There is a lot of confusion over the word and rightly so as there is no true equivalent word in English. There are at least 3 common usages of the term which are all correct depending on the context. The first two are easy to explain and most of them have heard them before.
1.A catch all term for Chinese martial arts in general.
2.Time and effort spent at something.
The first usage is pretty modern and not universal. It was originally a southern habit but has now become common usage throughout China. In pre-modern China, people did now train “gongfu”. They trained “wu yi” or “wu gong” or even “wushu” but the term “gongfu as a substitute for the term “Wushu”, literally “martial arts” is a recent development. I’m taking a little time to introduce these other terms for martial arts training because I will be referring to some of them later as I attempt to present my explanation of a third and more important meaning of the word.
The term 'Kung Fu' does not relate to any specific form of martial art, but rather translates as 'skill' or 'ability'. Scholars believe that the use of Kung Fu to describe the Chinese martial form originated in Hong Kong and Kwangtung province. There are records of the Jesuit priest, Pere Amiot, writing of the 'peculiar exercises' practised by the Taoist priests of his region which he called 'Gong Fu'. In the world of Chinese martial arts, modern or competition wushu is perhaps the most often misunderstood and misrepresented style available. Often derided for a lack of martial content, unfortunately many practitioners fail to recognise the importance of gong fu even in performance arts like this.
Bruce Lee once said that the difference between a Karate punch and a Gongfu punch was that a Karate punch is like being hit with a crowbar, while a Gongfu punch is like being hit by a metal ball on the end of a chain. This describes how the right amount of relaxation can speed up a punch and make its impact more explosive. The striking arm can also recoil back to a guard position more quickly and is therefore less likely to be grabbed by the defender. Martial Arts is the combination of physical techniques and mental discipline. It is used for self defense, body strengthening, relaxation, and even competition. Women often take martial arts classes to learn moves that will help them in the event of an attack.
The moves of Martial Arts are designed for even a small woman to use them effectively. The arms and legs are used in Martial Arts moves. Practicing them will help you get fit and strengthen your body. Doing these moves will also help. Many people come in contact with martial arts first as children, and it can be hard for them to shake the feeling that martial arts is just for kids. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, and as an adult, there are plenty of benefits that you can gain from stepping on the mat and taking a shot at something like kung fu, aikido or karate. Plenty of adults take advantage of martial arts classes in their area and you will find that these classes have plenty to offer you. It is important to remember that these tales are important as they reveal clues to how the style and/or lineage developed despite possible inaccuracies in historical facts.
Shaolin kung-fu provides practical self-defense training as well as rigorous physical condition. Students improve their flexibiltiy, balance and reflexes through a regimen of stretching, basic drills, open fist, weapon and animal forms. Basic skill drills consist of the punches, stances and kicks that form the foundation of shaolin kung-fu. Authentic Shaolin forms are taught to all students : Xiao Hong Quan, Zue Fong Broadsword, Lohan Quan, Eagle Boxing, Nine Sectional Whip etc.. Emphasis is placed upon students learning the practical application of basic skills and forms in potentially threatening situations. The progress of each student is reviewed periodically to determine which skills he or she needs to improve.
When I first write this article in 2007, I was at the very beginning of the search for the truth and facts. Information available in the original article and subsequently this translation reflect the oral tradition of CCK TCPM. This however may not be fully inline with other Taiji Mantis lineages or other Mantis lineages for that matter.
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