Chinese Kungfu

Chinese Kung Fu (also known as Wushu or martial arts) is the proper term for all the martial arts styles in China. In fact, Wushu is the preferred word to describe Chinese Martial Arts. The word Kung Fu was first used by a western Jesuit Missionary named Pere Amoit after witnessing exercises and training regimen in China. He called it "Cong Fou" in his personal journals. The term "Kuo-Shu" was popular in China until about 1930. This term has since been popularized by the Taiwan to describe Chinese Martial Arts.

Kung Fu consists of terms of thousands of different External and Internal styles including both bare bones and weapons. It has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Some of well known external styles are Shaolinquan, Changquan, Hongquan, Fanziquan and many others while the other well known internal styles are Taichi, Bagua, Xingyi and Water Style. With the promotion of Chinese movies and expansion of Opening and Reforming Policy in China, Kung Fu has become a popular international sport that all people can learn and use to attain its inherent benefits. Aside from a means of self-defense, Kung Fu has been developed into a sport capable of improving a participant's health and fitness, while improving their reactions time, jumping ability, balance, flexibility, coordination, power and speed. Even athletes for other sports are taking up Kung Fu training to complement their physical pursuits and to improve the quality of their performance.

Recently, Chinese Kung Fu has been modernized. Training and competing standard systems have been set up. Continuing its fighting function, Kung Fu becomes a more athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive sport. More and more foreigners come to learn the mysterious Kung Fu. In order to promote Kung Fu internationally, China Zhengzhou International Shaolin Kung Fu Festival will be held twice annually.

Kung Fu is now to be a sport of the Olympic Games soon.