Kung Fu

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Date of Origin: 5th Century Country of Origin: China Technique: Bare Hands and Feet, Sword, Staff, Knife, Dagger

Kung Fu
What is Kung Fu?

Kung Fu means "skill and effort" and can describe anything that one needs to spend time training in and becoming skillful in. When it means "martial art," Kung Fu refers to the hundreds of styles of martial arts in China, all of which are different. However, there is one thing that all Chinese martial arts have in common and that is the idea that Kung Fu itself is merely skill.

The real value of Chinese martial arts goes beyond self defense. It lies within the strong traditional training that all Kung Fu styles emphasize: training that teaches the student to respect the teacher and the teacher's advice; to be respectful towards other Kung Fu styles and to only use Kung Fu in a morally correct manner.

Entry level Kung Fu begins with the Nan Quan (Southern Fist) style. Nan Quan has its roots in Southern China and began its development during the Ming Dynasty. Nan Quan is famous for its steady footwork, combined with quick kicks and a variety of powerful close combat hand techniques. Beginning with the fundamental techniques and forms, practitioners will develop strength flexibility and an understanding of its traditional applications. This program is based on the methods used to train professional martial artists in China today.

Kung Fu consists of a number of martially inspired systems for fighting, health development, and dance. As for the hundreds of different styles, some are hard and linear, using punches and kicks. Other styles are soft and circular and do not appear useful for combat. Some schools resemble Karate. Weapons are used in some Kung Fu schools. Grappling methods are generally not used, so Kung Fu arts are usually considered striking styles, although not all styles use strikes.