All martial arts originating from China fall under the general term "Wushu." In the Chinese language the word literally means "martial arts." The term "Kung Fu" is commonly used by Americans to describe Chinese martial arts. However, the term Kung Fu is really a reference to a person's ability in any endeavor, not specifically the martial arts. There are thousands of unique Chinese martial arts, but several are considered the most popular classifications.
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan is literally translated as "supreme ultimate fist." Despite the name, Tai Chi Chuan is one of the great internal Chinese martial arts. It involves a series of forms consisting of slow deliberate movements to focus internal energy known as "chi." The low impact motions of Tai Chi Chuan make it popular with the elderly and people with physical limitations.
Southern Wushu
Chinese martial arts originating from southern China emphasize low stances and fast reactions close to the body. They include styles such as Wing Chun, Mok Gar, Lei Gar, Choi Gar, Lau Gar, and Hung Ga. Southern Wushu influence is seen in some Japanese martial arts originating from Okinawa. Most martial arts seen in Kung Fu movies originating from Hong Kong are in southern styles.
Northern Wushu
Chinese martial arts originating from northern China emphasize exaggerated stances and broad sweeping motions. Many of the animal styles of Wushu such as Eagle Claw and Northern Praying Mantis are from the north. Other northern Wushu styles include Baijiquan, Chuojiao and Chaquan. Their influence can be seen in Korean martial arts like Tae Kwon Do that emphasize elevated kicking.
Shaolin and Wudang
Shaolin and Wudang styles of Chinese martial arts trace their origins to warrior monks of particular religious affiliations. Shaolin comes from a Buddhist temple on Mount Song in Henan Province. Wudang comes from the Wudang Mountains in Hubei Province. Shaolin is considered an external martial arts style emphasizing outward motion while Wudang tends to concentrate on internal focusing of energy.
Qigong
Qigong is a Chinese internal meditation technique utilized by many martial artists. It consists of deliberate breathing and focused movements to become strong internally and increase life force. It is considered to be a link between Chinese martial arts, Chinese traditional medicine and spirituality.
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