| Whether you want to learn how to throw | | | | * Combat/wushu. Some people see fighting as |
| crescent kicks like martial arts movie actors, or if | | | | the most important part of kung fu, but it is only |
| you want to get in touch with your inner energy, | | | | part of it. Wushu is often used a self-defense |
| then kung fu may just be right for you. Learning | | | | technique, although it can also be used as a form |
| this kind of art is half the battle; practicing it is | | | | of exercise. Wushu is a very rigorous physical |
| something that takes a lifetime of commitment | | | | activity that requires peak physical conditioning, |
| and dedication. | | | | strength, and flexibility to push your body to the |
| What Is Kung Fu? | | | | limits. |
| Most people think of "kung fu" as "Chinese martial | | | | Kung Fu Schools |
| arts," although the term "wushu" more properly | | | | Kung fu schools are different from dojos. You |
| applies to the physical aspects of this kind of | | | | may end up enrolling at a karate dojo, and end up |
| sport. It combines centuries of Oriental martial | | | | learning karate instead of kung fu. When choosing |
| arts traditions with ancient Chinese philosophy. It | | | | a kung fu school, choose one that offers Chinese |
| may involve combat with or without weapons, | | | | martial arts programs, and has a reputation for |
| although it is more often practiced as an exercise | | | | good students. Like any other school, a good kung |
| or for meditation. | | | | fu school or martial arts academy builds its |
| Principles of Kung Fu | | | | reputation based on the skills of its students. Kung |
| Kung fu is a very complex system of beliefs, but | | | | fu schools, like karate and judo dojos, have |
| the basics can be covered by three guiding | | | | different programs for different skills and levels of |
| principles: | | | | physical conditioning. If the master of the school |
| * Chi. Also known as qi, chi is the life-force found | | | | finds that you have developed and mastered |
| in every human being. It is an energy that flows | | | | your skills, he or she may promote you to the |
| through nature. It was developed to maximize the | | | | next level. |
| ability of a person to concentrate and use chi to | | | | Kung Fu Books and Videos |
| go beyond the limits of the mind and body. | | | | If you can't afford to enroll at a kung fu school, |
| * Virtues. In kung fu, wisdom (deed) and | | | | you can use instructional videos and books to |
| emotions (mind) should always be in harmony with | | | | teach yourself. It will be more difficult to gain the |
| each other. The mind must be guided with | | | | same kung fu and wushu skills from an |
| courage, endurance, perseverance, patience, and | | | | instructional video, but with the right amount of |
| force of will. Kung fu also teaches a person values | | | | dedication, you can get the same results from |
| like loyalty, righteousness, humility, politeness, and | | | | books and videos as you would if you paid for a |
| trust. | | | | full course. |