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People often ask what is Kung Fu and how it compares to Karate,Judo, etc so here just for anyone who is curious is just one version of the history of Kung Fu
When people think of Kung Fu images of Bruce Lee kicking the crap out of a load of people, whilst speaking in a very badly dubbed American accent, usually spring to mind. In truth the literal tranaslation of the word Kung Fu is "sustained effort or skill" and has been a traditional part of Chinese life for thousands of years,making to my knowledge the oldest form of martial art in the world.The roots of Kung Fu basically start with the spread of Buhddism across the Oriental East from India, as monastries were set up, the monks that lived peaceful exsistence needed a from of self defence, as well as exercises, to protect their homes from raiders and bandits after the treasures that were kept in the monastries. One temple in paticular became a center point for the development of Kung Fu training and philosophy,this of course was the now legendry Shaolin Temple (Shaolin meaning "small forest") located in the Henan province of Southern China.The monks there began to develop a form of self defence from observing the animals in the surrounding forests. The five animals of Shaolin that form the basis for most Kung Fu styles being the snake,tiger,crane,leopard and dragon. The dragon of course already a firm part of China`s cultural background. Form here practioners of Kung Fu left the Shoalin Temple and spread it through out China, while others went there espeacially to train and develop a better understanding of Buhddhism. Legend has it that one particular traveller came from India to study Kung Fu and upon being refused entry to the monastry decided to sit and stare at the gate of the monastry for over a thousand years until he had burnt a hole through the gate into the temple!?!A tad unlikely but even today those wishing to train at the monastry have been known to sit at the gates of the temple for days on end, with out food or water until they are taken on as disciples!! After years of development Kung Fu has seperated into many different styles each with their own advantages and disadvantages and thanks to the Jet Li film "Shaolin Temple" and The Bruce Lee classic "Enter the Dragon", Kung Fu is now enjoyed and praticed by millions world wide!! BELOW:A Shaolin Monk demonstrates his flexibilty as part of a Drunken Style form.Picture taken from www.wheeloflife.co.uk |
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WHY DO KUNG FU?
"What`s the point in doing Kung Fu?Can you smash a brick over your head yet?" People always ask me those questions when I tell them I pratice Kung Fu and no I can`t smash a brick over my head (it would cool if I could though!!). The reasons for practing Kung Fu range from the fairly basic, it`s a hobby, it keeps you fit and flexible, increases your strength and generally just a healthy thing to do like any other sport. While on the more complex side Kung Fu is the basis for many medical and philosophical traditions that have been practiced in the Far East for thousands of years.It`s connections with Buhddism, meditation and Tai Chi run deep and each of these things are used in modern day society for relaxation and self help. Although for a proper understanding these,like Kung Fu, need to be studied and practiced for years.I don`t mean to get all deep on you but there is no other way to explain the ins and outs of something as complex as Kung Fu. BELOW:A Shaolin monk demonstrates the power of Dragon style.
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HOW DOES KUNG FU COMPARE TO OTHER MARTIAL ARTS?
When you start comparing martial arts to each other you start to tread on very dangerous ground. Many people have dedicated their lives to studying every style of martial art, from Karate to Kick Boxing. So to keep my head intact I`ll just point out that every martial art has its own history, philosophy as well as their advantages and diadvantages when it comes to training them and using them in combat. The main differences that can point out, which people often get confused with is their countries of origin. So here is a list of just a few of the world`s martial arts and where they originate.JAPAN:Karate,Judo,Ju-Jitsu,Nin-Jitsu,Akido,Kendo,Iaido. CHINA:Tai Chi Chuan,Kung Fu:Wing Chun,Mok Gar,Lau Gar,Hung Gar. Chinese Kick Boxing KOREA:Tae Kwon Do. BRAZIL:Vale Tudo,Caporia. THAI LAND:Thai Boxing. So there you have it a history of Kung Fu I`ll leave with some suggested movies that are fun to watch due the really bad dubbing as well as the bloody good fight scenes:"Drunken Master"-Jackie Chan,"Romeo Must Die"-Jet Li,"Prodigal Son"-Yuen Bio,"Enter the Dragon"-Bruce Lee.
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