Kung Fu
Kung Fu (Gongfu) is one of the names used for Chinese Martial Arts. The term and usage is a rather complex one but simplistically it describes a multitude of styles and families of arts with a history deeply embedded in Chinese culture.
Its literal definition means “skill or knowledge of something physical”. In other words, it is a skill that, with the right training, diligence, and muscular co-ordination, anyone can learn.
Individual styles have been divided according to focus, geography, internal and external forms.
Examples include Five Animals, Wing Chun, Praying Mantis and Tai Chi Chaun. As Kung Fu is a broad term, it is difficult to cover all aspects here, however some of the more popular systems are covered below:
Wing Chun
Translated as ‘Beautiful Springtime’, this Chinese art specialises in close-range combat, using strong, linear punches and a centre-line movement. This involves attacking your opponent at vital targets along a central line of their body. Two weapons are used together in this art - the dragon pole and butterfly knives. When training, you will often use a wooden dummy to perfect striking and blocking techniques.
Wushu
Wushu is the term for Kung Fu in Mandarin, and is often used to describe all Chinese martial arts collectively. As such, it is difficult to define a single, all-encompassing technique that you can learn. Rather, the art can be tailored to the body and capabilities of whoever is practising it.
Today, the modern form of Wushu is as much exhibition as self defence, and in professional competitions, sequences and sets are performed and awarded points by judges often with much acrobatic display of skill and technique. Perhaps the most recognised Wushu artist is Jet Li, a man who took great pains to publicise the art as widely as possible.
