Introduction

Kung Fu is a collective phrase for Chinese Martial Arts. It's origin can be dated back to approximately 500 A.D. in the Shaolin Monestaries of China. The term "Kung Fu" is defined as the mastery of an art, an accomplishment or a difficult task through highly concentrated effort. It ultimately means a lot of hard work or practice. Kung = accomplishment. Fu = effort.

The development of Chinese Kung Fu was influenced by the three main institutions of Chinese tradition: the military, religion, and the family.

The origins of Kung Fu were attributed to the legendary emperor - Huang Ti, who in 2600 B.C. taught his troops a form of self-defense and organized them into effective military formations. Throughout the history of China, the military, from palace guards to district warlords, were in the forefront of developing and utilizing the practical aspects of Kung Fu.

Religion on the other hand, had the greatest influence on the ideological development of Kung Fu. Concepts of human psychology, physiology, and philosophy were infused into Kung Fu to make it more than just a physical art. Taoism and Buddhism were the two main religious influences in the philosophies of the Kung Fu systems, however most Kung Fu today is taught without eastern religious connotations.

The unit of Chinese life, the family, was to characterize the propagation of certain systems of Kung Fu. In China, certain villages are known under a family surname, and most of the members learned a style taught only to them by a master of that village. The style is then passed on from father to son. Exceptional masters have styles named after them such as: Yang's Tai Chi, Choy Li Fut, Hung Gar, Lau Gar, Choy Gar, Li Gar, and Mok Gar.

Kung Fu exercises may be classified as internal or external. All styles have some aspects of both types of exercises ... some having tendencies toward external (hard) or internal (soft). Internal exercises can be hard or soft, as in the dynamic tension exercises or the free flowing Tai Chi exercises.

Various mechanical devices were devised to supplement the exercises, and depending on the style the degree of sophistication ranges from simple weights to complex wooden dummies.

Weapons are used in advanced training as an extension of the human body. The practice of repetitive exercises and weapon applications were incorporated into forms - pre arranged sequences of combat movements against imaginary opponents. Some systems have as few as three forms, while others have more than 50.

Within Kung Fu there are many distinctive styles and sub-styles.

Northern style is a variety of explosive movements. This includes acrobatic blows with the feet, by executing two or three kicks while airborne. It also uses high stances coupled with low leg sweeps. Striking is done with both closed fist and the palm of the hand. For the most part emphasis is on shifting out of the way of the attack, although block and deflections are utilized. The Northern styles emphasize feet kicks at a very high height and flying kicks, which were useful in the past to fight against horsemen.

Southern style uses punching, chopping, and grabbing. Blocks are direct and circular. Kicks are rarely used and are, generally, aimed at the knees and shins. The Southern styles have rather low positions with solid leg positions as a basis ... the farmers had to work in the rice fields during many hours and they would use, instead, their hands and their arms to fight. The kicks employed are best utilized closer to the ground, not much higher than the height of their hips.