chenyaolong wrote:Ian C. Kuzushi wrote:
That is logical, and I do know that there are real fighters in the CMA world. But, why are there so many videos of supposed grandmasters from older generations (I'm thinking for example of the old black and white footage of the white crane and taiji fight in a boxing ring way back when) who clearly just sucked and had no idea how to fight, even on a basic level? Did things degenerate that fast? In one generation?
Well as we weren't there we can only rely on limited sources. If we look at the early 20th century, the only video footage around from then is people doing basic forms as a kind of calisthenic, or of the KMT doing weapon drills in lines. Those shockingly bad videos like the White Crane one in question, I would think is just an early case of what's happening with Xu Xiao Dong now.... delusional idiots trying to get the limelight. It's worth noting that in China it's common knowledge that Xu ignores challenges from a lot of people who are more likely to be competent.
back then i would guess if crossed hands it mean fighting for real, no such thing as sparring....or perhaps if sparring it was kept as wrestling.......thats kind of how it was in olden times okinawa, sparring and competition fighting was done the okinawan version of sumo called tegumi - (note if swtch the two te and gumi(kumi) its kumite) fighting with strikes was an serious matter