Kung Fu Wu Shu
If Kung Fu means self-realization, Wu Shu designates the art that opposes violence.
It includes self-defense training, meditation, philosophy, pharmacopoeia, acupuncture, massages, competition for a small minority, and exercises to cultivate the body, Yang Sheng Shu (which is similar to Qi Gong if we stick to the results of its practice).
For the Martial Arts, it is appropriate to say Kung Fu Wushu or accomplishment of the man by the arts opposing the violence.
The term Gong (Kung) refers to mastery, perfection, or an action in which much time has been spent. The term is semantically related to the notion of craftsman as it was used in Europe in the 19th century: this term referred to the tradesman who, through apprenticeship with a master, acquired culture, techniques and "know-how". Fu refers to techniques as content, i.e. the energy that has been invested in the action of that technique. One can thus say of someone that he or she possesses gong fu in gastronomy, gong fu in painting, gong fu in music... Wu represents the radical 'stopper' under a 'halberd'. The idea is that of the guard's weapon, the pictogram has the meaning of a protective talisman at the entrance of the "house". It prevents thieves and demons from entering and damaging the property or the physical integrity of the inhabitants (aggression, illness...) shu: the multiple knowledge (medicine, art of combat, diplomacy, etc.). Here, the term "art" is to be understood in the ancient sense: the craftsman who, through a long and rigorous apprenticeship, possesses a trade.
WHAT IS KUNG FU WU SHU?
Kung Fu means the time it takes to accomplish or the level one reaches in a field.
Each of us, in his field, practices Kung Fu. A cook, an artist, a sportsman, a businessman, a doctor and… the others want to achieve the perfect act: to accomplish themselves.
The term Kung Fu was imposed in the early 1970s by the wave of Asian films, those of Bruce Lee, and the TV show of David Carradine, “Kung Fu”.
The Chinese Martial Arts before 1949 are called Guo Shu (National Art), Zhong Guo Quan (Chinese boxing), Quan Fa (boxing technique) or Quan Shu (art of boxing).
They are mostly distinguished by :
Quan (boxing, fist), example: He Quan (the crane boxing), Tang Lang Quan (northen praying mantis), Taiji Quan (supreme ultimate fist), Shaolin Quan…
Men (current), like: Hunan Chan Ziran Men (natural current of the Hunan Chan family),
Pai (school): Hung Jia Pai (Hung family school).
WHAT IS the goal of KUNG FU WU SHU?
Its practice has 4 goals:
– Learn to defend oneself
– Maintain a state of good health and well-being, reducing stress and unnecessary fatigue
– To gain satisfaction from the study of the principles of the laws of nature and the human sciences
– Strengthen the personality by strengthening the character of the individual
– To express oneself in sports and art…
Thus, we proceed to the deepest research in order to achieve the union of body and mind.
what ARE THE DIfFerences between modern and traditional wushu?
Modern Wushu was developed in China after 1949. It Includes :
– Tao Lu or sequences:
Chang Quan (long boxing). It is a series of fast and acrobatic movements. Modern Wushu was developed in China after 1949. It Includes :
Nan Quan (southern boxing). The positions are low, less gymnastic and more powerful.
Taiji Quan (supreme peak boxing). Unlike the ancient Taiji, this sometimes slow and aesthetic sequence is a modern creation, intended for competition.
– Sanda (or San Shou):
It is the competition fight with protections (helmets, gloves, and bust protectors). The fights take place on a platform and go up to the projection.
Traditional Wushu or Chang Quan Nan Quan
Naturally in traditional Wushu and is rather considered, according to its founder, as a science of boxing (Quan Xue), intended to broaden its investigations on the levels of health, well-being, efficiency in self-defense, knowledge and self-development, competition for a minority, biomechanics, psychology and neurobiology.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF KUNG FU WUSHU?
There are 4 main periods in the history of Kung Fu Wu Shu
1) From antiquity to the 12th century
This first period, which is very long, goes from Chinese antiquity to the 12th century. It is a period where Wushu follows an anarchic and spontaneous evolution.
2) From the 12th to the 18th century
From the 12th to the 17th century, Wushu develops in the Shaolin monastery.
In the 12th century, the general Yue Fei (1103-1142) founded the ancestor of Xing Yi Quan. He was a great expert in the handling of the spear. The men who practiced martial arts in China were often warriors and generals. The practice was intended to improve the resistance and endurance of the body to fight better. Gymnastic and chained movements were not used. Meditation and slow work were the basis of an astonishing physical health, combined with a formidable efficiency.
The 17th century is the crucial and tragic turning point. Under the emperor Kang Xi (1661-1722), of the Qing dynasty, the chained movements, the equivalent of the current Tao Lu, appeared. Their purpose was to hide the real practice of Wushu from the Manchu authorities who had invaded the country and also to support some professionals who took advantage of the ignorance of the mass of practitioners. It is during this same period that the Court intellectuals, often non-practitioners, separate Wushu into “external” and “internal”.
3) From the 18th to 1949
The “art of the Chinese fist” is torn between the tendency initiated previously, the series of linked movements (Tao Lu), and the evolution of the great practitioners, lay experts of Xingyi Quan, Bagua Quan and Tai Chi Chuan.
Others try to preserve all that is possible of the practice of the Shaolin monastery, place where until 1981, religious jealously keep ancient techniques.
4) From 1949 to the present day
The fourth period extends from the advent of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 until today. Kung Fu must serve the people and the State. The modern and gymnastic wushu appears, which practically cuts all the bridges with the practice of formerly. Some experts resist this wave, others leave the country.
Since the middle of the seventies, the state tolerates again the practice of traditional Kung Fu Wushu. Old schools reappear. After 1985, the Shaolin monastery and its region became “commercially” organized and received thousands of people who dreamed of being initiated. Since 1990, Wushu is structured, with national and international competitions.
Modern Wushu can only be practiced by athletes, is intended for competition and cannot be used for defense, except for Sanda. The whole thing is not easily practiced after 30 years old and exhausts the energy resources of the person.
Traditional Wushu is what is generally called Kung Fu in the West. It is considered that there are around 350 styles of Chinese martial arts. They are often unfairly classified as southern and northern boxing, saying that the south uses more fists and the north more legs. They are also distinguished as Shaolin Monastery Boxing or Wudang and Emei Mountain Boxing.
Indeed, many styles are not concerned by these classifications. Each school has its own theories, its own principles and specific training methods.
Traditional Wushu can be practiced by a wide audience. It includes self-defense, combat (San Shou), leisure, philosophy, traditional medicine and exercises for health and well-being (known generically as Qi Gong).
The Kung Fu Wushu practiced by taofitcoaching is Yi Quan.
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