How to Learn Kung Fu Fighting

Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art that traces some of its origins back to Tibetan monks and the Buddhist religion while other elements were founded in the Chinese military. Because of this diverse origin, Kung Fu is both a highly spiritual and meditative art while also being an effective self-defense system. Learning Kung Fu requires tremendous dedication and effort. Practitioners need to have good conditioning, flexibility and a respect for others in order to fully embrace both the physical and spiritual elements of the fighting art.

Instructions

    • 1

      Visit Kung Fu schools in your area and watch a few classes and talk to the instructors. Not every school is for everybody. It is very important in Kung Fu that you have a comfortable relationship with your instructors and your school. Watching classes will give you an idea as to the instructor's style and they can listen to why you want to study Kung Fu and offer insights on how they can help you.

    • 2

      Select the school that feels like the best fit for you and start attending classes.

    • 3

      Work on your cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility by stretching and exercising at least a half hour a day before class. Kung Fu has very specific stances and motions that require flexibility and conditioning. It is more difficult to learn properly if you are tired and stiff during class.

    • 4

      Meditate prior to class. Kung Fu is as much about inner-harmony and relaxation as it is about physical self-defense. Meditation is required in many schools and it can help you lower stress as well as focus you for the class ahead.

    • 5

      Attend class at least 3 or 4 days a week to get the most out of your school. If you only go once or twice, you are likely to forget a lot between classes. Learning Kung Fu requires frequent repetition to build up muscle memory and reflex so you can utilize and chain techniques together without having to think about it beforehand.

    • 6

      Practice the basics of each class once you get home so that you keep it implanted in your memory. Work on stances in front of a mirror so you can see yourself what you may be doing incorrectly. Your instructor can then assist you in your next class.