How to Learn Kung Fu Styles

Known in China as Wushu, kung fu is considered the mother style of all Asian martial arts. Originally developed by monks at the Shaolin Temple more than a thousand years ago, kung fu is still a highly effective fighting style today. While there are thousands of different varieties of kung fu to choose from, all of them are more or less descended from the five original animal styles, which are: Tiger, Panther, Crane, Dragon and Snake. The good news is that anyone can learn kung fu. It's perhaps just a question of finding the style of kung fu that will work best for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Training materials (books and DVDs)
  • Loose-fitting workout clothing
  • Workout space (at least 10 feet by 10 feet)
  • Focus pads
  • Partner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the different styles of kung fu and determine which one you want to learn. You could literally spend a lifetime trying to learn all the different styles, so it's much better to choose the one that best suits you and focus on it. If you are big and strong, that style might be Tiger or Dragon. If you are small and quick, perhaps Crane would suit you best. Panther and Snake styles are suited for those who are nimble and limber.

    • 2

      Find a place to study. If at all possible, it's best to study kung fu at a school or "dojo" under the tutelage of an expert instructor. However, if you can't find or afford such a school, you can create your own space to learn. Kung fu is a physical martial art that involves kicks, punches, jumps and rolls. You will need a space that is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. Weather permitting, it's often best to practice outside in the yard or in a park.

    • 3

      Acquire training materials. If you can't find or afford to attend a kung fu school, get your own training materials. Books and instructional DVDs on all different styles of kung fu are widely available. Reading such books and watching such DVDs can also give you a chance to try your hand at a few different kung fu styles before devoting yourself to one.

    • 4

      Find a partner to train with. Having a partner is preferable to learning all on your own. Working with a partner will give you a chance to try different techniques on each other. It will also make you less likely to skip out on your training. If you and your partner are accountable to each other, you will be more likely to train regularly.