Since kung fu is more than 1,000 years old, there are hundreds of styles of kung fu. Old styles are mixed to create new styles. Then there are many families of styles. Kung fu styles also change from region to region, as kung fu reflects a way of living.
The kung fu styles can be divided into soft and hard styles. Soft styles mean diverting momentum to unbalance an opponent. They are used to bring opponents into striking range. These styles use less physical force and more internal energy and skills. Hard styles direct the energy outward. These are used to strike with the force.
Kung fu can also be divided by the form of movements. This subtle distinction classifies kung fu styles as circular and linear. As the name depicts, circular styles use around and aside movements in relation to the opponents. Linear styles use direct, straight-line movements. Most kung fu masters use a mixture of these two styles.
Then there are distinctions of styles, like internal and external styles. Here, internal styles emphasize the non-tangible elements like meditation, body control, perception and mind control. These styles are also known as mystical styles. Internal styles are part of soft styles. External styles use body mechanics and force. Weight, strength and positioning are used to gain the advantage. External styles are hard styles.
As a kung fu master learns from his surroundings, there are many styles which are adopted from the behavior of the animals. The famous example of this is monkey style, which is adopted from the behavior of monkeys.
Finally there is no end to the discussion on kung fu styles. A kung fu master learns from the environment and himself, or makes his own style.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Kung Fu
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Kung fu is one of the most commonly used types of Chinese martial arts. In the Chinese language, kung fu means ‘achievement through investment in time and energy and through great efforts’. Kung fu is not only the art of self-defense, but also a philosophy...
-
Kung Fu Weapons
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The weapons used by kung fu masters are used to fight at a distance as well as at close range. Eighteen Arms is the term used to describe kung fu weaponry. Saber, spear, sword, halberd, axe, battle axe, hook, fork, whip, mace, hammer, talon, trident-halberd,...
-
Kung Fu Uniforms
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
It is necessary for a kung fu master to do swift and fast movement. Kung fu masters need to be agile, flexible and alert. This need is reflected in the choice of the uniforms. A kung fu uniform is designed to help swift movements. The...
-
Martial Arts
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Martial arts refers to various self-defense techniques, usually unarmed combat, based on skills developed in ancient China, India, Korea and Tibet. Some of the popular martial art forms include karate, kung fu, judo, tai chi chuan, sumo wrestling, aikido and tae kwon do, among others....
-
Short Hair Styles
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Having a short hair style makes life comparatively easier to the modern woman. This is obviously because less time is spent on maintaining it! Your short hair style has to be chosen to match your personality, lifestyle, time constraints, face shape, hair density and eye...
-
Long Hair Styles
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Long hair styles usually work well with any hair type, be it straight, curly or wavy. However, it looks the best if the locks are medium-textured or thick. So it is better to skip the lengthy look if you have fine hair or a long...
-
External Hemorrhoids: An Overview
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Simply stated, there are two kinds of hemorrhoids – the external type which can be seen with the naked eye and the internal type which can only be examined by a doctor. If the tissue that supports the veins in the anal canal weakens, the...
-
Hair Styles
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The hair style is a very important part of one’s personal grooming. The way you wear your hair greatly affects the appearance of your features. In fact, your personal style is a great factor in the choice of your hairstyle as the right hairstyle projects...
-
Teaching Styles
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Over the last decade, both teaching and learning styles have undergone some drastic changes. They have been developed over a period of time, keeping in mind the needs and requirements of both teachers and students. The styles adopted by a teacher or lecturer depends on...
-
Internal Hemorrhoids
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are two kinds of hemorrhoids: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are those which can only be examined by a doctor. Internal hemorrhoids are caused when the tissue supporting the veins in the anal canal weakens, and the swollen veins and tissue can bulge into...