Chinese Kungfu
Introduction of Chinese Kungfu
| Chinese Kung fu and wushu are popular terms that have become synonymous for all the martial arts styles in China. In fact, Wushu is the preferred word to describe Chinese Martial Arts. Kung fu can be used in a context without any martial arts whatsoever. Its original meaning is referring to one's expertise in any skill, not necessarily martial. The word Kung Fu was first used by a western Jesuit Missionary named Pere Amoit after witnessing exercises and training regimen in China. He called it "Cong Fou" in his personal journals. The term "Kuo-Shu" was popular in China until about 1930. This term has since been popularized by the Taiwan to describe Chinese Martial Arts. Over the past two to four thousand years, many distinctive styles have been developed, each with its own set of techniques and ideas. The endless variety of styles of Chinese kung fu can be roughly divided into the northern and southern styles and the internal and external styles. In external kung fu, one exercises his tendons, bones, and skin while in internal kung fu one trains his spirit, his ch'i (flow of life energy), and his mind. The older one gets, the more adept one becomes at kung fu because one progresses from movement to stillness and from firmness to softness. In addition, the higher one's level of achievement in kung fu, the better one is at maintaining good health and living a long and active life. Some of the more famous styles include Shaolin (from the name of the temple in Honan where it was developed), tai-chi-chuan (great-limit boxing), Hsing-i (forming an idea), Eight Trigrams, Yung-ch'un (singing of spring), Tantric, and Arhat. Within the Shaolin style of kung fue, there are dragon, tiger, panther, snake, and crane styles of fighting. These substyles are so named because they imitate the special attack and defense techniques of different animals and incorporate them into boxing movements. Recently, Chinese Kung Fu has been modernized. Training and competing standard systems have been set up. Continuing its fighting function, Kung Fu becomes a more athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive sport. Training for competitive martial arts matches and performance competitions are prevalent as well. As for the Shaolin kung fu style, it is still very much alive and has traveled beyond the geographical limits of China. |