Chinese Martial Arts (Kung Fu)

Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Gongfu or Wushu, is a collection of fighting styles that have evolved over many centuries in China. Today, it’s not just a martial art but also considered a traditional sport that’s becoming increasingly popular. It’s seen as a symbol of Chinese culture, with styles like Shaolin, Tai Chi, and Qigong having many followers around the world.

In this article, we will learn in-depth about Chinese Martial Arts.

Let’s get started!

Chinese Martial Arts (Kung Fu): Overview

Chinese Martial Arts (Kung Fu)
Terms	Chin Na Fa jin Kung fu Neigong Neijia Qi Qigong Shifu Yin and yang
Historical Locations	Kunlun Mountains Mount Emei Mount Hua Shaolin Monastery Wudang Mountains
Legendary Figures	Guan Yu Bodhidharma Zhang Sanfeng Fong Sai-yuk Yim Wing-Chun Li Ching-Yuen Eight Immortals Five Elders
Historical Individuals	Emperor Taizu of Song Yue Fei Hong Xiguan Dong Haichuan Yang Luchan Chan Heung Wu Quanyou Wong Fei-hung Sun Lutang Li Shuwen Huo Yuanjia Wang Ziping Chen Fake Ip Man Ten Tigers of Canton
Modern Celebrities	Bruce Lee Bolo Yeung Sammo Hung Jackie Chan Jet Li Donnie Yen Vincent Zhao Zhang Jin (actor) Dennis To

Kung Fu: History & Origin

Kung fu is a type of martial art that involves both physical exercise and spiritual focus through concentration and self-discipline. It’s mainly about fighting without weapons, similar to karate or tae kwon do. But it’s also about getting ready for any skilled task without letting your thoughts or feelings get in the way.

People have been doing kung fu since ancient times, even before the Zhou dynasty around 1111–255 BC. Back then, Daoists practised it as a form of exercise around the 5th century BC. The movements in kung fu are based on careful study of how our bodies work, like our bones and muscles.

It takes a lot of muscle control to do it properly. Kung fu includes lots of different moves, many of which copy the fighting styles of animals.

These moves start from five basic foot positions: standing up straight, and four others named after animals like dragons and snakes. There are loads of styles of kung fu, and people have developed ways to fight both with and without weapons.

In the latter part of the 20th century, there were a bunch of movies made all about kung fu. These films showed off kung fu techniques and ideas and got people all over the world interested in learning more about this ancient art.

Kung Fu: Classification

Over many years in China, Kung Fu has grown into a big system with lots of different groups or types. It’s said there are over 300 unique kinds of Kung Fu all across the country. The styles in the north and south of China are quite different, so it’s not easy to just put them into one category.

Some of these groups are named after where they come from, like Southern Fist (Nanquan) which is popular in southern China, or the Shaolin School based in the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province.

Others are named after the person who started them, like Chen Style Tai Chi or Yang Style Tai Chi. Some are known for their specific training methods, like Internal Boxing Arts (Neijiaquan) which focuses on controlling your breath and body, or External Boxing Arts (Waijiaquan) which focuses on building up your muscles and limbs.

Kung Fu: Reputed Institutions

Here are some of the most important and influential schools of Kung Fu:

• Shaolin Martial Arts: These originated in the Shaolin Temple in Henan. They’re considered the top style in China and are practised all over the world. Shaolin Martial Arts is based on Buddhist philosophy, focusing on both physical exercise and mental training. Examples of this style include Shaolin Boxing, Southern Fist (Nanquan), Northern Legs (Beitui), and Wing Chun.

• Wudang Martial Arts: This sect is almost as famous as Shaolin. It comes from Mt. Wudang in Hubei Province and is based on Taoist theories. Important styles from Wudang include T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Form/Intention Boxing (Xingyiquan), and Eight-Diagram Palm (Baguazhang).

• Emei Martial Arts: These come from Mt. Emei in Sichuan Province. They’re a blend of Shaolin and Wudang styles, known for being moderate. There are many different branches of Emei Martial Arts, including Qingcheng, Tiefo, Qingniu, Dianyi, and Huanglin.

• Tai Chi: This is a slow and graceful style that comes from a mix of Taoism, philosophical ideas, traditional medicine, and physical exercise. It focuses on building strength slowly, being flexible, and using peaceful actions to overcome challenges.

• Form/Intention Boxing (Xingyiquan): This is a type of Internal Boxing Art known for its direct punches and fast attacks, which are great for fighting. It includes routines like Five Elements Boxing and Twelve Animals Boxing.

• Eight-Diagram Palm (Baguazhang): Created by master Dong Haichuan, this style involves continuous changes in hand movements and walking in circles. Lots of smaller groups follow this style.

• Southern Fist (Nanquan): This traditional style has been around for over 400 years in southern China, especially in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces. It focuses on short, sharp movements, different techniques, steady steps, and strong attacks. The famous master Wong Fei-hung was skilled in Southern Fist.

• Qigong: This isn’t just a martial art; it’s also a way to exercise the body and mind for better health. There are two main types: Dynamic Qigong involves specific body movements, while Static Qigong focuses on controlling your breathing and thoughts.

How to Learn Chinese Martial Arts (Kung Fu)

In recent years, more and more people from various ages and backgrounds have become interested in learning Chinese martial arts. Because of this, many Kung Fu training centres or clubs have opened up. To learn, you need to have strong determination and keep practising regularly.

It’s important to find a master’s or join a training school to learn in a structured way.Every day, you’ll need to practice basic skills like using your legs, waist, shoulders, and stances. These skills form the foundation for everything else you’ll learn. With a strong foundation, you can then choose to specialize in specific styles of boxing, kicking, or using weapons to improve your combat abilities.

Kungfu Movies

These kinds of films have grown in popularity since the 1970s. From the breathtaking motion pictures such as Fists of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Shaolin Temple, Ip Man, Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon, Hero, etc., people might be amazed by the allure of martial arts.

The ‘King of Martial Arts’ Bruce Lee, Jet Li, who has starred in several blockbusters, and Jackie Chan, who is renowned for his exceptional talents in both domestic and international film production, are among the well-known movie stars.

Kung Fu Masters

Here are some notable martial arts masters:

• Bruce Lee (Nov. 27, 1940 – Jul. 20, 1973): Known as the founder of Jeet Kune Do, he was not only a famous Kung Fu movie star in the 1970s but also played a significant role in popularizing Chinese martial arts worldwide.

• Yip Man (Oct.1, 1893 – Dec.2, 1972): A skilled martial artist who greatly contributed to the development of Wing Chun. Many of his students, including Bruce Lee, went on to become respected masters themselves.

• Huo Yuanjia (Jan. 18, 1868 – Aug.9, 1910): Co-founder of the Chin Woo Martial Arts School, Huo gained fame as a patriotic master by defeating numerous foreign fighters during his time.

• Wong Fei-hung (Jul.9, 1847 – 25 Mar.25, 1924): Renowned for his mastery of Hung Gar Boxing, a style within the Southern Fist School.

• Zhang Sanfeng (1247 – 1458): A legendary figure in martial arts and considered the ancestor of the Wudang School.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other influential masters such as Chen Wangting, Yang Luchan, Dong Haichuan, and Liang Ting, each contributing to the rich history and diversity of Chinese martial arts.

15 Main Types of Kung Fu

Style	Description
Shaolin Kung Fu	Developed in the Shaolin Monastery, emphasizes physical strength, flexibility, and various hand and weapon techniques.
Wing Chun	Known for close-range combat and efficient techniques, popularized by Bruce Lee.
Tai Chi Chuan	Practised for health benefits, emphasizes relaxation, meditation, and slow, flowing movements.
Baguazhang	Known for circular and evasive footwork, incorporates palm strikes, joint locks, and throws.
Xingyiquan	Characterized by powerful, linear movements, aims to generate quick and explosive strikes.
Hung Gar	Southern Chinese style combines powerful hand techniques with strong stances and low kicks.
Praying Mantis	Imitates praying mantis movements, and focuses on rapid strikes, joint locks, and throws.
Northern Shaolin	Category of styles from northern China, characterized by high kicks, acrobatics, and longer-range techniques.
Baji Quan	Known for explosive and aggressive movements, focuses on short-range power and strikes.
Choy Li Fut	Hybrid style combining elements of northern and southern Kung Fu, known for powerful kicks, open-hand techniques, and fast footwork.
Five Animals Kung Fu	Based on animal movements (tiger, crane, leopard, snake, and dragon), combine their characteristics into effective techniques.
White Crane	Emphasizes fluidity, breathing, and precise strikes, with movements inspired by the crane bird.
Lau Gar Kung Fu	Known for strong stances, powerful punches, and effective self-defence techniques.
Nanquan	Southern style focuses on fast and agile movements, with an emphasis on low stances and hand techniques.
Wudangquan	Originating from the Wudang Mountains, emphasizes internal energy cultivation, blending martial arts with Taoist principles.

FAQs on Chinese Martial Arts (Kung Fu)

What is stronger Karate or Kung Fu?

Kung Fu therefore is more useful in situations where you might be grappling with your target, while Karate is a more offensive martial art. In a general sense, Karate can be used more efficiently to harm an opponent while Kung Fu can be used to stop an opponent.

Can I learn Kung Fu at 25?

Learning Martial Arts is not a matter of age, it’s a matter of interest, dedication and will to do that. After getting age above 21 year, it’s little bit hard to learn martial arts because at this age you Lacks flexibility that is required to perform martial arts. But it can be gained with some hard work.

Who invented Kung Fu in India?

There are many legends about Bodhidharma and his stay at the Temple and caves. One legend suggests that Bodhidharma developed Shaolin Kung Fu to help heal cramps from lengthy hours of meditation. Another says that he developed it to protect himself wild beasts that crept close by the cave.

Who is the number 1 Kung Fu fighter?

Bruce Lee is generally regarded as the number one Kung Fu fighter.

Can I learn kung fu at home?

You can begin your journey of learning kung fu at home once you understand the basics. Gradually, you can work your way up to kung fu training with experienced masters. If you want to master kung fu, you will need a master’s guidance.