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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

This style is based on the typical movements and innate nature of a monkey. Forms involve a lot of acrobatics (tumbling, rolling), unpredictable movements, and low stances.

Eagle Claw

Founded around A. D. 1200, this style resembles jujitsu in its speed and its emphasis on joint locks and use of pressure points to catch and control, rather than to kill or maim. For these reasons, it is useful for police work that involves disarming criminals and for self-defense for women. Even so, this style is seldom taught because it is so potentially powerful.

Xingyiquan (Hsing-I)

This style originated between the years 960 and 1279, and is now considered one of the highest levels of internal kungfu. The style employs simple techniques (direct strikes, secure footwork) with the aim of ending conflict as quickly as possible. Derived from theories of the Five Elements and Twelve Animals, the forms seek to train internal energy as the source of external power.

Bagua (Pa Kwa, “Eight Trigrams”)

This style, too, has a reputation for training internal energy and is perhaps the most atypical of the kungfu systems. Students training in Bagua walk a circle, rather than using training stances; learning the eight directions of the circle teaches flexibility and how to use the whole body as a weapon.

Southern Styles

Hung Gar (“Hung Family Style”)

Hung Gar was, and still is, one of the most famous and popular Southern systems. It is good for all ages and all body structures. While it is considered by some to be relatively slow, it is powerful. It includes isometric and dynamic tension exercises that not only develop strong arms and legs, but also generate considerable internal power.

Choi Lee Fut (Choy Lee Fut)

A relatively new system, developed in the early nineteenth century, Choi Lee Fut has become one of the most popular in Southeast Asia. It includes a wide range of hand, weapon, and wooden dummy forms and is reportedly one of the most powerful in application.

Wing Chun (Wing Tsun)

Like Hung Gar, Wing Chun was created in the late seventeenth century by rebels seeking to overthrow the Ching dynasty. (Tradition holds that Wing Chun was created by a woman, but this story seems to be one of the ploys to protect the true creator and his followers, rather than the truth.) With only three hand forms, one wooden dummy set, and a few weapons forms, the Wing Chun style is simple, economical in terms of movement, and aggressive. Many consider it a good choice of styles for those seeking to learn self-defense techniques quickly.

Modern Style

Jeet Kune Do (JKD)

The only style developed in the twentieth century, Jeet Kune Do is Bruce Lee’s creation. After winning a fight with Wing Chun techniques, but judging his performance a failure (Lee felt he should have won faster, with less effort), Lee created JKD, which translates as “the way of the intercepting fist.” JKD tends to use kicking techniques, as in northern styles, with hand techniques from the south. While it incorporates many Wing Chun principles, it is even more direct and efficient, with an emphasis on self-awareness and intention. There are no forms to learn in this style; training is in techniques and application.