I would love to learn Northern Shaolin but I have no one to teach me?

I'm absolutely fascinated about the Northern Shaolin art. But there is no one around me (for MANY miles), I don't want to drive 8 hours every week to train. I know that everyone needs a master to master the art. But is there any way I can learn without?





(Like the water-bending scrolls Katara has on Avatar)

I would love to learn Northern Shaolin but I have no one to teach me?
I could offer more assistance if you added your locale. Someone mentioned California, and I am in southern and can recommend the Harmonious Fist school located in Hollywood, which, coincidentally, is headed by an acquaintance of mine, Sifu Kisu. You mention Avatar, so his name would be familiar to you as the martial arts coordinator for the show. The link to his school is here:


http://www.harmoniousfist.com/





I should also add that most water-bending techniques are based upon Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, whereas fire bending is northern Shaolin (Sifu Kisu's primary system taught in his school). For the record, air bending is Hsing-Yi with some Bagua and earth bending is Hung Gar (my system!), with the exception of Toph who uses southern Mantis, modeled after another acquaintance of mine, Sifu Manuel Rodriguez.





Videos, books, and magazines are great to compliment your training, but nothing can ever replace an actual teacher.





Good luck in your search and with your training.
Reply:Yup must go to Emeryville, CA..there you will find the answer. tf
Reply:Yes there are several ways to learn with out the long travel. There are videos you can order on line or from a martial art store or schools. There are also on line training regiments you can follow along to. there are subscription services available through reputable publications such as Black Belt magazine and others. Books are available through the local stores or libraries. And if you are very lucky you may find a quality instructor who will train at a location mutual to both such as at an outdoor park or other open area. What ever you choose do a little research to ensure you are getting the best possible training for you, your budget and your allowable distance to travel. Good luck with your endeavors! Northern Shaolin is both challenging and very rewarding. A very respected and noble traditional form.
Reply:no ways exist that allow for good learning without a physical teacher. Unless, of course, you have amazing spiritual powers.





However, there is a good line of schools called Shaolin-do. They teach many forms of shaolin (kung fu and tai chi) and have a web site (shaolin-do.com) with a list of locations. It's owned by Grandmaster Sin Kwang The and has very good curriculum at affordable prices.





This school is very successful and has many locations accross the US. There are two in austin TX and that's a very small city.
Reply:Sorry man, there are other ways of "learning" about a martial art, such as books, videos, etc., but there is not, and never will be, a replacement for a flesh and blood instructor. A video can't advise you to practice a certain technique a little more, a book can't help you correct your balance. Period.





Sorry to be blunt, but it is the truth. Find yourself a real life instructor.

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