Kung Fu History

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Kung Fu
The History of Kung Fu

The history of Kung Fu is extremely controversial as the exact date of its development is not known. There are two main theories about the beginnings of Kung Fu. A large number believe that Bodhidharma, (also called Ta Mo), an Indian Buddhist monk is the founder of Kung Fu. And some believe that Kung Fu was already in existence long before Bodhidharma arrived in China. Throughout history credit has been given to Bodhidharma as a creator of Sil Lum Kung Fu or the man responsible for introducing the martial arts to China. Some historians date it as far back as the Shang dynasty (16th century B.C.). Others date it back to the time of Huang Ti Emperor (475-221 B.C.). The first written record we have of Chinese martial arts is from a Taoist acupuncturist from the 5th century. He describes combat designed along the lines of an animal's movements and style. Written text about Kung Fu was depicted in the early 17th Century by the Jesuit priest Pere Amoit. He wrote of "peculiar" exercises, which he called "Cong Fou," practiced by the Taoist priests of his area.

The Chinese term that translates into "military art" is "Wu Shu." As with all martial arts, Wushu in its early stages of development was practiced primarily for self-defense and for aquiring basic needs. As time progressed, innumerable people tempered and processed Wushu in different ways. By China's Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), Wushu had formed its basic patterns.

Kung Fu's Popularity Soars

Martial arts spread throughout China during the Republic (1912 - 1948). Military tactics were taught in all schools and fighting arts became very popular in China. Kung Fu made its way to the United States in the days following the gold rush of 1848. It was an integral part of the lifestyle in Chinese labor camps and mining towns in California.

Practice of Kung Fu increased dramatically in 1863 with the importation of Chinese laborers to work on the Central Pacific Railroad. However, few people; even Chinese, were allowed to study the art. Early Kung Fu schools in the states perpetuated the secret society mystique. As time passed the strict tenets eased and Kung Fu slowly came into the public light. Throughout the U.S., Kung Fu gained popularity in the 1960's and '70s because of Bruce Lee's movies and the TV show, "Kung Fu."