| Many of us in the western world view the martial | | | | External styles include most types of Wushu, |
| arts as either a basic sport or a means of | | | | except Baguazhang, Taijiquan, Xingyiquan and Liu |
| self-defense. The depth of our knowledge is | | | | He Ba Fa. |
| based on what we've seen in Hollywood films. In | | | | * Internal or Soft Styles: Soft styles of martial |
| reality, the martial arts are varied among eastern | | | | arts focus using internal elements such as energy |
| countries, with roots that can be traced back | | | | flow and spirit to build power. These styles rely |
| thousands of years. | | | | on relaxed leverage, rather than brute force. |
| The Chinese martial arts are considered to be the | | | | Theorists believe that differences between |
| most advanced and the most varied. Chinese | | | | internal and the external styles lie in their focus on |
| martial arts draw inspiration and philosophies from | | | | the philosophy of martial arts. Internal stylists are |
| animals, birds and reptiles. Every one of the | | | | viewed as philosopher-fighters, spending more |
| Chinese martial arts is unique, with movements | | | | time on developing the soul. External schools are |
| that are absolutely astonishing. | | | | those that focus more on the difficult aspect of |
| Through thousands of years of practice, the | | | | developing physical prowess. |
| Chinese martial arts have maintained their | | | | While internal schools are based on mind, spirit and |
| originality and their vigor. While each one has its | | | | energy, they do involve physical training. In this |
| own distinct characteristics, they can broadly be | | | | style of Chinese martial arts, movements and |
| classified into the following categories: | | | | postures are slow as opposed to fast and |
| Wushu | | | | explosive. The philosophy is to stay relaxed while |
| These ancient and fluid martial arts forms are | | | | involving the entire body in every motion. A |
| based on rapid jumps and kicks. This is a huge | | | | martial artist practicing internal school styles will |
| category, with literally hundreds of schools and | | | | keep his or her breathing deep and controlled, and |
| styles. Most, however, can be arranged in several | | | | will coordinate the motions of the body to the |
| groups: | | | | breathing. All of this should be done while |
| * Southern Shaolin Temple Styles: Hung Gar, | | | | maintaining perfect balance. Baguazhang, |
| Nanquan, Wing Chun, and Choy Lay F are all | | | | Liuhexinyiquan, Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Liu He Ba Fa |
| examples of southern styles of Chinese martial | | | | and Yiquan are all internal styles. |
| arts. The people of the provinces south of the | | | | Buddhist |
| Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) were shorter, so the | | | | Most Buddhist styles were created within temples |
| martial arts styles developed here focused mostly | | | | by Buddhist monks, and later taught to laymen. |
| on upper body strength and speed. | | | | Buddhist styles of Chinese martial arts incorporate |
| * Northern Shaolin Temple Styles: It is believed | | | | Buddhist philosophy, imagery, principles and |
| that these styles originated in Henna, and other | | | | numbers. Famous styles of Buddhist martial arts |
| provinces in northern China. History holds that the | | | | are White Crane, Shaolinquan, Luohanquan, Hung |
| northern population of China was taller, and used | | | | Gar and Wing Chun. |
| fluid movements, kicks and jumps to fully make | | | | Daoist |
| use of their longer limbs. The sword and | | | | Developed within Daoist temples by Daoist |
| broadsword routines called Changquan, used in | | | | ascetics, this group of Chinese martial arts utilizes |
| contemporary Wushu competitions, originate from | | | | Daoist principles, imagery and philosophy. |
| these schools. | | | | Muslim |
| * External styles: This is the style most often | | | | Chaquan, Xinyiliuhequan, and Qishiquan are |
| perceived to be synonymous with Chinese martial | | | | examples of Muslim styles of Chinese martial arts. |
| arts. External styles focus on agility, physical | | | | These were practiced by the Muslim Hui minority |
| strength, stamina and explosive movements. To | | | | in China, and are based on Muslim principles and |
| train for external styles requires concentration on | | | | imagery. |
| speed, muscular power and application. During | | | | To say that one is a student of the martial arts is |
| advanced training levels, these styles generally | | | | a gross understatement. It could take a lifetime |
| integrate their qigong aspects after the desired | | | | of study and training to fully understand the |
| levels of physical hardiness have been reached. | | | | ancient and varied areas of Chinese martial arts. |