Chapter 1: The Purpose of Loud Fist
In this book we will be covering the basics. This will include the proper training mindset, our recommended stretch routine, stances, blocks, strikes, kicks and the first training form. This book is not meant to replace a competent instructor, but to serve as a supplemental training guide. As with any workout routine you should consult with a qualified physician to determine whether or not it is appropriate for you.
Loud Fist Kung Fu is derived from Northern and Southern Shaolin Kung Fu with influences from Japanese Bujutsu and other martial styles. The system was co-founded by Master Jeff Krzeszinski and Sifu Michael Albeck to bridge the gap between other systems and real actual combat.
Before we get started, it is important to understand what makes Loud Fist Kung Fu different from other systems. In Loud Fist you will find elements from many styles of martial arts. This is because Loud Fist was developed by Master Krzeszinski from his personal experience in martial arts, which spans over 38 years and several systems (Bujutsu, Kendo, Iai, Aikido, Ninjitsu, Japanese and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Shaolin Long Fist, Shaolin Chin Na, Shaolin Iron Body and Iron Fist, Chinese Qigong, Choy Li Fut, Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Wing Chun, and others). Master Krzeszinski is also a U.S. Military Veteran, and has had to rely on his martial arts mastery many times in the field of combat. The techniques included have been hand-picked based on their real life applications and effectiveness in the combat arena. This provides a well-rounded and much more complete/unbiased system than is otherwise available.
Most people have a misperception of martial arts today. Many "masters" try to make it sound like it is a mystical art form that will give you super powers. Others claim to be experts in combat, without ever being in a fight, and tout their lineage like it is gospel in an attempt to discredit any style that they deem un-authentic. Here is the truth. All the styles you can learn today are un-authentic. Over hundreds of years the teachings passed down generation to generation have changed. The purpose has changed. The old line of true Masters no longer exists.
The vast majority of instructors today steer away from realistic sparring and the development of martial power. Most tend to teach flowery forms or dance routines rather than actual application. This is a major issue with the current state of martial arts the world over. Forms are important, but only when trained properly and with the correct purpose. Many styles claim to be derived for combat, but they are taught by individuals who have no combat experience. I have known several martial artists over the years who attained a black belt in their system only to find themselves being beaten senseless in a real life encounter. This is usually not because they are poor students, but rather the training they are being provided is inaccurate, incomplete, or simply ineffective. This practice has perpetuated for far too long.
Even more common today is the "Martial Arts School" that hands out black belts to students who could not possibly attain the proper level of mastery. Ask yourself, how is it possible that a ten year old little girl is physically or mentally mature enough to master a martial art? What about the "Black Belts" who are in horrible physical shape and can't kick above their waist? The answer is that they are not, and it is a terrible practice to give these students the false impression that they are proficient in selfdefense/ combat.
More and more we see schools that are simply established to take the student's money. Pay your monthly tuition long enough and you will progress regardless of whether or not you demonstrate the proper mental and physical focus or ability. This is not the way it should be. This type of structure promotes poor work ethic and an inflated sense of security that could lead to real damage for the student. Quite frankly, it is dangerous and irresponsible. A black belt is something you buy. Proficiency is something you earn through dedication and years of practice, therefore in Loud Fist we have no belts. Instead, we have levels of proficiency. I guarantee you will earn each level in your progression.
So how did the practice of taking the students money and giving very little in return become the standard? If you look at a short history of Shaolin it begins to paint a very clear picture. The Shaolin temple was built in the Songshan Mountain during the Liang Dynasty in 495 A.D. There are many stories regarding the origins of the martial training at Shaolin, but it is apparent that the monks at the temple began training in the art of combat due to necessity. Over hundreds of years the Shaolin temples were raided, involved in civil wars, occupied by invading armies, burned down, rebuilt, etc... Monks were conscripted to battle Japanese pirates, involved in many documented skirmishes, and gained renown across China for their martial skills. There is no doubt that the monks at Shaolin established a tradition of superior martial arts ability. They trained to promote good health, as well as insuring they had the ability to protect themselves in the event of conflict.
These monks were very accomplished, and known to be experts in martial arts for a reason. However, the temples were destroyed multiple times. Each time the temple was destroyed a large number of important manuscripts, monks and teaching methods were lost. Over the centuries their teachings changed due to modernization, new influences, and rebuilding efforts. In 1928 Shi Yousan, a Kuomintang General, destroyed the temples yet again. They burned for over forty days. It is estimated that ninety percent of the buildings and manuscripts were destroyed in the fires. The monks scattered and the vast majority of the teachings were lost yet again. This was a catastrophic blow to the art.
There was no longer a private location to consolidate the training effort. Prior to the burning of the Shaolin Temple in the early 1900's the Shaolin practioner would train directly with their master. They were a disciple. They served their master, and if they did not train diligently enough they may not eat or would be disciplined. They lived at the temple and trained rigorously. It was a lifestyle. To develop the skills, conditioning, and mental fortitude required to apply their art it took a very high level of commitment. Kung Fu is not easy. No real martial art is. It takes years of dedication, hard work, and focus to reach your goals. The Shaolin of the past understood this.
Now consider that you are one of the monks during the almost total destruction of the temple in 1928. You are now homeless. With firearms becoming more prevalent fewer people are seeking Kung Fu Instruction. Where do you turn? How do you feed yourself? Where can you find work?
The monks in many cases turned to rich landlords who desired instruction for their children. As you can imagine, rich children did not typically possess the fortitude for rigorous training. If the children didn't train the instructor may be turned out or go hungry. The end result was modification to the original teachings. There was a shift in the training methodology due to it no longer being a necessity to be effective in combat. The necessity became feeding themselves. The martial training was reduced, and the instructors transitioned to flowery form training that the children could handle. At gatherings the pretty forms would be demonstrated for an audience. The martial aspect slowly eroded over time leaving more of a dancing art. This was self-preservation on the instructor's part to keep the student, landlord, and himself happy.
This degradation was not unique to Shaolin. You will find similarities in Bujutsu as well. In the 1880's the government bodies disbanded the Samurai, leaving them with no purpose. The art began to destabilize from there. There were also several times in Japanese history when the government enacted "Sword Hunts". They literally scoured the countryside confiscating all weapons they could find. Usually this was done after a bloody shift in power to ensure that nobody else was able to fight for control. The art remains, but it is not what it used to be. It has turned in to a business rather than training for the purpose of being used in a real situation.
This attitude has carried forward in to almost all schools of martial arts today. Some styles may include sparring, but usually in the form of pre-determined 1-2-3 drills, and do not teach the conditioning, application of force, or sensitivity required to be effective. Others instruct you to make silly noises while punching or kicking. What happens when you scream as you throw a punch? You give away your position or at a minimum attract more attention. Does that make any sense? It does not give you more power or control. Others simply teach bad manners, hopping around, and spinning jump kicks that would never work in a real combat situation. MMA teachings make it seem like taking someone to the ground would be a good idea in a fight. How many fights in real life happen in a one on one scenario? What do the other two or three people do when you take their friend to the ground? They probably don't let you sit on top of their friend and beat them. Think about what you learn in these classes. Bad habits, and unrealistic training methods. Really think about what you are being taught. What is real and what is fantasy?
Please don't misunderstand what we are saying here. This chapter is not about trashing other styles, or implying that everything else is bad. The teachings of Shaolin Kung Fu and Japanese Bujutsu are among the most effective systems in the world today. The issue...
