Find out if a teacher is legit?

[ronrei]

I have visited a shaolin school/temple in New Jersey where the Sifu claims to have grown up and trained at a shaolin temple in China, can I verify this somehow, and does this mean his teachings would be more realistic for fighting or more wushu.

It is set up like a kwoon but also a temple where all the philosophies are taught, if you want to be taught that part.

Also it is open to train unlimited for 6 hours a day 6 days a week if you desire.

The site is www.southshaolin.com

Thanks

[ronrei]

I may have answered my own question, on his site he claim to live in a shaolin temple from age 8, in china, but other info I pulled up elsewhere states he was sick around 8 got better from asthma from tcm doctors and moved to china from 17 to 28 years old with a goal of becoming an action actor, and landing a small part in a movie in china, then coming back, this all is in a newsaper interview, why would he not say he was a shaolin monk to them?

I am guessing because he is not, alot less risk saying that on your website and to your students.

Will the real Shaolin Monk please stand up! lol

[Nebuchadnezzar]

...Will the real Shaolin Monk please stand up! lol

.... and he is holding his breath waiting....

Better breath 'cause it ain't gonna happen.

[thescottishdude]

If he's a good teacher and knows his stuff none of that matters really. you'll soon find out if he's any good.

[47MartialMan]

In my humble opinion, no one can lay claim to be a authentic Shaolin Monk. It is all commercial propaganda. The bandwagon of seeking recognition. Shaolin was ravished long ago. Those that lay claim only seek fame.

[ZeroAquaduct]

Actually, there's school like this in Vancouver, BC. I have no idea how to check whether they're legit or not.

[47MartialMan]

Actually, there's school like this in Vancouver, BC. I have no idea how to check whether they're legit or not.

No universal set standards. That is the dilema of martial arts...unlike other athletic directors, instructors, studies, that of being certified or acredited from a scholastic facility or university.

Shaolin and its name can be used universally like the Yin Yang symbol. The truth of the matter is that if someone has to use such to warrant their skill, ability, or commercial venture, leads one to deduct they are not as they appear.

I had came across an interesting article;

http://www.spiritualminds.com/authors.asp?authorid=12885

http://www.spiritualminds.com/articles.asp?articleid=1886

http://www.spiritualminds.com/articles.asp?articleid=1833

Also, so-called monks and chi demos:

http://exn.ca/Stories/2003/06/09/51.asp

[BlackLight]

If he's a good teacher and knows his stuff none of that matters really. you'll soon find out if he's any good.

Hello all. My first post here.
I'm thinking that if he lies about his history, can you really trust him? What else will he lie about?

[thescottishdude]

if he says he's part of any associations (and he should be!) you cana lways phone/write/email them and ask them to confirm his membership.

[jmd161]

I may have answered my own question

jeff