Kung Fu and Chinese Martial Arts

Kung Fu and Chinese Martial Arts
Kung Fu is the best known of the Chinese Martial Arts and has it own very distinctive style yet in modern times it is synonymous to Chinese martial arts in general. Similar to the Japanese Martial Art of Karate, Kung Fu uses hand and foot movements and fighting without the use of weapons. The Chinese word Kong Fu (gongfu) roughly translates to “skill.” Originally the practice of Kung Fu did not only refer to the practice Chinese martial arts but to the process of one's mental and physical training. The overall goal of Kung Fu is to strength the mind and body in any endeavor, not only in martial arts. Excellence in any endeavor is achieved through long practice. The philosophy of Kung Fu is motivation, self-discipline, and time (practice).

Origins of Kung Fu and Chinese Martial Arts
Chinese legend says Bodhidarma, also know as Tamo (Damo), was the founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the founder of Kung Fu. He traveled from India to China around 527 A.D. and it is said that he visited Shaolin monks in the Henan Province. While the monks excelled in meditation Bodhidarma realized that they lacked the secrets of physical discipline. He invented Kung Fu as a system of exercise for Buddhist monks who spent most of their day in the seated meditation position. He teachced and trained them in exercises designed to strengthen the body and their physical endurance.

The true origins of Chinese martial arts can be traced back to self-defense needs and military training in ancient China. Hand to hand combat and weapons practice was important in the training of Chinese soldiers and eventually became an important element of Chinese culture.

Kung Fu, Chinese Martial Arts and the Movies
Kung Fu was greatly popularized throughout the world through the release of Hong Kong and Chinese martial arts movies. These films used dynamic Kung Fu and Chinese martial arts movements, cool sound effects, and other special effects such as flying to sensationalize fighting scenes.