CMA Forum/How not to look stupid FAQ

**Bang!** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 12:03pm

FAQ (subject to update)

Why the Chinese martial arts (CMA) forum?
This area is for the discussion of all styles of CMA. It is expected that posters will have competency in their respective arts, since opinions are like . . . well, everyone has one, don’t they?

Don’t you guys hate CMA?
Settle down. Bullshido.net is probably a lot more open-minded than you think. And thanks to this forum, discussion will be kept largely flame-free. MMA nutriders have their own space to hang out. The price you pay for this well-appointed lounge is actually having something to offer in the way of intelligent discussion.

There are other forums out there, you know . . . Ones with fewer jerks.
First of all, it’s the jerks who will tell you that you forgot to wear deodorant, or that you have broccoli in your teeth. Secondly, this forum will attempt to differentiate itself by developing and maintaining consistent standards for proof. If you feel that your style of CMA has been wrongly maligned, then people here will work with you to create evidence of whatever claims you might have. Naturally, the flip-side of this is that not a lot of credence will be given to unsubstantiated verbiage. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

Aren’t the same issues going to come up again and again?
Quite possible. The purpose of this FAQ is to deal with them in a detailed manner. We’re going to do our best to provide comprehensive answers. These conclusions will form a jumping point for further discussions.

Can we hang out with Omega?
Why on earth would you want to do that?

Can non-CMA practitioners post pertinent questions?
Given this site's history, Non-practitioners are going to get a little less slack when it comes to posting here, but with that being said, any reasonable question or observation is welcome. Post away.

I hate you guys. You're abrasive assholes, and have shown little respect for CMA, like, ever.
All I can really say is that you shouldn't let your prejudices run amok. This area is dedicated toward productive CMA discussion. The idea is to take things in a different direction than they have in past; we want to incubate ideas, not turn them into omelettes. Yes, if you post bullshit, you will be criticized, nay mocked. But that's the point -- we're looking for objective standards of evaluation. Whether you like it or not, that's what martial arts that aren't totally performance-based require.

That’s it?
This is a work in progress, mmkay? If you have suggestions for this page, then please post them and one of the moderators will integrate them accordingly.

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 1:12pm

Is it science?
NO! It's not science. Science tries to document results. Even those arts with a venue where you can document results do not typically call their art a science. Stop trying to be an elitist by calling what you do a science. Or, at least have the sanity to attempt documenting your results.

**Bang!** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 1:32pm

What about the sweet science? But really, who refers to their MA as science?

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 1:48pm

Originally Posted by Repulsive Monkey

What about the sweet science? But really, who refers to their MA as science?

Sweet science is at least more correct because it is a way to say "we know we are not real scientists but at least we are trying to be systematic." Regardless, "the sweet science" is a nickname for western boxing, so I think it would cause confusion to use it regarding a CMA - at least for the purpose of this sub-forum as I understand it.

As for the second question, you aren't serious about that, are you? Because if you are, you've got to be blind or deaf or something. Quite a few people in CMA (particularly those in __ng __un) do exactly this.

**Bang!** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 2:32pm

Right you are

**new2bjj** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 3:24pm

Originally Posted by Repulsive Monkey

Right you are

****, I have that tape laying around somewhere. I understand it is all relative, but he Leung had the rep for being the real deal. Plus, he did western boxing in his youth.

**Bang!** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 3:26pm

Anything noteworthy on the tape?

***Omega Supreme*** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 3:41pm

Repulsive monkey sucks bananas

**Bang!** · Posted On: 2/02/2007 3:45pm

Nice talk, sugarmouth. Actually, now that you're back, how's about starting a thread talking about your own CMA experiences? It would be nice for people to see that there are a few kung fu guys kicking around who can actually throw hands.