[ Northern, or "Long Fist" ] [ Southern, or "Southern Fist" ]

Kung Fu is comprised of a countless number of systems and styles, some emphasizing strenuous kicking and punching, others, more subtle techniques. It is impossible to organize all Kung Fu styles, but they can be roughly classified by their geographical origin (classification by religious or philosophical influences or originating intent are more controversial). Since China is so huge that many styles came from different provinces, authorities have classified them by the general northern and southern geographical regions of China.

Northern, or "Long-Fist" (Chang Quan)
These styles come from and reflect the environment of Northern China, the land north of the Yangtze river. The terrain contains deserts and wide stretches of land, and its people, who are typically tall and slender, used to frequently travel by horse. Therefore, the Northern styles rely more heavily on quick movements using the lower body. Emphasis is placed on unbalancing the opponent and using his strength to one's advantage. Some characteristics of this style include:

Some examples of Northern style Kung Fu are: Tai Chi Chuan, Xing-Yi Chuan, Baguazhang

Southern, or "Southern Fist" (Nan Quan)
These styles come from and reflect the environment of Southern China, the land south of the Yangtze river. Since it often rains in the South, the terrain contains many rivers and waterways. The people are comparatively shorter than those of the North and travel by boat. Due to the Southern body shape, the style's techniques rely more on upper body movement, using the hands and arms. Emphasis is placed on using maximum strength to directly meet an opponent's attack. Some characteristics of this style include:

Some examples of Southern style Kung Fu are: Wing Chun Kuen, Hung Gar, and Choy Li Fut.

Kung Fu is a sophisticated martial art and is actually equally balanced, using both the upper and lower body in a coordinated manner. Each martial art has its unique characteristics that help distinguish it from others, not just whether it uses upper or lower.

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Image of "Long Fist" from
Valerie Lee, kungfu@sfsu.edu.
Aug 2001. E-mail message.

Image of "Southern Fist" from
Brenner, Kris, krisbrenner@hotmail.com.
Aug 2001. E-mail message.