Chinese martial arts are also
called Chinese Kungfu. It originated from primeval society. With the long
time developing there appeared many schools. During Shang and Zhou Dynasties,
martial arts evolved to be a kind of dancing. In Qin and Han Dynasties,
wrestling, swordplay, and martial arts dancing were very popular. It is
said the Five-animal-style exercise was another innovation by Hua Tuo
on the development of Chinese martial arts.
Starting from Tang Dynasty, Kung Fu examination was proposed and implemented.
Excellent candidates would receive titles and awards through the examination,
largely helping the development of martial arts. By then martial arts
had evolved to be an artistic form and an independent style. It was gradually
introduced to many countries in Southeast Asia. Today Kung Fu was honored
as the ancestor of kickboxing, karate, aikido, and judo. During the succeeding
dynasties Chinese martial arts were well developed. Different martial
arts styles came into being such as the School of Shaolin Temple, The
School of Mt. Wudang and so on. Each of them has a complete set of skills
in boxing or fighting with weapons. Chinese martial arts were also divided
into external martial arts and internal martial arts. The first emphasizes
on physical strength while the latter emphasizes on internal energy Qi,
with muscle strength to produce power. Chinese external martial arts include
Prey Mantis Fist, Chang Quan (Long Fist), Monkey Fist and so on. Taiji
Quan (shadow boxing), Xingyi Quan (Mind Fist), Bagua Quan(Eight Diagram
Fist) are the best-known Chinese internal martial arts.
In the past, kungfu was developed for the sake of military fighting and
physical training. Kungfu was seen as crucial to a soldier's survival
in the time of barehanded combat. Today, military function has been faded
and people practice marital arts to pursue health, defense skills, mental
training, entertainment, performance and competition.
Chinese martial arts can be practiced by single or with a group, barehanded
or armed with ancient Chinese weapons.
Shadow Boxing (Taiji Quan) Taij Quan is a Taoist internal
martial arts. One account of the history of Taiji Quan credits its development
to the Taoist Zhang Sanfeng in the Ming Dynasty, who is said to have drawn
the inspiration by watching a fight between a snake and an aggressive
eagle. Another different story goes that during the Emperor Qianlong’s
time (1736-1796AD), Wang Zongdai expounded the principles of Taiji Quan
on the basis of Taiji “ Yin and Yang” theory. But Taijin Quan was introduced
to the general public around 100 years ago. Taiji Quan is a martial arts,
which embodies Taoist philosophy. When Taiji Quan was developed, the martial
arts were very aggressive. One's proficiency was measured by the strength
and aggression of attack, in terms of the Taoist principle of yin and
yang this was a purely "yang" conception of martial arts. Taiji
Quan was the incorporation of the Yin element to fighting. In Taiji Quan
one uses a balance of Yin techniques with Yang techniques, a balance between
concession and attack. It is for this reason that Taiji Quan is described
as "a needle hidden in cotton" or "hardness concealed in
softness".
Taiji Quan is gentle, slow excerise. When practicing, one is required
to concentrate his mind and adjust his breath with gestures. Long term
of practicing Taiji Quan can promote the vital energy, lower blood pressure,
reduce nerve tension, and benefit the immune, digestive, cardiovascular
and respiratory systems. There are many styles of Taiji Quan. Among them
Chen Wangting Style and Yang Luchan Style are most popular.
Qigong "Qigong" (literally "breath exercise"),
is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has its
origin in ancient times. The primary aim of practicing was to prolong
life. The records dated to the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries B.C.)
show the exercises to help the "qi" (the human body's vital
energy) circulating freely and to nourish the internal organs. The actual
practice of "qigong" began in the 4th century A.D. Since then
the search by physicians and patients for better health, good techniques
for religious cultivation and the martial artists' needs for better training
methods that all helped to develop Qigong and enriched its content.
Unique to China only, Qigong has become an integral part of the Chinese
culture. Qigong exercise can produce many beneficial effects, of which
the most common ones are preventing and curing diseases, strengthening
the body, preventing aging, and prolonging life. Qigong exercise requires
one to relax, to be calm, to be natural and free from distractions, so
that it can dispel tension. Qigong exercise helps to keep the main and
collateral channels in good shape to establish harmony between vital energy
and blood, to balance between Yin and Yang, and to adjust the nerve system.
Qigong exercise helps to reduce fundamental metabolism, increase the capacity
of storing energy, Qigong exercise is a kind of mental exercise that can
enhance one's self-control. Therefore, it becomes an effective measure
to attain health and longevity through practicing.
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More about Kung fu Kung fu and wushu are popular terms that have
become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. However the Chinese terms
kung fu and wushu have very different meanings. Wushu can describe greatly
varying martial arts traditions. Kung fu can be used in a context without
any martial arts whatsoever. Colloquially, kung fu (or gung fu) alludes
to any individual accomplishment or cultivated skill obtained by long
time practice. In contrast, wushu is a more precise term that refers to
general martial activities. The term wushu has also become the name for
a modern sport similar to gymnastics involving the performance of adapted
Chinese bare-handed and weapons forms judged to a set of contemporary
aesthetic criteria for points.
History The origins of Chinese martial arts are traced
to self-defense needs, hunting activities and military training in ancient
China. Hand to hand combat and weapons practice were important components
in the training of Chinese soldiers. From this beginning, Chinese martial
arts proceeded to different philosophies and ideas into its practice -
expanding its purpose from self-defense to health and finally as method
of self cultivation. In return, influence of martial arts ideals can be
found in poetry, fiction and film. Chinese martial arts are now an integral
part of traditional Chinese culture.
According to legend, the reign of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi, traditional
date of ascension to the throne, 2698 BC) introduced the earliest forms
of martial arts to China. The Yellow Emperor is described as a famous
general who, before becoming China’s leader, wrote treatises on medicine,
astrology and the martial arts. He allegedly developed the practice of
jiao di or horn-butting and utilized it in war.
Shǒubó kung fu, practiced during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1066 BC), and
Xiang Bo (similar to San da) from the 600s BC,. are just two examples
of ancient Chinese kung fu. In 509 BC, Confucius suggested to Duke Ding
of Lu that people practice the literary arts as well as the martial arts
thus, kung fu was practiced external to the military and religious sects
by ordinary citizens. A combat wrestling system called jiao li is mentioned
in the Classic of Rites (1st c. BC). This combat system included techniques
such as strikes, throws, joint manipulation, and pressure point attacks.
Jiao li became a sport during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE). The Han History
Bibliographies record that, by the Former Han (206 BCE – 8 CE), there
was a distinction between no-holds-barred weaponless fighting, which it
calls shǒubó, for which "how-to" manuals had already been written,
and sportive wrestling, then known as jiǎolì. Wrestling is also documented
in the Shǐ Jì, Records of the Grand Historian, written by Sima Qian (100
BC).
A hand-to-hand combat theory, including the integration of notions of
"hard" and "soft" techniques, is expounded in the
story of the Maiden of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue
(5th c. BC).
In the Tang Dynasty, descriptions of sword dances were immortalized in
poems by Li Bai. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, xiangpu (the earliest
form of sumo) contests were sponsored by the imperial courts. The modern
concepts of wushu were fully developed by the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Martial arts are also mentioned in Chinese philosophy. Passages in the
Zhuangzi, a Daoist text, pertain to the psychology and practice of martial
arts. Zhuangzi, its eponymous author, is believed to have lived in the
4th century BCE. The Tao Te Ching, often credited to Lao Zi, is another
Daoist text that contains principles applicable to martial arts. According
to one of the classic texts of Confucianism, Zhou Li, Archery and charioteering
were part of the "six arts" including rites, music, calligraphy
and mathematics of the Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE). The Art of War, written
during the 6th century BCE by Sun Tzu, deals directly with military warfare
but contains ideas that are used in the Chinese martial arts. Those examples
shows that over time, the ideas associated with Chinese martial arts changed
with the evolving Chinese society and over time acquired philosophical
basis.
Taoist practitioners have been practicing Tao Yin, physical exercises
similar to Qigong that was one of the progenitors to Tai Chi Chuan, at
least as early as 500 BCE. In 39-92 CE, "Six Chapters of Hand Fighting",
were included in the Han Shu (history of the Former Han Dynasty) written
by Pan Ku. Also, the noted physician, Hua Tuo, composed the "Five
Animals Play" - tiger, deer, monkey, bear, and bird, around 220 BCE
Taoist philosophy and their approach to health and exercise might have
influenced to certain extent the Chinese martial arts.
With regards to the Shaolin style of martial arts, the oldest evidence
of Shaolin participation in combat is a style from 728 CE that attests
to two occasions: a defense of the Shaolin Monastery from bandits around
610 CE, and their subsequent role in the defeat of Wang Shichong at the
Battle of Hulao in 621 CE From the 8th to the 15th centuries, there are
no extant documents that provide evidence of Shaolin participation in
combat. However, between the 16th and 17th centuries there are at least
forty extant sources which provided evidence that, not only did monks
of Shaolin practice martial arts, but martial practice had become such
an integral element of Shaolin monastic life that the monks felt the need
to justify it by creating new Buddhist lore. References of martial arts
practice in Shaolin appear in various literary genres of the late Ming:
the epitaphs of Shaolin warrior monks, martial-arts manuals, military
encyclopedias, historical writings, travelogues, fiction, and even poetry.
However these sources do not point out to any specific style originated
in Shaolin. These sources, in contrast to those from the Tang period,
refer to Shaolin methods of armed combat. This include the forte of Shaolin
monks and for which they had become famous — the staff; General Qi Jiquan
included these techniques in his book, Treatise of Effective Discipline.
Despite the fact that others criticized the techniques, Ming General Yu
Dayou visited the Temple and was not impressed with what he saw, he recruited
three monks who he would train for few years after which they returned
to the temple to train his fellow monks.
The fighting styles that are practiced today were developed over the centuries,
after having incorporated forms that came into existence later. Some of
these include Bagua, Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Five Animals, Xingyiquan
Monkey, Tiger, Praying Mantis, Fujian White Crane, Changquan Tai Chi Chuan.
The present view of Chinese martial arts are strongly influenced by the
events of the Republican Period (1912-1949). In the transition period
between the fall of the Qing Dynasty as well as the turmoil of the Japanese
invasion and the Chinese Civil War, Chinese martial arts became more accessible
to the general public as many martial artists were encouraged to openly
teach their art. At that time, some considered martial arts as a means
to promote national pride and build a strong nation. As a result, many
martial arts training manuals were published, a training academy was created,
2 National examinations were organized as well as demonstration teams
travelled overseas and numerous martial arts associations were formed
throughout China and in various oversea Chinese communities. The Central
Guoshu Academy established by the National Government in 1928 and the
Jing Wu Athletic Association founded by Huo Yuanjia in 1910 are examples
of organizations that promoted a systematic approach for training in Chinese
martial arts. A series of provincial and national competitions were organized
by the Republican government starting in 1932 to promote Chinese martial
arts. In 1936, at the 11th Olympic Games in Berlin, a group of Chinese
martial artists demonstrated their art to an international audience for
the first time. Eventually, those events lead to the popular view of martial
arts as a sport.
Chinese martial arts started to spread internationally with the end of
the Chinese Civil War and the founding of the People's Republic of China
on October 1, 1949. Many well known martial art practitioners chose to
escape from the PRC's rule and migrate to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other
parts of the world. Those masters started to teach within the overseas
Chinese communities but eventually they expanded their teachings to include
people from other cultures.
Within China, the practice of traditional martial arts was discouraged
during the turbulent years of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1969-1976).
Like many other aspects of traditional Chinese life, martial arts was
subjected to a radical transformation by the People's Republic of China
in order to align it with Maoist revolutionary doctrine. The PRC promoted
the committee-regulated sport of Wushu as a replacement to independent
schools of martial arts. This new competition sport was disassociated
from what was seen as the potentially subversive self-defense aspects
and family lineages of Chinese martial arts previously exhibited by the
Boxer Rebellion Rhetorically, they also encouraged the use of the term
"Guoshu" meaning "the arts of the nation", rather
than the colloquial term gongfu, in an effort to more closely associate
Chinese martial arts with national pride rather than individual accomplishment.
In 1958, the government established the All-China Wushu Association as
an umbrella organization to regulate martial arts training. The Chinese
State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports took the lead in creating
standardized forms for most of the major arts. During this period, a national
Wushu system that included standard forms, teaching curriculum, and instructor
grading was established. Wushu was introduced at both the high school
and university level. The suppression of traditional teaching was relaxed
during the Era of Reconstruction (1976-1989), as Communist ideology became
more accommodating to alternative viewpoints. In 1979, the State Commission
for Physical Culture and Sports created a special task force to reevaluate
the teaching and practice of Wushu. In 1986, the Chinese National Research
Institute of Wushu was established as the central authority for the research
and administration of Wushu activities in the People's Republic of China.
Changing government policies and attitudes towards sports in general lead
to the closing of the State Sports Commission (the central sports authority)
in 1998. This closure is viewed as an attempt to partially de-politicize
organized sports and move Chinese sport policies towards a more market-driven
approach. As a result of these changing sociological factors within China,
both traditional styles and modern Wushu approaches are being promoted
by the Chinese government.
Style China has one of the longest histories of continuously
recorded martial arts tradition of any society in the world, and with
hundreds of styles probably the most varied. Over the past two to four
thousand years, many distinctive styles have been developed, each with
its own set of techniques and ideas. There are also common themes to the
different styles, which are often classified by "families",
"sects" or "schools" of martial art styles. There
are styles that mimic movements from animals and others that gather inspiration
from various Chinese philosophies, myths and legends. Some styles put
most of their focus into the harnessing of qi energy, while others concentrate
solely on competition and exhibition. Each style offers a different approach
to the common problems of self-defense, health and self-cultivation.
Chinese martial arts can be split into various categories to differentiate
them: For example, external and internal. Chinese martial arts can also
be categorized by location, as in northern and southern as well, referring
to what part of China the styles originated from, separated by the Yangtze
River; Chinese martial arts may even be classified according to their
province or city.The main perceived difference about northern and southern
styles is that the northern styles tend to emphasize fast and powerful
kicks, high jumps and generally fluid and rapid movement, while the southern
styles focus more on strong arm and hand techniques, and stable, immovable
stances and fast footwork. Examples of the northern styles include Changquan
and Xingyiquan. Examples of the southern styles include Nanquan and Wing
Chun. Chinese martial arts can also be divided according to religion,
imitative-styles, and more. There are distinctive differences in the training
between different groups of Chinese martial arts regardless of the type
of classification.
Training Chinese martial arts training consists of the
following components: basics, forms, applications and weapons. Each style
has its own unique training system with varying emphasis on each of those
components. In addition, philosophy, ethics and even medical practice
are highly regarded by most Chinese martial arts. A complete training
system should also provide insight into Chinese attitudes and culture.
Basics Basics are a vital part of the training, as a
student cannot progress to the more advanced stages without them; without
strong and flexible muscles including the management of the concept of
"Chi" (breath, or energy) and proper body mechanics, many movements
of Chinese martial arts are simply impossible to perform correctly. Basics
training may involve a series of simple movements that are performed repeatedly
over a short interval; examples of basics training include stretching,
stance work, rudimentary conditioning, meditation and basic kicking and
punching techniques.
A common saying concerning basic training in Chinese martial arts is as
follows: Train both Internal and External. External training includes
the hands, the eyes, the body and stances. Internal training includes
the heart, the mind, the spirit, breathing and strength.
Stances Stances (steps) are structural postures employed
in Chinese martial arts training . They represent the foundation and exaggerated
form of a fighter's base. Each style has different names and variations
for each stance. Stances may be differentiated by foot position, weight
distribution, body alignment, etc. Stance training can be practiced statically,
the goal of which is to maintain the structure of the stance through a
set time period, or dynamically, in which case a series of movements is
performed repeatedly. The horse riding stance and the bow stance are examples
of a stances found in many styles of Chinese martial arts.
Meditation In many Chinese Martial Art systems, meditation
is considered to be an important component of basic training. Meditation
can be used to develop focus, mental clarity and can act as a basis for
qigong training.
Forms Forms or taolu in Chinese are series of predetermined
movements combined so they can be practiced as one linear set of movements.
Forms were originally intended to preserve the lineage of a particular
style branch, and were often taught to advanced students who were selected
to preserve the art's lineage. Forms were designed to contain both literal,
representative and exercise-oriented forms of applicable techniques which
would be extracted, tested and trained by students through sparring sessions.
Many believe that Kung Fu form needs to be both practical, usable, and
applicable as well as promoting flow, meditation, flexibility, balance
and coordination. Often kung fu teachers are heard to say "train
your form as if you were sparring and spar as if it were a form."
Types of Forms There are two general types of forms in
Chinese Martial Arts. Most common are "solo forms" which are
performed by a single student. There are also "sparring" forms,
which are choreographed fighting sets performed by two or more people.
Sparring forms were designed both to acquaint beginning fighters with
basic measures and concepts of combat, and to serve as performance pieces
for the school. Sparring forms which utilize weapons are especially useful
for teaching students the extension, range and technique required to manage
a weapon. Today many styles of Kung Fu, as well as styles of Wushu, consider
forms to be one of the most important practices in Chinese Martial Arts.
Traditionally, forms played a smaller role in training combat application,
and were eclipsed by sparring, drilling and conditioning. Forms gradually
build up a practitioner's flexibility, internal and external strength,
speed and stamina, and teach balance and coordination. Many styles contain
forms using a wide range of weapons of various length and type, utilizing
one or two hands. There are also styles which focus on a certain type
of weapon.
Controversy of Modern Form Work
Even though forms in Chinese martial arts are intended to depict realistic
martial techniques, the movements are not always identical to how techniques
would be applied in combat. Many forms have been elaborated upon, on the
one hand to provide better combat preparedness, and on the other hand
to look more aesthetically pleasing. One manifestation of this tendency
toward elaboration which goes beyond combat application is the use of
lower stances and higher, stretching kicks. These two maneuvers are unrealistic
in combat and are utilized in forms for exercise purposes. Many modern
schools have replaced practical defense or offense movements with acrobatic
feats that are more spectacular to watch, thereby gaining favor during
exhibitions and competitions.This has led to criticisms by traditionalists
for endorsing the more acrobatic, show-oriented Wushu competition.
Appearance has always been important in many traditional forms as well;
forms were often performed for entertainment purposes long before the
advent of modern Wushu. Throughout the history of Chinese Martial Arts,
practitioners have looked for supplementary income by performing on the
streets or in theaters.
Many traditional Chinese Martial Artists, as well as practitioners of
modern sport combat, have become critical of the perception that forms
work is more relevant to the art than sparring and drill application.
Another reason why the martial techniques often appear different in forms
when contrasted with sparring application is thought by some to come from
the concealment of the actual functions of the techniques from outsiders,
namely rival schools or the authorities, since China has been ruled by
foreign powers in the past.
Modern Forms: Wushu As forms have grown in complexity
and quantity over the years, and many forms alone could be practiced for
a lifetime, styles of modern Chinese martial arts have developed that
concentrate solely on forms, and do not practice application at all. These
styles are primarily aimed at exhibition and competition, and often include
more acrobatic jumps and movements added for enhanced visual effect compared
to the traditional styles. Those who generally prefer to practice traditional
styles, focused less on exhibition, are often referred to as traditionalists.
Many traditionalists consider the evolution of today's Chinese martial
arts as undesirable, saying that much of its original value is lost.
Application Application training refers to the training
of putting the martial techniques to use. Chinese martial arts usually
contain a large arsenal of techniques and make use of the whole body;
efficiency and effectiveness is what the techniques are based on. When
and how applications are taught varies from style to style; in the early
stages of a student's training, most styles focus on drills in which each
student knows what range of combat is being practiced and what attack
to expect. Gradually, fewer and fewer rules are applied, and the students
learn how to react and utilize technique. 'Sparring' refers to the major
aspect of application training, which simulates a combat situation but
usually includes rules and regulations to reduce the chance of serious
injury to the students.
The subject of application training is a controversial one, and is the
subject of a raging debate between the Neo-Traditional Martial Artists
and Sports and traditional martial artists. In the neo-traditionalist
view, martial arts training should eventually lead to and be proven by
actual combat as well as being governed by a moral philosophy; neo-traditionalists
often believe sparring to test techniques is either irrelevant because
of their disbelief in the validity of a regulated test setting, or because
the system's techniques are supposedly too dangerous to use outside of
a real combat situation. In contrast, the sport-competition and traditionalist
view suggests that all of the techniques in Chinese Martial Arts should
be repeatedly time-tested through sparring to insure their effectiveness.
An example of this approach in the Chinese Martial Arts is the tradition
of Lei tai ( raised platform fighting) and Sanda. Lèitái represents public
challenge matches that first appeared in the Song Dynasty. The objective
for those contests was to knock the opponent from a raised platform by
any means necessary. San Shou and Sanda represents the modern development
of Lei Tai contests, but with rules in place to reduce the chance of serious
injury. Many Chinese martial arts schools teach or work within the rulesets
of San Shou and Sanda, working to incorporate the movements, characteristics,
and theory of their style.
Weapons training Most Chinese styles also make use of
training the broad arsenal of Chinese weapons for conditioning the body
as well as coordination and strategy drills. Weapons training are generally
carried out after the student is proficient in the basics, forms and applications
training. The basic theory for weapons training is to consider the weapon
as an extension of your body. The same requirements for footwork and body
coordination is required. The process of weapon training proceed with
forms, forms with partners and then applications. Most systems have training
methods for each of the Eighteen Arms of Wushu in addition to specialized
instruments specific to the system.
Martial arts and morality Traditional Chinese schools
of martial arts, such as the famed Shaolin monks, often dealt with the
study of martial arts not just as a means of self-defense or mental training,
but as a system of ethics. Wude can be translated as "martial morality"
and is constructed from two Chinese characters, "wu" which means
martial and "de" which means morality. Wude deals with two aspects;
"morality of deed" and "morality of mind". Morality
of deed concerns social relations; morality of mind is meant to cultivate
the inner harmony between the emotional mind and the wisdom mind. The
ultimate goal is reaching no extremity (Wuji,) (closely related to the
Taoist concept of wu wei), where both wisdom & emotions are in harmony
with each other.Morality of deed includes humility, loyalty, respect,
righteousness, and trust. Morality of mind includes courage,endurance,patience
perseverance,and Will.
Use of qi The concept of (qì), the inner energy or "life
force" that is said to animate living beings, is encountered in almost
all styles of Chinese martial art.Internal styles are reputed to cultivate
its use differently than external styles. One's qi can be improved and
strengthened through the regular practice of various physical and mental
exercises known as qigong. Though qigong is not a martial art itself,
it is often incorporated in Chinese martial arts and, thus, practiced
as an integral part to strengthen one's internal abilities.There are many
ideas regarding controlling one's qi energy to such an extent that it
can be used for healing oneself or others: the goal of medical qigong.
Some styles believe in focusing qi into a single point when attacking
and aim at specific areas of the human body. Such techniques are known
as Dim mak and have principles that are similar to acupressure. Some suggest
that by practicing qigong to an advanced level it is possible to cause
a physical reaction to an opponent without even touching the opponent.
This is a popular concept in Chinese martial arts movies but is rarely
seen in the everyday world.
Notable practitioners Yue Fei (1103-42 CE) - was a famous
Chinese general and patriot of the Song Dynasty. Martial arts styles such
as Eagle Claw and Xingyi attribute their creation to Yue. However, there
is no historical evidence to support the claim he created these styles.
Wumeidashi (late 1600s) - was the legendary female founder of many Southern
martial arts such as Wing Chun Kuen, Dragon style and Fujian White Crane.
She is often considered one of the legendary Five Elders who survived
the destruction of the Shaolin Temple during the Qing Dynasty. Yang Luchan
(1799-1872) - was an important teacher of the soft style martial art known
as tai chi chuan in Beijing during the second half of the 19th century.
Yang is known as the founder of Yang style tai chi chuan, as well as transmitting
the art to the Wu/Hao, Wu and Sun tai chi families. Ten Tigers of Canton
(late 1800s) - was a group of ten of the top Chinese martial arts masters
in Guangdong (Canton) towards the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912).
Huang Fei Hung (1847-1924) - was considered a Chinese folk hero during
the Republican period. More than one hundred Hong Kong movies were made
about his life. Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li have all portrayed
his character in blockbuster pictures. Huo Yuanjia (1867-1910) - was the
founder of Chin Woo Athletic Association who was known for his highly
publicized matches with foreigners. His biography was recently portrayed
in the movie Fearless (2006). Yip Man (1893-1972) - was a master of the
Southern martial art of Wing Chun and the first to teach this style openly.
Yip Man was the teacher of Bruce Lee. Most major branches of Wing Chun
that exist today were developed and promoted by students of Yip Man. Bruce
Lee (1940 - 1973) - was a Chinese American martial artist and actor who
was considered an important icon in the 20th century. He practiced the
Southern martial art of Wing Chun and made it famous. Using Wing Chun
as his base, he later developed his own martial arts methodology under
the name Jeet Kune Do. Jackie Chan (B.1954) - is a Hong Kong martial artist
and actor widely known for injecting physical comedy into his martial
arts performances, and for performing complex stunts in many of his films.
Jet Li (B. 1963) - is the five-time sport wushu champion of China, later
demonstrating his skills in cinema.
Popular culture
References to the concepts and use of Chinese martial arts can be found
in popular culture. Historically, the influence of Chinese martial arts
can be found in books and in the performance arts specific to Asia. Recently,
those influences have extended to the movies and television that targets
a much wider audience. As a result, Chinese martial arts have spread beyond
its ethnic roots and have a global appeal.
Martial arts plays a prominent role in the literature genre known as wuxia.
This type of fiction is based on a Chinese concepts of chivalry, a separate
martial arts society (Wulin) and a central theme involving martial arts.
Wuxia stories can be traced as far back as 2nd and 3rd century BC, becoming
popular by the Tang Dynasty and evolving into novel form by the Ming Dynasty.
This genre is still extremely popular throughout East Asia and provides
a major influence for the public perception of the martial arts.
Martial arts influences can also be found in Chinese opera of which Beijing
opera is one of the best-known examples. This popular form of drama dates
back to the Tang Dynasty and continues to be an example of Chinese culture.
Some martial arts movements can be found in Chinese opera and some martial
artists can be found as performers in Chinese operas.
In modern times, Chinese martial arts have spawned the genre of cinema
known as the martial arts film. The films of Bruce Lee were instrumental
in the initial burst of Chinese martial arts' popularity in the West in
the 1970s. A U.S. network TV western series of the early 1970s called
Kung Fu also served to popularize the Chinese martial arts on television.
With 60 episodes over a three-year span, it was one of the first North
American TV shows that tried to convey the philosophy and practice of
Chinese martial arts.
Martial artists and actors such as Jet Li and Jackie Chan have continued
the appeal of movies of this genre. Martial arts films from China are
often referred to as "Kung Fu movies", or "Wire Fu"
if extensive wire work is performed for special effects, and are still
best known as part of the tradition of Kung Fu Theater.
The use of Chinese martial arts techniques can now be found in most TV
action series, although the philosophy of Chinese martial arts are seldom
portrayed in depth.
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