Kung Fu

Kung Fu is an umbrella name for a wide variety of Chinese martial arts systems. Styles which are categorized under the name Kung Fu include:

• Wu Shu
  

• Tai Chi
  

• San Sho
  

• Shaolin
  

• Hung Gar
  

• Wing Chun
  

• Pai Hao/White Crane
  

• T'ang Lang/Mantis

However, Kung Fu over the years has encompassed likely thousands of different styles. However, many of them fell into obscurity over the years because of secrecy, or because the style was absorbed, or transformed into another style. Kung Fu is often categorized into "Soft" or "Hard" styles, or "Internal" and "External". "Hard" or "External" styles focus on physical techniques. They may rely on developing strength, speed or other techniques, and generally can vary from style to style. "Internal" or "Soft" styles are influenced by Buddhism, and focus on breath control and circulation of chi. It is claimed by some practictioners of "Internal" styles that the skill that can be attained by an "External" style is limited by body constraints, whereas with "Internal" styles, there are no limits to skill.

On an interesting note, the Chinese have often attributed bizarre powers with high levels of Kung Fu training, which is often reflected in martial arts movies. Some such powers documented in old texts include:

• The ability to run through snow without leaving a footprint
  

• The ability to kill with a gesture from a distance
  

• The ability to retract the male genitalia into the abdominal cavity, on command, to eliminate vulnerability to groin strikes
  

• The ability to become impervious to pain

For more information about Kung Fu refer to WikiPedia.

Places in Davis to practice Kung Fu:

• Kung Fu Club
  

• Experimental College