On Links

I added a few links to sites I visit on a somewhat regular basis.

Dragon's List is populated with some of the most experienced, most polite fu-forum denizens in the known universe. The regulars are almost all kung-fu teachers or advanced students, and they really are interested in talking about the arts. They dispatch trolls with a much gentler hand than the testosterone-overloaded teenagers over at Bullshido, but still answer newbies' questions politely. A very nice starting-out point for those who want to know more about martial arts but are afraid to ask.

Kung Fu Magazine's online forum is probably the most popular Chinese martial arts (CMA) message board out there. Their server used to bog like crazy but they've upgraded quite a bit. The boards sometimes turn into jock-happy locker rooms but if you're looking for an opinion on something -- anything -- you'll get one. More than one, actually.

If you know nothing about kung fu but want to learn, Selini 108 is an online repository of CMA basics, including videos of hand & weapon forms. You have to register to access most material, but it's worth it.

Boston Wah Lum is where I train. Why they put up with me, I don't know...

West Coast fu fans can check out Fu-Ragz, a nice little forum that's always looking for new members. (East Coast fu fans can check them out too.)

Lineage researchers (a relatively new hobby among CMA'ists) should visit The Mantis Cave at least once to check out Sifu Dopazo's extensive listing of family lineage in the mantis arts. In fact, anyone who's trying to start an argument about whose mantis came from where should go here first before spouting off and looking like a fool.

An alphabetical listing of just about every Hong Kong-produced martial arts film in existence? Yes Virginia, there is just such a place. The Martial Artist's Guide to Hong Kong Films describes and reviews hundreds of fu flicks and is constantly adding more.

OMG these swords are nice.

Like it or not, contemporary wushu is here to stay. Raffi's Wushu Page (yeah it's officially "beijingwushuteam.com") but it will always be Raffi's page in my heart) is very complete, very knowledgeable, keeps the national team scores updated and provides regular in-person updates on Jet Li's alma mater, the Beijing Wushu Team. The site owner travels to China regularly to train there, plus he's an enthusiastic supporter of wushu, and if you want the latest updates on the swirl of politics around this sport that's struggling to get into the Olympics, the site message boards are pretty lively.

Uechi-Ryu karate is an art well worth checking out. This system practically dominated the New England martial arts for many years and is still turning out good fighters.

I just really like FightingArts.com. Its focus is Japanese & Okinawan arts, but the contributors to this online magazine are pretty well-rounded. A large forum and frequent content updates make this a winner.

Enjoy.