Kung Fu is used to describe a collection of Chinese Martial Arts, and a series of hard and soft fighting styles that has developed over a long period of time. Modern Kung Fu classes teach self-defence techniques drawing from different styles as set out below, with kicking, punching and sometimes the use of weapons.
However, the Chinese term Kung Fu isn’t just about Martial Arts. It can be used to describe an individual accomplishment or refined skill that’s achieved after hard work. So it can be used to describe any skill obtained in this way.
Originally developed over 4,000 years ago, Chinese Martial Arts Kung Fu was initially just utilised as a form of wrestling before having strikes, throws and joint manipulation added in as the combat system evolved. For newcomers to the sport, Kung Fu may seem very similar to Karate, but Kung Fu forms use graceful, circular techniques. Whilst the arts were developing they were heavily influenced by, and often intertwined with, religious and symbolic beliefs through the cultural advancement of China. For example, the Taoist beliefs of Ying and Yang, symbolising universal opposites helped to develop the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ techniques within the Martial Art.
The art of ninjutsu can generally be broken down into the eighteen disciplines or ‘Ninja Júhakkei’ that are seen as definitive teachings across all schools. The eighteen disciplines are:
“Kung Fu” does not refer to any spesific martial art. There are many types such as Shaolin Kung Fu and Wing Chun. There can be different grading systems in place depending on the school or particular style of Kung Fu but some of the grades could include:
Kung Fu classes are popular for all ages of Martial Arts students – from young children to older participants, both male and female. Regardless of your background or fitness levels, you’ll be welcome along to your local Kung Fu club.
Depending on the particular Kung Fu school’s criteria, lessons tend to start with children as young as 5 years old, and there is no upper-end to the scale.
You don’t need to have any previous experience of the sport. Many Kung Fu clubs will accept participants who have never who have never tried this or any Martial Arts – in fact, the sport tends to be popular with those who want to try something completely new.
