There has been a lot of discussion lately on the WLE forum about the usefulness of the Kung Fu that is being taught today. This discussion is relative to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and fighting in the UFC. Most feel that the MMA guys are more realistic and have boiled down what is useful to them and that is why they are more successful in this ring and why Kung Fu guys get their ass kicked.

My opinion is “Who gives a damn?” You have to ask yourself some questions: Why do I study Kung Fu? What are my goals – just to fight? If I were going to fight in a UFC situation, will their rules restrict my technique to the point I can not win?

My point is that if you are going into a UFC situation, if that is all you care about, then don’t study Kung Fu, do the MMA thing. This is like learning how to drive Formula One cars so you can drive in the Demolition Derby. Kung Fu is an art and as an art, it contains many facets that can be discovered, explored and appreciated for their beauty by themselves. Fighting is a low level skill but if that is all you care about then become a MMA guy.