Martial Arts:Kung Fu

Kung Fu is one of the most popular forms of martial arts taught today. There are a number of different opinions regarding how the art of Kung Fu originated. It is widely believed that Kung Fu dates back to at least the Zhou dynasty; around 300 B.C. There are other indications; however that the history of Kung Fu could stretch back even farther-possibly all the way to 3000 B.C.



Regardless of when Kung Fun began in China, it was first introduced into the United States as large numbers of Chinese immigrants began to settle throughout the country around the beginning of the 19th century. For more than a hundred years Kung Fu remained predominantly practiced among native artisans. When Westerners noticed this form of martial arts at all, it was commonly referred to as Chinese boxing or fighting. Very little attention was focused on this form of martial arts by Westerners; who remained enamored with karate. Bruce Lee helped to shift the focus of the Western world from karate to Kung Fu and it has been a popular form of martial arts with Westerners ever since.



Also referred to as Gung Fu and Gong Fu; this style of martial arts places a predominant emphasis on the movements of animals.



One of the primary reasons that Kung Fu has become so widely popular lies in the fact that this style of martial arts is extremely diverse. The stances and move that are commonly associated with other forms of martial arts, such as karate and Tai Chi, are also implemented in Kung Fu. While the art of Kung Fu contains a number of similar elements, the sheer diversity of this art form enables artists to further subdivide the art into different classifications. Many artists can actually classify more than 1000 styles of Kung Fu.



Tai chi is a very graceful form of this art, featuring slow movements of the body that are meant to enhance the body's energy or chi. In comparison to Tai Chi, Wu Shu features movements that are significantly more acrobatic in nature. The Shaolin Temple style of Kung Fu is believed to be one of the oldest, and purest forms, of traditional Kung Fu. Even within this style of Kung Fu; however, there exists separate classifications such as family styles, southern temple styles and northern temple styles.



While the sheer diversity and number of Kung Fu styles can quickly become confusing, perhaps the easiest way to discern between them is in identifying the training objective. For example, some styles were specifically developed to enhance concentration and alertness while others were meant to place an emphasis on the coordination of the body, mind and spirit. In addition, some movements concentrate on the training of specific areas of the body such as muscles and tendons while others focus on breathing techniques.



Due to the fact that Kung Fu incorporates so many elements of other forms of martial arts, there has developed some confusion regarding the terminology of martial arts in general and Kung Fu, specifically. Today, the term Kung Fu is commonly used to refer to a broad range of martial arts including karate and other forms of martial arts.



Traditionally, and at the most elemental point, the term Kung Fu can refer to a philosophy or way or life much more than a series of movements. The training of Kung Fu takes into account the time, self-discipline and motivation required to master a skill or goal. Practioners of Kung Fu tend to believe that true Kung Fu cannot be attained without the presence of each of these three elements.

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