Whether you want to learn how to throw crescent kicks like martial arts movie actors or want to get in touch with your inner energy, kung fu might be for you. Learning this kind of art is half the battle; practising it is something that requires a lifetime of dedication and dedication.
What is kung fu?
Most people consider “kung fu” to be “Chinese martial arts,” although the term “wushu” more appropriately applies to the physical aspects of this type of sport. It combines centuries of Eastern martial arts traditions with ancient Chinese philosophy. It can involve combat with or without weapons, although it is more often practised as a form of practise or for meditation.
The Principles of Kung Fu
Kung fu is a very complex system of beliefs, but the basics can be covered by three guiding principles:
* Chi. Also known as qi, chi is the life force found in every human being. It is an energy that flows through nature. It was developed to maximize a person’s ability to concentrate and use chi to transcend the boundaries of body and mind.*
Virtues. In kung fu, wisdom (deed) and emotions (mind) must always be in harmony with each other. The mind must be led with courage, stamina, perseverance, patience, and willpower. Kung fu also teaches a person values such as loyalty, righteousness, humility, politeness, and trust.
* Combat/wushu. Some people see fighting as the most important part of kung fu, but it is only a part of it. Wushu is often used as a self-defense technique, although it can also be used as a form of exercise. Wushu is a very rigorous physical activity that requires top fitness, strength, and flexibility to push your body to its limits.
Kung Fu Schools
Kung fu schools are different from dojos. You can enrol in a karate dojo and end up learning karate instead of kung fu. When choosing a kung fu school, choose one that offers Chinese martial arts programmes and has a reputation for good students. Like any other school, a good kung fu school or martial arts academy builds its reputation based on the skills of its students. Kung fu schools, like karate and judo-dojos, have different programmes for different skills and levels of physical conditioning. If the master of the school feels that you have developed and mastered your skills, he or she can promote you to the next level.
Kung Fu Books and Videos
If you can’t afford to enrol in a kung fu school, you can use how-to videos and books to teach yourself. It will be more difficult to get the same kung fu and wushu skills from an instructional video, but with the right amount of dedication, you can get the same results from books and videos as if you paid for a full course.