Plain Words about Chinese Kung Fu

Plain Words about Chinese Kung Fu

Like it or not, you must have been or will be utterly shocked by a Kung Fu performance or martial art match. Boldly speaking, few people could refuse the charms of Chinese martial arts. So no wonder either Kung fu films or martial art fictions can always find a wide range of audience of all walks of life at home and overseas. There’s no denying that most film makers and writers are so expert in telling overstated stories, but possibly that’s the way we make our first acquaintance with Chinese martial art. At least it’s true for me.

Movies and books ate not only the media of Kung Fu showcase, but brilliant compositions of massive cultural elements, almost covering all aspects. Martial art, as far as itself is concerned, is also a remarkable sign of Chinese culture and its real world is misted in an atmosphere of mystery and fancy. Symbolized with special tricks, weapons, costumes, and scenes, Chinese martial art is more than a subject of exercises although one of its meanings lies in body building, which, of course, should be distinguished from any other form of sports.

The history of Chinese martial arts can date back to prehistory or primitive society when woods, stones and bones were firstly used for ravine and defense. Such tools and the skills and actions our ancestors figured out for survival were believed to develop into the fundament of the later martial arts, which concern the proper coordination of a series of movements, skills and special equipments. Not only is it practical, but also full of esthetic and art values. The cooled yet fatal, or somewhat ruthless power of such kung fu tricks as threatening kicks, well-placed punches, and diverse sharp weapons, of which we have got a little sense from screens, is one of its wide-recognized attractions. Nevertheless, that’s not an all-sided reflection of profound Chinese martial arts.

As far as Chinese character is concerned, the word “martial art” can be separated and explained as burying the hatchet. The odds are good that at the very beginning, this word was just created with the bound meaning: to stop the fight. Either in a non-violent or violent way, the definition has best accounts for the good nature of Chinese culture and Chinese people.

In addition to the splendor on the surface, what’s inside is more fantastic, closely linked to traditional Chinese philosophies. Both the internal type and the external part of Kung Fu are developed under the guidance of Taoism, Buddhism and TCM theories to some extent. Actually their respective philosophies are interconnected and of mutual influence with something in common. For instance, the way to play kung fu is based on proper breathing exercising and postures, and all processions are promoted gradually in pursuit of physical health as well as mental and spiritual balance.

Like any other traditional culture, martial arts have formed various types with over 1000 named or recorded. Plus, every single branch has its own style or a certain distinct skill full of changes already. Currently, thanks to the widespread of kung fu films, such main well-received types as Tai Chi, Hong Chuan, Wing chun Chuan and Xingyi Chuan, are amazing a growing number of fans and learners. There’s one point deserve mentioning that Chinese people are accustomed to taking Shaolin Temple as the fountain of Martial Art. 

Undoubtedly, Shaolin Kung Fu is the most prestigious in China even throughout the world while Wudang, reputed for Tai Chi, comes second. These are the two masters in martial art history and the most far-reaching types. It happens that one is originated from Buddhism and the other is rooted in Taoism culture. What a perfect coincidence! Perhaps we can trace the nature of martial arts to the values and ideologies of traditional culture. 


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And that’s the case. No matter how colorful and changeable it is in theory, movement, skill and weapon, all martial artists have no choice but to obey the well-accepted rules, which accord with traditional ethnics and values. So the real essence of Chinese martial art is more about the build of one’s spirit and mind, not only for a strong body but saint soul and inner peace, and possibly the interests of all.