What is Chinese Kung Fu?

             Chinese Kung Fu

What is Chinese Kung Fu?
Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Wushu or martial arts in China, is a kind of Chinese traditional sport and one of the most well known examples of Chinese traditional culture. It is characterized by various barehanded and armed combat techniques. Chinese Kung Fu is very rich in form and content, including Taijiquan, Qigong (breathing exercise), Neigong (internal exercise), Tongzigong (children's exercise), Houquan (Monkey's Shadow boxing), Tanglangquan (Mantis' Shadow Boxing), and a humorous one Zuiquan—performed by a drunkard. Chinese Kung Fu, which can increase energy, fitness, coordination, mental well-being, self-discipline and confidence, requires the concentrated coordination of the mind and body. There are two kind of Chinese Kung Fu—“external" and "internal" Kung Fu. It is said that "In external Kung Fu, you exercise your tendons, bones, and skin; in internal kung fu, you train your spirit your qi, and your mind."

The History and the Development of Chinese Kung Fu
The history of Chinese Kung Fu can be traced to self-defense needs, hunting activities in ancient China. In the primitive society, people lived by hunting for their food and fight against the wild beasts.
In Shang Dynasty (1600 ~1100 BC), hunting was regarded as an important measure of Kung Fu training. Then, Shǒubó Kung Fu, one example of ancient Chinese Kung Fu, appeared.
Later, in Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC~221 BC), Chinese Kung Fu developed as a kind of dancing—martial arts dancing.
In the Spring and Autumn Periods (770 BC-476 BC), great importance was attached to Chinese Kung Fu and excellent people were attracted to the sport.
In Qin Dynasty (221 BC to 206 BC) and Han Dynasties (206 B.C.–220 A.D.) martial arts dancing was very popular. During that period, innovation of Chinese Kung Fu was promoted; the Five-animal-style exercise was an example of the development of Chinese Kung Fu.
In Tang Dynasty (581 – 618), Chinese Kung Fu developed very fast, and it became a kind of examination, through which the winners were awarded and gave titles. From then on, Chinese Kung Fu was introduced to many other countries, mainly to the countries in Southeast Asia.
In Song Dynasty (960 ~1279) and Yuan Dynasties (1271 ~ 1368), the Development of Chinese Kung Fu reached the highest level.
Then in the Ming Dynasty (1368~1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644~1911), Chinese Kung Fu also developed rapidly. During the two dynasties, some schools specializing in training Chinese Kung Fu came into being. Besides, different genres of Chinese Kung Fu were integrated.
Till now, many teams and organizations of Chinese Kung Fu have been established and developed. Some of them have participated in the Olympic Games. Nowadays, Chinese Kung Fu is not only popular among Chinese, but also popular among lots of foreigners. More and more people are participating in practicing Chinese Kung Fu.
Over its long history, Chinese Kung Fu has incorporated different philosophies and ideas into its practice. It has expanded the purpose from self-defense to health maintenance and finally as method of self cultivation. In return, the ideal of Chinese Kung Fu influences the poetry, the fiction, and the film. Chinese Kung Fu is now an integral element of Chinese traditional culture.