Kung-Fu
is an ancient Chinese art honored throughout the world. Its history
and traditions are distinctly Chinese and are an accurate reflection
of the ancient culture. Many of the Kung-Fu fighting systems that
are documented have been passed down from master to student for
thousands of years. The movements in many of these forms often imitate
various animals in terms of their characteristic attacks and defenses.
The ancient and traditional art form of Chinese Kung-Fu has been
growing for over 2,000 years. In recent years, interest in Kung-Fu
has spread throughout the world. As its fame spread, strict rules
were adopted as enforced to assure that practitioners would never
misuse the deadly art. Masters therefore, would only share their
vast knowledge of a system with those of high moral and mental standards.
This tradition continues today.
The Northern and Southern
systems of Chinese Kung-Fu differ somewhat. It is believed that these
two distinct styles emerged in each region based, in part, on the
weather and geography of that respective region. In the northern region
of China, the weather is much colder and the ground tends to be more
level and hard. In contrast, the southern region of China tends to
maintain a warmer climate coupled with much softer and more uneven
terrain. Both geography and climate greatly affected the resulting
Kung-Fu styles of both regions, and their differences are a reflection
of adaptation to the surrounding environment.
In Chinese Kung-Fu, a distinction
is made between internal and external styles and techniques. Internal
Kung-Fu endeavors to train one’s mind, spirit and chi, while external
Kung-Fu focuses on strengthening bodies and limbs. Both are essential
to the complete study and mastery of Chinese Kung-Fu. When these separate
elements are combined, a beautiful harmony is developed and devoted
practitioners’ abilities are taken to a level beyond that of ordinary
martial arts training. This unification of mind and body is practiced
through the study of traditional Chinese Kung-Fu forms. Forms contain
a series of carefully choreographed movements designed to strengthen
the body and coordinate various skills needed to fight. In addition
to forms, ancient Kung-Fu weaponry holds a very traditional place
in Chinese martial arts, and each weapon has its historic use. Most
weapons were made famous and immortalized in Chinese Kung–Fu by both
emperors and Chinese generals of warfare. Weapons are divided into
five categories and make up a hierarchy of difficulty and skill levels
necessary for their own effective use. These categories included long,
short, soft, double and throwing. Developed by the ancient masters
of the art, weapons are considered a high priority in the complete
study of Chinese Kung-Fu.
