| China has always held its own when it comes to | | | | in nature and is adapted from the range of |
| martial arts. In fact, most consider china to be the | | | | motions seen in animals and those who practice |
| pioneers in this field. They have a whole range of | | | | this art have amazing endurance and physical skills. |
| styles and forms in this arena and some that are | | | | The training is very demanding and calls for |
| not so well known but just as good. The most | | | | immense physical and mental strength. |
| commonly known ones are Kung Fu and Tai Chi. | | | | Tai Chi promotes flexibility along with strength and |
| But there are others like Hsing-I and the Shaolin | | | | stamina and is defined as an energy exercise. This |
| style. China has been regarded as the founder of | | | | art has slow calm movements, balanced and |
| the martial arts for centuries now and they have | | | | exact which are performed when the person is in |
| brought about the concept of martial arts as a | | | | a state of complete relaxation. It looks more like |
| very dominant means of self defense, which | | | | a slow dance but the performer is fully aware of |
| ironically also teaches you how to live peacefully. | | | | what his body is doing despite giving the |
| Japan does have its own merit in this field but | | | | impression of being sleepy. But this state of |
| China is given the status of founder nation by | | | | relaxation aids the emotional and spiritual well being |
| most. | | | | of the performer and helps him reach his |
| Hsing-I is an internal part of the Kung Fu style of | | | | optimum level of peace. |
| martial arts. Chinese medicine and the Chinese | | | | Kung fu is considered the best of all the martial |
| perception of nature have played an important | | | | arts in China and there are many different styles |
| part in influencing this form of martial art. Here, | | | | that have originated from it. The Shaolin style is |
| the stress is on teaching the students to create | | | | yet another form of Chinese martial arts. This |
| powerful movement while using minimal energy to | | | | involves five different Kung Fu styles as well as |
| subordinate the body. This is not very well known | | | | the five animal system which is quite famous. This |
| but is very common in China and one finds it | | | | system is very powerful, very popular in China |
| practiced in a lot of schools or 'dojo's' as they are | | | | and is recognized by its devastating techniques |
| known in China. This style is closely related to Tai | | | | when used in combat. All these forms of martial |
| Chi and focuses on the five elements - earth, fire, | | | | arts aid the students in endurance training and |
| metal, wood and water and the blows that are | | | | increase their flexibility. It also boosts their physical |
| part of the Hsing-I style come from these five | | | | and emotional abilities which rise very often to the |
| elements. The dance like movements is complex | | | | level of unmatchable. |