The History Of Kung Fu Will Teach One The Importance Of Dedication And Growth
Kung fu is an ancient art that spans time back to before there was records of things written down. The depth that is this martial art is steeped in the history of kung fu. No matter whether the basis is fact or myth, all of it makes this a sacred and interesting practice.
The first combat of kung fu was not between just men but battling the survival of the fittest between man and animal. Having to defeat animal predators, man determined that animals had ways of protecting and defending that a man could use for his safety as well.
So the man learned and adapted and brought the specific aspects to life in the way that he fought hand to hand with anyone or anything.
Kung fu had many different styles and techniques that evolved from different ways. But since the basic of the art was the fight with beasts, the practice took on the defensive techniques of birds, insects, and animals. Like the tiger, panther and bear the practice became stealth and wise in attack. The birds like crane, eagle, and chicken used their strength and wit to outsmart their predators. All of these traits of the animals broadened and gave an easy example of how to practice this form of martial arts.
The Buddist monk Bodhidarma or Dot Mor was an intrinsic force in the definition of Kung Fu. With his arrival the practice of Kung Fu became both internal and external. The internal was related to using the energy of the body and spirit that not only brings force to your practice but peace to your life. The breath control aspect of the practice began here. The use of breath to add to the force of your strikes became the core of the practice.
The Yellow Emperor is also a vital link to the prevalence of this practice in China. As with all great things there is a legend behind it. The Yellow Emperor was a famous general who was also an intellectual studying medicine, astrology and martial arts. He began the practice of Jiao Di a type of fighting using a helmet with a horn on it. This horn was used to fight your opponent and was the first type of military arts.
As the practice moved through the country and the people began to develop new belief systems the practice of Kung fu changed as well. The emergence of Taoism brought a new belief to the heart of the arts creating change. The Taoist version of ying and yang meant there is a need to balance the opposites of hard and soft. The emergence of the chi or energy at the core of who we are as beings defined the practice even further. Those who practiced trying to harness or channel their chi into their strikes and kicks found a new power. All these philosophies the landscape and enhanced the kung fu practice.
With such a long and extensive time span the history of kung fu is long and involved. Whatever aspects did grow this martial art it is deeply rooted and powerfully practiced.
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