Why isn't kung fu used in mixed martial arts (or is it?)?

Question

sensei:

I'm talking about real kung fu, not imitation. Someone (in the world) must be teaching real kung fu, unless it's some sort of mythical construct.

Answer 1

Two words, 1 name.

Cung Le

Answer 2

It isnt used often because it isnt very effective in the octagon.  Whatever works there will be used there.

Answer 3

Lyoto Machida, Georges St. Pierre, Bas Rutten and Cung Le have used karate and kung fu style kicks effectively in mixed martial arts.  Tim Boetsch was throwing a karate style front kick to perfection in his win over David Heath recently.  

Sometimes unorthodox karate style kicks throw off opponents off their gameplan.

Answer 4

because kung fu take a long time to learn and a lot of practice. also kung fu is generally not as powerful as a style like mauy thai. or boxing.

Answer 5

It is not used because no one teaches REAL Chinese MA any.

Everything is watered down.

Answer 6

kung fu like most martial arts is very hard to use unless u are a true master, alot of it is also show, most of the moves and strikes are not effective at all

Answer 7

well since kung fu has not pre-set rules like no nut shots, or eye gauging or techniques that are illegal in mma, that might  be a reason or maybe kung fu fighters dont want to compete in mma?  

Answer 8

Kung Fu isn't affective because it specifically has ways you must stand and throw moves that are not real-life relevant. I use to take Kung Fu and I gave it up because I was questioned its effectiveness. I respect all styles in its own right, however MMA-wise, its not useful. I sparred with a guy that claimed to be a Kung Fu black belt at my gym and I school him with just judo techniques. After a while I could see that he abandoned all his teachings and just went by life/death instincts, which IS REAL LIFE.

Answer 9

There is some being used to a certain extent, but it is definitely limited in it's use in mma. One of the main reasons is that most mma gyms are just bringing in kickboxing and muay thai instructors to teach their striking. In the early UFC days Jason DeLucia was using some very real and effective Chinese martial arts. These days you have Tim Boetsch is using Jeet Kune Do which is based on Chinese martial arts and Cung Le is a San Shou back ground which is also based on Chinese martial arts.

By the way, just FYI -the term kung fu has absolutely nothing to do with martial arts it is just a generic label slapped on Chinese martial arts by westerners years ago. Kung fu actual translates as learned skill and could be applied to any skill, but is not martial arts specific.