Chinese Kung Fu (Martial Arts)

Chinese kung fu, also known as Chinese martial arts, is one of the most well known examples of traditional Chinese culture. It is probably one of the earliest and longest lasting sports which utilize both brawn and brain. Nowadays, it is regarded as a traditional sport gaining more and more popularity and even stands as a representative for Chinese culture. Styles including Shaolin, Tai Chi and Qigong have many followers worldwide.

It is estimated that Chinese Kung Fu can be dated back to primeval society. At that time people used cudgels to fight against wild beasts. Gradually they accumulated experience in self defense. When the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) began, hunting was considered as an important measure of kung fu training.

The theory of kung fu is based upon classical Chinese philosophy. Over its long history it has developed as a unique combination of exercise, practical self-defense, self-discipline, and art. There are some main classification of Kungfu.

Shaolin Martial Arts: Originated in the Shaolin Temple in Henan, this is considered the premier style in China and is widely spread all over the world. Both of its physical exercise and mental training are based upon Buddhist philosophy.

Taijiquan (tai chi), is a Taoist internal martial art. One account of the history of taijiquan credits its development to the Taoist immortal Chang San-feng, who is said to have drawn the inspiration for the art by watching a fight between an snake and an aggressive eagle.

"Qi gong" (literally 'breath exercise') is an invaluable component of traditional Chinese medicine that has its origin in ancient times. Its primary stimulus was the search for longevity, with the ultimate aim of immortality, which has so enchanted the Chinese mind for centuries.

Kung Fu Stars

Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973): Bruce Lee was a Chinese-American martial artist and actor, who is considered by many as the most influential martial artist of the 20th century, and an important cultural icon. He used Wing Chun, a branch of Chinese kung fu, as his base, learned from the influences of other martial arts, and later created his own martial art philosophy — Jeet Kune Do. His films are The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon, and Game of Death.

Jackie Chan (Born 1954): Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and singer. He began his film career as a stuntman in the Bruce Lee films. Now a cultural icon, he is widely known for injecting comedy and stunts into his martial arts performances. Jackie has received stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008 he sang at the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. He has starred in over 100 films, and some famous ones include Rumble in the Bronx, Rush Hour, and Who Am I.

Jet Li (Born 1963): Born in Beijing, Jet Li was a five-time national wushuchampion. After retiring from wushuat the age of 17, he demonstrated his skills in cinema, and won great acclaim in China as a debut actor with the film Shaolin Temple. He went on to star in many martial arts films, of which the most notable are the Once Upon A Time in China series, portraying famous folk hero Wong Fei Hung. His roles in Hollywood films include being a villain in Lethal Weapon 4, acting alongside Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables, as well as Hero, Fealess, and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com