The Shaolin Wushu is known all over the world. There are Shaolin Wushu organizations in Japan, Singapore, America and Switzerland which frequently send their members to visit Shaolin Temple and learn.

Gung-Fu originated from CHINA at the Shaolin Temple. Despite being burnt down more than once, Shaolin Temple continues to exist and 2 other temples has since been formed in USA and in the UK.

Styles of Martial arts including: Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Hung Gar, Taekwondo, Kick-boxing, Karate etc.

The term Gung-Fu was a term created by the Chinese who migrated to the United States in the 1800's ( California Gold Rush era + building of the Transcontinental Railroad). There are many meanings for the term Gung-Fu. The term Gung-Fu actually means "hard work" or "task/ duties". Some have also referred to it as "master of hard and enduring work".

In China, the proper terminology for Gung-Fu is "Wu-Shu" meaning "martial art" or "Kune Fa" meaning "Fist Style". The term "Wushu" is used to group all Chinese martial arts. Gung-Fu has been practiced and revised in China for over 4,000 years. It has evolved into an implement  for health and self-defense.

Gung-Fu is one of the most complicated but effective system of self-defense nevertheless; people say Gung-Fu is too fancy and prefer Karate, which is a seriously diluted version of Chinese Gung-Fu and Japanese claim Directness in attacks. So what's up with the crane movement in Karate Kid. Hmmmm.

Anyways, I must say that people living in the present day will no way have the commitment to train the necessary hours needed to perfect Shaolin Gung-Fu, that's why they are not effective. Technique without the development of the particular required power needed for the execution of the move is not as effective obviously.

Gung-Fu includes every type of energy possible depending on which art he/she is performing e.g. Monkey, snake and tiger uses not only different moves but also requires different types of power to execute them e.g. whipping, shocking, bouncing energy etc.

A strong and solid foundation is required to bring out maximum force in your body and to achieve superb health that has been lost to many.

Realizing the complexity, I'll leave it to the Shaolin Monks to keep their art alive, I would recommend Wing Chun Kune whose concepts are more easier to grasp and effective to learn and requires an aspect of power which is relatively easier to attain compared to the myriads required by Gung-Fu (although, Gung-Fu still has this type of short distance power of course).

Also, Wing Chun is a more scientific approach, therefore it will definitely aid in self defence and comprise of actual realisation with confidence building qualities which can be seen even during a months worth of training.