The Term:
Historically, the term “Kung Fu” is not featured in any ancient texts. It was first coined by a Frenchman named Jean Joseph Marie Amiot, a missionary. He resided in the 18th Century, in a recommendation to Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu is also called Gongfu, Wushu, or Kuoshu, however originally signifies competence in any skill and not unique to martial arts. Let’s go deep into the history and basic principles of Kung Fu.
Quick History:
The practice, viewpoint, and idea of Kung Fu are traceable to ancient Chinese texts. These are like Zhuang Zi, Dao De Jing, and Sun Zi Bing Fa (Art of War written by Sun Zi). Also, all composed between 1111-255 BC. These texts include passages associated with the practice, proliferation, and principles of Chinese martial arts; however, Kung Fu is understood today.
One theory concerning the first written history of Kung Fu recommends that the Yellow Emperor, who reigned from 2698 BC, wrote the very first writing on Chinese martial arts. Others give Taoist monks credit for presenting an art form but look like contemporary Tai Chi around 500 BC. Then in 39-92 ADVERTISEMENT, Pan Ku included “Six Chapters of Hand Fighting” in his discourse on the Han dynasty’s history (Han Shu). As martial arts appeal advanced, a physician named Hua Tuo wrote his writing entitled “Five Animals Play” in 220 AD.
Kung Fu had become a typical word in the West in the late 1960s, popularized by martial arts motion pictures and TV series. Today, the Western world has also seen an immense upsurge in the development and production of martial arts motion pictures starring amazing actors/masters such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
Basic Principles of Kung Fu:
The idea of Kung Fu focuses on three fundamental concepts– Self-discipline, time, and inspiration.
According to specialists, the genuine inspiration behind discovering Kung Fu is an inspiration. However, it does not need to originate from an inner yearning to develop the mind and learn and body. The motivation here is the fundamental driving force. There is no worldly or external gain for the learner. And, the only reward is that of understanding, strength, wisdom, and ability.
In Kung Fu, discipline is complementary to motivation. Without the penalty, inspiration is just an inactive state of mind.
Time is the course of excellence in martial arts. When motivation and self-control have embedded in, a learner has to invest a significant amount of time putting body and mind into practice. An influenced learner does not have the opportunity to waste time, stay idle, or delight in fruitless activities. Everything done by him/her ought to show genuine inspiration and self-discipline.
Styles and variations:
Over time, various variations and designs have shown up in martial arts, or Kung Fu. A few of the more popular ones include Karate, Escrima, Wing Chun, Jujitsu, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin, White Crane, T’ai Chi Ch’uan, and Bagua Zhang.
Historically, the ancient text does not feature the term “Kung Fu”. People call Kung Fu as Gongfu, Wushu, or Kuoshu and initially represents competence in any ability. It is not unique to martial arts.
One theory regarding the first written history of Kung Fu recommends that the Yellow Emperor, who ruled from 2698 BC, composed the very first treatise on Chinese martial arts. According to experts, the real motivation behind discovering Kung Fu is an inspiration and not force, which needs to come from an inner craving to learn and develop the mind and body. In Kung Fu, discipline is complementary to inspiration. These principles of Kung Fu are inspirational for everyone.
