spiritual and physical discipline, part of Chinese culture
Chinese Kung Fu (Wushu, Martial Arts) is used for the enormous variety of martial arts native to China. Chinese martial arts are now an integral element of Chinese culture. Influence of martial arts can be found in poetry, fiction and film. Wushu has become an exhibition and a full-contact sport similar to gymnastics involving the performance of adapted Chinese bare-handed and weapons forms judged to a set of contemporary aesthetic criteria for points.
Chinese martial art is a spiritual and a physical discipline which has been practiced since the Zhou Dynasty. The origins of Chinese martial arts are traced to self-defense needs, hunting activities and military training in ancient China. Chinese martial arts proceeded to incorporate different philosophies and ideas into its practice, expanding its purpose from self-defense to health and as a method of self cultivation.
Kung Fu emphasizes the use of "qi force", a mysterious energy flowing through the body. Many of the Kung Fu movements imitate the fighting styles of animals. Its combative techniques resemble those used in karate and tae kwondo. Emei, Shaolin and Wudang are the three big branches of Wushu in China. The well-known practitioners through out history include Huo Yuanjia (霍元甲, Huò Yuánjiǎ), Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿, Huáng Fēihóng) and Bruce Lee (李小龙, Lǐ Xiǎolóng).
Chinese martial art is a spiritual and a physical discipline which has been practiced since the Zhou Dynasty. The origins of Chinese martial arts are traced to self-defense needs, hunting activities and military training in ancient China. Chinese martial arts proceeded to incorporate different philosophies and ideas into its practice, expanding its purpose from self-defense to health and as a method of self cultivation.
Kung Fu emphasizes the use of "qi force", a mysterious energy flowing through the body. Many of the Kung Fu movements imitate the fighting styles of animals. Its combative techniques resemble those used in karate and tae kwondo. Emei, Shaolin and Wudang are the three big branches of Wushu in China. The well-known practitioners through out history include Huo Yuanjia (霍元甲, Huò Yuánjiǎ), Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿, Huáng Fēihóng) and Bruce Lee (李小龙, Lǐ Xiǎolóng).