Wushu (武術) and Kung Fu (工夫)
Wushu
武術 (S武术)
is the proper term for martial arts in China.
Kung Fu (工夫
)translates literally as the achievement or
ability of an art form or of a specific skill. The term
also implies that time and hard work are involved. In
China, the term refers to any skill. Julia Child, Mario
Andretti, and W.A. Mozart could be said to have Kung Fu
in their respective specialities. In some southern
Chinese dialects, and in many Western languages, the
term “Kung Fu” is often used to refer to Chinese
martial arts.
Throughout the World, there are hundreds of styles of
martial art. In China, where martial arts are called
Wushu武術,
there are believed to be more than 120 different
styles, each of which has many branches. Each style has
its own unique training methods, philosophy, as well as
unique cultural background. While learning a martial
art opens a door to a way of understanding and
perfecting your own physical, mental and spiritual well
being; it also offers a deeper understanding of your
own history and culture, and the culture from which the
art developed.
The innumerable benefits to mental, spiritual,
emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being have
inspired students of Chinese Wushu in over 100
different countries. It is applied for sport, health,
self-defence, self-discipline, police and military
training, and cultural festivals. Men and women of all
ages practice wushu, as a temporary diversion, a
regular hobby, a therapy, an art form, or a way of
life.
If you choose to join the millions of people around the
world who benefit from practising the many different
styles of martial art that exist; getting the maximum
benefit from your training does not depend on finding
which style is best. It depends on finding which style
and school is right for you. No school is right for
every student, and not every student is right for every
school. If you find a school and a style with which you
have rapport, and which you will enjoy training in,
then you will be more likely to put in the time and
effort that will be necessary for reaching the level of
achievement that is the very definition of Gong Fu
(Kung Fu).
Click here to read about the difference between Modern
Wushu and Traditional Wushu.
What is a martial art?
“Martial Art” means many
things to many people.
Some of the obvious functions of a martial art are as
a means to health, fitness, recreation, self defence,
confidence, self expression, power, peace of mind,
and mastery of mind, body and spirit.
A martial art is often the means by which one learns
to constantly seek balance in what may seem like an
inherently violent world.
To those who practise traditional martial arts, a
martial art is not a path to violence. On the
contrary, it is the means by which violence itself is
overcome.
Those who come to the martial arts out of a need to
conquer an enemy find that the best way to defeat the
opponent is to better understand the nature of
violence and the nature of the self. Those who come
to the martial arts with a predisposition to violence
find their desire and the need to dominate others
exorcised by the process of self mastery.
At the same time, those who may tend to shrink from
conflict out of fear of violence often find, through
training, a means to engage the world more intensely
with the compassion and awareness that is necessary
to overcome the external violence as well as the
unnamed fear.
The mental, physical and emotional skills and
qualities that are cultivated in the practice of
martial arts can have a profound affect on the
quality of a person’s life.
This is why martial arts are part of spiritual
traditions, healing practices, philosophies, cultural
traditions, and national fitness programs. They are
not only military traditions.
What styles do we teach?
The Cloud Mountain Martial Arts curriculum includes traditional basic wushu training and conditioning with a strong emphasis on the “neijia” or “internal martial arts” of Chinese Wushu.
"Internal martial arts" are unique in their use of subtle mental and physical skills. They are known for their emphasis on the harmonious relationship between mind, body, and spirit. They are also known for their therapeutic health benefits and being suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The curricula at Cloud Mountain Martial Arts Orillia include:
- Taijiquan
- Wushu Qigong
- Xingyiquan
- Baguazhang
- Yiquan
- Liuhebafa
Martial application training includes:
- Qinna (Joint control, pressure point manipulation, and grappling.)
- Shuaijiao (Throws and take-down techniques.)
- Tuishou (“Pushing Hands)”
- Ti and Da (Striking with all parts of the body.)
- Sanshou (Free hands)
Beyond the basic technical mastery is thorough training in strategy, tactics, psychology, and the correct application of mind, body and spirit.
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