The history of Chinese martial arts is as old as that of man. In order to defend himself, early man gained knowledge by imitating the attack and defense movements of various creatures. In terms of technique development, these methods were crude and relatively unorganized. However, over time, as cultural and societal advances were made, established schools of philosophy and martial arts emerged, serving to organize systematic training methods. These arts, refined and perfected in China, were preserved mainly within family clans and religious temples. It is only within the past two or three generations that these arts have become accessible to the West.

 As the martial arts of China are deeply founded in Chinese philosophy, they contain both a strong theoretical framework pertaining to technique and skill development, as well as a deep rooting in ethics and morals.

 It is said that the true martial artist embodies not only physical skill but also a high level of intellectual and moral refinement. Understandably, painstaking effort, dedication and perseverance are essential in order to reach the highest accomplishments...or in short, gung fu.

WHAT IS GUNG FU ?

In the West, Chinese martial arts are usually referred to as ‘Kung Fu’, or ‘Gung Fu’. However, the term does not specifically mean ‘Chinese martial arts’. Rather, gung fu is the philosophy which is applied to any time-honored pursuit of excellence. It can refer to any endeavor in which one, over time, refines their skills and art through diligent practice, such as a cook, photographer, artist, and so on. In short, gung fu may be translated as ‘Skill and success gained from painstaking effort’. Thus, for the practitioner of gung fu, consistent and accurate training are essential.

CHINESE MARTIAL ART SYSTEMS AND STYLES

 In the Chung Wah Gung Fu System, we use the term in the following way:

 While a style is usually identified as a single approach, a system is generally eclectic, combining distinct elements from several styles. For example, from the famous Shaolin temple, several styles emerged, including Eagle Claw, Tiger Claw, Choi Lei Fat, Praying Mantis, Hung Ga, Luohanquan, and so on. To complicate things, some of these individuals styles have developed into systems in their own right. While people sometimes generically refer to anything that has connections to the Shaolin temple as ‘Shaolin Style’, Shaolin gung fu would be better classified as a martial system.

 In the Chung Wah Gung Fu System, we use the term to describe martial arts in the following way:

 Thus, when martial artists refer to different methods of martial training and philosophy, they are usually talking about various styles. Distinguishing factors that define a style are numerous and are largely subjective, ranging from differences that are readily apparent to extremely subtle. Almost every country in the world has one or more different styles of self-defense and combat.

 There are well over three hundred and forty distinct styles of traditional Chinese martial arts. This number easily supersedes the combined total of all the other martial styles in the world. This aspect is but one of many intriguing complexities involved with Chinese martial arts. It may be argued that every traditional martial art in the world has a developmental connection to the martial arts of China.

 Chinese martial arts have evolved for over 3500 years, and thus form an integral part of Chinese culture. To gain a deeper appreciation, one must observe Chinese history and the role of education, medicine, philosophy, art, science, as well as the socio cultural structures that shaped, and were shaped by, the evolution of Chinese martial arts.

CATEGORIZING STYLES OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS

For simplicity, styles of Chinese martial arts may be broadly categorized by the terms Northern and Southern.

Northern and Southern refer to the geographical region of origin and/or development. The Yellow River, in China, is used as the arbitrary line of division. Northern styles are those which are derived from north of the Yellow River, and Southern styles are those which originate from south of the river.

 The terms External and Internal are used, however these are commonly misconceived, inaccurate and poorly applied terms. It is the tendency for some to regard styles of martial arts as being exclusively hard (external) or soft (internal). In reality, any good style of martial art should have a healthy balance of both internal and external principles, and no martial art, regardless of its technique or training, is purely internal or external. These two principles are inseparable, form the readily observable to the unperceivable, in a dynamic, mutually dependent relationship.

 Hard and soft, relaxed and taught, up and down, opening and closing, thought and action...Yin and Yang principles manifest in the training theories and methods, techniques, and philosophy of all styles of martial art, however, one should not become too dogmatic about use of this terminology.

 Another categorization method pertains to combat range and is determined by body mechanics in technique execution. These ranges are long, medium, short and close (touching) range. Styles which emphasize techniques which are applied at the extent of the body’s reach are called long range. These styles use movements which are large, wide and open. Styles which have the majority of movements focused on short distance execution are called short range styles. When there is no distance to the target, the range is called close or touching range. Examples include grappling, holding and throwing techniques.

DISTINGUISHING FACTORS OF CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS

There are several important aspects which distinguish Chinese martial arts from all other martial arts. Of particular importance are:

I. China’s long, rich and often turbulent history, which facilitated the refinement of the martial arts to profound levels. Evidence suggests their existence dates back as far as 3500 BC. Subsequently, the martial tradition is incredibly rich and diverse, allowing one, regardless of age, to begin a pursuit of lifelong study conducive to their physical fitness level and personal training goals.

II. The theoretical basis which forms the essence of Chinese martial arts includes the theories of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and Eight Diagrams. It is the theoretical foundation which shapes the movements and training methods of individual styles.

III. Chinese philosophy, medicine and martial arts mutually influenced one another in their development, all being founded on the same theories. Subsequently, there is an important health and healing component to Chinese martial arts.

IV. The study of qigong may be applied for medical and martial purposes. Its theories are also interconnected with Chinese medicine and philosophy.

GUNG FU: A COMPLETE MARTIAL SYSTEM

According to Chinese thought, a martial art style or system must have the following elements in order to be considered complete: a diverse repertoire of Attack and Defense Techniques, Aesthetic and Artistic Refinement, Health Exercises including the practice of qigong, Healing Techniques, and a theoretical framework which embraces both Philosophy and Moral Code. With literally hundreds of styles, Chinese martial arts are easily the most diverse and complex; each possessing unique characteristics, all coming from a rich cultural legacy. The vast knowledge found in these arts is due to the contributions of many generations of leading exponents who dedicated their lives to the perfection of their art.

 Chinese martial arts trace their origin and development to three primary sources: the military, family clans, and religious sects. Styles and forms were created from and/or named after various influences, including the creator’s name (Hong Family Boxing, Chaquan), animals or nature (Tiger, Crane, Mantis), philosophical principles (Taijiquan, Baguazhang), or location (Guangzhou Wing Chun, Wudang, Northern Shaolin). However, regardless of their origin, they all share similar traits unique to Chinese martial arts.

I. Self-Defense and Combat techniques in gung fu cover all possible fighting ranges: Long, Medium, Short and Close (Touching) ranges and consist of the following approaches:

II. Artistic and expressive movements serve to develop the innate sense and appreciation of aesthetics that is within all of us.

Traditional gung fu training satisfies this inherent need while maintaining a functional perspective in combat. Every movement demands precision and accuracy for proper execution. Discipline of both mind and body are developed as one strives towards perfection in thought and movement. The high degree of concentration and body awareness required to perform these patterns also serves to consolidate and refine the martial skills that are being practiced.

 When the practitioner is able to harmonize the physical, mental and internal aspects of his training, his movements will take on a new quality. They will become effortless and graceful with power flowing naturally through the body. It is at this point that true gung fu begins to develop.

III. Traditional healing methods are an important part of gung fu. These include:

 Health qigong and therapeutic exercises are those which promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. They are integral in gung fu and include methods such as:

 By studying these precepts, insight may be gained on the Chinese culture and its martial arts. When these teachings are fully understood by the gung fu student, correct moral conduct and proper etiquette will naturally develop. Furthermore, he or she will gain a positive outlook on martial training as well as his or her daily encounters in life.