KUNG FU
Kung Fu - Hsing-I, Pa Kua, and Tai Chi
"I know Kung Fu"
Thomas 'Neo' Anderson
The Matrix
These are the three 'internal arts' from China, renowned for their extremely sophisticated combat techniques and equally valuable healing qualities. These gentle movements gracefully coordinate and realign the body. Backs, knees, ankles, necks, and shoulders can all be rehabilitated. Some movements, in this vast system, resemble the stretching of Yoga, some are similar to what Pilates or the Alexander technique tries to accomplish, while still others are like the movements of Tai Chi. Perfect for those who are seeking to heal their bodies and become more functional.
Kung Fu lives in everything we do. It lives in how we take off a jacket. It lives in how we treat people. Everything is Kung Fu.
- Jackie Chan
The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
- Sun Tzu
Chinese martial arts, often named under the umbrella terms kung fu and wushu, are the several hundred fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as 'families', 'sects' or 'schools' of martial arts. Examples of such traits include Shaolinquan physical exercises involving Five Animals mimicry, or training methods inspired by Old Chinese philosophies, religions and legends. Styles that focus on qi manipulation are called 'internal', while others that concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are called 'external'. Geographical association, as in 'northern' and 'southern', is another popular classification method.