forms make it kung fu. Lots and lots of forms.
forms make it kung fu. Lots and lots of forms.
Hey now - don't tell that to us Judo guys who favor the Hayastan flavour.
It's a little known fact that Lebell and Gokor require all their black belts to sport either a mullet or skullet depending on their follicle aptitude (woman can wear the ever popular reverse mullet).
Strictly speaking, what makes it "kung fu" is the level of skill that rises to intrinsic perfection after long time of training. That is the real actual meaning of the words "kung fu". "Kung fu" is not a martial art, is not even strictly Chinese, per se, except for being Chinese language. It's a concept describing uncanny skill obtained thru much repeated hard work. Not even exclusive to martial arts. So if you want to be absolutely correct about the term you are using, that is the only thing that makes something "kung fu". See what I'm sayin?
Right! See, that is the actual definition of "gung fu". But, to be fair, I know Kellen is using the term to mean "Chinese martial arts", probably. That is common usage of the term here in the west. Hell, this very forum & magazine uses the term because more people relate to the term here.
To get to Kellen's original question though, I think it is, obviously, meaning "of Chinese origin or development", in the same way that "tae kwon do" implies automatically Korean origin and so forth. The fluidity of it was mentioned. Circular movements more so than hard, linear movement. The in depth systems that mimic animal movements is a uniquely "kung fu" thing as opposed to having, say, a tiger claw hand position or technique or two. I think at its core, "kung fu" in the common western sense implies automatically a Chinese art.
My late shizu used to tell us young bucks that the distinguishing thing about Chinese martial arts is specialization. Whole systems based on specialization, especially in animal form boxings.
It's got qi.
Gene Ching
Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
Author of Shaolin Trips
Support our forum by getting your gear at MartialArtSmart
Kung fu, to have Kung Fu is to have skill and ability in a given discipline.
To have Kung Fu in martial arts cn be interpreted in a couple of ways, but in my perspective:
You are versed in striking, evading, throwing and kicking. As well as these, you are taught classical weapons in their various forms. Bladed, blunt, flexible an doubled. Further to this, inward work is part and parcel as well, zen or Chan meditation is part to shaolin kung fu in most instances.
Finally, medical knowledge on some level. I myself am a trained first responder and understand massage and am versed in Tui Nah.
To have Kung Fu in Chinese martial arts therefore means:
1. You have the will to fight if circumstance necessitates that.
2. You have an ability to aid others through your efforts in practice.
3. You have an ability to forge a better person from yourself through continued practice upon your body and mind.
4. You can physically and martially handle the better part of the hoi polloi.
Kung Fu is good for you.
Looking forward to seeing ya, Shaolin Rasta. Less than two weeks out...
Woah, was that another plug? Ima on FIYAH!
Gene Ching
Publisher www.KungFuMagazine.com
Author of Shaolin Trips
Support our forum by getting your gear at MartialArtSmart
"Kung Fu" is the perfect name for the traditional art.
Honorary African American
grandmaster instructor of Wombat Combat The Lost Art of Anal Destruction™®LLC .
Senior Business Director at TEAM ASSHAMMER consulting services ™®LLC
ever been to texas?
For whoso comes amongst many shall one day find that no one man is by so far the mightiest of all.
Head north and crash a family reunion now that you're in Michigan.
Honorary African American
grandmaster instructor of Wombat Combat The Lost Art of Anal Destruction™®LLC .
Senior Business Director at TEAM ASSHAMMER consulting services ™®LLC