kung fu
The Fan’s Fighting Application
In ancient times, fans were the only practical air-conditioning units available. Even today, many people still rely upon paper fans for instant relief from hot summer heat. But did you know the same innocent-looking, hand painted, folded triangle can be a deadly self-defense weapon? I am speaking of paper fans with bamboo ribs. Most people…
Snake Strikes of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu
It was during the Tang Dynasty (617-960) that the martial arts really began to flourish in China. Because of the Middle Kingdom’s increased interaction with the regions beyond its borders, its fighting arts were spread far and wide, and they are believed to have influenced numerous combat systems practiced in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam and other…
Karate’s Chinese Connection Part 1
Karate’s Chinese Connection As a kung fu and tai chi teacher, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “What is the difference between kung fu and karate?” My short answer is, “Kung fu is the name given to the martial arts of China and karate comes from Japan.” On the surface, this…
No Belts in Kung Fu
This article originally appeared in the June 1991 issue of Inside Kung Fu Magazine, “Training for Life” by Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong. You might say that in Japanese and Korean martial arts, the most important part of the wardrobe is the belt. The belt’s color designates the martial artist’s rank, making it a critical part of…
Relationship Titles in the Traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi School
The term “kuen” (kune) is a Cantonese word which means “fist” and usually refers to a particular fighting style of kung fu. For example, Choy Li Fut Kuen means “Choy Li Fut Fist” and Wing Chun Kuen means “Wing Chun Fist”. The word “gar” (ga) translates to “family”. For instance, Hung Gar Kuen translates to…
