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Wu Shu
CapoeiraCapoeira is an African style of weaponless fighting. African slaves in the 16th century are believed to be the ..... Kung Fu Wu Shu is almost impossible to categorize. In simple terms, Kung Fu Wu Shu refers to nearly any martial art style that originates from China. China has hundreds of martial art styles and the Kung Fu Wu Shu term can be regarded as a generic name for these Chinese styles of fighting.
There are hundreds of Kung Fu styles and listing them all here would be a gargantuan undertaking in itself. Instead, this article will summarize important points about Kung Fu Wu Shu, a large portion of which is derived from Sifu Benny Meng.
Here are a few of them:
- There are obscure allusions to a king in China several thousands years ago. He taught his men hand-to-hand combat techniques, which they used to fight against barbarians who were invading China. However, the first confirmed reference to a systematic martial art system in China was that from a General Chin Na. It is said that he taught his men a style of fighting that many believe was the precursor of the modern day Chin-Na.
- A 5th century Taoist acupuncturist produced the first written record of Chinese martial arts. In his writings, he described a style of fighting that mimics the actions and styles of animals.
- One legend tells of Bohdiharma, a Bhuddist monk. Also known as Ta Mo, it is said that the monk crossed the mountains of Tibet in order to get to China. The Chinese Emperor was reportedly impressed by this feat that he gave the monk a temple in Honan, called Sui Lim Monaster, otherwise known as the famous Shaolin Monastery. Upon his arrival at the temple, Ta Mo discovered that the monks living there had forgotten to take care of their physical bodies in their search for spiritual enlightenment. Ta Mo took it upon himself to make the monks physically fit. He engaged the monks in exercises and drills, which eventually became the world-renowned Shaolin Kung Fu system.
- The term "Kung Fu" means "skill and effort." The term is used to refer to any task that requires training order for a person to develop the proper skills. For instance, a chef has good "kung fu" if he knows the various cooking techniques, understands the principles behind cooking methods and is able to execute them with skillful grace. The term "Wu Shu" means "military art."
- In its early years of development, Wu Shu as an art of fighting, was practiced mainly for self-defense and for attaining one's basic needs. As time went on, many people modified Wu Shu. Wu Shu had its basic styles and forms set from 1368 to 1911, during the China's Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Wu Shu came about because of the intense military conflicts in China during the Xia, Shang and Zhoi periods. From 2000BC to 771 BC, when bronze weapons were invented, Wu Shu developed and grew into comprehensive modes of offensive and defensive fighting styles. From 770BC to 221BC, during the era of Warring States, the various state and government leaders adapted Wu Shu as their fighting system. They began training their armies in Wu Shu and each had Wushu masters.
- From 618 to 1279, during the Tang and Song dynasties, Wu Shu began its systematic or organized development. It was also during this period that Wu Shu exhibitions were held as a way to boost the morale of army men.
- The pinnacle of the development of Wu Shu occurred in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Wu Shu, used as a military style of fighting, developed into a more practical and meticulous method. This period saw the systematic classification and organization of Wu Shu. Qi Jiguang of the Ming Dynasty studied Wu Shu and wrote one of the most important book in Chinese military literature: A New Essay on Wushu Arts.
- There was a surge of interest in Kung Fu around the world during the second half of the 1900s. With its introduction to the Western world, Kung Fu's development and popularity continues to grow.
- The various Kung Fu styles cover soft and hard techniques as well as internal and external techniques. These techniques included grappling, striking, nerve-attack and weapons training.
- The Shaolin styles of Kung Fu covers both Northern and Southern style.
- Forms and routines tend to be integrated with Kung Fu, which can emphasize both solo training and group training. In fact, there are Kung Fu forms and routines for two or more people. Kung Fu students and practitioners are also trained in the use of different types of weapons. Kung Fu styles also focus on sparring (for the hard styles) and sensitivity training (for the soft styles).
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