I have recantly started taking kung fu classes. Now in kung fu a huge emphasis is placed upon stances and the techniques are all very "traditional" if you get my meaning. I can see how stances can give power and stability, but but effective would they be in a chaotic street fight scenario? I am off course talking about once you have reached the level where the movements are comitted to muscle memory.

Ps. I am not practicing kung fu for self defense, I'd just like to know how I should apply my techniques in self defense.