Kung Fu Styles

Since kung fu is more than 1,000 years old, therekung fu masters use a mixture of these two
are hundreds of styles of kung fu. Old styles arestyles.
mixed to create new styles. Then there areThen there are distinctions of styles, like internal
many families of styles. Kung fu styles alsoand external styles. Here, internal styles
change from region to region, as kung fu reflectsemphasize the non-tangible elements like
a way of living.meditation, body control, perception and mind
The kung fu styles can be divided into soft andcontrol. These styles are also known as mystical
hard styles. Soft styles mean divertingstyles. Internal styles are part of soft styles.
momentum to unbalance an opponent. They areExternal styles use body mechanics and force.
used to bring opponents into striking range. TheseWeight, strength and positioning are used to gain
styles use less physical force and more internalthe advantage. External styles are hard styles.
energy and skills. Hard styles direct the energyAs a kung fu master learns from his surroundings,
outward. These are used to strike with the force.there are many styles which are adopted from
Kung fu can also be divided by the form ofthe behavior of the animals. The famous example
movements. This subtle distinction classifies kungof this is monkey style, which is adopted from
fu styles as circular and linear. As the namethe behavior of monkeys.
depicts, circular styles use around and asideFinally there is no end to the discussion on kung fu
movements in relation to the opponents. Linearstyles. A kung fu master learns from the
styles use direct, straight-line movements. Mostenvironment and himself, or makes his own style.