How2 Do Kung Fu!

Chinese martial arts

Kung fu is a modern term used to represent Chinese martial arts, and it has been known by many names over the centuries, including quanfa (fist techniques), juedi (wrestling) and wuji (martial techniques). However, kung fu is not limited to hand strikes and grappling, as it incorporates all parts of the body including the feet and head, plus a wide range of traditional weapons such as steel sword and staff.

Styles of kung fu

There are many styles of kung fu self-defence, and even approaches to, or philosophies of, kung fu that state they are 'no style' - the most famous being martial artist and actor Bruce Lee's Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do (Way of the Intercepting Fist), the movements of which, Bruce Lee explained, are simple, direct, and non-classical.

Temple traditions

Temple or monastery traditions have also become famous and respected, such as those located in Wudang and Shaolin. The monks and students of such traditions practice high quality kung fu and the manipulation of internal force as part of their spiritual approach to life, whether Taoist or Buddhist.

Family traditions

Many traditional styles of kung fu were handed down through families, over thousands of years. The Lee family style of Taoist kung fu, Feng Shou (Hand of the Wind), for example, was brought from China to the UK by Chan Kam Lee and taught to Chee Soo, who then became the leading teacher of a range of Lee family internal Taoist arts, including Lee style t’ai chi (Supreme Ultimate), and K’ai Men (Open Door) Taoist yoga, throughout the UK and across the world.

Some useful hints for the kung fu practitioner

• Find a good teacher

• Be respectful to your teacher and others, including your fellow students

• Always perform warm up exercises as part of your training regime

• Attend lessons with an ‘empty cup’ (be ready to learn – rather than thinking you already know)

• Try to become aware of the style’s underlying principles and deeper teachings (it’s not just about techniques)

• Understand what you are learning in relation to, and in accordance with, the law

• Practice diligently

• Be of good nature and character, and learn to meditate