A Brief History of Kung Fu
Kung fu, also known as Chinese martial arts, was born in China over 2000 years ago. Like China itself, kung fu has a long and complex history. The history of Kung Fu is a story full of rivalries, mysteries, heroes, villains, intrigue, secret societies, emperors, monks, and many myths and legends. It’s no wonder that kung fu still serves as a source of inspiration for movies and television. It also draws everyday people worldwide to improve their lives through martial arts!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Kung fu originated in China.
- Four sub-categories group Kung Fu’s many styles: village/family styles, military styles, temple styles, and secret society styles.
- Factors such as geography, climate, culture, and history shaped the development and evolution of Kung Fu styles and techniques across regions.
- Kung Fu styles and techniques also absorbed elements from other martial arts styles and cultural traditions worldwide.
Where Did Kung Fu Come From?
The origins of Chinese martial arts can be traced back to the Stone Age when people in China used weapons such as spears and knives for hunting and self-defense. As civilization developed, people in China began to study and practice various combat techniques to protect themselves and maintain order.
Many styles of kung fu developed and evolved over time.
Various factors, including China’s geography, climate, culture, and history, influenced the development and evolution of Kung Fu styles and techniques. Kung fu styles and training methods also absorbed elements from other martial arts styles and cultural traditions worldwide, mainly from India.
Today, kung fu is practiced throughout the world and is known for its powerful, graceful movements and as a tool for cultivating discipline and wisdom. It is an integral part of Chinese culture and has influenced martial arts and popular culture worldwide.
What Is The Meaning of Kung Fu?
Before we dig into the history of kung fu, it might be helpful to understand better what we mean when talking about kung fu. The term “kung fu” (功夫) means “hard work” + “time.” It has the sense of “skill” or “achievement”; it means “mastery.” Kung fu can technically refer to any discipline or skill developed through hard work and practice.
In the West, “kung fu” is usually used to refer specifically to Chinese martial arts; it is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of styles, each with unique training methods and philosophies. These styles are often named after the legendary founder, family, or temple where they originated. Kung fu styles are usually classified as Northern/Southern or internal/external, depending on their characteristics and emphasis.
In addition to its fighting applications, kung fu is also seen as a way of cultivating mental and physical discipline and is often practiced as a path to self-improvement. Many who practice kung fu view it as a way of life, and they strive to embody the values of respect and self-control in all aspects of their lives. This warrior’s code of ethics is referred to in Mandarin as Wude 武 德.
The Many Names of Kung Fu
“Wushu” (武术) is a more formal Chinese term that means “martial art” or “martial technique.” It can correctly refer to the traditional Chinese martial arts styles, but most people use Wushu to refer to the modern competitive sport that was developed based on traditional forms but has become more of a performance art. Modern Wushu emphasizes gymnastics with an apparatus (fake weapons) similar to women’s rhythmic gymnastics. While wushu athletes perform displays of tremendous athleticism, modern Wushu training lacks self-defense applications.
“Wuyi” (武艺) means “martial art” or “martial skill.” Wuyi is used to refer to the practical martial arts techniques that were developed for use in combat and self-defense. Dr. Yang, Jwingming, noted author, states that the historical term used was Wuyi. Other appropriate terms for Chinese martial arts are kuoshu 國術 (national art) and quanfa 拳法 (boxing/fighting techniques/methods).
Overall, “kung fu” is the most popular term for Chinese martial arts.
Different Types Of Kung Fu
Understanding the different categories or “families” of kung fu can help us understand the history of kung fu in a better context. There are many different styles of Kung Fu, which can generally be grouped into two main categories: northern and southern styles. Within both northern and southern styles, there are four main sub-categories:
- village/family styles
- military styles
- temple styles
- secret society styles
Village or family styles: These styles are developed and passed down within a particular village or family and are often closely guarded secrets. These styles are typically passed down from generation to generation within a specific family or community.
Military styles: Military styles were designed to be used in a battlefield context, and tend to focus more heavily on using weapons like the sword, spear, or other long weapons while wearing armor, etc.
Temple styles: Monks developed and practiced Temple styles, which are now considered more spiritual and philosophical. However, historically, temples like Shaolin were known for their martial arts skills and acted as a sort of militia or special forces in many military conflicts and during periods of civil unrest throughout China’s history.
Secret society styles: These styles are developed and practiced by members of secret societies or gangs and are often more underground and subversive. Secret society styles frequently had a political or revolutionary agenda and may be associated with criminal activities.
These sub-categories of kung fu are not mutually exclusive. They all interacted with and influenced each other throughout history. For example, a military officer’s only option for retirement from service to the emperor was often to become a monk. In turn, he might lead a group of renegade monks in rebellion against the corrupt government and then join bandits or go into hiding in a remote village after the government destroyed the temple in retribution. The same individual might have shared his knowledge of martial arts in all four contexts at different points in his career.
The Silk Road & Kung Fu
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant historical forces that helped shape the development of Chinese martial arts was The Silk Road. The Silk Road was an ancient trade route connecting China to the Mediterranean. It was called the Silk Road because silk from China was one of the leading products traded along these routes. The Silk Road began in the 2nd century BC and was used for over 1,400 years. It stretched over 6,000 miles and passed through many countries, including modern-day China, India, Iran, Greece, and Italy.
The Silk Road played a crucial role in the cultural exchange between the East and the West. Along with silk and slaves, goods, such as spices, gold, ivory, and precious stones, were traded along these routes. Ideas, religions, and technologies were also exchanged along the Silk Road, leading to the spread of Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.
Mercenaries from within China and those from regions to the West, such as India and Persia, were frequently hired to serve as guards, protecting caravans from bandits on the long, perilous journies between East and West.
source: Kelvin Case/Wikipedia
The Old Masters of kung fu had the benefit of exchanging training methods with each other and foreign fighters and accruing actual “operational experience.” Ineffective fighting techniques are quickly eliminated from the gene pool in the fiery crucible of battle. This was particularly true in ancient times when combat oftentimes took place close enough to smell your opponent’s breath!
The Silk Road began to decline in the 14th Century due to the rise of maritime trade routes and the decline of the Mongol Empire, which had controlled much of the land along the Silk Road.
Northern Leg vs. Southern Fist
The Minnesota Vikings vs. The Green Bay Packers. The New York Yankees vs. The Boston Red Socks. Like these famous modern-era sports rivalries, there have been many rivalries between different schools and styles of Chinese martial arts that reflect the history and geography of ancient China. Perhaps none more fierce than the rivalry between the North and South.
The rivalry between North and South China has a long history that dates back to ancient times. The two regions have traditionally had different cultures, languages, and economic systems, and they have often been at odds with each other.
The Yangtze River divides Northern from Southern China. The Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. It flows from the Tibetan Plateau in the West to the East China Sea in the East.
In ancient times, the North and South were often ruled by separate governments, with frequent conflicts between the two regions. This is reflected in the martial arts styles of the two areas. China is a very diverse country with many different ethnicities. Broadly speaking, the people of northern China are often taller than their southern counterparts. In contrast, the people from the South tend to be shorter and more muscular.
The terrain of the North is rugged, with lots of open steppes and plains. The martial arts of northern China tend to use lots of open, long-range attacks and particular emphasis on kicking techniques. In contrast, rolling hills, fertile river valleys, and a subtropical climate generally characterize the geography of China south of the Yellow River. Southern Chinese martial arts styles tend to focus more on close-range or “inside fighting” techniques using shorter, jerking movements (referred to as “short power”); thus, the famous distinction of “northern leg vs. southern fist.”
During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), the North and South were united under a single government, but there was still tension between the two regions. In the 20th Century, the rivalry between North and South China was exacerbated by the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949), which was fought between the Nationalist government, based in the South, and the Communist Party, based in the North.
Shaolin vs. Wutang
Legacy of The Temple Styles
Another famous historic rivalry between kung fu styles is Shaolin vs. Wutang (or Wudang in pinyin).
Wutang Kung Fu
Tai Chi and other Taoist martial arts
Wutang Mountain is a southern mountain range located in Hubei Province, China. Wutang Mountain is home to the Wutang Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and importance in the history of Taoism.
The Wutang Temple was built in the 14th Century and is considered one of China’s most prominent Taoist temples, along with Emei (or Omei) Temple at Emei Mountain.
The so-called “internal” styles of Tai Chi Chuan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan are generally associated with the Taoist temples, especially Tai Chi, which legend says was developed by the immortal Zhang, Sanfeng after watching a crane fight a snake. Wutang is also known for the Wutang sword style.
The rivalry between Shaolin and Wutang is often summarized as “Shaolin staff vs. Wutang sword.”
Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin is a Buddhist temple in the Song Mountains of China’s Henan Province. It is known as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. The temple was built in the 5th Century and had a long history of being a center of Buddhist learning and martial arts training.
It was initially a center for Indian monks to translate Buddhist scriptures into Chinese, but it eventually became a major center for Chinese Buddhism. The temple is known for its monks’ strict discipline and physical training, renowned for their martial arts skills, and qigong methods like Yijinjing and Marrow Washing. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history.
Henan province is north of the Yangtze, while Hubei is in the South. Therefore, the rivalry between Shaolin and Wutang/Wudang can be viewed as an extension of the rivalry between bei quan 北拳 (northern boxing) and nan quan 南拳 (southern boxing).
The Destruction of The Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple has a long history of involvement in civil unrest and uprisings in Ancient China, working with and against the government at different times. Some examples of this include:
- Tang Dynasty (7th Century AD): the 6th and 7th Centuries were tumultuous times in China, and the Shaolin Temple was a frequent target of thieves and warlords. The monks organized to defend the temple and developed a very high technical and tactical proficiency during this period. In 626 AD, a group of 13 Shaolin monks served as a “special operations” unit in service to the future emperor Li, Shimin, and helped establish the Tang Dynasty.
- The Liangshan Uprising* (12th century AD): During the Song dynasty, a group of Shaolin monks joined the Liangshan rebels, a group of outlaws fighting against the corrupt and oppressive government. The Liangshan rebels, led by Song Jiang, became famous for their bravery and resistance against the government.
- The Ming dynasty* (14th-17th centuries AD): Shaolin monks were involved in several uprisings against the government during the Ming dynasty. One of the most famous of these was the Tianqi Uprising (1630), in which a group of Shaolin monks led a revolt against the government in an attempt to restore the Ming dynasty.
- Nationalist & Cultural Revolution (20th Century AD): After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, China was again rocked by a period of chaos, first during the Nationalist and later the Communist revolution. A warlord shelled The Shaolin Temple during the Nationalist Revolution and largely destroyed it, and then suffered further damage during the Cultural Revolution. The temple was mostly abandoned until the 1980s. At that point, the CCP rebuilt it and today stands as a popular tourist attraction.
In these and other cases, the Shaolin monks used their martial arts skills and their reputation for bravery to support causes that they believed in. However, they also faced persecution and retribution from the government for their involvement in these uprisings.
Many kung fu styles trace their roots to Shaolin or were subsumed within the mantle of the Shaolin arts. Known primarily for using long weapons, the staff is the core weapon of Shaolin.
*While these are actual historical events, the genuine involvement of Shaolin monks and the temple’s destruction are possibly distorted or fictional.
Secret Societies & Kung Fu
Some of the most fascinating histories of kung fu involve secret societies. There are many different ethnic groups and dialects throughout China. The largest ethnic group in China is the Han Chinese, who make up about 92% of the population. However, there are also 55 recognized ethnic minorities in China, including the Hui, Manchu, Tibetan, and Miao.
The many ethnic groups and dialects in China reflect the country’s long history of migration and geography and political, economic, and military struggles. These differences have shaped China’s cultural, linguistic, and political landscape. The rise and fall of various dynasties throughout China’s long history have largely fallen along ethnic lines. These divisions and other cultural factors have contributed to China’s long tradition of secret societies.
These secret societies, also known as fraternal organizations, are groups that come together for a common purpose and have often been associated with resistance to authority and efforts to promote political and social change. As a result, they have played a complex and sometimes controversial role in Chinese history, including the Taiping Rebellion (19th Century), the Boxer Rebellion (late 19th Century), and the Chinese Civil War (20th Century).
Yellow Turban Rebellion
One of China’s earliest and most famous secret societies was the Yellow Turbans, a group of rebels who rose against the Han dynasty in the 2nd century AD. The Yellow Turbans were believed to have been influenced by Taoist religious and philosophical ideas. They were known for their distinctive yellow scarves, which gave them their name. The Yellow Turbans were eventually defeated, but they set a precedent for other secret societies that would emerge in China throughout its history.
Red Turban Rebellion
The Red Turban Rebellion was a peasant uprising in China during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) led by groups claiming to be members of the White Lotus Society, a millenarian sect. Widespread poverty, corruption, and religious discontent among the populace fuelled the rebellion. It broke out in the 1350s in the coastal provinces of Guangdong and Fujian and quickly spread. The rebellion challenged the rule of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty, which had been in power since the 13th Century. The Yuan government eventually defeated the uprising. However, this struggle weakened the crumbling dynasty and contributed to its eventual collapse in the 14th Century.
Boxer Rebellion
source: unknown
The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising in the late 19th Century. It was led by a group of Chinese martial artists known as the “Boxers,” who opposed the influence of foreign powers in China and the spread of Christianity. The Boxers believed that traditional kung fu & qigong training methods like “Iron Shirt” and “Golden Bell” made them invulnerable to bullets. The Boxers launched a series of attacks on foreign diplomats, missionaries, and Chinese Christians in northern China.
Many kung fu movies inspired by real-life and legendary figures from the Boxer Rebellion era have been made over the years. Jackie Chan’s Legend of Drunken Master portrayed a fictional version of the historical hero Wong, Fei-hung. Wong was considered one of “The Five Tigers of Canton.” The Jet Li film, Fearless tells the story of Huo, Yuanjia, another of the Five Tigers. Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury tells the story of the fictional character Chen Zhen, who seeks revenge on corrupt foreigners for the alleged poisoning of Huo.
Further Reading: The Boxer Rebellion: The History and Legacy of the Anti-Imperialist Uprising in China at the End of the 19th Century
Hung Mun and Hung Sun Societies
The Hung Mun and Hung Sun societies are some of the most well-known secret societies that still exist in various forms today. Hung Mun and Hung Sun have an association with different kung fu styles. A few examples are Choy Lei Fut and Wing Chun Kung Fu, the martial art made famous by Bruce Lee and more recently by the series of films about his teacher Ip Man, starring Donnie Yen.
Hung Mun
The Hung Mun (or Hongmen in pinyin) 洪門 society, also known as the Tiandihui 天地會, is a Chinese fraternal organization that has existed for over 200 years. Hung Mun means “vast gate,” and Tiandihui means “Heaven & Earth Society.” They are sometimes referred to as “Chinese Free Masons.”
The society’s origins can be traced back to the late 18th Century when it was formed as a secret society to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Ming dynasty (“Fan Qing Fu Ming” 反淸復明; lit. ‘Oppose Qing, Restore Ming’). Hung Mun has evolved over time and has been involved in various activities, including business, charity, and political activities. This is particularly true in Taiwan. However, it has also been associated with Chinese organized crime, commonly referred to as “The Triads.”
Hung Sun
source: lensculture.com
The Hung Sun society is another secret society operating in China in the 19th Century and operated within the Road Boat Opera Company. Hung Sun 紅船 means “red boat” in Cantonese. The Red Boat Opera Company was a loose-knit association of actors, stagehands, and rapscallions who gave traveling performances of Cantonese opera.
Cantonese opera was at its height in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Red Boat Opera company traveled up and down the Pearl River delta in Guandong Province on distinctive red boats. These operas were known for their distinctive style, including a mix of local folk music and kung fu demonstrations, theater performances, and more.
Then, much as the actors and musicians of today, the Red Boat Co. used their platform to spread their political messages throughout the region. At least some members of the opera were also fugitives from the government and used the red boats as a mobile base of operations for anti-government activities.
They were said to have practiced Red Boat Wing Chun. A close friend of Bruce Lee’s family, Fook Yeung, who helped Lee get his start in Seattle, is rumored to have been a member of the Red Boat Opera Co. and a student of Red Boat Wing Chun. Bruce Lee continued his Wing Chun training in Seattle under Fook Yeung, Praying Mantis, and more at the Seattle Chinese Youth Club.
Chin Woo/Jingwu
source: wikipedia
No tale of the fraternal societies of China would be complete without mentioning Chin Woo. Strictly speaking, The Chin Woo Athletic Association (Chin Woo) is not a “secret society” but is a fraternal organization. It can be thought of as a Chinese YMCA. Ching Woo was founded in Shanghai, China, in 1910 by Huo Yuanjia, who became famous after defeating several westerners in single combat. His victories inspired many Chinese, who were demoralized due to the corruption of the Qing dynasty and foreign interference in politics and the economy in China at that time, including the Opium trade. Drug addiction, prostitution, and corruption were rampant.
Master Huo said, “for a nation to grow strong, everyone must train in martial arts.” Huo hoped to help rejuvenate China through the discipline of Kung Fu and the code of Wude.
Chin Woo was banned in 1949 after the Communist Party came to power in China, and many of its members were persecuted. The organization was later re-established in Hong Kong and Taiwan, where it continues to promote traditional Chinese martial arts and culture.
Today, Chin Woo is still active and has branches in several countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It continues to promote traditional Chinese martial arts and culture and provides training and instruction in Chinese martial arts.
I fought full-contact as a heavyweight in the Chin Woo tournament in Dallas, TX, in 2007 and 2009. The medals I received, bearing the likeness of Huo, Yuanjia, remain one of my most prized possessions. Unfortunately, I lost my gold medal from the ’07 tournament, but I still have my silver and bronze from 2009. I am very proud to have participated in the tradition of Chin Woo, and I hope to follow in Master Huo’s footsteps of renewing my nation’s strength and spirit through kung fu!
Military Kung Fu Styles
As dynasties rose and fell and military tactics, warfare, and weapons systems evolved throughout China’s history, different kung fu styles came in and out of favor with the military. One such story is that of the famous General Yue Fei and the art of Xingyiquan (also known as Hsinh-I Chuan).
Yue Fei was a Chinese general and national hero who lived during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). He is best known for leading the Song army in the wars against the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty. He led several successful campaigns against the Jin dynasty. He recaptured much of the territory that had been lost to the Jurchens. However, General Yue was betrayed by the emperor and executed after he was falsely accused of treason.
Legend says that Yue Fei developed Xingyiquan to prepare his troops for battle quickly. The linear empty-hand fighting techniques resemble the movements you would use when standing in formation with a spear or sword and shield combination. Therefore Yue Fei would have only had to teach a single set of movements a foot soldier could use with or without a weapon. Yue Fei is also credited with the creation of Eagle Claw Kung Fu.
In reality, Xingyiquan likely was developed in the 19th Century. However, the fact remains that as the nature of warfare evolved in ancient China, as men returned home from military service, they continued to practice what they had learned and adapt it to civilian life.
Therefore, it is probably more honest and fair to say that there are no military “styles” of kung fu per se, but that military training techniques and combat experience influenced the civilian styles of kung fu practiced in the temples and villages and vice versa.
Family/Village Kung Fu Styles
Village styles of Kung Fu refer to the traditional martial arts styles developed and passed down within specific villages or communities in China. Traditionally these styles were only passed down through generations within the community, often only to the oldest son or son-in-law.
Village styles of Kung Fu were developed by people who needed to protect themselves and their communities. “You are your own first responder” is something we strongly believe here at Falling Leaves Kung Fu! In ancient China, people in remote villages couldn’t depend on the government to protect them from bandits who might want to victimize their communities (or, more commonly, to fight rival villagers over natural resources such as river water, land disputes, or just for the best location in the fish market). In dense urban environments, gangs and criminals meant people needed to be prepared to defend themselves.
Some examples of village styles of Kung Fu include:
- Hung Gar: Developed in the southern Chinese village of Gulao, it is characterized by its solid stances and powerful hand techniques.
- Lau Gar: Developed in the southern Chinese village of Lau Gar, it is characterized by its fluid and circular movements and emphasis on leg techniques.
One of the most famous village/family styles is Chen-style Tai Chi (Taijiquan). Chen village has a long martial arts history, and Tai Chi has been passed down through generations. The Chen family has been the source of Tai Chi practitioners for centuries. The village is home to many martial arts schools and training centers.
Chen-style Tai Chi is characterized by its fast, explosive movements and powerful energy. It is often considered the most martial of the Tai Chi styles. It is known for its silk-reeling exercises, jumping and stamping movements, and fighting applications.
I Liq Chuan, the martial art we train here at Falling Leaves Kung Fu, is a family style from the Chin family. The Chins are Hakka people from the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur people, and I Liq Chuan has its roots in the old Hakka kung fu styles.
The Hakka people are a subgroup of Han Chinese with their own distinct culture, language, and customs that are different from other Han Chinese groups. The name “Hakka” means “guest families.” It is thought to originate from the fact that the Hakka people were historically known as nomads. To protect themselves on their travels, the Hakka developed their own unique styles of kung fu. However, the Hakka also absorbed many other styles and took people into their communities who already had martial arts experience.
Summary & Conclusion
As we have seen, the origins of Kung Fu stretch back into antiquity. It encompasses a wide range of styles, each with unique training methods and philosophies. Kung fu is a vital part of Chinese culture. Various factors have influenced it over the centuries, including China’s geography, ethnic tensions, politics, religion, and trade.
Military conflicts during the rise and fall of the many Imperial Dynasties and international commerce along The Silk Road played crucial roles in developing training methods for Kung Fu. In contrast, the Old Master often played pivotal roles in shaping the history of China.
The spirit of Kung Fu lives on today through the generosity, hard work, and sacrifice of the Chinese diaspora, who have spread throughout the world. Kung fu is a living tradition, passed on through touch from teacher to student across generations in back alleys, around kitchen tables, and on rooftops everywhere.
Like any nation’s story, kung fu is one of blood, sweat, betrayal, and triumph over incredible odds. But Kung Fu is also a story of loyalty, hope, and transcendence over human weakness. It is a gift to the world, a path to cultivate within ourselves the best qualities of being human: moral discipline, wisdom, courage, and a deep appreciation of life and death. It is a story that lives on through each of us who pick up the banner and carry it forward another generation.
