What is Kung Fu?

Kung-Fu (Gung-Fu) is a word that signifies a unique method of self-defense in the martial arts. Actually, the term itself means the mastery of some difficult task - the attainment of a standard of excellence. 

Kung-Fu is the origin and composite of all the Oriental martial arts and includes far more than street fighting and self-defense techniques. It is also an art that involves the development of the complete person. It is a method of achieving and attaining the highest physical and mental development by an individual. Kung-Fu builds strength in the weak and self-confidence in the timid. 

The Shaolin (Siu Lum) Temple, located in the northern part of China, is the birthplace of the oldest and most advanced system of Oriental martial arts. The monks, prompted by the Buddhist doctrine of the indivisibility of mind and body, developed and practiced sets of exercise forms for the purpose of physical and mental development. They frequently had to defend themselves from physical attacks, and so the training methods that were originally intended for developing body strength, discipline and mental training became a forceful means of self-protection. 

The Shaolin Temple style spread from the monastery throughout various sections of Northern China. In the North, people were better developed in their lower limbs, so body movements and foot techniques were emphasized in the Northern Kung-Fu styles, particularly kicks, jumps and floor fighting techniques. In the South, where many people depended on the sea for their livelihood, upper body and hands because of rowing and other water activities developed these parts of the body. 

The Shaolin Temple style contains five animal forms, the Tiger, Panther, Snake, Crane and Dragon. None is a complete Kung-Fu style in itself. However, other animal forms, which evolved from the Shaolin system, notably the Praying Mantis, were developed into separate styles. 

The other major system in the Chinese martial arts is the Wudon system. This differs from the Shaolin system in that it seeks to promote relaxation and peace of mind. It is often referred to as the soft system while the Shaolin system concentrates on external development and is known as the hard system. 

The two schools compliment each other and cover the complete scope of principles in the martial arts. This is in keeping with the Chinese philosophy of the yin and yang, where opposites are believed to be dependent on each other as a means to an end. 

The Stark Street Academy of Kung Fu teaches the Northern Sil Lum style as a foundation, and then advances to the Southern style (Pak Sing Choy Lay Fut Ga). These styles encompass both hard and soft (external/internal) hand and leg techniques as well as various ancient Chinese weapons such as the spear, sword, knife, chain, etc. 

Traditional classical Kung-Fu forms combine proper techniques, which enable the student to move from one position to various other positions. Individual movements or positions are blended together and executed with balance and precision while keeping the eyes in proper focus. A form is a flowing picture of strength, very much like dancing, when performed by a skilled person. The system of graceful, acrobatic and dance like movements as mentioned earlier, takes its likeness from the instinctive movements of natural creatures. 

At first Kung-Fu made use of movements of the hands, feet and other parts of the body, soon weapon techniques were also developed. However, students are not taught the aggressive use of weapons. Rather, by practicing the particular forms for each traditional Chinese weapon, the student learns body discipline by combining precision, control and grace. Eventually a strong discipline of the mind together with physical discipline gives greater power and strength to the individual. 

Kung-Fu exercises for concentration and alertness enable an individual to develop an extraordinary sense of visual and auditory perception. Agility, balance, speed, strength, flexibility and youthfulness of body are improved by the various Kung-Fu exercises. Sparring, both prearranged and free styles are also taught in the kwoon (training area).

The frequent practice required to be proficient leads to discipline that is internal as well as external. The meditating effect of those forces or potentials that are already within an individual. This progresses slowly from the physical to the mental and eventually to the spiritual. The transition is gradual so that one may not even be aware of the change taking place. 

Karate, an outgrowth of Kung-Fu, mainly stresses the power inherent in the original Chinese system and consequently is much stiffer than Kung-Fu. In Karate, punches and kicks are mostly delivered straight forward with the practitioner generally moving in and out on defense and offense. There are little or no side-to-side or circling maneuvers against an opponent. A Kung-Fu stylist constantly moves in on an opponent from all directions with various combinations of techniques. Complementary soft and hard techniques and circular patterns are used, while speed is an important factor. The movements of Kung-Fu are not static, but natural, alive and fluidic. 

There are three types of practitioners in Kung-Fu, the student, disciple and master. The student is concerned with learning the fundamental physical movements of Kung-Fu, while the disciple has already demonstrated his ability and shows a willingness to perpetuate the art. A master not only has become an expert in Kung-Fu, but also has learned to integrate the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of his art. 

A head instructor in the Stark Street Academy of Kung Fu is addressed as "Sifu". There is no ranking system to recognize the different levels of proficiency between students in our school. There are, of course, different degrees of proficiency among students. However, to establish arbitrary student classifications by using belts colors of similar ranking system is improper in keeping to the true philosophy of Kung-Fu. No student will be categorized, but accepted and treated as an individual. 

Size and sex are not limiting factors. The various techniques and exercises can be learned by almost everyone. Women do well in the Northern style because of its grace and ballet like movements. Children benefit greatly from the speed, discipline and coordination they develop. 

Prospective beginners in the art of Kung-Fu should select and instructor carefully. Before deciding on a school, one should observe and watch classes, speak with students and especially note how effectively the instructor communicates his understanding of the precepts and fundamentals of the art. (No responsible or honorable instructor will promise instant, easy results). 

Kung-Fu lessons should be one and a half to two hours, two or three times a week. Serious students should supplement their class lessons with home practice. There in no set length of time for one to become proficient in Kung-Fu. The time varies with each student's natural abilities and devotion to the art. Hard work, determination, perseverance and practice are the keys to success in Kung-Fu.