Wu - Chinese Martial Arts

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Introduction
Kung means 'discipline' and Fu means 'person', hence, 'Kung Fu' refers to a disciplined person. Kungfu is often mistaken by the uninitiated as simply as a physical activity. However, it is far from the truth, especially for Shaolin Kungfu.

There are many styles or schools of kungfu. Traditionally, these numerous styles are divided into two major groups, namely internal kungfu and external kungfu. The three well known internal kungfu styles are Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Baguazhang (Pakua Palm), and Xingyiquan (Hsing Yi Kungfu). External kungfu includes Shaolin Kungfu and all its derived styles. Today, the two most well known branches of Shaolin Kungfu are Northern Shaolin which emphasizes on kicking, long range, acrobatic and ground-fighting techniques, and the Southern Shaolin which emphasize on higher stances and hand techniques.

Shaolin Kungfu can be divided into four dimensions: 1)Form, 2)Force, 3)Application, 4)Philosophy. Shaolin Kungfu epitomizes the meditation principles of Ch'an Buddhism that the mind, the spirit and the body become one. Based on Shaolin's special philosophy of the Unity of Ch'an and martial Arts (the latter also known as Kungfu), students' livelihood will be enlightened, their wisdom will be expanded and their ethical standard will be elevated, resulting in a peaceful society.

Now, we shall introduce the history of Shaolin and some strategies of Shaolin Kungfu. Further, we shall talk about its relationship between "Zen' and 'Chi Kung'.