Kung Fu
founder of Kung Fu
monk Bodhidharma
Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (Tamo in Chinese) is considered the founder of Kung Fu. He arrived in China around 527 AD and taught the monks at the Shaolin Temple exercises to strengthen the body and mind based on the movements of the 18 main animals of Indo-Chinese iconography, which is considered the beginning of Shaolin Kung Fu
Kung fu
Kung Fu is an ancient Chinese art. Due to the closedness of China, kung fu is interpreted incorrectly, and the film industry contributes to this. Chinese kung fu is a whole complex of physical and spiritual practices that make a person perfect.
The very word “kung fu” comes from China. This is a special name for a whole group of a huge number of different martial arts. It is important to understand that art does not come from Japan, like many others, but from China. The expression comes from the word “gung-fu”, which is translated as hard work on oneself and achieving a set goal, it can be achievements in music, poetry, calligraphy, dance, etc.
Until the 1970s, the world did not recognize kung fu as a martial art. For Westerners, there was only the Japanese system of fighting. This continued until the appearance of the legendary Bruce Lee, who introduced a new concept to the list of generally accepted sports directions.
Kung fu is a special martial art of Chinese origin. It can be studied and practiced not only by indigenous people, but by people from all over the world. For this sport, the faith of the fighter, his skin color and the country in which he lives are not important. Art is open to all people.
The history of the emergence of kung fu
Currently, scientists agree that kung fu is an ancient martial art that appeared at the dawn of civilization. This is evidenced by the refinement of movements and strict philosophy, which gradually turns into the meaning of every fighter’s life. How did it happen? The earliest records of the sport are found in documents and manuscripts written during the Shang dynasty, which ruled in the 17th century BC, and the Zhou reign in 221 BC. The art that coincides with the movements of kung fu are called dances in these documents. It was not sent for the sake of entertainment and was not shown on major holidays. In training, these movements were performed by soldiers, as the whole dance was aimed at improving stamina and morale. In addition, the emperors at that time liked to organize festivals twice a year, during which the best fighters were chosen. Thanks to the nobility’s love for martial arts, kung fu experienced its heyday in that period: schools headed by elite masters were opened, weapons were developed and swords were created, and the technique of wielding cold weapons was gradually honed.
During the reign of the Qin and Han dynasties, the development of martial arts became slower, but it did not lose its popularity. At this time, tournaments were also often held, but performances by recognized masters gained the most popularity. So, to this day, the legendary sword dance performed by Xiang Zhuang is enshrined in the history of kung fu.
Kung fu underwent major changes during the First and Second World Wars. At this time, armed attacks were carried out on China by Japan, which led to a global occupation. At this time, all martial arts were completely destroyed, as many kung fu masters who tried to fight back and protect their families were killed. Only a small number of learned men were able to escape and continued to popularize martial arts around the world.
The philosophy of kung fu
The philosophy of kung fu is broad in all senses, it implies physical and spiritual perfection and its further application in life, work and other spheres. Achieving internal perfection occurs through the resolution of internal conflicts. Therefore, kung fu is practiced as physical training, but also spiritual training: personality training, consciousness training. Physical training is divided into internal and external. Learning the external style, a person learns practical things, for example, wushu.
Internal ones are aimed at mastering the body and internal energy. When studying the internal style, a person practices according to the principle of internal to external. One of the popular and well-known styles is taijiquan, where the work is focused on chi energy.
Here, the student first learns to master the body completely, only then begins to work with more subtle concepts, such as chi energy.
Styles in kung fu
There are many types or styles of Chinese traditional art, according to various sources, there are from 100 to 400 of them. 10 pieces became popular:
Fist of Shaolin Monastery or Shaolinquan. The birth of this style took place in Sunshan (Buddhist monastery). It can be recognized by characteristic acrobatic movements (jumps, flips), as well as powerful punches.
Taijiquan. Scholars debate the origin of the style. Taijiquan is characterized by slow, flowing, breathing and smooth movements.
He is Chun. Known for the films of the same name. It is used to protect a person who defends himself from the line of attack and strikes.
Baguazhan. The practitioner walks in a circle and strikes.
Xinyiquan It was used by Chinese soldiers, it does not use brute force, but hits hard.
Tsailifo. The style is similar to boxing – heavy, accelerated blows with hands and forearms.
Bajiquan. It is distinguished by explosive blows.
Tanglanquan. Mantis style, quick and continuous strikes on the opponent.
Nanquan In Russian it means “southern fist”. This is a special kind of kung fu created in the southern provinces of China. Combines many techniques and styles of the inhabitants of the south.
Changquan This is a special style in which the fighter fully straightens his arms or legs when striking. Due to this
Kung Fu includes many techniques, here are a few of them:
