fun to see how the growth of the internet and the easy access of information and understanding across cultures is letting us learn so many things that people have kept locked behind borders or distances. Growing up, I met so many people that only knew of two kinds of martial arts: Kung Fu or Karate. Even the school I went to, said Karate on the door because your average person didn't know what Taekwondo was. I'm so glad that with a push of a button information like what you gave us in this video is readily available to broaden everyone's scope and understanding of the world and it's people.

[@dusk6159]

Spot on. By the way, Great Skill Streetz Fighting!

[@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812]

Very true tho, my tae Kwon do school did also teach 2 styles of karate in the same building as well

[@kingbyrd.1512]

Somewhat related but i do admire the athleticism of shaolin monks. The things they can do. In the particular the nightmarish standards they have for flexibility. I feel like the training they do can tie very nicely into other martial arts. Like Taekwondo. Being able to stretch like they can would be a great asset to a taekwondo fighter or any kicker for that matter.

[@ynghuch]

From what I’ve seen and read basically the way the monks train is how Kung fu practitioners are suppose to train but for teaching purposes only the techniques got passed on. So there became this myth that all you need is technique not the strength and conditioning also.

[@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812]

It has very unbelievable results if you stick to it that's for sure, not just agility tho, I mean it takes alot of strength and proper ability for movement to leap 10ft in the air lol

[@IronBodyMartialArts]

Shaolin Kung Fu is a complete art form. It need not tie in with Tae Kwan Do. Which is a sport.

[@ynghuch]

@@IronBodyMartialArts Shaolin kung fu is not an art it is a collection of arts and practices amalgamated by the monks.

[@ynghuch]

@@IronBodyMartialArts also Taekwondo is a martial art and sport. Just like karate, judo, sanshou/sanda, wushu, boxing and wrestling. All arts and sports.

[@peterfitzgerald6095]

I was just talking with my daughter about this. Told her I want her to do her best Ballet Gung Fu today. She did look at me a little weird until I explained what it mean.

[@RamseyDewey]

芭蕾功夫 balei gongfu

[@matthewtolmasoff2139]

Thanks for pointing this out. Drives mee nuts when I hear " Kung Fu "isn't good. There are hundreds of styles of Chinese Martial Arts. Thank you Ramsey!

[@basilistsakalos9643]

I really like these kinds of clarifications. Add about the meaning of "Wushu" and its connection with Japanese "Bujutsu". Ideogramms are the same. Good content coach 👍

[@jean4j_]

Yes! 武術 is the same.

[@balduinvontrier128]

I'm under the impression, that in the last years, thanks to the internet and MMA, there are many people trying to make their traditional martial arts functional again, and many have succeeded. And I'm hoping this happens to chinese Martial Arts too. I think we are seeing first signs of it. There are some chinese fighters in the big leagues and, if I got this right, Zabit Magumenshapirov also trains in some chinese style, doesn't he?

[@balduinvontrier128]

@@neutrino78x You've got me wrong.

[@เด็กพเนจร-ฝ4ษ]

@@neutrino78x no, all styles do not work. Get your head out of your ass

[@tasoeuwe5727]

@@neutrino78x Shaolin kung fu doesn't mean anything, it literaly designates all the styles taught in shaolin temple. In the case you've shared, it's basically sanda (Chinese kickboxing which is known to be effective, already) so it indeed shows that your style matters. If it were another shaolin style such as.. I don't know, tiger style ? I don't know much about them, to be honnest, but you get the point, if you took a practitioner of some more 'spectacular' form of kung fu, they would have had their booty destroyed even against a mediocre kickboxer. Also, where did you see that he had been the head of the Temple ? I haven't found anything about it, I just found that school of his in london which indeed teaches Sanda

[@tasoeuwe5727]

@@neutrino78x Never did I say that the fighter didn't matter at all. Duh, of course you, as a person, do matter to know who's better between you and your opponent. I just said that unlike what you said, the style you learn matters a lot: Sanda is much more effective on its own than Pak Mei, for instance, because it's literaly kickboxing and wrestling and you can't go wrong with that. If it had been your 'Shaolin master' (still didn't find anything about his life in shaolin themple) against a Pak Mei master, the result would have been the same as in all the other 'MMA VS traditional martial art' fight. And when I say Shaolin Kung Fu doesn't mean anything, it's because it's literaly not a style, don't play fool on this one, please. It's literaly the same thing as saying 'Paris Savate' (if there were tons of savate styles)

[@hanumananky]

i love this, thanks for making a video on this topic, much needed clarification for the masses

[@notevenalex]

Hey Ramsey,i live in India and was thinking of taking boxing a tad bit more seriously now. My dad's real supportive but he just says what if you fail? You'll be broke then.. he says study and just take it up as a hobby and there isn't much scope in doing such sports due to indians not caring much about combat sports. Thanks for reading out the story of a dumb 10th grader,have a great day

[@RamseyDewey]

Give yourself as many options for success as you can. Your dad is a smart man- get educated, and make sure you have other ways to support yourself while you’re honing your boxing. You could be the greatest of all time, but you still have to eat! Jack Dempsey wrote about the conundrum of the working man who moonlights as a pro boxer. It’s extremely common. Most pro fighters work full time jobs till they make it big (if they make it big) Some people mistakenly think that’s a disadvantage. Nope- all the greats had to work for everything they got.

[@notevenalex]

@@RamseyDewey noted. I'll try my best then,thnxs sir for the response and have a goodnight I'd assume it's quite late over there

[@gaminikokawalage7124]

Sri lankan. I wanna get into mma. Parents won't let me but their reasons are understandable. So idk guess I'm in a similar boat

[@ninjanurse]

As a practitioner of Shaolin Five Animals/Wu Xing Quan and a few other goodies passed down from my dad, I appreciate you getting real with folks in this video and in all of your other videos about the nature of martial arts and the difference between being a skilled martial artist and a skilled fighter. More so, what it means to to combine the two aspects to be a skilled martial artist that can fight with skill. Had plenty of conversations about the meaning of gung fu with people just like this and it’s just nice to know there are others out there doing the same. Thanks for the great content as always, looking forward to more! Xie xie, Coach! 🖐🏻🤛🏻

[@guilegameche3810]

I've now just got the relevance of this timely reference. I must admit it seems like a revelation... like everything happening everywhere... all at once!

[@alexanerose4820]

Hey coach, sorry for the second post but why don't you put videos like these explaining what kung fu is and the misconceptions around it in a single playlist to make it easier for people to reference? You have the best ones in terms of clarity and brevity I've seen so I thought it would be a good idea.

[@RamseyDewey]

I’ll take that into consideration!

[@joekchicago]

Ramsey, Thank You for your very instructive, well structured KZbin video lessons that taught me the stronger heightened tone, solid pitch and near perfect liaison in your actual speaking voice. Yes, I’ve actually grown more confident and become a better public speaker and lecturer for my job which is a remote computer instructor. You could easily teach a solid course on proper English public speaking and even establish your very own Toastmasters chapter there in China! Thank you for your help!

[@glennnanod3160]

I'm glad you made this video. It needed to be said about Chinese Martial Arts. I live in Hawaii which has lots of Asian Martial Arts, so I have high regards for those of skill. I know many skilled practitioners of CMA who are very good fighters. Mahalo and Aloha.

[@alexanerose4820]

Encourage them to make videos with sparring sessions. It may be small but any step to help clear the name of CMA would help

[@ehisey]

@@alexanerose4820 Slaid while many of CMA are good fighters, to many more are just not.

[@dimitrispapachristou9706]

Yes, yes, yes. Someone finally talks about this issue. Since my Si-fu (when it is about your teacher you pronounce it more like two words) told me about this misconception I've been wondering why so few know about it. I'm so glad you gave it the attention it deserves.

[@btpmacombat]

Wow! I love it! Thanks for sharing knowledge and information Ramsey Dewey. I love your Gongfu ❤️

[@Tom_Framnes]

In my utmost humble opinion. “ Nothing more rewarding than getting ones thesis validated by those who exceeds oneself in excellence” “ Fighting is relativity in motion, never expect only respond as it is one’s opponent within context that dictates tactics” “ Kung Fu/ Gong Fu= Earned skill, performed at an pristine level “ You are correct sir. This distinction is so important to comprehend, this is why i named my school Kung Fu Fighting Concepts, ie the the earned and acquired skill of fighting concepts. As I started my martial journey with western martial arts: Boxing: kickboxing, and from there ventured into Asian martial arts( Korean/ Vietnamese/ Chinese) And later years Thai/ Japanese/Brazilian/ western( grappling) and implemented all that I know Into a sound curriculum that actually focuses on being able to fight, ( Sparring) For example, few know that every open hand position in the wing chun forms can be interchangeably be applied with an open hand or or closed fist, nor that many of the movements actually are clinch/ grappling based( pummeling/ under-over-hooks/duck unders/slide by’s/ throws/ sweeps) etc “Wisdom equates to, correct comprehended knowledge appropriately applied” Ie, correct training methods. This is why so many functional martial arts are successful in what they do, as they have implemented training methods that instills the necessary foundations for being able to acquire the all encompassing skills/athletic attributes as to realistically apply the techniques against resistance in a sound, functional environment, from day one. Ie, no wasted movements. Always an honor to be able to observe, listen and learn from such an peer as yourself Mr Dewey. Sincere regards. Fellow Martial Artist. Tom Framnes. Norway.

[@gianmarcoantignani532]

Beautiful comment, master!

[@Tom_Framnes]

@@gianmarcoantignani532 Grazié, My sincere humble appreciations for your kind reply, but in all humbleness and utmost modesty, I am no master, the little I know only is the foundation of enabling to comprehend the truth that I, indeed know nothing, but over the years I have aspired to hopefully obtain and attain to what might be deemed as “ Something”. 🙏🏻❤️. Again, sincere appreciations for taking the time out of your day to reading and replying to my lengthy comment, truly. Wish the best of blessings to you and your family. 🙏🏻❤️. - Tom.

[@beawarrior9208]

Really interesting! I checked the Chinese characters and it's the association of "work" and "man" that makes gong fu, it makes sense. It's funny because if you take the characters of gong fu 功夫 and tell google translate that it's Japanese, the English translation becomes... kung fu😂

[@Anonymous-yh4ol]

"WORKING MAN"

[@brokeheartwolf3733]

Thanks. About time someone set everyone straight🙏🙏🙏👍🏼👍🏼

[@maddinkn]

Ohhh that explaines alot. F.e. in movies when the teacher says kungfu is in everything or when someone does something and it is translated to "he has good kungfu" when doing calligraphi and so on. Thank you very much!

[@politicalthoughtexperiment4895]

Really interesting. A lifetime ago when I used to teach MMA as part of my personal training, the insurance company listed it as 'Kung Fu' because MMA wasn't an applicable category at the time like Aikido, Karate, etc. For that governing body, Kung Fu was used in place of any 'miscellaneous' categories. At the time, I remember being slightly annoyed "I don't teach Kung Fu!" Cool lesson.

[@ajshiro3957]

For me, if someone doesn't know the style of martial arts they practice, it's a red flag. It's like signing a contract for something, but you don't know what it's for.

[@SuperDenglish]

I've been thinking about this a lot. I did both Karate and Kung Fu (Wu-Shu, White Crane & Wing Chun). I found Kung Fu more effective for me (probably due to body mechanics). But it seems to be trashed by MMA. From what I can tell there are multiple reasons. 1. The original masters are very difficult to find. The CCP killed or drove out almost all of the old masters. As a result much of the high level skill was lost. Many of the masters in China are fake or have not had the true teachings passed down to them. There are some true Masters in Taiwan & South Korea and a guy called Longfei Yang in New York.. 2. The original context is lost. If you use Kung Fu in the way it was designed, which is not a sport, but to kill or stop someone very, very quickly using moves which are banned in most competitions. If you train with people who train the South Korean presidential guards for instance you will see a highly efficient, deadly martial art that simply would not work in MMA due to mist of the strikes and techniques being banned. 3. Fitness and experience. Quite often what we see is an under trained weak Kung Fu guy taking on what can only be described as a highly trained Olympic fighter with more experience. Its clear by multiple KZbin vids these guys haven't fought much. I know an Ip family trained wing chun instructor who is practically untouchable. Lesson one was all about head stomps. Again banned in MMA but essential for survival. Wu-Shu is essentially a CCP invented facade of traditional Kung Fu for promotion and tourism purposes. Even Tai Chi has been completely ruined compared to its original form centuries ago where it was Incredibly effective. However I must say, learning any martial art is a very good thing and if learnt well will make you a very good fighter (couple exceptions we all know about). Sometimes we split hairs over this stuff. But most time a fight will take place in the street not in a ring and in that setting there is no rules and no ref and you need to end it quick. Even Mike Tysons Street fights weren't as clean as people think they would be. It's always messy. And you rarely have an ache of canvas to roll on or cage or rope to leverage off. Learn how to fight, get fit. Get strong. But most importantly learn how to master yourself. This is the true essence of the oriental arts.

[@DavidStewart-zy9zw]

Exactly, when you find the application of traditional Chinese Martial arts it is usable in a modern setting it just requires help from other styles in my opinion but that’s the same for every other style.

[@michaelterrell5061]

You forgot the fact that not a single “master” who has gotten beaten by an mma fighter was actually a “master”.

[@SuperDenglish]

@@michaelterrell5061 yep. I know a bunch of guys steeped in the Chinese esoteric stuff, like not quite secret stuff but not widely known stuff. They told me a long time ago a real master never displays his art in public like that. In fact he rarely fights. But when he does its swift and brutal. The CCP made several masters take part in exhibitions back in the 50's & 60's. Many of them quit after that as they felt so much shame and humiliation.

[@michaelterrell5061]

@@SuperDenglish Wow. That actually both informative, kind of honorable, and maybe a little sad.

[@SuperDenglish]

@@michaelterrell5061 Well it's making a come back. There's a group of ex-pat Chinese in New York who are trying to uncover the lost arts and bring them back to public prominence again. They hold a competition (non combative) every few years to try and encourage the true disciplines and techniques to flourish again. So much has been lost and destroyed I imagine it's a pretty difficult task.

[@Leo-lj6vs]

My friend did tiger style and feng shou (Chee Soo) and he could kick anyone's backside. We are talking street and ring. In my country we don't train for sports we train for keeps. When we hit we break. Both of us have fought multiple times on the street (him more than me). Once he fought 4 guys and beat them all. Another time he was attacked by ten guys in a pub. He beat most of them but then they kept coming and the cops were called. How did he become so good? He trained everyday in the kwoon and at home and we both visited other schools of martial arts and had friendly fights so as to learn. We fought boxers, kickboxers, thai boxers, karatekas, jujitsu guys etc. On top of that we did lots of running and weight training and bag work. We researched many arts and techniques and we pinched techniques and added to our repertoire. This is what martial arts is.. Constantly learning, absorbing, sharing, improving. Martial arts was our life.

[@berniekatzroy]

Ramsey looking like he just came back from the local continental hotel.

[@A.Clifton]

I practice Russian gung fu. In between sambo gym sessions, I drink a lot and shoot empty bottles.

[@jimskiuk305]

Great shout. In Liverpool UK we have Europe's oldest Chinatown, which was mainly Cantonese speaking. The styles that came out were Hung Gar, liu Gar, choy li fut etc which I was told were family and folk styles brought over. They'd use kung/gong fu when advertising on the shirt or front door of the school- as especially after the Bruce Lee boom, attracting new students was a big thing.

[@brendanhilgeman1395]

This topic would make a great Ted talk for Ramsey to give

[@IronMantisMartialArts]

Greetings Ramsey, I enjoy your videos. Looking forward to more videos.

[@chadlpnemt]

Interesting topic Ramsey. All I can say is remember that English language has many words with multiple meanings. In China, gungfu may be more like a description, but in English, we use kungfu as the object. Kungfu IS the martial art Over here because there's no other way to say it. Kind of like kempo or shotukan describes the karate disciplines. Shaolin or tien shan pai describes the kung fu discipline. I see your point if course. In English though, it is a thing. Love the vids!

[@dusk6159]

Inevitably so, like for the other western languages indeed

[@Kenzaki1010]

Kung Fu is used for martial art over here because someone mis-understand it way back when and it spread like wild fire. There is other way to call Chinese martial art- Wushu (literally mean martial art). People just used to call Chinese Martial Art Kung Fu and that ain’t gonna change anytime soon.

[@QarthCEO]

@@Kenzaki1010 Likewise, in China, many English words they use to describe western concepts don't actually mean the same thing here. Like BBQ, for instance.

[@assoverteakettle]

Exactly. I argue the same point above. To say that "kung fu" or "gung fu" historically meant "skill" is correct -- no argument there. But it is rather pedantic to insist that it can't have any other meaning except the original historic one. Words, vocabulary and language change over time. New words from other cultures are transplanted and they often are used in different contexts from the originating culture. It is correct usage if it is correct for a specific culture so why get hung up on it? It's like arguing that the term for the arm lock, "kimura" is incorrect because that is not a hold; it was Masahiko Kimura's family name. That it should actually be called ude-garami because that is the correct term as employed by Masahiko Kimura over his defeat of Helio Gracie. But, no, we accept that in BJJ it is called "kimura" in honor of Masahiko Kimura. The word "kimura", like "kung fu", was adopted and given it's own meaning from the original and that's OK.

[@Quach7]

@@assoverteakettle In chess, sequences of moves are named after famous players who adopt them as their go to moves. Ruy Lopez Alekhine's Defense Nimzowitsch Defense etc . . .

[@prettyundefinedrightnow8963]

I used to practise Fujian White Crane kung fu in the UK (which apparently is more like a Singaporean Tiger Crane style, but never mind) , our instructor did clarify this every now and then: kung fu means hard work, so train hard and do your best. Some in the club practised full contact sparring, others (like me) only did light touch sparring, as we weren't aiming at becoming fighters.

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

I've followed your channel a while, so I've heard you say this before. And I do remember in some of Bruce's films, he called it gungfu. But because of the common perception of the word, I still use kungfu as the martial arts reference.

[@cqtaylor]

Shaolin vs. WuTang - best Kung Fu movie, EVER!

[@Chronicskillness]

Tien Shan Pai. It's a Northern Longfist mixed system out of the Nanjing Central Kuoshu Institute (Wang Jyeu-Jen lineage). Mix of MiZhong, Xingyiquan, Tam Tui, Bajiquan, Meihua, Shaolin Longfist, Shuai Jiao, Sun Bin, Cha Fist, Tàijíquán, Northern Eagle Claw, Northern Praying Mantis, Bagua and Mandarin Duck. Heaviest on the beginning of the list. Also Heibei branch Xingyiquan (Chen Pan Ling lineage), Northern Seven Star Praying Mantis, and some Wing Chun & 5 Family Hung Gar (Ark Yuey Wong lineage).

[@rudivriends5582]

Ramsey, I just can lissen to your voice alone all day long. No matter what you tell. Very peaceful voice. You should use your voice in movies! Besides that I enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@drfistface]

I used to babysit a kid two years younger than me (I was 13) and he had a black belt in "karate" though he did not know what style, nor his lineage, nor any katas, nor any tactics, nor the names of any move in Japanese - he did not even know Karate was from Japan. But boy did that black belt make him want to start fights with everyone every single day. Most violent person I ever met. I do not miss him

[@Quach7]

The technically correct word would be: Budo 武道 (Japanese): the way of war. Budokan, the video game and the venue. Wushu 武術 (Chinese), võ thuật (Vietnamese): martial technique (art) The glyph 武 has components: 戈 = spear 止 = foot 武 connotes "foot soldier" = war Bugei 武芸 (Japanese) = war art 芸 has the glyph 艹 (grass). Grass-like paint brush stroke = art. Geisha 芸者 = art + -ist. Memoirs of a Geisha = Memoirs of an Artist.

[@ryanb55]

Yes! Sig Sauer P365 - Calibrated in 9mm. Like any other martial art, I pray to God I never ever have to use it on a person. But I practice with it often so that it is safely operated, kept clean, and then it is locked in safe along with all the ammo.

[@judosailor610]

I’ve seen it put this way. Training methodology is more important than “style,” but both matter. This means how you train (with “aliveness”, contact sparring or rolling, etc.) is more important than what style you train in. That said, there are some styles that are simply less effective (for fighting) than others.

[@stephanwatson7902]

Several times in China's history, training for combat was outlawed, even in the time of the revolution. Of course if you aren't allowed to spar and are forced to keep your style alive through forms, you're going to lose understanding of how to apply the techniques. Like Ramsey said, even early karate came from China and was called something like Tang Empty Hand (as in, the Tang Dynasty). There's plenty useful techniques in "kung fu styles", like wing chun's front oblique kicks to the knee; which is very effective in MMA. And the trapping can be very effective, if you know how to fight. I say this alot but, learn the basics of striking/grappling/wrestling and then you'll be able to use what works from kung fu

[@froprohd2040]

Nooooo the original thumbnail was so good!

[@RamseyDewey]

Hahaha! You liked the randomly selected screen shot?

[@mckee1978]

In many Romanization schemes, “K” represents an unaspirated “K” (sounds like a “G” to English speakers, but it isn’t actually the same) and “Kh” represents an aspirated or “hard K” sound. You see this in Thai transliteration for example.

[@QarthCEO]

Frank has told me you came to America to grow vines. I came here to grow fish in my hatchery. We both grow children. You use science to make vines grow better. Like vines, children need training. Martial science provides a way of training. It brings mind, body, spirit together.

[@attiylanen]

Good to know!

[@jonathanadler6983]

There are over 400 types of Chinese Gong Fu, but most people (even most Chinese) seem to think there are only three: Wing Chun, Shaolin, and Tai Chi.

[@44excalibur]

I believe the literal translation of Kung Fu/Gung Fu is "time and effort" if I'm not mistaken. Another way of saying "well done," or to achieve mastery of a certain skill or trade.

[@RamseyDewey]

The literal translation：gong 功 = achievement, accomplishment, merit, something you have worked for. Fu 夫 = husband. When you combine the words, the implication is that you are married to your work.

[@monkevil9262]

Means hard work

[@stephanwatson7902]

Jon Jones has Gung Fu in MMA...and he also uses some Gung Fu in MMA!

[@justgone123]

It's awesome hearing this truth spoken by someone else, I've not been to southeast Asia however my previous eacher was from there and he clarified the word confusion we Americans have perpetuated (largely without knowing it).

[@callumanderson2835]

If you go to a restaurant they will say “this chef has great Kung Fu skills”. Meaning cooking skills - nothing to do with martial arts!

[@tonygallagher6989]

The wing chun school where I used to train referred to wing chun kuen in everything inside the organisation. When advertising to the public, it was written as wing chun kung fu. Unfortunately, that term is more recognisable in the UK than wing chun kuen, and it's how you get people through the door. I blame David Carradine.

[@Seantorky3]

I didn wing chun as a teenager. I would say it made me more vunerable to bullying. I really don't rate traditional martial arts. I am still quite interested in Choy lee Fut.

[@tiagosaraiva102]

Its pretty clear that you only become a good fighter by fighting, sparring is also mandatory in order for non fighters to learn how to defend their selfs and have a good understanding of violence, love your videos, keep up the good work Ramsey! 🥋🥊

[@athanasiosalexatos2204]

Gong Fu (功夫) = Mandarin accent Kung Fu (功夫) = Kantonese accent. The first Chinese people who went in Amerika were Kantonese (Guang Dong). Also Qi Gong (气功) = Mandarin Chi Kung (气功) = Kantonese The symbols 汉字 are the same. Only the pin yin accent change. Tai Ji (太极) = Mandarin Tai Chi (太极) = Kantonese

[@RamseyDewey]

This is 100% false. Those are Wade Giles spellings of Mandarin, not Cantonese. And they don’t use simplified characters in Hong Kong, they use traditional characters. Taiji in Cantonese is “tai gik”, qigong in Cantonese is “hei gong”. Gongfu is “gung fu” (with a G). It’s a different language, not a different accent.

[@fonwoolridge]

Well said....

[@St1cKnGoJuGgAlO]

I believe I do know my (primary) martial art, Judo. It means the gentle or soft way or path. Developed from ju jutsu by jigaro kano. I see it as a way to potentially defend myself as well as a form of fitness that I can use in both situations while avoiding bad "karma"

[@jimmydigital]

Very informative coach. Ultimately there are many ways to skin a cat

[@punasurf4697]

I laugh when I hear "Kung Fu" doesn't work. In our Kajukenbo dojo our Sifu always reminds us that our most lethal or effective street fighting techniques come from our Cheun Fa training. We incorporate lots of different martial arts and have our Kumite nights, but our main focus is on survival in the street. Sure, we do traditional stances too, but not when fighting for real. "Kung Fu" may not work for MMA, but when there are no rules and you've spent enough time training to be Gung Fu, It serves it's purpose well. BTW, Always enjoy your insight Ramsey. Mahalo!

[@Quach7]

功夫 = Kung Fu 功 has the glyphs: 工 = work. a glyph of a carpenter's square 力 = a plow (glyph). Connotation: to plow ahead 夫 = a man, an adult. has the glyphs: 大 a person (glyph of a 5 limbed person) with a 一 hair pin. Pai Mei types who wears a hair pin. Connotation: maturity. 功夫 = work + plow ahead + maturity.

[@reginaldwelkin]

I just learned something new in Mandarin. Oddly enough, while Zhong Guo 中国 (China) means Middle Kingdom, Tai Guo 泰国 (Thailand) means Great Country.

[@chrisswanson2378]

Master Gin Foon Mark formally called his art Kwong Sai Jook Lum Praying Mantis Kung Fu but he said the proper term was not "Kung Fu". I forget but it was like Gwak Sai? May he live on in our memories and training. He also thought mastering calligraphy, painting, and chi gung was needed for the highest learning.

[@TeaSerpent]

That's how you pronounce Guoshu in his language ( I forget where he came from Toisan?). Anyway it means National Arts. It's more of a modern term that dates to the Republican era when traditional martial arts were being used as mediums to train children into strong healthy obedient soldiers for modern armies as well as indoctrinate them with nationalistic propaganda. Lots of martial artists of his generation in Taiwan and Hong Kong continued to use that term and in some.cases their students also use it.

[@chrisswanson2378]

@@TeaSerpent being as I don't know how to pronounce that or really remember what the term was, I can't say. That is interesting even if it isn't what I was on about. He studied early with the monks and the war broke out when he was still a child so his early location doesn't mean much.

[@TheDjbenton]

Hey Ramsey, Can You make a video to show how Shaolin Kung Fu can become more effective?

[@WuzuquanSpain]

I've decided to start teaching again. I hate using the term "Kung Fu" but I have to put in on my flyers. If I say "Wuzuquan" or even the more recognisable "Shaolin", potential students will not know what that means. I avoid saying "Kung Fu" on my website and KZbin channel, however. Fully agree with you: if you don't fight, you cannot call yourself a fighter. I wish TCMA people would take that to heart. As for the variety of Chinese styles, I live in Spain, where I am one of only two instructors of Fujian systems (the other teaches White Crane) that I am aware of. For any other CMA instructors I have met so far in Spain, what I do is simply alien to them. I mean in a real "What the hell is that?" kind of way. All the best.

[@jean4j_]

From my experience in China and Taiwan (5 years), people often use the word Wushu (武術) rather than Gong Fu though to talk about martial arts. Wushu literally means "martial techniques" meaning Martial Arts.

[@DadBodFit]

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting!

[@scottmacgregor3444]

This feels like a re-upload, but maybe it's just that the subject has never had it's own dedicated video.

[@RamseyDewey]

It’s not a reupload. I sometimes make videos like this so I can post a link in the comments instead of typing a novel as a response 10,000 times.

[@iitim2152]

MY first martial art teacher taught me "Kong fu".... Years later I still can't tell the difference between his "Kong fu" and Karate. Given that he was a youth pastor that bribed us to show up to church with "kong Fu " classes, I wouldn't doubt he was a yellow or red belt in american karate that thought kong fu sounded better because this was the early ninties lol. ( i give him that high of a belt because he could kick nearly vertically above his head so he had some real training of some kind)

[@wetgoo5416]

Hey Ramsey, love you brother!!

[@9usuck0]

I do practice Gung fu, and I do know it's name. I use Kung fu because no one knows or cares what I actually do but everyone knows what karate or Kung fu is in the United States. That is usually good enough for them. I have a decade of practice with it but only about a few months of actual practical use of it. I just love learning everything about it. The animal forms are fun, the wing Chun, longfist. It's just so interesting learning all the different ways these people figured out the same thing. But those aren't entirely what I use for self defense, but it also isn't excluded. All Kung fu martial arts work if trained right I just pick what works best with what I want out of it and everything else is fun appreciation. Oh yeah, NCGF as well. Real fun work from Jesse Glover.

[@cainmorano4956]

There are no superior styles, only superior training methods.

[@TheSeremen]

The first 1:13 was why I like the video, anything I watch after that is bonus content.

[@mastertorryn5397]

What Ramsey just said was if you don't concentrate on training you're not gonna get any good his act wording was, You don't focus on fighting you're not going to get any good. So I'll put it in my own words if you don't concentrate practice your martial art you're not gonna get any good.

[@godfistmartialarts6567]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Love this video ❤

[@ehisey]

I am always amazed at how many legitimate coaches and trainers actually have a very limited knowledge of the style or method they teach. There is some unfounded assumption that what little corner of the method they have learned is the all there is. I finding boxing coaches, surprisingly enough, to be some of the worst about this. Sure boxing is a highly optizimed fighting method, with a relatively small skill set compared to many others, but it still much larger than most understand. I was once told that only about 1% of the population tries to learn martial arts, of that only about 1% make an actual practice of it, of that may about 1% become actually good at it.

[@titanwilkins4044]

Thank you

[@Hive-Mind-BBX]

Honestly, I have no idea since all I did was mix bits of different kickboxing style's, plus about 6 restrictions and 2 submissions. So I guess just "half assed MMA" xD

[@TheDreadMan]

I am a practitioner of martial arts and even my instructor said that kung fu is an umbrella term when it comes to Chinese martial arts. But we practice Northern Shaolin / Southern Shaolin / animal style / wing Chun. But a lot of MMA heads feel like traditional Chinese martial arts are outdated and they may be right but it depends on what you're taking it for. be it self-defense physical health and fitness or just a hobby. I say find whatever discipline you like and suits you best and stick to it 💯

[@MA-lq6eb]

HAY YA! KUNG LAO WINS!👊🤠 🐲💥FLAWLESS VICTORY!💥🐉

[@MrNagless]

I have a question for you. First time writing :D I like martial arts, but prefer spending time at home. That includes working out. Do you have any suggestions to learn martial arts by myself ? :)

[@ellamayo9045]

“Great skill is not effective in combat!” Okay, good to know! Guess there’s no sense in training in any martial art, since once I obtain great skill in that martial art, it will lose its effectiveness!

[@RamseyDewey]

Especially on da streetz!

[@robertpapp9013]

Kung fu is not just a martial art but it is a lifestyle

[@RamseyDewey]

King fu is NOT a martial art at all.

[@robertpapp9013]

@@RamseyDewey it totally is shaolin kung fu animal kung fu

[@karlokamenjasevic921]

What do you think of pancrase hybrid wrestling

[@JuggoJuggo]

There has been more than a few boxers that look liked they trained defense with the wooden dummy from Wing Chun and the partner hand fighting.

[@Dr_V]

My Sanda master (who lived and trained in China for a few years in the 90s) told us it means being the best or excelling in something, but I didn't know it can apply to things outside martial arts.

[@tommytaylor2799]

I have learned something similar about the term kung fu. If possible, I need Q & A with the coach. I like your insightful, humble, and funny videos. My issue concerns a youth who wants to go to China and claims he wants to train with Shaolin monks. When I first met this youth, I expected him to be interested in grappling and striking. However, I was shocked to learn that he wanted to go to China. I would like to give him good advice if we meet again if he is serious. I am aware that China is under lockdown in a few of your videos. Any help could be an asset if he is serious.

[@kenban8533]

Great content as always! A lot of the confusion relates to the different ways that China defines things from how the West does it. Swords are a good example - the Chinese breakdown between one-edged (dao) and two-edged (jian) weapons is clean and simple. But when it comes time to translate, we get clumsy nomenclature like 'sword' for two-edged weapons and 'saber' for one-edged. It's not strictly accurate (saber has a much narrower meaning than 'dao'), but the exact terminology doesn't exist in English. So, we make due. Not a problem, so long as you're aware that's what you're doing. The trouble starts when people who haven't been involved in that conversation get involved. And then . . . yeesh.

[@RamseyDewey]

Dao 刀 means knife in Chinese- every kind of knife- from a sword with a true edge and a false edge to a kitchen knife, to pair of scissors 剪刀. It’s a really vaguely defined word. Sabre is as good of a translation for a 大刀 (big knife) as you’re going to get in English.

[@atomic_wait]

The English word backsword could also be used to refer to a single edged sword.

[@BenjaminGessel]

Also we have the word "cutlass", which of course is a curved sabre of sorts, popularized mainly by stories of pirates as well as perhaps to one degree or another various North African, Persian/Middle Eastern/Arabian, and Turkish/Turkic/Central Asian peoples that used cutlasses or cutlass-like weapons... 🤔🤔🤔🤔 Also the rapier, bayonnet, etc.

[@BenjaminGessel]

And then the Japanese have their various sword names as well...

[@tactech4114]

Kung Fu San Soo the five families is very effective training made for street not sport !

[@WhiteApeMA]

Exactly. Well said! 👍

[@ethankaryadi37]

Thank you for your insight on this issue, Coach Ramsey. Or should I say Professor Ramsey 👨‍🏫. Is it alright if I ask where you got that suit? Also, which church do you currently attend if you don’t mind? I’d love to hear from you soon. Thank you once again🙏.

[@RamseyDewey]

It’s not a suit. It’s just a white dress shirt (I can’t remember where I got it) and a tie. The tie was a gift from my mother for my 14th birthday. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@starwalk333]

Question mr. Dewey How come you do not see a lot of fighters ever use the double punch? Because when sparring with my opponents it does significantly more damage compared to just the single arm strike! any thoughts? (And when I say double punch I do not mean the traditional Gung Fu looking double punch but more of a modern boxing technique double punch which has more variations.) Thank you

[@instantmessengersama]

Kungfu originated from non other then Confucious himself . Just for the record

[@JKDVIPER]

Huh? I gotta hear this..

[@joeroubidoux2783]

That was awesome thanks for clearing that up. So Marines alway say “gung ho” which I heard they picked in China way back when dogs could still talk. Is it true that this is Chinese? and what does it mean if it is? (I am guessing “crayon eating jarhead” LOL).

[@KingoftheJiangl]

Cantonese immigrants from Hong Kong came to the US earlier than Mandarin speaking Chinese. Hence kungfu. It's Cantonese pronunciation.

[@RamseyDewey]

“Kungfu” the old Wade Giles romanization of the Mandarin “gongfu”. It is also is the Hakka Romanization of “gongfu” (Mandarin) and “gungfu” (Cantonese) You might be interested in researching the Hakka diaspora if you want to learn more about the influence of that language group on Chinese American culture.

[@victorvigorous7125]

Gung Fu/Kung Fu just became a commericialied term in America. I've trained in Chinese martial arts and we did a lot of tradition form and conditioning and drill but we also did a lot of pad/bag work, drilling technique for pratical application and then tested it in sparring which many Chinese martial arts schools in the states dont do. Gung Fu like you expressed refers to a great skill and unfortunately most chinese martial arts styles don't spend any or an adequate enough time on the skill of fighting which is sad. Luckily for me I found a school that put an emphasis on practical training and pressure testing techniques. As always love your insight.

[@darrinkemp1755]

Have you ever had the experience of fighting a non CMA stylist,only to have them tell you that your style isn't CMA because you can fight? I only ask because I have and want to exchange stories.

[@victorvigorous7125]

@@darrinkemp1755 yes I have, more than once but I don't get mad.