The martial
art of Kung Fu is an
exchange of culture, a type of exercise,
and also
a way of defending yourself. The art is very popular
throughout the world, also being known as Gung Fu, Wu Shu, and
even Kuo
Shu. It shares some common traits with Karate,
such as using
both hand and foot techniques.
Still, Kung Fu is one of the most
popular forms of martial arts - and also one of the oldest.
Within Kung Fu, there are several styles and variances, although the
most popular are those that have their roots in the well known Shaolin Temple .
What most people aren’t aware of however,
is the fact that Kung
Fu was practiced in China years before the first
Shaolin temple was even thought of.
A majority of martial arts enthusiasts think of self defense as being
the ultimate goal of any martial art, including Kung Fu.
While self defense is involved with Kung Fu, the term "martial art"
means there is so much
more than just fighting and defense - it is a true
art, one that
develops the mind, body, and the soul.
Kung Fu doesn’t teach students to overcome others, as much as
it
teaches students to look within themselves and learn to have complete
and total control over their emotions. Kung Fu is an art of
harmony, that teaches students to remain at peace and
avoid
confrontations. If a situation threatens bodily harm to the
student, then he must rise to the occasion - becoming the warrior and
defending himself.
In truth, someone wanting to pursue an art/exrecise form which is
excellent for health, fitness, and personal development, Kung Fu is a
great choice. However, someone worrying about being attacked
in their home or on the street would be better advised to become adept
in rough-and-tumble street fighting techniques.
Just like many of the other types of martial arts, Kung Fu teaches a
balance
that is crucial for executing techniques and the proper
movement. The basic concept behind the balance is that same
balance that the Chinese believe keeps the balance between heaven and
earth. This concept of balance can be achieved by students if
they completely focus their thoughts and empty their minds free from
any type of distractions.
Kung Fu is a martial art that can usually be learned by
anyone. It
does
take a strong desire, just like any other martial art.
It has a rich heritage, and a proud legacy. Kung Fu is indeed
a deadly martial art, if used in the wrong ways. There are
variations of Kung Fu as well, which include the infamous five
animals
of Kung Fu - Tiger, Dragon, Eagle Claw, Crane, and the
Snake.
Adapted by the animals in which they are named after, the five animals
style is possibly the most impressive in martial arts.
Tiger
Claw is by far the deadliest of the five animals, teaching students to
strike just like the dreaded tiger. This style teaches the
student power in his hands, so that when he strikes, he tears the
flesh. Tiger Claw is very deadly, although it is very hard to
find instructors that teach this style now days.
Unlike other martial arts, there really are no competitions for Kung
Fu. Stylists can compete it other competitions, although
there really aren’t any that are for only Kung Fu.
It is an ancient martial art, that is to be used only in instances were
there is no other option for the practitioner than to fight
back. When provoked,
the stylist should try everything he or she can to avoid confrontations.
Kung Fu aims to teach the lessons of respect, fairness to others,
harmony of the spirit, and total self control no matter what.
These characteristics, when paired together, allow students to achieve
success in a hard to deal with society. Kung Fu is all about
developing the student’s overall well being - and following
the straight path to mental and physical toughness.
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