In Chinese, the term kung fu generally refers to skill, ability, and hard work rather than the fighting arts. It also comprises three significant areas of development: self-defense, health and fitness, and character training.
In general, kung fu and Chinese martial arts encompass a range of subjects for study. To one degree or another, most Chinese martial arts include: basics, combinations, self-defense, forms, partner sets, weapons, pressure points, joint locks, sparring, chi kung, herbal medicines, and basic first aid. Below is a synopsis of each of the major subjects of kung fu.
1> Basics are specific techniques students practice to perfect each technique’s form, coordination, and power. Some of these techniques are punching, blocking, and kicking.
2> Combinations are basic techniques combined to develop greater coordination and concentration. The student should have a good foundation in the basics before trying combination techniques.
3> Self-defense is how you learn to use the moves against specific attacks and attackers. The basic idea of kung fu is to move like the wind or the water… continuously. This continuous movement can create tremendous force, like a tidal wave or hurricane. This constant movement also means the student never has to rely on a single self-defense technique. You can easily counter if you miss your initial defense movement or the attacker changes tactics.
4> Forms are the encyclopedia of your kung fu techniques. They contain all the movements combined. Forms can range from 10 moves to 1000 steps. They are similar to combinations but comprise hundreds of combinations. Forms help the student develop tremendous concentration, coordination, and discipline.
5> Partner Sets Like forms, partner sets are a series of movements in a sequence that can run from ten to hundreds of moves. Partner sets require coordination between two partners. The coordination involves distancing and focusing on each movement. Partner sets come in two types: open hand (no weapons) and weapons.
6> Weapons are taught as part of the Chinese kung fu tradition. Though these weapons are not used for combat today, they play an essential role in developing strength, agility, concentration, and coordination. Chinese weapons are classified into several major groups: long, short, and flexible.
7> Pressure Points maximize the potential of grabs, strikes, and kicks. In addition, pressure points are weak points in everyone’s body, so that kung fu practitioners can defeat attackers much larger or stronger than themselves.
8> Joint locking is the art of attacking the joints to either break, sprain, or cause extreme pain. Joint locks are usually combined with pressure points to make the kung fu practitioner a well-rounded martial artist and self-defense expert.
9> Throwing techniques use the body, hip, or legs to throw or knock the person off balance. This gives you a unique advantage in close-quarters combat.
10> Sparring is the one-on-one practice of randomly using techniques against another opponent. The student learns how to apply various techniques, ranging from throws and locks to strikes and kicks. In addition, sparring teaches the students control, distancing, application, and counters.
11> Chi kung means “breath work” or, more commonly, “internal work.” Chi Kung routines teach students specialized breathing techniques to improve their internal organs and develop a stronger mind and body.
12> Herbal medicines were necessary for Chinese martial arts to prevent injuries to muscles and bones and heal injuries that practitioners might receive. Herbal remedies are passed down from Sifu to Sifu, and most formulas are kept secret.
Conclusion
In ancient China, kung fu practitioners were revered as scholars and medical doctors for their extensive knowledge. But, as you can see from this basic outline, kung fu practitioners learn more than simply punching and striking. They learn the art of keeping their minds and bodies healthy. And isn’t that the most crucial thing in today’s fast-paced and stressful society?