Loud Fist Kung Fu: The Guide to Modern Combat Book 1- The Basics

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Chapter 1: The Purpose of Loud Fist

In this book we will be covering the basics. This will include the proper training mindset, our recommended stretch routine, stances, blocks, strikes, kicks and the first training form. This book is not meant to replace a competent instructor, but to serve as a supplemental training guide. As with any workout routine you should consult with a qualified physician to determine whether or not it is appropriate for you.

Loud Fist Kung Fu is derived from Northern and Southern Shaolin Kung Fu with influences from Japanese Bujutsu and other martial styles. The system was co-founded by Master Jeff Krzeszinski and Sifu Michael Albeck to bridge the gap between other systems and real actual combat.

Before we get started, it is important to understand what makes Loud Fist Kung Fu different from other systems. In Loud Fist you will find elements from many styles of martial arts. This is because Loud Fist was developed by Master Krzeszinski from his personal experience in martial arts, which spans over 38 years and several systems (Bujutsu, Kendo, Iai, Aikido, Ninjitsu, Japanese and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, Shaolin Long Fist, Shaolin Chin Na, Shaolin Iron Body and Iron Fist, Chinese Qigong, Choy Li Fut, Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Wing Chun, and others). Master Krzeszinski is also a U.S. Military Veteran, and has had to rely on his martial arts mastery many times in the field of combat. The techniques included have been hand-picked based on their real life applications and effectiveness in the combat arena. This provides a well-rounded and much more complete/unbiased system than is otherwise available.

Most people have a misperception of martial arts today. Many masters try to make it sound like it is a mystical art form that will give you super powers. Others claim to be experts in combat, without ever being in a fight, and tout their lineage like it is gospel in an attempt to discredit any style that they deem un-authentic. Here is the truth. All the styles you can learn today are un-authentic. Over hundreds of years the teachings passed down generation to generation have changed. The purpose has changed. The old line of true Masters no longer exists.

The vast majority of instructors today steer away from realistic sparring and the development of martial power. Most tend to teach flowery forms or dance routines rather than actual application. This is a major issue with the current state of martial arts the world over. Forms are important, but only when trained properly and with the correct purpose. Many styles claim to be derived for combat, but they are taught by individuals who have no combat experience. I have known several martial artists over the years who attained a black belt in their system only to find themselves being beaten senseless in a real life encounter. This is usually not because they are poor students, but rather the training they are being provided is inaccurate, incomplete, or simply ineffective. This practice has perpetuated for far too long.

Even more common today is the Martial Arts School that hands out black belts to students who could not possibly attain the proper level of mastery. Ask yourself, how is it possible that a ten year old little girl is physically or mentally mature enough to master a martial art? What about the Black Belts who are in horrible physical shape and can’t kick above their waist? The answer is that they are not, and it is a terrible practice to give these students the false impression that they are proficient in selfdefense/ combat.

More and more we see schools that are simply established to take the student’s money. Pay your monthly tuition long enough and you will progress regardless of whether or not you demonstrate the proper mental and physical focus or ability. This is not the way it should be. This type of structure promotes poor work ethic and an inflated sense of security that could lead to real damage for the student. Quite frankly, it is dangerous and irresponsible. A black belt is something you buy. Proficiency is something you earn through dedication and years of practice, therefore in Loud Fist we have no belts. Instead, we have levels of proficiency. I guarantee you will earn each level in your progression.

So how did the practice of taking the students money and giving very little in return become the standard? If you look at a short history of Shaolin it begins to paint a very clear picture. The Shaolin temple was built in the Songshan Mountain during the Liang Dynasty in 495 A.D. There are many stories regarding the origins of the martial training at Shaolin, but it is apparent that the monks at the temple began training in the art of combat due to necessity. Over hundreds of years the Shaolin temples were raided, involved in civil wars, occupied by invading armies, burned down, rebuilt, etc... Monks were conscripted to battle Japanese pirates, involved in many documented skirmishes, and gained renown across China for their martial skills. There is no doubt that the monks at Shaolin established a tradition of superior martial arts ability. They trained to promote good health, as well as insuring they had the ability to protect themselves in the event of conflict.

These monks were very accomplished, and known to be experts in martial arts for a reason. However, the temples were destroyed multiple times. Each time the temple was destroyed a large number of important manuscripts, monks and teaching methods were lost. Over the centuries their teachings changed due to modernization, new influences, and rebuilding efforts. In 1928 Shi Yousan, a Kuomintang General, destroyed the temples yet again. They burned for over forty days. It is estimated that ninety percent of the buildings and manuscripts were destroyed in the fires. The monks scattered and the vast majority of the teachings were lost yet again. This was a catastrophic blow to the art.

There was no longer a private location to consolidate the training effort. Prior to the burning of the Shaolin Temple in the early 1900’s the Shaolin practioner would train directly with their master. They were a disciple. They served their master, and if they did not train diligently enough they may not eat or would be disciplined. They lived at the temple and trained rigorously. It was a lifestyle. To develop the skills, conditioning, and mental fortitude required to apply their art it took a very high level of commitment. Kung Fu is not easy. No real martial art is. It takes years of dedication, hard work, and focus to reach your goals. The Shaolin of the past understood this.

Now consider that you are one of the monks during the almost total destruction of the temple in 1928. You are now homeless. With firearms becoming more prevalent fewer people are seeking Kung Fu Instruction. Where do you turn? How do you feed yourself? Where can you find work?

The monks in many cases turned to rich landlords who desired instruction for their children. As you can imagine, rich children did not typically possess the fortitude for rigorous training. If the children didn’t train the instructor may be turned out or go hungry. The end result was modification to the original teachings. There was a shift in the training methodology due to it no longer being a necessity to be effective in combat. The necessity became feeding themselves. The martial training was reduced, and the instructors transitioned to flowery form training that the children could handle. At gatherings the pretty forms would be demonstrated for an audience. The martial aspect slowly eroded over time leaving more of a dancing art. This was self-preservation on the instructor’s part to keep the student, landlord, and himself happy.

This degradation was not unique to Shaolin. You will find similarities in Bujutsu as well. In the 1880’s the government bodies disbanded the Samurai, leaving them with no purpose. The art began to destabilize from there. There were also several times in Japanese history when the government enacted Sword Hunts. They literally scoured the countryside confiscating all weapons they could find. Usually this was done after a bloody shift in power to ensure that nobody else was able to fight for control. The art remains, but it is not what it used to be. It has turned in to a business rather than training for the purpose of being used in a real situation.

This attitude has carried forward in to almost all schools of martial arts today. Some styles may include sparring, but usually in the form of pre-determined 1-2-3 drills, and do not teach the conditioning, application of force, or sensitivity required to be effective. Others instruct you to make silly noises while punching or kicking. What happens when you scream as you throw a punch? You give away your position or at a minimum attract more attention. Does that make any sense? It does not give you more power or control. Others simply teach bad manners, hopping around, and spinning jump kicks that would never work in a real combat situation. MMA teachings make it seem like taking someone to the ground would be a good idea in a fight. How many fights in real life happen in a one on one scenario? What do the other two or three people do when you take their friend to the ground? They probably don’t let you sit on top of their friend and beat them. Think about what you learn in these classes. Bad habits, and unrealistic training methods. Really think about what you are being taught. What is real and what is fantasy?

Please don’t misunderstand what we are saying here. This chapter is not about trashing other styles, or implying that everything else is bad. The teachings of Shaolin Kung Fu and Japanese Bujutsu are among the most effective systems in the world today. The issue is a lack of understanding on how to apply the principles. The concepts are generally not well explained, and there is very little, if any, real sparring. Most instructors have never had to rely on their abilities in real life, and therefore do not understand the mindset required to be effective. There is a lot of mixed, or simply bad, information incorporated based on tradition or that particular instructor’s untested preference. As Master Krzeszinski says, Too much bad information clouds the good, meaning that it is difficult to separate what is actually useful from fantasy. Especially if you are not an experienced martial artist.

If you are able to find a competent instructor there are still roadblocks such as language barriers. Learning Kung Fu in Cantonese may seem interesting, but when you have to learn to count, and remember names of techniques in another language, it slows down your learning process. This is especially true when training multiple systems from different countries. Kung Fu and Bujutsu for example.

Master Krzeszinski trained multiple systems extensively over years and years of dedicated training. This was not for casual practice, but rather survival. This is one of the most important differences in Loud Fist. Along with strikes, blocks, forms etc... you will be tapping in to the mindset required to make them effective. You will gain an understanding of the principles as they were meant to be taught, and develop a much more thorough understanding of martial arts as a whole. Though the system is comprised of multiple martial arts, everything is taught in English. We do not perform tea ceremonies or lion dances, make silly noises, or dress up in costumes. You will see the difference very quickly.

The system is designed to have a clear path for students to follow from the very beginning. The focus is to build a solid foundation and understanding of concepts, while conditioning the body and mind in preparation for an actual fight or combat situation. There is no point in learning a martial art if you do not train with the intention of being able to use it in real life. Loud Fist is a realistically structured system for modern combat. Our goal is to change the way the world thinks about martial arts, and return the focus to its origins.

It is profound the effects that Loud Fist Kung Fu can have on all aspects of your life. I know that some people may read this and think that it is militant, or for soldiers. The truth is that it will be very useful for a combat soldier, but also for a stay at home mom, or even a child. Though you may never plan to apply this the material, the ability to do so in your time of need is invaluable. Train hard and you will reap great rewards. The physical and mental benefits are astounding. You will find yourself becoming more disciplined, aware of your environment, and more focused at work. You will drop that extra weight, develop more self-confidence, reduce stress levels with a positive outlet, and on top of everything else learn to fight with professional efficiency. It can literally change or even save your life. I can’t think of a more positive activity for anyone to be a part of.

Don’t let yourself be discouraged if at first you don’t succeed. Nobody I have ever met has been able to perform, with effective result, any of the elements here in without extensive practice and dedication. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. Loud Fist Kung Fu will require you to push yourself to a whole new level, but it is well worth the effort. We look forward to working with you.

Chapter 2: Beginning your Training

Before we jump in to stretch routines, stances, punches, kicks, forms etc... I would like to discuss some of the typical roadblocks and pitfalls the beginner will encounter, along with the basic mentality required to be successful. There are many mistakes made in the pursuit of martial arts knowledge. This section will help you stay on the correct course, and provide clarity on what lies in front of you.

When you first start training it can seem daunting. There is so much information to process that it will be hard to make heads or tails of it at first. Your thumb is here, your toes point this way, stay low, straighten your back, look this way, butt tucked in, go from this stance to that, use this fist, grab here, apply pressure there, etc...

Kung Fu is challenging because you are teaching your mind and body to function in a way it never has. You are applying skills that are completely undeveloped and it will take time to internalize. It will also require hard work and effort to develop the stabilizing muscles necessary for proper balance, to acquire the stretch needed for proper form, and to unlearn bad habits. There are no shortcuts. Most people want to skip straight to being a master without putting in the work. Get this idea out of your head. No matter what your experience, skill level in other martial arts, or level of physical fitness, you will have a lot of work to do. The only way you will arrive at your destination is by taking the first step.

Don’t get frustrated. Every real martial artist on the planet goes through this. In order to learn, you will have to let go of the notion that you already know what you are doing. Most people drastically overestimate their combat abilities. The truth is that you probably have no idea what to do if you get in a fight, even if you have taken other martial arts, and when you begin training with someone who does it can be uncomfortable. Rather than being disheartened try to take it for what it is. You have found your starting point. Now you can move forward.

As humans we all learn in different ways, but there are common stages to the learning process. Not just in Kung Fu, but in life. The stages look something like this:

•The first stage is an unconscious lack of knowledge. Basically, you don’t know what you don’t know. Until you come to the realization that you don’t know something you will not be able to learn.

•The second stage is a conscious lack of knowledge. At this point you are aware that you don’t know and have found the desire to start learning. In terms of martial arts, this usually occurs the first time you spar with someone who possesses real skill. This is where you start learning general concepts, stances, simple techniques, and developing a basic understanding.

•The third stage is conscious knowledge. You have begun working diligently to learn the required skills and start to become more proficient. This is where you really start to develop a working knowledge of the subject. You begin to understand that there are multiple possible applications of each technique. The basic training you have been practicing is getting easier and you can now begin adding complexity. This is also where self-reflection comes in to play. Question what you are learning and why. Make sure to develop a deep understanding of concepts.

•Stage Four is where we all want to be. Unconscious knowledge. At this stage you are a true master of the topic. You no longer have to think about the subject because it has been internalized within you. You have studied, worked hard, and stayed the course. You found a way to overcome your own excuses and persevered where others did not. You have developed your skills, and are now an authority on the subject. This is the essence of Kung Fu. Hard work over time, in whatever the subject matter may be, will develop your skill to a level that is not typically seen by others. If you can keep yourself motivated and on the right path, you can accomplish just about anything.

So where do we start? How do you learn Kung Fu?

Let’s discuss the mental aspects first:

Show up:

You start by getting out of bed. The single largest hurdle you face is yourself. The hard part about learning Kung Fu is that you have to actively pursue the knowledge. That means making time for your workouts, getting to class, and really prioritizing what is important to you. As you have undoubtedly heard in the past, You get out of it what you put in to it. This is especially true for Kung Fu. People tend to make excuses to justify their laziness. I’m tired, I worked all day, my show is on, I’m not feeling good today, I’m trying to finish this last mission on such and such game, etc... Get over that. The sooner you do the more you will accomplish in life. Really think about it and you will see this is an absolute truth. We can all do more if we really want to. Rather than trying to find a reason to do nothing at all; find a way to get more done. This will change your life.

Trust your instructor:

This does not mean to trust blindly. It is natural for you to question what you are learning. We encourage questions. Always check for understanding. Spar and test the application, etc... Be respectful of class and your instructor, but do whatever you need to do in order to be confident in your instructor’s ability. That trust is of paramount importance to the learning process.

The problem with many styles is that the process for authorizing instructors is rather lax. This leads to sup-par instructors that do not like to be questioned or have their knowledge tested. Often they try to make it seem like they are the absolute authority of all things martial arts related and discourage free thought. It’s up to you to make sure you are not learning garbage. If your instructor is not open to you checking your understanding, asking why one method is preferable to another, sparring, or acts put out when a relevant question is asked, they should not be your instructor.

When you are working with a Loud Fist Kung Fu instructor, they have been personally vetted and reviewed by Master Krzeszinski and Sifu Albeck. This is a rigorous process, and one that we take very seriously. This is the backbone of Loud Fist. Your Loud Fist Kung Fu instructor will be competent, and more than capable. They will be willing to demonstrate and make sure that you understand what is being taught or they will not be an instructor.

Keep an open mind and train with a purpose:

The skills you will be developing are most likely brand new to you. Try to realize that you have developed your current set of skills over many years, and that any changes from what you think you know will seem awkward and wrong. Over time that feeling will fade and your new set of skills will take over. Most of the early stages in training will focus on unlearning your bad habits while building towards correct posture, breathing, strength development, conditioning, etc... Start at the beginning, develop over time, and keep pressing on. Don’t fight the new information.

Also, realize that the individual techniques you learn from the start are only part of the bigger picture. Almost all of the stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, etc... can be utilized in many forms. Try to keep your mind flexible and don’t think in absolute terms. Don’t become rigid with your mind or body. Learn the basic technique as it is taught, but look for the purpose behind it. You’ve heard it all before. Be like water. Flow like a river. Be formless. Etc... Etc...

What does that really mean?

It means that you will need to become one with your body and abilities. You will also need to remove the roadblocks in your own mind that tell you a technique only has one acceptable usage. Almost everything you learn can be applied in multiple ways. You should not think you have to apply your skills in specific sequence, or only in one possible scenario. Instead, you should practice in many different ways to become accustom to a multitude of possibilities. The more well-rounded and adaptable you are; the more likely you