Paul Vunak Info

[Ryu (JKD?)]

You'll find lots of threads were people say different things about him.

I, from my own experience, relate more to Mike's post than anyone else's. Paul can teach, and teach well.
I will say this. Those of us who have been personally trained by Paul over the years have come away with a lot in terms of practical training, efficiency, and the legacy that he laid down in JKD.

You'll hear a lot of things, in the end you'll have to make the judgment call. I've never had a bad experience with Paul training wise.

[DanaPT]

Mike, and all -

I trained with vunak for several years, including private training and the group class in Orange County. I did live in Dana Point (nice guess from the user name!); although I don't live in the area now. I would be very willing to talk with you offline - can you send me a private message?

I am not trying to stir up what may be old news for many people. it's more about helping new people decide whether or not to train with him, by making sure they have all the facts BEFORE spending their money. Wouldn't you want to know before travelling across the country?

The fact is that many of the rumors are true; and I have witnessed firsthand many of the behaviors that have been alleged. I also know that vunak has, from time to time, tried to dispel the rumors by addressing them publicly, like the "State of the Union" posts on his web site (usually posted simultaneously on forums like this). What he did is tell PARTIAL truths - like about having a problem with alcohol, or about getting into a lot of street fights - and pass the partial truths off as the whole truth. He is smart enough to realize that if he came clean about one or two rumors, he could then claim that the rest are just fabrications from people out to get him.

What I do want to add is this - Paul is a deeply caring human being, and a highly talented teacher (brilliant, even). Mike, I know he helped you through a difficult time in your life. For Ryu and others, he's given you amazing, life-altering training experiences. Believe me, I've seen him in action many times and I've watched students just float out the gym door (when he used to be in a gym. Sometimes that was the garage door!) after their iptp was over. This does not change the fact that he is also a deeply troubled individual. I've been there when people have turned up for their training programs (not just from the states, but from other countries!)...and no one could find Paul. Not even his wife! Students that lived in Orange County (as I did) know more about this because we saw him on a regular basis; those who only saw him occasionally may or may not know about his problems.

Does this mean that he should be written off as a fraud, a drunk, a cokehead, or worse? Not necessarily. I'm not sure that his personal problems make him a bad instructor - when he's "on," he's unparalleled. You just have to make sure you catch the "Good Vunak."
Over the past few years I've observed the supporters and detractors step in periodically on the forums; and nobody who cares to post seems to know for sure. I can say for sure. It is up to you to decide if his issues will turn you away from training with him or not.
I wish I had known the facts before I started.

[danny boy]

Does Paul have a school or a training group going anymore? Or does he only teach through privates/seminars? Since I live in LA, I have always wondered if I would ever be able to train with him.

[cakegirl]

Let me preface this with admitting that I have no idea who this man is, and the only knowledge of him has come from me reading bits of this thread (not all of it).

But is this a guy that can fight AND cook gourmet food??? Can anybody explain to me how come I'm not married to him?

Ah, maybe he doesn't like other housework...

[godard24p]

Paul Vunak...

i've never met Paul Vunak. But i have trained with some of his students/full instructors. i found that during that period of time, my training was the most effective and resourceful experiences. the instructors were class acts, professional and without ego. i've heard different accounts and stories of Paul, and they all represented him in a positive way.

training directly with Paul, what he does show you, you can use immediately. i would suggest that you have a good base of martial arts to fully appreciate what he is teaching IMHO. learn the rules before you break them

"Absorb what is useful... Discard what is useless... Add specifically what is your own" -- Bruce Lee