Kung Fu, literally "skill from effort," can be used to describe nearly all of the martial arts that developed in China. Over the centuries, Kung Fu has developed into literally hundreds of different styles, each created by various family clans, religious groups or the military. In general, most styles of Chinese martial arts can be categorized into two groups, Northern and Southern. These martial arts are further categorized by elements such as combat range, style of execution and philosophy.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Tai Chi, or "grand ultimate fist," is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. Tai Chi focuses on graceful, flowing movements with an emphasis on the natural beauty of the form. While Tai Chi is used for self-defense, one of the primary goals of its practitioners is promoting self-awareness, a sense of inner calm and a tranquil attitude. Traditionally used as the Chinese approach to exercise and meditation, Tai Chi also has many different schools, including Chen, the earliest form, Fu, Li and Yang, which is the most widespread form of Tai Chi.
Wing Chun
Literally meaning "beautiful springtime" or "radiant springtime," Wing Chun, also know as Wing Shun or Wing Tsun, was developed by a Buddhist nun names Ng Mui around 300 years ago. Mui developed Wing Chun as style intended to take advantage of the weaknesses in other martial arts styles. The technique of Wing Chun places emphasis on aggressive action and self-defense characterized by the deflection of an opponent's energy, and the style incorporates the use of punches and other hand movements more than kicks and leg movements. The first martial art learned by Bruce Lee, Wing Chun gained international popularity after he incorporated it into his own style, Jeet Kune Do.
Jing Quan Do
Jing Quan Do, the modern hardcore combat system of China, translates as "way for the alert fist;" however, Jing can also be translated as "police," and the style is utilized by many law enforcement officers in China, including the police and military. Unlike many martial arts, Jing Quan Do was designed by Guinness Book of World Records holder Alexander Tao as a style meant to be used in actual street combat situations. The style focuses on offensive moves such as kicking, fist and palm strikes, as well as a defensive system characterized by quick throws and counterattacks.
Zi Quan
Zi Quan, also known as drunken boxing or Drunken Kung Fu, is based on the ancient legend of the "Eight Immortals" from Chinese mythology, and each technique involved in the style is attributed to one of them. The legend states that each of the Immortals was invited to a banquet in which they became intoxicated, and, once attacked by guards, were forced to develop an impromptu style utilizing their drunken state. The goal of Zi Quan is to confuse one's opponent with by moving in a seemingly unsteady, unconnected pattern, striking with sudden power from awkward positions. An enigma among other forms of Kung Fu, Zi Quan has no actual set "style."
Jeet Kune Do
One of the most recently developed styles of Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do is considered by its followers to be a philosophy or point of view rather than a school of martial arts. Developed by Bruce Lee, Jeet Kune focuses on simplicity, and its most famous tenet is "absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, add what is specifically your own." Intended by Bruce Lee to be developed and changed by its practitioners, Jeet Kune Do has no specific set of rules, forms or set techniques, and is rather viewed a road to self-discovery or self-experimentation.
Member Comments