Shaolin
Kung Fu refers to a traditional system which was born from Ch'an Buddhism and
Chinese culture and specific to the environment of the Shaolin Temple in
Songshan Mountain. Amongst the various types of Kung Fu, the Shaolin system is
believed to be the founding style of all martial arts. This tradition began
around 1,500 years ago. It began modestly at first with general exercises to
improve the health of the Shaolin Monks and later developed into a profound
tradition including barehand and weapons forms, self-defence and meditation
techniques, amongst others. In addition, Shaolin Kung Fu has spread
throughout the world and is widely practised today.
A well
known translation of "Kung fu"/"Gong Fu" is skill or
effort. This term can be applied to any craft, skill or activity, whether
physical, spiritual or intellectual and it may be used as a way of describing a
certain special quality. Kung Fu also refers to martial arts and given the
previous association, it is a fitting term because a martial art requires great
effort and artistry, cultivated over many years training.
In
addition, many names are used when referring to Chinese martial arts (e.g. Wushu,
Kung Fu, Gong Fu,
Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Shaolin, Wudang etc) but it is important to stress
that exact terms are insignificant. Since Kung Fu is regarded as the origin of martial
arts, the term may encompass many forms of Chinese martial arts.
