Kung Fu, also spelled Gung Fu, is a generic term for martial arts originating in China. A direct translation of the term would be “hard work”
or “effort”. Kung Fu has both external and internal styles. All styles teach the use of throws, grappling holds, weapons, and self-defense
which makes Kung Fu a more broad and complex system of combat than most other styles of martial arts.
Kung Fu is not a martial art unto itself, yet it encompasses the most effective and devastating methods of self-preservation known to man.
The identity of Kung Fu is diverse with various styles known or recognized. From Kung Fu came different styles of Martial Arts such as
Karate, Escrima, and Tae Kwon Do, but most important, a way of thinking that became a code of life.
The power of the Kung Fu practitioner lay in his ability to defend himself against impossible odds and situations. Kung Fu requires of the
practitioner a strict code of physical and mental discipline. Kung Fu is acquired by the desire to learn, the will to discipline one’s self, and
devotion to practice.
Many of the movements in Kung Fu were representations of the behavior of animals. A system sometimes comprised the maneuvers of one
specific animal and no other. All the blocks, attacks and stances were done in imitation of the bird or beast. Each system had certain aspects
peculiar to it since each of the animals was designed differently by nature.
Kung Fu styles may generally be divided into two styles, External style and Internal style. An External style is generally considered one where
force is used against force. In External style a block is used to deflect an incoming strike by meeting either head on, or at a 90 degrees angle.
An internal style does not use force against force, but rather deflects the incoming blow away from its target. Internal style Kung Fu depends
upon chi and timing rather than power while External style is one that relies primarily in strength and physical abilities to defeat an opponent.
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