TEMPLE KUNG FU
TEMPLE KUNG FU ORIGINS
Temple Kung Fu, originating from the Shaolin and Taoist Temples, is renowned for its grace, precision, and fluidity of movement. With a history spanning centuries, it is composed of the elements of eight styles of martial arts:
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Wing Chun
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Fujian White Crane
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Hung Gar
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Bak Mei (White Eyebrow)
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Northern Shaolin
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Hsing I Ch'uan - Mind and Intent Boxing
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Baguazhang - Eight Trigrams Palm
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Tai Chi Ch'uan - Grand Ultimate Fist
Its unique techniques and philosophical underpinnings have captivated practitioners and spectators alike. Whether you are a beginner exploring the vast realm of martial arts or an experienced practitioner seeking to deepen your skills, Temple Kung Fu offers a profound and enriching journey. Let's delve into the essence of this beautiful art and discover the secrets of its beauty and power.
ABOUT STYLES
Kung Fu, also known as "Ch'uan Fa" in China, is an ancient self-defense and spiritual discipline.
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Many consider Kung Fu the original martial art because other styles such as Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, and Tae Kwon Do all trace their origins to Chinese Kung Fu.
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However, it is a misnomer to refer to Kung Fu as a unique style because, in reality, it encompasses hundreds, if not thousands, of unique martial arts styles of Chinese origin. Generally speaking, there are three Kung Fu categories and two training paradigms.
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FAMILY STYLES
One classification of Kung Fu styles is those that originate within a particular family or clan. Hung Gar (Hung Family), Choy Gar, and Mok Gar are among the more famous family styles.
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SHAOLIN STYLES
Shaolin Temple was famous for producing some of the most fierce warrior monks and fighting styles. White Crane, Praying Mantis, and Five Animal Kung Fu are widely recognized Shaolin styles. However, hundreds of styles fall under the Shaolin mantle.
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More often than not, Shaolin styles are imitative and derive their nature and name from observing the defense styles of various animals. Therefore, encountering a martial art named something like Drunken Monkey or Black Tiger likely originates from the Shaolin Temple.
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TAOIST STYLES
At their core, Shaolin temples were Buddhist monasteries. Concurrent with these were Taoist temples with names like The White Cloud Monastery or Omei Shan Ssu (Omei mountain temple).
Although not a hard-fast rule, most Taoist-influenced martial arts styles employ names that imply certain natural forces, or philosophical themes, which is common in Taoist philosophy.
Styles such as Eight Trigrams Palm, Grand Ultimate Fist (Tai Chi Ch'uan), and Five Element Fist are examples of Taoist-influenced naming conventions.
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HARD vs. SOFT
One further distinction often made when describing the nature of a particular style is whether it is a hard style or a soft style. Generally speaking, a hard style emphasizes physical strength and power, known as "jing." In contrast, a soft style (or internal style) emphasizes fluidity and using one's internal energy, known as "chi."
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The application of the terms hard or soft may be overly simplistic in some circumstances because none of the Chinese martial arts are exclusively either. It is generally recognized that although a style may emphasize the hard approach in the beginning, it invariably emphasizes softness as a student advances. The inverse is also true, for the impact of a 'soft' style can exhibit tremendous power when performed by a master of the internal arts.
The Internal Arts
Originating in the Taoist tradition, Temple Kung Fu focuses on what are called the internal arts, or Neijia (內家). Though most are familiar with Tai Chi Ch'uan as an example of an internal art, there are other styles of martial arts, such as Hsing I Ch'uan and Baguazhang that develop one's internal energy (Chi), and stimulate vitality and health, while being highly effective martial arts.
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Training in the Temple Kung Fu tradition is divided into four stages - beginner, intermediate, advanced, and master. To become a master in Temple Kung Fu requires decades of practice and refinement of skill.
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Unlike the 'hard' or 'external' martial arts, internal styles emphasize the fluidity of movement and utilize the subtle bioelectromagnetic energy known as chi (æ°£) instead of raw muscular strength or jing (ç²¾). By cultivating one's chi, it is possible to defend oneself against stronger or larger opponents.
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When the student reaches the stage of learning the internal arts, they begin with the style known as Hsing I Ch'uan, which roughly translates to 'mind and will boxing.' It is based on the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Air, Earth, Water, Fire and Wood), but also includes twelve animal styles (Sparrow, Hawk, Tortoise, Phoenix, Monkey, Swallow, Snake, Eagle, Bear, Tiger, Horse, and dragon).