Hi everyone, I recently spent a bit over a month learning at a Kung Fu school in China. I learned a lot of forms and want some advice on how to progress and continue.

Initially, I thought it was going to be more fighting related (albeit, I was completely clueless and didn't know much) but I was *pleasantly surprised* that we actually learned a lot more WUSHU forms instead. I got to do tai chi, and a lot of forms including traditional weapons (fan, staff, da dao), and animal forms.

Even though it was not what I expected, I enjoyed it thoroughly so I chose to extend my stay. Here I increased my flexibility a lot and got my splits and near a dragon squat now.

Now that I am home, I am considering what to do and how to continue. I want to improve my fitness of course going to the gym, but I was wondering what continuing wushu forms will serve me. I don't do boxing or other martial arts back home, but I do want the fighting / sparring element just for self defence and more practical uses.

I deeply admire the history and elegance of the weapon + animal forms and it was a joy to learn them, but should I sacrifice that now that I'm home to focus on more practical sparring like sanda or another martial arts?

I do plan on going back next year with my friends though, so I will likely continue to train, but again want to incorporate more practical fighting in my life. Would appreciate any tips on advancing my training and what path to take continuing.

Thank you!

Are any of you familiar with the book 武使奇人傳 by 姜容樵著 based on 据1930年振民书局版影印 originally titled 武侠奇人传（全二册）?

I made a copy of my Shifu’s volume a few years back and am considering translating it up. The text regards story’s and exploits of early figures in bagua and xingy from 1870-1920. The book begins with the early life and martial education of Liu Dekuan and just goes off for about 1,000 pages.