Kung Fu

When most people think of Kung Fu, they wrongly or incorrectly think of it as a specific style of fighting and/or martial arts. The truth of the matter is, however, that there are actually a number of Kung Fu Styles. In fact, Kung Fu actually refers to several different types of fighting styles that originated in China. Each of these styles is a form of martial arts, often placed into a specific group within the martial arts sector. Fighting styles may either be internal, meaning they deal with emotional, psychological, spiritual, or religious issues, or external, meaning they focus on self defense, athletics, or physical fitness.

Thanks to vast differences in cultures and regions, there are many different types of Kung Fu Styles. Northern styles of Kung Fu, for example, are the styles typically seen in Hollywood movies and are what most people think of when they think of Kung Fu. The Northern version of the sport features fast kicks, high leaps into the air, and quick, controlled movements. Southern versions focus more on strong and graceful movements, sturdy stances, and quick, well coordinated movements of the hands and feet. Some of the most popular and well known styles include Changquan, Xingyiquan, Bak Mei, Wuzuquan, choy Li Fut, Wing Chun, and Hun Gar.

When trying to choose from among various Kung Fu Styles, most people find that it is easiest to simply look at a wide variety of styles and then to consider what type of emphasis is placed on different areas of the practice. For example, a potential student who was interested in toning up and getting into better physical health probably wouldn’t want to pick a style with a strong focus on meditation. Likewise, a student interested in coming into better mental and emotional health probably wouldn’t want to pick a style heavily focused on competition or sparring. For this reason, it is best to break down any specific type of the sport before coming to a decision about which form is the best for the particular person. Remember, not all martial arts forms are created equally.

Once a style has been chosen, students are encouraged to remain with the style for at least a year. The basics of most common styles are the same, so it’s easy for well educated students to switch to a different form later on down the road. Many students will also become interested in mixed martial arts, a form which combines several different types of fighting styles, often for competition or just for the ultimate in spiritual enlightenment. All students are encouraged to learn, grow, and explore as much as possible, because, after all, this is the true purpose of all forms of the martial arts.