Chinese Culture >> Chinese Society Traditions
History of Chinese Kung Fu
Kung Fu
is one of the most well known examples of traditional
Chinese culture. It is
probably one of the earliest and longest lasting sports which utilize
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.
The beginning of Chinese Kung fu probably started long before history
was recorded. Kung fu techniques were discovered or created during the
long epoch of continuous conflict between human beings and animals, or
between different tribes of humans themselves. From these battles,
experiences were accumulated and techniques discovered which were passed
down generation to generation.
Chinese Kung Fu can trace its origins back some 4000 years to 2674 BC,
when Emperor Huang Ti of China used a rudimentary form of martial arts
called Chiou Ti as a form of individual combat and military tactic. 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.
During Shang and Zhou Dynasties, kung fu developed to be a kind of
dancing. Usually the dancing of Kung fu is utilized to train soldiers
and inspire their morale. During Zhou Dynasty, Kung fu dancing was
designated as a component of education. The application of wrestling
techniques at the battlefield received much attention from various
states during the period of Spring and Autumn. At the same time, the
skill and technology of sword forging as well as sword ceremony achieved
rapid development. In Qin and Han Dynasties, wrestling, swordplay, and
kung fu dancing were very popular. The application of spear play in
Han Dynasty reached its summit along
with the appearance of many other techniques of spear usage. During
Tang dynasty, Kung fu became part of
the examination process for the imperial courts. All officials and
soldiers were required to pass some sort of Kung fu test before being
promoted. Excellent candidates would receive titles and awards through
the examination, largely propelling the development of Kung fu. By then
kung fu had evolved to be an artistic form and an independent genre. It
was gradually introduced to many countries in Southeast Asia. Today
Kung Fu
was honored as the ancestor of kickboxing, karate, aikido, and judo.
Song and Yuan Dynasties witnessed the climax of Kung fu development.
Kung fu permeated society, as agile performers displayed their skills in
the street. Practice of Kung Fu by civil organizations became more and
more popular. Some organizations centered on the use of spear play and
cudgel, and they were called Yinglue Organization; while others majored
in the practice of arching and therefore called Arching Origination.
Besides, there appeared another genre called Luqi People. They made a
living as performer of martial arts all over the country. Usually their
performance was carried out by a single person or two persons as a pair.
Chinese Kung Fu
achieved larger development in Ming and
Qing Dynasties. In Ming Dynasty, a lot of genres came into being
and numerous books on Kung fu were published. In Qing Dynasty, the
ruling empire banned the practice of martial arts. In 1644, the
Manchurians invaded mainland China and replaced the
Ming Dynasty with the Qing dynasty.
The Shao Lin Temples ,which had great influence in the growth of Kung
Fu, became hives of revolutionaries. In order to counteract the threat
from these insurrectionists, the Manchurians destroyed the Shao Lin
Temples. The inhabitants of the Temples fled, and in this way Kung Fu
knowledge was spread. And the folk also set up various clubs or
societies to pass down feat secretly. Qing Dynasty is the times of
integration among different Kung Fu genres. Wrestling techniques were
introduced into Kung Fu, facilitating the improvement and mature of
martial arts. This period is the shed between genres for appreciation
and those for actual combat.
The end of the Qing Empire and the beginning of the Republic generated
renewed interest in the Kung fu. Practicing kung fu was seen as being in
the national interest because it helped strengthen both the body and the
mind. In modern times, Chinese Kung-fu was first introduced abroad to
the United States by Chinese-American Kung-fu master Bruce Lee, whose
agile movements in a series of his great movies swept American audiences
off their feet. Thanks to the giant influence of the American movie
industry, it soon swept across the world. The entire globe was enchanted
by the magic act, starting the upsurge of interest in Chinese Kung-fu.
From then on, Chinese Kung-fu learners can be found everywhere. Now,
Lee's followers, Jacky Chan (Cheng Long) and Jet Lee (Li Lianjie) carry
the baton pushing themselves to novel heights.
About the Author
eKnow Inc. Staff, Joined eKnow Inc. in 2008 as a part time content editor