Chinese Kung Fu

Kung fu, (also known as wushu or martial arts) is one of the most well known examples of traditional Chinese culture. It it is probably one of the earliest and longest lasting sports which utilizes both brawn and brain. The theory of Kung Fu is based upon classical Chinese philosophy. Over its long history it has developed as a unique combination of exercise, practical self-defense, self-discipline and art. In sports like track and field, ball sports, weightlifting, and boxing, an athlete typically has to retire from full participation in his 30s. Injuries sustained during years of active sport participation at a young age can that affect our health in later life. In Chinese Kung fu however, a distinction is made between "external" and "internal" kung fu. It is said that "In external kung fu, you exercise your tendons, bones, and skin; in internal kung fu, you train your spirit your qi, and your mind."

China's Kung Fu History

Chinese Kung Fu is a large system of theory and practice. It combines techniques of self-defense and health-keeping.

It is estimated that Chinese Kung Fu can be dated back to primeval society. At that time people use cudgels to fight against wild beasts. Gradually they accumulated experience of self defense. When Shang Dynasty began, hunting was considered as an important measure of Kung Fu training. Read more

Shaolin Kung Fu

Shaolin Kung Fu are well known at home and abroad. The original purpose of Shaolin shadowboxing is health keeping, treating illness, protecting famous mountains, safeguarding ancient temples, self-defense, and repulsing enemies. It boasts of diversified patterns, plain forms, and rich internal and external work.  Read more

Taiji Quan

Taiji Quan is a Taoist internal martial art. One account of the history of Taiji Quan credits its development to the Taoist immortal Chang San-feng, who is said to have drawn the inspiration for the art by watching a fight between an snake and an aggressive eagle.  Read more

Qigong

"Qi Gong" (literally "breath exercise"),is an invaluable component of traditional Chinese medicine that has its origin in ancient times. Its primary stimulus was the search for longevity with the ultimate aim of immortality, which has so entranced the Chinese mind for centuries.  Read more

Shaolin Temple

Because of the Kung Fu TV series of the 1970s and movies about Shaolin Kungfu, this Buddhist temple in Henan Province became known around the world. The temple has a long history. It was destroyed or closed and reopened and rebuilt over and over. Read more

Kung Fu Show

Red Theater, Beijing

The show, the Legend of Kung Fu, tells the story of a young boy, who dreamed of becoming a Kung Fu master, overcome difficulties and temptations on the road to enlightenment. The actors of the show are real and excellent Kung Fu practitioners found from all over China. Read more

Kung Fu Stars

Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973)

Bruce Lee was a Chinese-American martial artist and actor, who is considered by many as the most influential martial artist and an important cultural icon of the 20th century. He used Wing Chun, a branch of Chinese Kung Fu, as his base, learned from the influences of other martial arts, and later created his own martial art philosophy – Jeet Kune Do. His films are the Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon, and the Game of Death. Read more