Do you know why you will not find the term kung fu in classical Chinese texts, although there is a lot of Kung Fu material recorded in history and literature? Did you know that boxing and wrestling were popular sports in China centuries ago? A brief history of Kung Fu from the Stone Age to the modern day will help to clarify the way in which the art has developed in its present form.
The concept as well as the content of Kung Fu varies according to the needs and fashion of a particular time. For example, during the time of the Zhou Dynasty (1030-480 BCE), archery and horse riding were prominent aspects of Kung Fu, or jiji as it was generally known then. Today, we normally think of it as involving unarmed combat patterns and prearranged sparring.
In this chapter we shall look at the extensive and comprehensive concept and content of Chinese martial arts from earliest times. In the next two we shall examine the development of the various school of Kung Fu as we generally know...

Great Kung Fu like Shaolin and Taijiquan is not just a martial art.
Four Aspects of Kung Fu
Have you ever been threatened by someone out to take your life or rob you? Probably not, for ours is a law-abiding society. But still there is a possibility, no matter how remote, that it could happen, and even if it is just as a protection against this possibility, it is worth practicing Kung Fu. There are other, even better, reasons and we shall discuss them later in this chapter. But first we need to understand what Kung Fu is.
It may seem surprising, but many people who practise Kung Fu do not actually know its true meaning. Some equate learning Kung Fu patterns with practicing Kung Fu; others maintain that they practise Kung Fu for health and not for fighting. Many people have spent years learning Kung Fu without understanding its depth and dimension, and without any clear objectives in their training. Needless to say, they have wasted much of their time, despite their devotion to...

Shaolin Kung Fu sounds like magic to many people, for they have learned that is not only an effective martial art and an excellent system for health and vitality, it is also a way to spiritual joy. Those who have the privilege to meet genuine Shaolin masters or to have a more than superficial knowledge of Shaolin tradition will appreciate that this is not an exaggerated claim. Shaolin Kung Fu, together with the related arts of Shaolin Chi Kung and Zen or meditation, was taught in great secrecy in Shaolin Monastery, which is regarded as the ‘foremost monastery beneath heaven’.
Shaolin Monastery was the imperial temple situated at the Central Sacred Summit of China, where emperors of every dynasty since its establishment ascended to pray on behalf of the people. Yet the main reason for its prestigious title as ‘the foremost monastery beneath heaven’ was not this imperial connection, but the marvelous arts taught there. It is no historical coincidence that some of the best...

You have made the decision to begin training in martial arts.
Problem is you have no idea where to begin your training. Martial arts action movies are a poor guide because they often manipulate martial arts for the sake of plot or simply into things they are not. The first set as like any workout or sport check in with your doctor.
Explain your interests and keep in mind any existing healthy problems like your heart or back. Depending on your healthy condition your choices can variety greatly. Old injuries or a heart condition may make something like Tai Chi which is low impact might be perfect.
Just finished your college football career and looking for new challenges the sport of Wushu with throws and grappling will suit your needs. While you’re paying more attention to your health it might be time to cut down on drinking and cut out smoking all together.
Martial arts put demands on your cardiovascular system and smoking will only make things it that much harder. Also it...

“Human beings follow the pattern of Earth; Earth follows the pattern of Heaven; Heaven is patterned by the Dao; Dao follows Nature”
Survival is the most primitive need of human beings. The question of how to improve quality of life, improve health and pro-long life has been of central interest to us through-out time. Achieving good health has been a central part of the culture of Daoism. With its long history and development, the way for improving health has been developed and modified through the centur ies by the ancestors. This is due to their continued research and practice, in particular, the training in inner alchemy and spiritual awareness. Such training includes stillness and movement. No matter whether it is in the active or the still (calm) mode, both are of high value.
“Dao gives rise to one; one generates two; two generates three; three generates everything”, “Everything is originated from three; three combining to two; two combining to one; one becomes...

Wudang Moutain is located southwest of Shiyan City, northwest of Hubei Province, China. Some local people call it another name as Mountain TaiHe or Mountain XuanYue. Wudang Moutain is perhaps the most famous Taoism holy land in China.
It is heard the Taoism deity Zhenwu practiced alchemy here and succeeded in possessing Golden Elixir at last. Later his body changed into brilliant light and disappeared. Besides Taoism alchemy, Wudang Mountain is the birthplace of Wudang school Kung Fu (martial arts). The name of Wudang in Chinese characters has the meaning Deserve nothing when there is no genuine Kung Fu¡----Here the genuine Kung Fu means the good foundation of internal Kung Fu (Inner Qigong or initial phase of alchemitry) upon which the martial arts build up to deserve enduring test.

Wudang Moutain covers an area of 321 square kilometers wide, with very rich beautiful sceneries and culture relics. The main tourist resorts include: three ponds, nine springs, nine wells, nine...

Emei Wushu is one of the three biggest Traditional Chinese Wushu Systems (Shaolin and Wudang) with long standing culture and history. In all ages, the abundant Qi (Internal breath and energy) has been hold in store in Emei Wushu system. This type of Kungfu more centralizes on a harmony between internal Qi and outside strength.
A proverb of Quan (Barehanded boxing) said: practice “Tuo Zi” on the internal and “Tong Zi” on the external. The “Tuo Zi: means the external kung fu on fist. The “Tong Zi: means the internal kung fu on your inside of body. The only way for Kungfu practisers is to combine the both into one for their training and can reach the Energy Kungfu level. The Energy Kungfu regards its Qi as a foundation and the Energy is a performance. This is the upper Kungfu of Kungfu.
There is another proverb of Quan from Shuzhong (Ancient name of place, the center of Sichuan province, the birthplace of Emei Wushu) is “the people who practises Kungfu for their whole...

The truth is there really isn't a "best" martial art style. It all depends on what you are looking for, how effective the teacher is at training you, and how hard you work to perfect your skills. Some martial arts styles stress street combat, others stress sports skills and competition, others stress internal energy or chi, while still others are traditional arts that stress perfection of technique, self discipline and etiquette.
The best style out there for you is the style that helps you meet the goals you have set for yourself, and that pushes you to take your skills to the next level. If that means full contact training, then you need styles that can give you that. Just because a style doesn't focus on whatever it is you are interested in
Be wary of anyone who says otherwise. There is a long running joke in the martial arts, that basically says when someone says X is the best style, what they really mean is "I study X". Keep an open mind and open eyes, and you will find the...

System of Shaolin Kung fu

Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the biggest Chinese Traditional Martial Arts with long history standing, completely system and high techniques. It can not be regarded as a Wushu style or school in common sense. The Shaolin Kung fu is an integration of Chinese Wushu with profound Chinese culture. It is divided into two main sorts: barehanded forms and weapons. From Ming Dynasty, Shaolin Kungfu had been formed fixed forms and techniques with diversify classification come through several hundred years. The weapons include long weaponry, short weaponry and soft weaponry. Classified by Techniques can be Quan Shu (barehanded boxing), Gun Shu (stick), Dao Shu (wide swords), Qiang Shu (spear), Jian Shu(swords), Skill Attacking and Qi Gong.

According to the record from shaolin Family Tree, there were 708 sets kungfu practised by ancient practisers on the history of shaolin, include 552 sets of barehanded boxing and weaponry. 72 special skills and 156 sets other...

The First Chinese Wushu Elite Combat Competition ended on June 1, 2007 in Changchun city, Jilin Province, China. The comment from the General Secretary, Mr. Kang Gewu of the China Wushu Association was that the combat contest is an important method of research for our Chinese Traditional Wushu. He hopes that this competition will be a window to expose and inherit Traditional Wushu throughout the world.

Mr. Kang Gewu, the Wushu R & D Academy of National Physical General Bureau, discussed the scientific research task of the "Combat Contest" during the Second World Traditional Marital Arts Championships in Zhengzhou last year. It aroused a strong response in the wushu circle. All of the competitors came from all over the country, including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao.

Mr. Kang Gewu explained: "The Combat Contest is an excellent experiment for Traditional Wushu. The participates can use traditional styles' Wushu to challenge other schools of Wushu, even to challenge Sanda,...

The CWIDC has recently released an updated version of its guidelines for the International Wushu Ranking system. The updated information is below:

Article 1. Tenet
This Rank Criteria is created in particular to help enhance the health of the participants, promote the development of International Wushu, to raise the level of technique and theory of Wushu, and to establish a normative international system of Chinese Wushu rankings.

Article 2. Title of the Rank
Depending on the number of years engaged in full-time wushu practicing and activity, the level of technique and theory of Wushu, the moral quality of Wushu, and the achievements in internationally developing Wushu, the wushu grades for international practitioner are divided into Nine Ranks as follows:
– Elementary Grade: Rank 1, Rank 2, Rank 3
– Middle Grade: Rank 4, Rank 5, Rank 6
– Senior Grade: Rank 7, Rank 8, Rank 9

Article 3. Criteria for Rank Promotion

Rank Promotion of Elementary Grades
I -...

From 26 to 31 Aug. in 2007, the First International E Mei Martial Arts Championships will be held in E Mei city, Sichuan Province, China.

According to the presentation of Mr. Ding Huan from E Mei Wushu R & D Association, this Wushu event is organized by China Wushu Association, the Physical Department of Sichuan Province, and the Leshan Government. The competition items include Tradtional Wushu, Modern Wushu Forms, Wushu Sanda Champion Contest, E Mei Wushu Forum, E Mei Culinary Show and Wushu Products Show. Athletes from China Wushu Team will be invited to join the event. Some of the attendees will take part in the Wushu Program at the Beijing Olympic Games.

E Mei Wushu is one of the three biggest styles of Traditional Wushu in China. The foundation of the wushu style had adopted diverse advantages from different Wushu styles in ancient China. At the appointed time, many top wushu masters get together from all over China will participate in the Championships. Besides that,...

Chinese Martial Arts is well-known all over the world. Chinese Wushu is an offical name for Chinese Martial Arts, which was renamed by International Wushu Federation. Some wushu lovers often use other names such as kung fu, gongfu, Shaolin kung fu etc. Many wushu fans start to know Chinese wushu from Shaolin Kungfu. However, Shaolin Kungfu is only one of the schools among hundreds of schools or styles of wushu in China. This article will introduce some of the detail of Chinese wushu. Some wushu words are quite difficult to translate into English because the language has evolved to fit the culture, which includes martial arts. Many of the wushu words deeply reflect the color and history of Chinese culture. There may be mistakes in our English articles-- Please feel free to sent your valuable advice to promote our level of translation

Chinese wushu has more than 2000 years history. It was first created by ancient people for the special environment at primitive times. Chinese...

ChinaWushu is proud to offer another new and unique offering of Chinese martial arts culture to foreign students looking to train in China.

As with our other offerings, our newest offering opens up never-before-available opportunities for outsiders to become a part of centuries-old tradition in a way other schools can't. This is the first time this style has been offered to foreigners in the 800 years that the style has existed. Students will receive training from the current successor of the style and will train alongside his disciples.

The program is based on a martial art called Liang Yi Style, which is a complete fighting style, but also includes an incredible pressure-point technique that has to be experienced to be believed. The master will gladly give a demonstration to anyone who wishes to come by and visit before deciding to attend!

Complete information is available on the Liang Yi website at www.pressurepointkungfu.com. Feel free to contact us at...

14 new articles within the "Training in China" category were posted today, with another 15 more posted since the last update. This brings the total number up to over 40 in that category alone.

The new articles include some information on cultural traditions and taboos, the Chinese calendar and holidays, and Chinese names. Also new are articles about traveling in China by train, plane, taxi, and bus. Information on food, staying healthy (and what to do if you don't), shopping, staying safe and out of trouble, and lots more.

Be sure to check it out, and stay tuned for more.

Content in the 'Training in China' section is currently under heavy development. Just today, 10 more articles were added, and there are many more on the way. In total we are working towards having nearly 40 articles available in that section alone, all dealing with the specific challenges and experiences of someone who will come to China to train in the martial arts — everything from legal requirements and paperwork, getting a head start on cultural traditions and faux pas, and staying healthy to staying out of trouble and where to turn for help.

Also updated is the schools section, with the addition of our first two training options. Don't worry, many more are in the works, and we'll be putting those online as soon as we confirm specifics and details.

As always, keep tuned for more updates to come!

In keeping with the "getting stuff up on the site" phase, lots has been added recently, and there is lots more to come.

129 Photos were added to the articles about the Zhengzhou competition below. You can view the photos associated with each day by viewing the individual articles, or you can check out all the photos by heading over to the main Photo Gallery.

As well, information on the Wushu Culture Journies has been posted with some sample itineraries to give you some ideas. Be sure to check it out by clicking on the above link, and remember it can be totally custom, so whatever you dream up, we can make it happen.

Schools information, and some information on some famous masters is coming up shortly.

We're excited with the friends we have made in the last while, and are proud to say we have teamed up with some of the greatest minds in the Chinese martial arts to help bring some truly original, and high-quality content. Stay tuned for that...

On Day 5, competition at the international arena was over, leaving just a half-day’s worth of events at the arena that was until today exclusively used for the Chinese competitors.

The morning started off with 4 demonstrations of Qigong, something which was unfortunately timed since most people seemed to be quite tired, and the relaxing music and movements seemed to cause quite a few of the athletes who were in the stands to nod off for a bit of sleep! (They should have joined in, they might have come out of the experience revived and energetic instead…) They were quickly woken up shortly afterwards though, as the floor came to life with domestic and international group events.

In the international group events, the level of competition was quite high. The kids from Myanmar put on a great show of their gymnastic ability, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the top spot. Bad luck for the Australians today, as the first Aussie group to compete was short one member and was...

Finally on day 4, the first FULL day of competition arrived, and for most international attendees it was also the last day.

An exciting day on the mats, a wide range of categories competed, from weapons and the intense Nanquan style, to the soft circular motions of Baguaquan, Bajiquan and of course Taijiquan, and everything between.

At the Chinese arena, spectators were treated to the “Other Quanshu” categories (fist forms which are of styles with less than 5 people competing), which showcased a myriad of little-known styles and family styles, but which all shared a lot of the qualities of that make Chinese martial arts unique among those of other countries—the quick, fluid, efficient motions that have come from hundreds or thousands of years of studying and scientifically applying the related theories—qualities that define what Traditional Chinese martial arts is all about.

Without getting into the individual results of the day (which will be...

Rather than start off the day with more competition, it instead started a little earlier than normal, with everyone departing from their hotels at 7am on yet another convoy busses, headed back to the Dengfeng area for the second time. This time however, the destination was indeed Shaolin Temple, a place most martial artists say is an essential experience if you are ever in China.

Often described as the birthplace of Chinese wushu, this 1500 year old temple has an incredible history and many Buddhism and martial arts related artefacts. While it is painfully obvious to most visitors that the temple as it is today is mostly a government funded tourist industry, its incredible popularity and mystique is a clear example of how much a part of culture and life the martial arts are to the Chinese people (if you go to the temple any other day, 90% of visitors are from other parts of China, not foreigners).

While a visit to Shaolin Temple is a...