History of Kung Fu
In the
West, Kung Fu exploded in popularity during the 1970s. This was due to the rise
of Bruce Lee as a major movie star. Young people everywhere wanted to be like
Bruce Lee and thus sought out Kung Fu training.
According
to European Wushu Federation, "The first archaic forms of barehand
fighting in ancient China appeared during the dynasties Xia, Shang and Zhou.
Those forms, with the invention of bronze weapons became martial skills and
were used for military training under the name Junlian (lit.army training).
During the period of warring states (770 - 221 b.c.) the role of martial
arts grew rapidly because of constant wars between counties."
Different Schools & Styles of Kung Fu
There are
many different schools of Kung Fu (i.e. Eagle Claw, Wing Chun, Shaolin Kung Fu, etc.). According to
Shaolin Gung Fu Institute, there are "over 1,000 styles are known or
recognized." Kung Fu is often broken into northern and southern styles.
Northern Kung Fu styles typically emphasize long-range attacks and greater use
of kicks. Southern Kung Fu styles typically emphasize close combat and greater
use of hand techniques.
Well-Known Kung Fu Styles.
· Bajiquan -
Bajiquan (or Baji Quan) is known for its elbow strikes.
· Chang Quan or Long Fist
· Eagle Claw Kung Fu - Eagle Claw Kung Fu is a Chinese martial arts that is
known for its gripping techniques, strikes, joint locks, takedowns and pressure
point attacks.
· Lama Pai - Lama Pai is a martial art from Western China based on Ape
and Crane motions
· Leopard Kung Fu (Bao Quan) - Leopard Kung Fu is a martial arts that focuses on
aggressive speed and agility to defeat an opponent.
· Hung Ga - Hung Ga (or Hung Gar) is a southern Chinese martial arts
that combines 5 animal styles (Crane, Dragon, Leopard, Snake and Tiger).
· Monkey Kung Fu (Hou Quan) - Monkey Kung Fu is an unorthodox and acrobatic style used
to disorient and attack opponents from unusual angles and positions.
· Praying Mantis Kung Fu - Praying Mantis Kung Fu is known for its redirection,
joint manipulation, pressure point attacks and trapping tactics.
· Tiger Claw Kung Fu (Fu Jow Pai) - Fu Jow Pai ("Tiger Claw
Style") is a Chinese martial arts that is famous for its tiger-like
attacks and strikes.
· Zui Quan (Drunken Fist) - This style tries to imitate a drunkard's
movements (i.e. staggering and falling over) in order to confuse opponents and allow
for devastating counter attacks. Of course, the martial artist is not
intoxicated when practicing this style of Kung Fu!
