Kungfu Basics. Paul Eng

centuries, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism have provided a moral and ethical context to the Chinese martial arts that is not only integral to their practice but also to their survival. Today, while each kungfu style and school may have its own particular code of ethics, the basic principles are universal, and may be summarized as follows.

      Attitude toward Others

      Respect:

      For human life and society

      For all martial arts and martial artists

      For the teachings received

      For teachers

      For fellow students

      Compassion

      Courtesy

      Loyalty

      Trustworthiness

      Devotion, honor, and respect to one’s parents

      Sense of responsibility for those under you

      Personal Qualities

      Humility/Modesty

      Honesty

      Diligence

      Patience

      Enthusiasm

      Self-control

      KUNGFU COMES in a range of styles, from the vigorous and acrobatic to the subtle and elegant. After hundreds of years of history and development all over the continent of Asia, this is not surprising. The notes in this chapter first list styles of Asian martial arts which are not kungfu (in case there is any doubt) and then attempt to give a general overview of martial arts in China and of the kungfu styles most widely available in schools outside of Asia.

      Asian Martial Arts Outside China

      Korea: taekwondo, Farang Do, Tang Soo Do, Hapkido

      Japan: aikido, judo, jujitsu, karate (Gojiu, Yamakochi, Shaodikan); Kempo (Kenpo)

      Thailand: Muay Thai (Mui Thay)

      Chinese Martial Arts

      The Chinese martial arts are categorized in different ways.

      Kungfu vs. Wushu

      One distinction that should be clarified at the start is the difference between kungfu and wushu. “Wushu” is the pronunciation of the Chinese characters that mean “martial arts”; that is, “wu” means “martial or military, having to do with fighting,” while “shu” means “arts.” This is now a specific term that refers to the Chinese government’s officially approved version of the traditional martial arts. Organized and codified by committees in the last twenty years, wushu is primarily for competition and demonstration. Therefore, its forms, while derived from traditional models, now include many gymnastic and acrobatic forms to make them more appealing in performance before an audience.

      In contrast, “kungfu” is the pronunciation of the Chinese characters that mean “dedicated work.” This was a colloquial term that became popular in Canton Province during the nineteenth century, to refer to people who studied the martial arts, because they worked so hard. When the Hong Kong film industry began producing movies using these arts, they were called “kungfu movies.” As a result, today “kungfu” identifies and refers to the traditional fighting techniques and forms as handed down through centuries of teaching and generations of practitioners.

      Internal or Soft vs. External or Hard

      Both systems and styles of the Chinese martial arts are often described or categorized as being “internal/soft” or “external/hard,” where “internal” refers to subtle, inner power and “external” refers to obvious, physical movements. This distinction is most apparent only at the first level of learning because all categories have both internal and external elements. So-called “internal” forms generally begin with developing internal energy (relaxed movements, mental focusing, breathing, and the like) and later express it externally, while so-called “external forms” begin with developing external power (punches, blocks, kicks, and so on) and later work on the internal. To truly master any style, you must develop both aspects. It’s just a question of how you start.

      Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, and Kungfu/Wushu

      Tai chi chuan (or taijiquan), qigong, and kungfu/wushu are modern labels for different systems within the Chinese martial arts. Before the twentieth century there were no distinctions, and anyone studying the martial arts learned all three. Tai chi chuan is a slow, meditative exercise, considered to develop internal power first. It is basically a kungfu/wushu form done in slow motion. Qigong means “breathing or energy exercise”; it comprises externally simple, repetitive exercises that use mind and breath control to develop the qi, or internal vital energy. Compared to qigong and tai chi chuan, kungfu is considered an external system, because it requires complex and intense physical training and is mostly expressed in visible physical movements. In most styles of kungfu, the internal training comes later after the external forms have been mastered. Some kungfu styles are considered more “internal” than others, although all contain both elements. It is the mastery of both aspects that takes a lifetime of practice.

      Kungfu Categories

      Traditional Chinese martial arts tend to fall into two broad groups based on geography—north and south of the Yangtse River. Centuries ago, northern wheat-eating people tended to be large in stature; they often rode horses (which requires strong legs) and were used to wide-open spaces. Thus, corresponding to body type, northern styles of kungfu generally emphasize power and kicks. In contrast, southern, rice-eating people tended to be smaller and to live and fight in smaller spaces; many were fisherfolk, used to balancing in boats. Thus, southern styles generally emphasize agility and punches and hand and arm techniques. (A traditional martial arts saying summarizes this as, “Nam quan bei tui,” or “Southern hands, northern legs.”) In addition, historically, most of the southern styles developed in the seventeenth century among rebels seeking to overthrow the Ching dynasty. Thus, these styles developed more quickly than the northern styles and tended to teach hard power first, and internal power later in order to meet the needs of the times.

      Below are listed some of the most common kungfu styles that are widely taught outside of Asia.

      Northern Styles

      Chang Quan (“Long Fist”)

      This is considered the original kungfu system, created during the Song dynasty (C. A. D. 960) and now broadened to include many forms. It is considered excellent for general health and as a foundation for learning weapons forms later. Because of its graceful forms, it is also popular for competitions. Adapted forms are included in the modern wushu repertory.

      Northern Praying Mantis

      Another old style, originating at the end of the Ming dynasty, Northern Praying Mantis is a comprehensive style with many forms suitable for all body types and all speeds. It is reputedly one of the potentially most fierce styles, with distinctive hand movements (like the praying mantis) and quick footwork. Among the branches of this style are: Seven Star, Six Harmony, Plum Blossom, and Tai Chi Praying Mantis.

      Monkey