Chinese Kung Fu I (Martial Arts)

Chinese Kung Fu (Martial Arts or as popularly referred to as Gongfu or Wushu) is a series of fighting styles

which has developed over a long historical period in China. Nowadays, it is regarded as a traditional sport

gaining more and more popularity and even stands as a representative for Chinese culture. Styles including

Shaolin, Tai Chi and Qigong have many followers worldwide. Some westerners think that all Chinese people are

Kung Fu masters. That’s not true, but this traditional heritage has its unique existence in modern times and

left much influence on the locals’ lifestyle.

Over the centuries of development in China, Kung Fu has become a large system containing various schools

or sects. It is recorded that there are over 300 distinct types of boxing existing around the country. The styles

in northern and southern China are quite different. Therefore it is hard to be simply classified.

The most outstanding and influential schools are listed as follows:
1. Shaolin Martial Arts: Originated in the Shaolin Temple in Henan, this is considered the premier style in

China and is widely spread all over the world.

2. Wudang Martial Arts: This sect has almost the same fame as the Shaolin. Based at the Mt. Wudang in

Hubei Province, it is developed under the guidance of Taoist theories.

3. Tai Chi: This is a comparatively slow and elegant style originated from the combination of Taoism, dialecti

c ideology, traditional medicine and physical exercise.