Kung Fu (also known as Gung Fu) is aChinese martial artsthat focuses primarily onandkicking techniques. However, it is hard to generalize about Kung Fu characteristics because there are many different Kung Fu schools and styles (thus you can not “transfer” easily from one Kung Fu school to another school if you move to another city).
Many Kung Fu styles also utilizetraditional martial arts weaponssuch as the sword, staff and spear. In addition, they often practice with more unique martial arts weapons such asSheng Biao(Chinese rope dart),Sanjiegun(three section staff) andLiu Xing Chui(Meteor Hammer). These weapons are often used informs (taolu), demonstrations, sparring, etc.
Wiki – Best Chinese Martial Arts Books
Main Elements of Kung Fu– The sections below provide instructions and videos for Kung Fu stretches, taolu (forms), conditioning drills, etc.
- Chinese Martial Arts Weaponssuch asLiu Xing Chui(Meteor Hammer),Sheng Biao(Chinese rope dart), etc.
- Chinese Training Equipmentsuch asMei Hua Zhuang(or Kung Fu Plum Blossom Poles),Wing Chun Wooden Striking Dummy, etc.
- Wushu Taolu– Wushu & Kung Fu Forms
- Traditional Kung Fu Strength Training such asEagle Claw Push-Ups,Iron Palm Training,Rice Bucket Training, etc.
- Kung Fu Stretches
- Kung Fu Conditioning Drills
- Kung Fu Warm-Up Exercises
Misc Elements of Kung Fu
- How To Tie Your Belt or Sash In Kung Fu
- Meditation– Meditation is often part of Qigong training.
- Kung Fu Terminology
- How To Count In Chinese For Kung Fu
- Chinese Language Basics
History of Kung Fu
In the West, Kung Fu exploded in popularity during the 1970s. This was due to the rise of Bruce Lee as a major movie star. Young people everywhere wanted to be like Bruce Lee and thus sought out Kung Fu training.
According to European Wushu Federation, “The first archaic forms of barehand fighting in ancient China appeared during the dynasties Xia, Shang and Zhou. Those forms, with the invention of bronze weapons became martial skills and were used for military training under the name Junlian (lit.army training). During the period of warring states (770 – 221b.c.) the role of martial arts grew rapidly because of constant wars between counties.”
Different Schools & Styles of Kung Fu
There are many different schools of Kung Fu (i.e. Eagle Claw,Wing Chun,Shaolin Kung Fu, etc.). According to Shaolin Gung Fu Institute, there are “over 1,000 styles are known or recognized.” Kung Fu is often broken into northern and southern styles. Northern Kung Fu styles typically emphasize long-range attacks and greater use of kicks. Southern Kung Fu styles typically emphasize close combat and greater use of hand techniques.
Well-Known Kung Fu Styles
- For amore completelist of Kung Fu styles, please visit the mainChinese Martial Artssection.
- Bajiquan– Bajiquan (or Baji Quan) is known for its elbow strikes.
- Chang Quan or Long Fist
- Choy Li Futor Cai Li Fo
- Eagle Claw Kung Fu– Eagle Claw Kung Fu is a Chinese martial arts that is known for its gripping techniques, strikes, joint locks, takedowns and pressure point attacks.
- Huaquan
- Lama Pai– Lama Pai is a martial art from Western China based on Ape and Crane motions
- Leopard Kung Fu (Bao Quan)– Leopard Kung Fu is a martial arts that focuses on aggressive speed and agility to defeat an opponent.
- Hung Ga– Hung Ga (or Hung Gar) is a southern Chinese martial arts that combines 5 animal styles (Crane, Dragon, Leopard, Snake and Tiger).
- Monkey Kung Fu (Hou Quan)– Monkey Kung Fu is an unorthodox and acrobatic style used to disorient and attack opponents from unusual angles and positions.
- Nan Quan
- Praying Mantis Kung Fu– Praying Mantis Kung Fu is known for its redirection, joint manipulation, pressure point attacks and trapping tactics.
- Shaolin
- Tiger Claw Kung Fu (Fu Jow Pai)– Fu Jow Pai (“Tiger Claw Style”) is a Chinese martial arts that is famous for its tiger-like attacks and strikes.
- White Crane
- Wing Chun
- Zui Quan(Drunken Fist) – This style tries to imitate a drunkard’s movements (i.e. staggering and falling over) in order to confuse opponents and allow for devastating counter attacks. Of course, the martial artist is not intoxicated when practicing this style of Kung Fu!
Kung Fu Techniques
As seen in Chinese martial arts movies, Kung Fu has some spectacular kicking techniques such as theButterfly Kick. Moreover, Kung Fu is known for its uniquetraining equipmentand techniques such asMei Hua Zhuang(or Kung Fu Plum Blossom Poles),Wing Chun Wooden Striking Dummy,Iron Palm Training, etc. These traditional training tools are often seen in classicKung Fu movies.
Famous Kung Fu Practitioners
Some well known Kung Fu students include Jackie Chan, Jet Li and David Carradine (of the “Kung Fu” TV series).
Shaolin Kung Fu Documentary
References
- International Wushu Federation,http://www.iwuf.org/index.asp
- European Wushu Federation, Brief History of Wushu,http://www.ewuf.org/home/t_wushu.html
- Shaolin Gung Fu Institute, What is Kung Fu?,http://www.shaolin.com/StyleContent.aspx?Style=Styles
