Kung-Fu Fighting Styles

Kung Fu is one of the forms of Chinese martial arts. It is widely known in China as "Wushu." Kung Fu is made up of a variety of styles that fall under either one of two main categories of external style or internal style. Among the more popular styles of Kung Fu are Tai Ji Chuan or Supreme Shadow Boxing, Shaolin Chuan or Shaolin Boxing, Ba Gua Zhang or Eight Diagram Palm, and Changquan or Long Fists.

  1. Tai Ji Chuan

    • Tai Ji Chuan--meditation by movement

      Tai Ji Chuan is an internal style very popular in Kung Fu. Tai Ji Chuan, or "Tai Chi," is practiced worldwide by both young and old, and is referred to as "meditation by movement." Tai Ji Chuan features slow, graceful forms and soft, yet powerful, technique. Tai Ji Chuan develops one's internal organs as well as external joints and muscles through proper breathing and the development of one's "chi" or internal energy.

    Shaolin Chuan

    • Shaolin monk drawing--performing with a staff

      Shaolin Chuan is one of the more famous external styles in Kung Fu. The Shaolin Temple is known as the birthplace of the Shaolin Chuan martial arts. Shaolin Chuan was brought to China around 450 A.D. by the Indian monk Bodhidharma as he came to spread his Buddhist faith. Shaolin Chuan flourished as word spread that the peaceful monks of Shaolin were also great defenders of justice and protectors of peace for their country. Shaolin Chuan was made famous in America by the popular television series "Kung Fu" and is the primary martial art filmed in Chinese action movies.

    Ba Gua Zhang

    • Ba Gua Zhang or "Pa Kua Chuan" is another popular internal system of Kung Fu and is based on the the Eight Trigrams of the I Ching (Book of Changes). The founding of Ba Gua Kung Fu is attributed to a Taoist priest who reportedly watched the circular actions of eight animals (tiger, horse, ox, elephant, lion, bear, monkey and dragon) as they fought. He incorporated these actions into a fighting system of circular motions and solid stances. Ba Gua Zhang is known for its excellent footwork and explosive energy.

    Changquan or Long Fist

    • Changquan style is an external style that emerged from the main Shaolin Kung Fu style. Chanquan style, or Long Fists, is known for its long, continuous movements that resemble the flowing movement of the Long River or Yangtze Kiang River in China. Long, flowing movements are combined with fast, stretching movements, as well as jumping and kicking techniques.