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Chinese martial arts

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"Kung fu" redirects here. For the generalized meaning of the term, seeKung fu (term).For other uses, seeKung fu (disambiguation).
Chinese martial arts
Traditional ChineseVõ thuật
Simplified ChineseVõ thuật
Literal meaning"Martial arts"
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinwǔshù
Bopomofoㄨˇ ㄕㄨˋ
Wade–Gileswu3-shu4
Tongyong Pinyinwǔ-shù
IPA[ù.ʂû]
Wu
Suzhounesevû-zéh
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanizationmóuh-seuht
Jyutpingmou5 seot6
IPA[mɔw˩˧.sɵt̚˨]
Southern Min
Tâi-lôbú-su̍t
Kung Fu
ChineseCông phu
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyingōngfu
Bopomofoㄍㄨㄥ ㄈㄨ˙
Wade–Gileskung1-fu
Tongyong Pinyingong-fu̇
IPA[kʊ́ŋ.fu]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanizationgūng-fū
Jyutpinggung1 fu1
IPA[kʊŋ˥ fu˥]
Guoshu
Traditional ChineseVõ thuật truyền thống Trung Quốc
Simplified ChineseVõ thuật truyền thống Trung Quốc
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinguóshù
Bopomofoㄍㄨㄛˊ ㄕㄨˋ
Wade–Gileskuo2-shu4
Tongyong Pinyinguó-shù
IPA[kwǒ.ʂû]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanizationgwok-seuht
Jyutpinggwok3 seot6
IPA[kʷɔk̚˧.sɵt̚˨]
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Chinese martial arts (Wushu)
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Kung fu in Iran

Chinese martial arts,commonly referred to withumbrella termskung fu(/ˈkʌŋˈfuː/;Chinese:Công phu;pinyin:gōngfu;Cantonese Yale:gūng fū),kuoshu(Võ thuật truyền thống Trung Quốc;guóshù) orwushu(Võ thuật;wǔshù), aremultiple fighting stylesthat have developed over the centuries inGreater China.These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" of martial arts. Examples of such traits includeShaolinquan(Quyền thuật thiếu lâm) physical exercises involvingAll Other Animals(Năm hình) mimicry or training methods inspired byOld Chinese philosophies,religions and legends. Styles that focus onqimanipulation are calledinternal(Nội gia quyền;nèijiāquán), while others that concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are calledexternal(Nhà ngoại quyền;wàijiāquán). Geographical associations, as innorthern(Bắc quyền;běiquán) andsouthern(Nam quyền;nánquán), is another popular classification method.

Terminology

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See also:Kung fu (term)

Kung fuandwushuareloanwordsfrom Cantonese and Mandarin respectively that, in English, are used to refer to Chinese martial arts. However, theChinesetermskung fuandwushu(listen (Mandarin)ⓘ;Cantonese Yale:móuh seuht) have distinct meanings.[1]The Chinese equivalent of the term "Chinese martial arts" would beZhongguo wushu(Chinese:Trung Quốc võ thuật;pinyin:zhōngguó wǔshù) (Mandarin).

In Chinese, the termkung furefers to any skill that is acquired through learning or practice. It is a compound word composed of the words công (gōng) meaning "work", "achievement", or "merit", and phu (fū) which is a particle or nominal suffix with diverse meanings.

Wushuliterally means "martial art".It is formed from the twoChinese charactersVõ thuật:Võ(wǔ), meaning "martial"or"military"andThuậtor thuật (shù), which translates into "art","discipline","skill"or"method".The termwushuhas also become the name for the modern sport ofwushu,an exhibition and full-contact sport of bare-handed and weapon forms (Kịch bản), adapted and judged to a set of aesthetic criteria for points developed since 1949 in thePeople's Republic of China.[2][3]

Quánfǎ(Quyền pháp) is another Chinese term for Chinese martial arts. It means "fist method" or "the law of the fist" (quánmeans "bo xing" or "fist", andfǎmeans "law", "way" or "method" ), although as a compound term it usually translates as "bo xing" or "fighting technique." The name of the Japanese martial artkempōis represented by the samehanzicharacters.

History

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The genesis of Chinese martial arts has been attributed to the need forself-defense,hunting techniques and military training inancient China.Hand-to-hand combatandweaponspractice were important in training ancient Chinesesoldiers.[4][5]

Detailed knowledge about the state and development of Chinese martial arts became available from theNanjing decade(1928–1937), as theCentral Guoshu Instituteestablished by theKuomintangregime made an effort to compile an encyclopedic survey of martial arts schools. Since the 1950s, the People's Republic of China has organized Chinese martial arts as an exhibition and full-contact sport under the heading of"wushu".[citation needed]

Legendary origins

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According to legend, Chinese martial arts originated before the semi-mythicalXia dynastyover 4,000 years ago. It is said that the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi), who ascended to power in 2698 BC, introduced the earliest fighting systems to China. The Emperor is renowned as a great general who, prior to becoming China's leader, authored extensive treatises on medicine, astrology, and the martial arts. One of his primary adversaries was Chi You, credited as the progenitor of jiao di, a precursor to modernChinese wrestling.[citation needed]

Early history

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The earliest references to Chinese martial arts are found in theSpring and Autumn Annals(5th century BC),[6]where a hand-to-hand combat theory, one that integrates notions of"hard" and "soft"techniques, is mentioned.[7]A combatwrestlingsystem calledjuélìorjiǎolì(Đấu sức) is mentioned in theClassic of Rites.[8]This combat system included techniques such asstrikes,throws,joint manipulation,andpressure pointattacks. Jiao Di became a sport during theQin dynasty(221–207 BC). TheHan HistoryBibliographiesrecord that, by theFormer Han(206 BC – 8 AD), there was a distinction between no-holds-barred weaponless fighting, which it callsshǒubó(Tay bác), for which training manuals had already been written, and sportive wrestling, then known as juélì (Đấu sức). Wrestling is also documented in the Shǐ Jì,Records of the Grand Historian,written bySima Qian(ca. 100 BC).[9]

In theTang dynasty,descriptions of sword dances were immortalized in poems byLi Bai.In theSongandYuan dynasties,xiangpu( đô vật ) contests were sponsored by the imperial courts. The modern concepts of wushu were fully developed by theMingandQingdynasties.[10]

Philosophical influences

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The ideas associated with Chinese martial arts changed with the evolution of Chinese society and over time acquired some philosophical bases: Passages in theZhuangzi(Thôn trang), aTaoisttext, pertain to the psychology and practice of martial arts.Zhuangzi,itseponymousauthor, is believed to have lived in the [4th century BC]. TheTao Te Ching,often credited toLaozi,is another Taoist text that contains principles applicable to martial arts. According to one of the classic texts ofConfucianism,Zhou Li(Chu lễ),Archeryandcharioteeringwere part of the "six arts" (simplified Chinese:Lục nghệ;traditional Chinese:Lục nghệ;pinyin:Liù yì,includingrites,music,calligraphyandmathematics) of theZhou dynasty(1122–256 BC).The Art of War(simplified Chinese:Binh pháp Tôn Tử;traditional Chinese:Binh pháp Tôn Tử;pinyin:Sūnzǐ bīngfǎ), written during the [6th century BC] bySun Tzu(simplified Chinese:Tôn tử;traditional Chinese:Tôn tử;pinyin:Sūnzǐ), deals directly with military warfare but contains ideas that are used in the Chinese martial arts.[citation needed]

Taoistpractitioners have been practicingdaoyin(physical exercises similar toqigongthat was one of the progenitors totai chi) from as early as 500 BC.[11]In 39–92 AD, "Six Chapters of Hand Fighting", were included in theHan Shu(history of the FormerHan dynasty) written byBan Gu.Also, the noted physician,Hua Tuo,composed the "Five Animals Play" —tiger, deer, monkey, bear, and bird, around 208 AD.[12]Taoist philosophy and their approach to health and exercise have influenced the Chinese martial arts to a certain extent. Direct reference to Taoist concepts can be found in such styles as the "Eight Immortals,"which uses fighting techniques attributed to the characteristics of each immortal.[13]

Southern and Northern dynasties (420–589 AD)

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Shaolin temple established

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In 495 AD, the first Shaolin temple was constructed on Song Mountain in Henan province. The initial Buddhist monk who propagated Buddhism there was an Indian monk named Buddhabhadra, known as Batuo in Chinese. Historical records suggest that Batuo's first Chinese disciples, Huiguang and Sengchou, possessed exceptional martial skills. For instance, Sengchou's proficiency with the tin staff is documented in the Chinese Buddhist canon. FollowingBuddhabhadra,another Indian monk named Bodhidharma, also known as Damo in Chinese, arrived atShaolinin 527 AD. His Chinese disciple, Huike, was likewise a highly skilled martial artist. There are indications that these first three Chinese Shaolin monks—Huiguang, Sengchou, and Huike—may have had a military background prior to embracingmonastic life.[citation needed]

Shaolin and temple-based martial arts

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Main article:Shaolin Monastery
Mural at Shaolin temple from 1830's depicting forearm strikes and reverse kicks

The Shaolin style of kung fu is considered one of the earliest organized Chinese martial arts. The oldest documented evidence of Shaolin's involvement in combat dates back to a stele from 728 AD, which records two significant events: the defense of the Shaolin Monastery against bandits around 610 AD and their subsequent contribution to the defeat ofWang Shichongat the Battle of Hulao in 621 AD. However, between the 8th and 15th centuries, there are no surviving records that provide concrete proof of Shaolin's involvement in combat activities.

Between the 16th and 17th centuries, at least forty sources exist to provide evidence both that monks of Shaolin practiced martial arts, and that martial practice became an integral element of Shaolin monastic life. The earliest appearance of the frequently cited legend concerningBodhidharma's supposed foundationofShaolin kung fudates to this period.[14]The origin of this legend has been traced to theMing period'sYijin Jingor "Muscle Change Classic", a text written in 1624attributed toBodhidharma.

Depiction of fighting monks demonstrating their skills to visiting dignitaries (early 19th-century mural in theShaolin Monastery).

References of martial arts practice in Shaolin appear in various literary genres of the late Ming: the epitaphs of Shaolin warrior monks, martial-arts manuals, military encyclopedias, historical writings, travelogues, fiction, and poetry. However, these sources do not point out any specific style that originated in Shaolin.[15]These sources, in contrast to those from the Tang period, refer to Shaolin methods of armed combat. These include a skill for which Shaolin monks became famous: thestaff(gùn,Cantonesegwan). The Ming generalQi Jiguangincluded a description ofShaolin kung fuand staff techniques in his book,Jixiao Xinshu,which can translate asNew Book Recording Effective Techniques.When this book spread across East Asia, it had a great influence on the development of martial arts in regions such as Okinawa[16]and Korea.[17]

Modern history

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Further information:Modern history of East Asian martial arts

Republican period

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Most fighting styles that are being practiced as traditional Chinese martial arts today reached their popularity within the 20th century. Some of these includeBaguazhang,Drunken Bo xing,Eagle Claw,Five Animals,Xingyi,Hung Gar,Monkey,Bak Mei Pai,Northern Praying Mantis,Southern Praying Mantis,Fu gian White Crane,Jow Ga,Wing Chunandtai chi.The increase in the popularity of those styles is a result of the dramatic changes occurring within the Chinese society.

In 1900–01, theRighteous and Harmonious Fistsrose against foreign occupiers and Christian missionaries in China. This uprising is known in the West as theBoxer Rebelliondue to the martial arts and calisthenics practiced by the rebels.Empress Dowager Cixigained control of the rebellion and tried to use it against the foreign powers. The failure of the rebellion led ten years later to the fall of theQing dynastyand the creation of theChinese Republic.

The present view of Chinese martial arts is strongly influenced by the events of theRepublican period(1912–1949). In the transition period between the fall of theQing dynastyas well as the turmoil of the Japanese invasion and the Chinese Civil War, Chinese martial arts became more accessible to the general public as many martial artists were encouraged to openly teach their art. At that time, some considered martial arts as a means to promote national pride and build a strong nation. As a result, many training manuals ( quyền phổ ) were published, a training academy was created, two national examinations were organized and demonstration teams traveled overseas.[18]Numerous martial arts associations were formed throughout China and in various overseas Chinese communities. TheCentral Guoshu Academy(Zhongyang Guoshuguan, trung ương võ thuật truyền thống Trung Quốc quán ) established by the National Government in 1928[19]and theJing Wu Athletic Association( tinh võ thể dục sẽ ) founded byHuo Yuanjiain 1910 are examples of organizations that promoted a systematic approach for training in Chinese martial arts.[20][21][22]A series of provincial and national competitions were organized by the Republican government starting in 1932 to promote Chinese martial arts. In 1936, at the 11th Olympic Games in Berlin, a group of Chinese martial artists demonstrated their art to an international audience for the first time.

The termkuoshu(orguoshu,Võ thuật truyền thống Trung Quốcmeaning "national art" ), rather than the colloquial termgongfuwas introduced by the Kuomintang in an effort to more closely associate Chinese martial arts withnational priderather than individual accomplishment.

People's Republic

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Further information:Wushu (sport)andInternational Wushu Federation

Chinese martial arts experienced rapid international dissemination with the end of theChinese Civil Warand the founding of thePeople's Republic of Chinaon October 1, 1949. Many well known martial artists chose to escape from the PRC's rule and migrate toTaiwan,Hong Kong,[23]and other parts of the world. Thosemastersstarted to teach within theoverseas Chinesecommunities but eventually they expanded their teachings to include people from other ethnic groups.

Two Brazilian fighters in aSanda/Sanshoumatch. Sanda is a modernized form of Kung Fu and one of the two disciplines ofSport Wushu

Within China, the practice of traditional martial arts was discouraged during the turbulent years of theChinese Cultural Revolution(1969–1976).[3]Like many other aspects of traditional Chinese life, martial arts were subjected to a radical transformation by thePeople's Republic of Chinato align them withMaoistrevolutionary doctrine.[3]ThePRCpromoted the committee-regulated sport ofWushuas a replacement for independent schools of martial arts. This new competition sport was disassociated from what was seen as the potentiallysubversiveself-defense aspects and family lineages of Chinese martial arts.[3]

In 1958, the government established the All-China Wushu Association as an umbrella organization to regulate martial arts training. The Chinese State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports took the lead in creating standardized forms for most of the major arts. During this period, a national Wushu system that included standard forms, teaching curriculum, and instructor grading was established. Wushu was introduced at both the high school and university level. The suppression of traditional teaching was relaxed during theEra of Reconstruction (1976–1989),as Communist ideology became more accommodating to alternative viewpoints.[24]In 1979, the State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports created a special task force to reevaluate the teaching and practice of Wushu. In 1986, the Chinese National Research Institute of Wushu was established as the central authority for the research and administration of Wushu activities in the People's Republic of China.[25]

Changing government policies and attitudes towards sports, in general, led to the closing of theState Sports Commission(the central sports authority) in 1998. This closure is viewed as an attempt to partially de-politicize organized sports and move Chinese sport policies towards a moremarket-drivenapproach.[26]As a result of these changing sociological factors within China, both traditional styles and modern Wushu approaches are being promoted by the Chinese government.[27]

Chinese martial arts are an integral element of 20th-century Chinese popular culture.[28] Wuxiaor "martial arts fiction" is a popular genre that emerged in the early 20th century and peaked in popularity during the 1960s to 1980s.Wuxia filmswere produced from the 1920s. The Kuomintang suppressed wuxia, accusing it of promoting superstition and violent anarchy. Because of this, wuxia came to flourish inBritish Hong Kong,and the genre ofkung fu movieinHong Kong action cinemabecame wildly popular, coming to international attention from the 1970s. The genre underwent a drastic decline in the late 1990s as theHong Kong film industrywas crushed by economic depression.

In the wake ofAng Lee'sCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon(2000), there has been somewhat of a revival of Chinese-produced wuxia films aimed at an international audience, includingZhang Yimou'sHero(2002),House of Flying Daggers(2004) andCurse of the Golden Flower(2006), as well as Su Chao-pin andJohn Woo'sReign of Assassins(2010).

Styles

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Main article:Styles of Chinese martial arts
See also:List of Chinese martial arts
TheYang styleoftai chibeing practiced onthe BundinShanghai

China boasts a rich history of martial arts traditions encompassing numerous styles, totaling in the hundreds. Over the course of the past twomillennia,a multitude of distinct styles have been developed, each with its own unique techniques and philosophies. These styles are often categorized into "families" ( gia; jiā), "schools" ( phái; pai), or "sects" ( môn; men). While each style possesses its own characteristics, there are also common themes that thread through different styles.

Some styles draw inspiration from animal movements, replicating the agility and power of creatures such as tigers, snakes, or monkeys. Others derive their inspiration from Chinese philosophies, myths, and legends, incorporating their principles and symbolism into their techniques. Certain styles place significant emphasis on harnessing and manipulatingqi,while others prioritize competitive aspects, focusing on sparring and tournaments.

The diversity of Chinese martial arts reflects the vast array of cultural and regional influences throughout history. From the graceful and flowing movements of Tai Chi to the explosive and acrobatic techniques of Wushu, China's martial arts traditions showcase a vibrant tapestry of physical prowess, philosophical principles, and cultural heritage.

Chinese martial arts can be split into various categories to differentiate them: For example, "external" (Nhà ngoại quyền) and "internal"(Nội gia quyền).[29]Chinese martial arts can also be categorized by location, as in "northern" and "southern" as well, referring to what part of China the styles originated from, separated by theYangtze River;Chinese martial arts may even be classified according to their province or city.[18]The main perceived difference between northern and southern styles is that the northern styles tend to emphasize fast and powerful kicks, high jumps and generally fluid and rapid movement, while the southern styles focus more on strong arm and hand techniques, and stable, immovable stances and fast footwork. Examples of the northern styles includechangquanandXing yiquan.Examples of the southern styles includeBak Mei,Wuzuquan,Choy Li Fut,andWing Chun.Chinese martial arts can also be divided according to religion, imitative-styles (Tượng hình quyền), and family styles such asHung Gar(Hồng gia). There are distinctive differences in the training between different groups of the Chinese martial arts regardless of the type of classification. However, few experienced martial artists make a clear distinction between internal and external styles, or subscribe to the idea of northern systems being predominantly kick-based and southern systems relying more heavily on upper-body techniques. Most styles contain both hard and soft elements, regardless of their internal nomenclature. Analyzing the difference in accordance with yin and yang principles, philosophers would assert that the absence of either one would render the practitioner's skills unbalanced or deficient, as yin and yang alone are each only half of a whole. If such differences did once exist, they have since been blurred.

Training

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Ancient Chinese weapons

Chinese martial arts training consists of the following components: basics, forms, applications and weapons; different styles place varying emphasis on each component.[30]In addition, philosophy, ethics and even medical practice[31]are highly regarded by most Chinese martial arts. A complete training system should also provide insight into Chinese attitudes and culture.[32]

Moreover, many Chinesemartial arts stylesintegrate traditional medical practices into their training. This includes the understanding of meridians, pressure points, andherbal remedies,as well as exercises that promote health,vitality,and longevity. The holistic approach to training seeks to cultivate both internal and external strength, promoting overall well-being and balance.

Furthermore,Chinese martialarts serve as a vessel for preserving and transmitting cultural values and attitudes. Respect for teachers, dedication, discipline, and perseverance are instilled in practitioners, fostering a sense of community and loyalty within martial arts schools and lineages. Chinese martial arts also often incorporate cultural elements such as music, costumes, and rituals, further deepening the connection to Chinese heritage and traditions.

Overall, Chinese martial arts encompass not just physical techniques but a comprehensive system that encompasses philosophy, ethics, medical knowledge, and cultural appreciation. It is this holistic approach that distinguishes Chinese martial arts as not just a means of self-defense but as a way of life, promoting personal growth, cultural understanding, and the pursuit of harmony and excellence.

Basics

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TheBasics(Kiến thức cơ bản) are a vital part of any martial training, as a student cannot progress to the more advanced stages without them. Basics are usually made up of rudimentary techniques,conditioning exercises,includingstances.Basic training may involve simple movements that are performed repeatedly; other examples of basic training are stretching, meditation,striking,throwing,or jumping. Without strong and flexible muscles, management ofqior breath, and proper body mechanics, it is impossible for a student to progress in the Chinese martial arts.[33][34]A common saying concerning basic training in Chinese martial arts is as follows:[35]

Trong ngoài tương hợp, ngoại nặng tay mắt thân pháp bước, nội tu tâm thần khí phách lực.

Which translates as:

Train both Internal and External. External training includes the hands, the eyes, the body and stances. Internal training includes the heart, the spirit, the mind, breathing and strength.

Stances

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Stances(steps or bộ pháp ) are structural postures employed in Chinese martial arts training.[36][37][self-published source?]They represent the foundation and the form of a fighter's base. Each style has different names and variations for each stance. Stances may be differentiated by foot position, weight distribution, body alignment, etc. Stance training can be practiced statically, the goal of which is to maintain the structure of the stance through a set time period, or dynamically, in which case a series of movements is performed repeatedly. TheHorse stance(Cưỡi ngựa bước / mã bộ;qí mǎ bù/mǎ bù) and thebow stanceare examples of stances found in many styles of Chinese martial arts.

Meditation

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In many Chinese martial arts,meditationis considered to be an important component of basic training. Meditation can be used to develop focus, mental clarity and can act as a basis forqigongtraining.[38][39]Throughmeditation,martial artspractitioners learn to regulate their breath, relax their bodies, and enter a state of deep focus. This kind ofconcentrationhelps them to stay present in their movements andtechniques,enhancing their responsiveness and physical coordination. Meditation also cultivates the ability for introspection, enabling practitioners to become more keenly aware of their bodily sensations, energy flow, and inner state. Meditation is also closely related toqigong.Through the concentration and adjustments achieved through meditation, martial arts practitioners can better perceive and direct the internal energy (known as "qi"inqigong). They learn to manipulate the flow ofqithrough deep breathing and visualization exercises to promote bodily balance,harmony,and health. Therefore, meditation, as a part of foundational training, offers Chinese martial arts practitioners a comprehensive approach to cultivating both the internal and external aspects. It assists them in developing various aspects of their body, energy, and mind, thereby enhancing their technical skills.

Use ofqi

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Main article:Qigong

The concept ofqiis encountered in a number of Chinese martial arts.Qiis variously defined as an inner energy or "life force" that is said to animate living beings; as a term for proper skeletal alignment and efficient use of musculature (sometimes also known asfa jinorjin); or as a shorthand for concepts that the martial arts student might not yet be ready to understand in full. These meanings are not necessarily mutually exclusive.[18]: 26–33 The existence ofqias a measurable form of energy as discussed intraditional Chinese medicinehas no basis in the scientific understanding of physics, medicine, biology or human physiology.[40]

There are many ideas regarding the control of one's qi energy to such an extent that it can be used for healing oneself or others.[41]Some styles believe in focusingqiinto a single point when attacking and aim at specific areas of the human body. Such techniques are known asdim makand have principles that are similar toacupressure.[42]

Weapons training

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Further information:Chinese swordsmanship
Kung fu sword
Martial arts fan

Most Chinese styles also make use of training in the broad arsenal ofChinese weaponsfor conditioning the body as well as coordination andstrategydrills.[43]Weapons training (Khí giới;qìxiè) is generally carried out after the student becomes proficient with the basic forms and applications training. The basic theory for weapons training is to consider the weapon as an extension of the body. It has the same requirements for footwork and body coordination as the basics.[44]The process of weapon training proceeds with forms, forms with partners and then applications. Most systems have training methods for each of theEighteen Arms of Wushu(Mười tám ban binh khí;shíbābānbīngqì) in addition to specialized instruments specific to the system.

Application

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Main article:Lei tai
See also:SanshouandShuai jiao

Applicationrefers to thepractical useof combative techniques. Chinese martial arts techniques are ideally based on efficiency and effectiveness.[45][46]Application includes non-compliant drills, such asPushing Handsin many internal martial arts, andsparring,which occurs within a variety of contact levels and rule sets.

When and how applications are taught varies from style to style. Today, many styles begin to teach new students by focusing on exercises in which each student knows a prescribed range of combat and technique to drill on. These drills are often semi-compliant, meaning one student does not offer active resistance to a technique, in order to allow its demonstrative, clean execution. In more resisting drills, fewer rules apply, and students practice how to react and respond. 'Sparring' refers to a more advanced format, which simulates a combat situation while including rules that reduce the chance of serious injury.

Competitive sparring disciplines include Chinesekickbo xingSǎnshǒu(Tán tay) and Chinesefolk wrestlingShuāijiāo(Té ngã), which were traditionally contested on a raised platform arena, orLèitái(Lôi đài).[47]Lèitái were used in public challenge matches first appeared in theSong dynasty.The objective for those contests was to knock the opponent from a raised platform by any means necessary. San Shourepresents the modern development of Lei Tai contests, but with rules in place to reduce the chance of serious injury. Many Chinese martial art schools teach or work within the rule sets of Sanshou, working to incorporate the movements, characteristics, and theory of their style.[48]Chinese martial artists also compete in non-Chinese or mixedCombat sport,including bo xing, kickbo xing andMixed martial arts.

Forms (taolu)

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Further information:Wushu (sport) § Taolu

Formsortaolu(Chinese:Kịch bản;pinyin:tàolù) in Chinese are series of predetermined movements combined so they can be practiced as a continuous set of movements. Forms were originally intended to preserve the lineage of a particular style branch, and were often taught to advanced students selected for that purpose. Forms contained both literal, representative and exercise-oriented forms of applicable techniques that students could extract, test, and train in throughsparringsessions.[49]

Today, many considertaoluto be one of the most important practices in Chinese martial arts. Traditionally, they played a smaller role in training for combat application and took a back seat to sparring, drilling, and conditioning. Forms gradually build up a practitioner's flexibility, internal and external strength, speed and stamina, and they teach balance and coordination. Many styles contain forms that use weapons of various lengths and types, using one or two hands. Some styles focus on a certain type of weapon. Forms are meant to be both practical, usable, and applicable as well as to promote fluid motion, meditation, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Students are encouraged to visualize an attacker while training the form.

There are two general types oftaoluin Chinese martial arts. Most common aresolo formsperformed by a single student. There are alsosparringforms — choreographed fighting sets performed by two or more people. Sparring forms were designed both to acquaint beginning fighters with basic measures and concepts of combat and to serve as performance pieces for the school. Weapons-based sparring forms are especially useful for teaching students the extension, range, and technique required to manage a weapon.

Forms in traditional Chinese martial arts

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The termtaolu ( kịch bản )is a shortened version ofTao Lu Yun Dong ( kịch bản vận động ),an expression introduced only recently with the popularity of modern wushu. This expression refers to "exercise sets" and used in the context of athletics or sport.

In contrast, in traditional Chinese martial arts alternative terminologies for the training ( luyện ) of 'sets or formsare:

  • lian quan tao ( luyện quyền bộ ) – practicing a sequence of fists.
  • lian quan jiao ( luyện quyền cước ) – practicing fists and feet.
  • lian bing qi ( luyện binh khí ) – practicing weapons.
  • dui da ( đánh nhau ) and dui lian ( đối luyện ) – fighting sets.

Traditional "sparring" sets, calleddui da( đánh nhau ) ordui lian( đối luyện ), were an essential part of Chinese martial arts for centuries.Dui lianmeans to train by a pair of combatants opposing each other—the characterlian( luyện ), refers to practice; to train; to perfect one's skill; to drill. As well, often one of these terms are also included in the name of fighting sets ( song diễn;shuang yan), "paired practice" ( tránh thắng;zheng sheng), "to struggle with strength for victory" ( địch;di), match – the character suggests to strike an enemy; and "to break" ( phá;po).

Generally, there are 21, 18, 12, 9 or 5 drills or 'exchanges/groupings' of attacks and counterattacks, in eachdui lianset. These drills were considered only generic patterns and never meant to be considered inflexible 'tricks'. Students practiced smaller parts/exchanges, individually with opponents switching sides in a continuous flow.Dui lianwere not only sophisticated and effective methods of passing on the fighting knowledge of the older generation, but they were also essential and effective training methods. The relationship between single sets and contact sets is complicated, in that some skills cannot be developed with solo 'sets', and, conversely, withdui lian.Unfortunately, it appears that most traditional combat orienteddui lianand their training methodology have disappeared, especially those concerning weapons. There are several reasons for this. In modern Chinese martial arts, most of thedui lianare recent inventions designed for light props resembling weapons, with safety and drama in mind. The role of this kind of training has degenerated to the point of being useless in a practical sense, and, at best, is just performance.

By the early Song period, sets were not so much "individual isolated technique strung together" but rather were composed of techniques and counter technique groupings. It is quite clear that "sets" and "fighting (two-person) sets" have been instrumental in traditional Chinese martial arts for many hundreds of years—even before the Song dynasty. There are images of two-person weapon training in Chinese stone painting going back at least to the Eastern Han dynasty.

According to what has been passed on by the older generations, the approximate ratio of contact sets to single sets was approximately 1:3. In other words, about 30% of the 'sets' practiced at Shaolin were contact sets,dui lian,and two-person drill training. This ratio is, in part, evidenced by the Qing dynasty mural at Shaolin.

For most of its history, Shaolin martial arts was mostly weapon-focused: staves were used to defend the monastery, not bare hands. Even the more recent military exploits of Shaolin during the Ming and Qing dynasties involved weapons. According to some traditions, monks first studied basics for one year and were then taught staff fighting so that they could protect the monastery. Although wrestling has been a sport in China for centuries, weapons have been an essential part of Chinese wushu since ancient times. If one wants to talk about recent or 'modern' developments in Chinese martial arts (including Shaolin for that matter), it is the over-emphasis on bare hand fighting. During the Northern Song dynasty (976–997 A.D.) when platform fighting is known asDa Laitai(Title Fights Challenge on Platform) first appeared, these fights were with only swords and staves. Although later, when bare hand fights appeared as well, it was the weapons events that became the most famous. These open-ring competitions had regulations and were organized by government organizations; the public also organized some. The government competitions, held in the capital and prefectures, resulted in appointments for winners, to military posts.

Practice forms vs. kung fu in combat

[edit]

Even though forms in Chinese martial arts are intended to depict realistic martial techniques, the movements are not always identical to how techniques would be applied in combat. Many forms have been elaborated upon, on the one hand, to provide better combat preparedness, and on the other hand to look more aesthetically pleasing. One manifestation of this tendency toward elaboration beyond combat application is the use of lower stances and higher, stretching kicks. These two maneuvers are unrealistic in combat and are used in forms for exercise purposes.[50]Many modern schools have replaced practical defense or offense movements with acrobatic feats that are more spectacular to watch, thereby gaining favor during exhibitions and competitions.[49]: 118–119 This has led to criticisms by traditionalists of the endorsement of the more acrobatic, show-oriented Wushu competition.[51]Historically forms were often performed for entertainment purposes long before the advent of modern Wushu as practitioners have looked for supplementary income by performing on the streets or in theaters. Documentation in ancient literature during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and theNorthern Song dynasty(960–1279) suggests some sets, (including two + person sets:dui daalso calleddui lian) became very elaborate and 'flowery', many mainly concerned with aesthetics. During this time, some martial arts systems devolved to the point that they became popular forms of martial art storytelling entertainment shows. This created an entire category of martial arts known asHua Fa Wuyi.During the Northern Song period, it was noted by historians this type of training had a negative influence on training in the military.

Many traditional Chinese martial artists, as well as practitioners of modern sport combat, have become critical of the perception that forms work is more relevant to the art than sparring and drill application, while most continue to see traditional forms practice within the traditional context—as vital to both proper combat execution, the Shaolin aesthetic as an art form, as well as upholding the meditative function of the physical art form.[52]

Another reason why techniques often appear different in forms when contrasted with sparring application is thought by some to come from the concealment of the actual functions of the techniques from outsiders.[53][self-published source?]

Forms practice is mostly known for teaching combat techniques yet when practicing forms, the practitioner focuses on posture, breathing, and performing the techniques of both right and left sides of the body.[54]

Wushu

[edit]
See also:Wushu (sport)
Modern forms are used in the sport ofwushu,as seen in this staff routine

The wordwu(Võ;wǔ) means "martial". Its Chinese character is made of two parts; the first meaning "walk" or "stop" (Ngăn;zhǐ) and the second meaning "lance" (Qua;gē). This implies that "wu võ" is a defensive use of combat.[dubious–discuss]The term "wushu võ thuật" meaning "martial arts" goes back as far as theLiang dynasty(502–557) in an anthology compiled by Xiao Tong (Tiêu thông), (Prince Zhaoming;Chiêu minh Thái Tửd. 531), calledSelected Literature(Văn tuyển;Wénxuǎn). The term is found in the second verse of a poem by Yan Yanzhi titled: Hoàng Thái Tử thích điện sẽ làm thơ "Huang Taizi Shidian Hui Zuoshi".

The great man grows the many myriad things...
Breaking away from the military arts,
He promotes fully the cultural mandates.

— Translated fromEchoes of the Pastby Yan Yanzhi (384–456)

The termwushuis also found in a poem by Cheng Shao (1626–1644) from the Ming dynasty.

The earliest term for 'martial arts' can be found in the Han History (206 BC – 23 AD) was "military fighting techniques" (Binh kỹ xảo;bīng jìqiǎo). During the Song period (c.960) the name changed to "martial arts" (Võ nghệ;wǔyì). In 1928 the name was changed to "national arts" (Võ thuật truyền thống Trung Quốc;guóshù) when theNational Martial Arts Academywas established in Nanjing. The term reverted towǔshùunder the People's Republic of China during the early 1950s.

As forms have grown in complexity and quantity over the years, and many forms alone could be practiced for a lifetime, modern styles of Chinese martial arts have developed that concentrate solely on forms, and do not practice application at all. These styles are primarily aimed at exhibition and competition, and often include more acrobatic jumps and movements added for enhanced visual effect[55]compared to the traditional styles. Those who generally prefer to practice traditional styles, focused less on exhibition, are often referred to as traditionalists. Some traditionalists consider the competition forms of today's Chinese martial arts as too commercialized and losing much of their original values.[56][57]

Martial Morality

[edit]

Traditional Chinese schools of martial arts, such as the famedShaolinmonks, often dealt with the study of martial arts not just as a means of self-defense or mental training, but as a system ofethics.[32][58]Wude(VõĐức) can be translated as "martial morality" and is constructed from the wordswu(Võ), which means martial, andde(Đức), which means morality.Wudedeals with two aspects; "Virtueof deed "and" Virtue of mind ". Virtue of deed concerns social relations; morality of mind is meant to cultivate the inner harmony between the emotional mind (Tâm;Xin) and the wisdom mind (Tuệ;Hui). The ultimate goal is reaching "no extremity" (VôCực;Wuji) – closely related to theTaoistconcept ofwu wei– where both wisdom and emotions are in harmony with each other.

Virtues:

Deed
Concept Name Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Pinyin romanization Yale Cantonese Romanization
Humility Qian Khiêm Khiêm qiān hīm
Virtue Cheng Thành Thành chéng sìhng
Respect Li Lễ Lễ lǐ láih
Morality Yi Nghĩa Nghĩa yì yih
Trust Xin Tin xìn seun
Mind
Concept Name Chinese Pinyin romanization Yale Cantonese Romanization
Courage Yong Dũng yǒng yúhng
Patience Ren Nhẫn rěn yán
Endurance Heng Hằng héng hàhng
Perseverance Yi Nghị yì ngaih
Will Zhi Chí zhì ji

Politics

[edit]

Traditional Chinese Martial Arts are rife with disputes and political intrigue.[59][60]Some of the common topics for such conflicts involve the following topics, among others:

  • Lineage: Who belongs or does not belong to a given lineage? Who is entitle to the claim over being a "lineage inheritor"?[61]
  • Style Supremacy: Claims over whose style "is better" than others.
  • Racism and Reverse-Racism: Refusal to teach people of certain races or cultures; or the opposite - the glorification of certain practitioners due to their association with a specific race or culture.[62]
  • Historical Disagreements: Such as the origins of a style.
  • Ranks and Degrees: Who should receive a certain rank or a degree within a martial art system? People who are said to have been unjustifiably promoted, while others were not.
  • Religion and spirituality: Disagreements over their roles within martial arts schools, and whether or not they should be extant within a given school or organization.[63]
  • Criminal Activities: The involvement of certain schools with gangs or criminal organizations; a phenomenon which was historically more common than today, but still exists.[64]

Nevertheless, not all schools and practitioners are political. That is, as involvement in martial arts politics typically counteracts the principles of Martial Morality, which were detailed earlier.

Notable practitioners

[edit]
See also:Category:Chinese martial artistsandCategory:Wushu practitioners

Examples of well-known practitioners (Võ thuật danh sư) throughout history:

  • Yue Fei(1103–1142 CE) was a famous Chinese general and patriot of theSong dynasty.Styles such asEagle ClawandXingyiquanattribute their creation to Yue. However, there is no historical evidence to support the claim he created these styles.
  • Ng Mui(late 17th century) was the legendary female founder of many Southern martial arts such asWing Chun,andFu gian White Crane.She is often considered one of the legendaryFive Elderswho survived the destruction of theShaolin Templeduring theQing dynasty.
  • Yang Luchan(1799–1872) was an important teacher of theinternalmartial artknown astai chiinBeijingduring the second half of the 19th century. Yang is known as the founder ofYang-style tai chi,as well as transmitting the art to theWu/Hao,WuandSuntai chi families.
  • Ten Tigers of Canton(late 19th century) was a group of ten of the top Chinese martial arts masters inGuangdong(Canton) towards the end of theQing dynasty(1644–1912). Wong Kei-Ying, Wong Fei Hung's father, was a member of this group.
  • Wong Fei Hung(1847–1924) was considered a Chinese folk hero during the Republican period. More than one hundred Hong Kong movies were made about his life.Sammo Hung,Jackie Chan, and Jet Li have all portrayed his character inblockbusterpictures.
  • Huo Yuanjia(1867–1910) was the founder ofChin Woo Athletic Associationwho was known for his highly publicized matches with foreigners. His biography was recently portrayed in the movieFearless(2006).
  • Ip Man(1893–1972) was a master of theWing Chunand the first to teach this style openly. Yip Man was the teacher ofBruce Lee.Most majorbranches of Wing Chuntaught in the West today were developed and promoted by students of Yip Man.
  • Gu Ruzhang(1894–1952) was a Chinese martial artist who disseminated theBak Siu Lum (Northern Shaolin)martial arts system across southern China in the early 20th century. Gu was known for his expertise in Iron Palm hand conditioning among other Chinese martial art training exercises.
  • Bruce Lee(1940–1973) was a Chinese-American martial artist and actor who was considered an important icon in the 20th century.[65]He practicedWing Chunand made it famous. Using Wing Chun as his base and learning from the influences of other martial arts his experience exposed him to, he later developed his own martial arts philosophy that evolved into what is now calledJeet Kune Do.
  • Jackie Chan(b. 1954) is the famousHong Kongmartial artist, film actor, stuntman, action choreographer, director and producer, and a global pop culture icon, widely known for injecting physical comedy into his martial arts performances, and for performing complex stunts in many of his films.
  • Jet Li(b. 1963) is the five-time sportwushuchampion of China, later demonstrating his skills in cinema.
  • Donnie Yen(b. 1963) is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director and producer, action choreographer, and worldwushutournament medalist.
  • Wu Jing(b. 1974) is a Chinese actor, director, and martial artist. He was a member of the Beijingwushuteam, and started his career as action choreographer and later as an actor.
[edit]

References to the concepts and use of Chinese martial arts can be found in popular culture. Historically, the influence of Chinese martial arts can be found in books and in the performance arts specific to Asia.[66][page needed]Recently, those influences have extended to the movies and television that targets a much wider audience. As a result, Chinese martial arts have spread beyond its ethnic roots and have a global appeal.[67][68]

Martial artsplay a prominent role in the literature genre known aswuxia(Võ hiệp tiểu thuyết). This type of fiction is based on Chinese concepts of chivalry, a separate martial arts society (Võ lâm;Wulin) and a central theme involving martial arts.[69]Wuxia stories can be traced as far back as 2nd and 3rd century BCE, becoming popular by theTang dynastyand evolving into novel form by theMing dynasty.This genre is still extremely popular in much ofAsia[70]and provides a major influence for the public perception of the martial arts.

Martial arts influences can also be found in dance, theater[71]and especiallyChinese opera,of whichBeijing operais one of the best-known examples. This popular form of drama dates back to theTang dynastyand continues to be an example of Chinese culture. Some martial arts movements can be found in Chinese opera and some martial artists can be found as performers in Chinese operas.[66][page needed]

In modern times, Chinese martial arts have spawned the genre of cinema known as theKung fu film.The films ofBruce Leewere instrumental in the initial burst of Chinese martial arts' popularity in the West in the 1970s.[72]Bruce Lee was the iconic international superstar that popularized Chinese martial arts in the West with his own variation of Chinese martial arts calledJeet Kune Do.It is a hybrid style of martial art that Bruce Lee practiced and mastered.Jeet Kune Dois his very own unique style of martial art that uses little to minimum movement but maximizes the effect to his opponents. The influence of Chinese martial art have been widely recognized and have a global appeal in Western cinemas starting off with Bruce Lee.

Martial artists and actors such asJet LiandJackie Chanhave continued the appeal of movies of this genre. Jackie Chan successfully brought in a sense of humour in his fighting style in his movies. Martial arts films from China are often referred to as "kung fu movies" (Phim võ thuật), or "wire-fu" if extensive wire work is performed for special effects, and are still best known as part of the tradition of kung fu theater. (see also: wuxia,Hong Kong action cinema). The talent of these individuals have broadened Hong Kong's cinematography production and rose to popularity overseas, influencing Western cinemas.

In the west, kung fu has become a regular action staple, and makes appearances in many films that would not generally be considered "Martial Arts" films. These films include but are not limited toThe Matrixfranchise,Kill Bill,andThe Transporter.

Martial arts themes can also be found on television networks. AU.S.networkTV westernseriesof the early 1970s calledKung Fualso served to popularize the Chinese martial arts on television. With 60 episodes over a three-year span, it was one of the first North American TV shows that tried to convey the philosophy and practice in Chinese martial arts.[73][74]The use of Chinese martial arts techniques can now be found in most TV action series, although the philosophy of Chinese martial arts is seldom portrayed in depth. In the 2006 music video ofKnights of CydoniabyMuse,theprotagonistcan be seen training Chinese martial arts in the opening. In 2022, martial arts and action sequences inspired by Hong Kong cinema can be found inEverything Everywhere All at Once.[75]

The Kung Fu Diaries: The Life and Times of a Dragon Master (1920–2001)is a work of fiction, combining aspects of biography, historical fiction, and guide to instruction purportedly from a collection of diaries or papers left by a Kung-Fu Dragon Master.[76]

Influence on hip hop

[edit]

In the 1970s, Bruce Lee was beginning to gain popularity in Hollywood for his martial arts movies. The fact that he was a non-white male who portrayed self-reliance and righteous self-discipline resonated with black audiences and made him an important figure in this community.[77]Around 1973, Kung Fu movies became a hit in America across all backgrounds; however, black audiences maintained the films' popularity well after the general public lost interest. Black youth in New York City were still going from every borough to Times Square every night to watch the latest movies.[78]Amongst these individuals were those coming from the Bronx where, during this time,hip-hopwas beginning to take form. One of the pioneers responsible for the development of the foundational aspects of hip-hop wasDJ Kool Herc,who began creating this new form of music by taking rhythmic breakdowns of songs and looping them. From the new music came a new form of dance known as b-boying orbreakdancing,a style of street dance consisting of improvised acrobatic moves. The pioneers of this dance credit kung fu as one of its influences. Moves such as the crouching low leg sweep and "up rocking" (standing combat moves) are influenced by choreographed kung-fu fights.[79]The dancers' ability to improvise these moves led way to battles, which were dance competitions between two dancers or crews judged on their creativity, skills, and musicality. In a documentary,Crazy Legs,a member of breakdancing groupRock Steady Crewdescribed the breakdancing battle being like an old kung fu movie, "where the one kung fu master says something along the lines of 'hun your kung fu is good, but mine is better,' then a fight erupts."[79]

See also

[edit]

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