Kung fu
Kung fu means skill earned over long years. In Chinese it reaches far beyond fighting.
The word, the map, the stance
It means skill
A cook with fine knife work has gongfu. So does a calligrapher. Gongfu tea uses a closely related word for time and care.
South punches, north kicks
Northern styles use long stances and high kicks. Southern styles such as Hung Gar and Wing Chun stay rooted and close, with busy hands.
Stances come first
Traditional training starts with the horse stance, thighs low, held still. It builds the legs that every later technique stands on.
Train forms without foundation, and old age finds you empty.
Learn from a qualified teacher. Low stances and kicks load the knees and hips, so warm up and build slowly.
Good to know
Did Shaolin monks invent kung fu?
No. Chinese fighting arts are older and have many sources. Shaolin Temple in Henan earned its fame through monks who trained for centuries. The story of Bodhidharma teaching them is legend.
What is the difference between kung fu and karate?
Kung fu is Chinese and covers more than a hundred styles. Karate took shape in Okinawa, with Chinese influence, then spread through Japan. Karate tends to be more linear, while many kung fu styles use circular motion.
Is wushu the same as kung fu?
Mostly, yes. Wushu is the Chinese word for martial arts. Today it also names a modern sport with judged routines and sanda sparring.
