Secrets of Kung Fu

When we hear the term ‘Kung Fu’ we automatically think of martial arts fighting systems. Monks dressed in orange robes practicing an ancient martial arts, and Bruce Lee who made Chinese Martial Arts famous on the movie screen all come to mind. So it is surprising to many when they learn what ‘Kung Fu’ actually translates to. What it actually refers to is any skill that requires dedicated practice to become proficient in. This can mean many areas of study such as art, music, cooking, just to name a few. However, the one skill in which everyone thinks of when the term is used, is a fighting system.

Kung Fu is the more popular Westernized term used to categorize some of these Chinese Fighting Systems. Chinese fighting systems are one of the most ancient martial arts practiced. Most of the popular martial arts have their roots going right back to a Chinese Fighting system. Wushu is the term used when referring to it as a Martial Art. A deep history going back to the Shaolin Temple, was a huge influence on the Chinese Martial Arts. Monks studied these different fighting systems; hand to hand combat, weaponry as well as the internal Martial arts which developed and straightened a person’s Chi ‘Life Force Energy’, and practiced them regularly. It is said that Chinese Martial Arts goes back 4000 years. These hard and soft techniques, wrestling style movements, joint locks, pressure points striking techniques were all early influences. The Chinese Martial Arts are also rich in philosophy and health principles. The Shaolin style of Kung Fu is thought to be one of the first organized systems of the Chinese Martial Arts. This system was organized by a monk named Bodhihirma. It included hand to hand techniques which were developed by studying five main animals. The tiger, crane, monkey, snake and leopard. This style also incorporated weapons such as the staff and some sword.

Since these ancient times, Kung Fu (also known as Gong Fu, Wushu), has become known as a national martial art for China. It is a popular Chinese Martial Art which is taught all over the world. Like other martial arts , its principles included training the basics (stances, striking techniques, kicking techniques), forms, weapons, meditation, exercises for developing Chi, practical applications (fighting techniques) and philosophy. It is a beautiful martial art deep in history, culture, and fighting skills. The influence it has had over many of the Japanese Martial Arts are well known. Kung Fu holds a mystery, an air about it and which is why it has become one of the main marital arts that students throughout history have sought out to learn about.

About the Author

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self.

To learn more about the Secrets of Kung Fu, please check out Shaolin Kung-Fu De Yang Interview by clicking the image below.