The Roots of Chinese KungFu
(Martial Arts)

The Chinese people in their effort for survival developed Chinese KungFu through the centuries. Its roots lie in ancient society, though, at that time, it was a far cry from the artistic sport that it is today.

In the distant past, man used clubs and sticks in his struggle against wild animals and in search for food. A rudimentary skill in weaponry was developed and then the need for skill in arms was further motivated by inter-tribal warfare. These conditions led to the continuing development of sophisticated weapons whose use required more skill, although hand-to-hand fighting was still essential to combat.

As man became more skillful in hunting and warfare, he also gradually developed dance for entertainment and relaxation. Early records suggest that dance was often the imitation of various animal movements, hence the Monkey Dance, the Bear Dance, the Bird Dance, and so on. The Book of History, refer to them as 'the dances of hundred animals'. In addition, rudimentary sports appeared, such as Dance with Shield and Battle-Axe and Butting with Horns, both military exercises. The Dance with Shield and Axe, which was a martial dance depicting battle and training troops, demonstrate the early relationship between dance and fighting skill. Butting with Horns was competitive wrestling practiced by the soldiers. This sport was said to have been a training method before battle by the armies of the legendary ChiYou tribe of eastern China. The soldiers wore horns on their heads as a symbol of courage, and then butted each other during the contest.

These exercises were early forms of KungFu.

KungFu before the Qin and Han Dynasties

As society developed, so did KungFu. The Shang period before the 16th and 11th centuries B.C. saw the flourishing of the Bronze Age in China, giving rise to an array of bronze weapons, such as the wave-bladed spear, dagger-axe, halberd, axe, battle-axe, broad-sword and rapier. These weapons required a corresponding development in skill wielding them.

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period between 770 and 221 B.C., cavalry replaced chariot-based warfare. To suit combat on horseback, modifications on weapons were made such as shape of the blade or length of handle. New weapons were also invented.

According to the Book of Zhuang Zi, unarmed combat was a highly developed skill by the end of this period, with many methods of attack, defense, counter-attack and feints. Fencing was also fairly common at that time. It was especially popular among the people of the states of Wu, Yue and Zhao. Competitions were frequent, but because contestants wore inadequate protection, injuries were common during the bouts. In one fencing competition in the state of Zhao, more than 60 people were killed or wounded over a period of 7 days. In the state of Wu, scars on the body of face were common sight among the people. Nevertheless, the love of fencing went unabated among women as well as men. By the Qin Dynasty (221 - 207 B.C.), competitions had developed stricter rules with referees, arenas and protective clothing. During the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - A.D. 220), KungFu was developed further, the element of sport and dance now becoming more apparent. Many martial dances appeared, such as the Rapier Dance, the Broadsword Dance, the Twin-Halberd Dance and the Battle-Axe Dance. While these dances contained elements of attack and defense, other postures and techniques evolved which were designed clearly for callisthenic purposes. An historic record in 108 B.C. tells how people came from as far as 300 li (150km) around the capital to see a contest.

It was tradition that every feast should have a dance performance, which by the Han time would often take the form of a sword dance. Unarmed combat contest were also popular during the Han Dynasty. The rapid development in cavalry warfare of this period led to further improvements in skill using bladed weapons.

The Sui-Tang Period and Afterwards

Fencing Dance became increasingly popular during the Sui and Tang dynasties (510 - 907). Among the well known masters were the Tang poet Li Bai, General Pei Min and 2 women, Gongsun and Li Shi'er.

During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) a system was inaugurated for selecting military officers by examination. Those highly skilled in KungFu were given honorary titles such as "Fierce and Eager Knight". This system for selecting martial talent stimulated the practice of KungFu all through society. As a result, KungFu routines developed rapidly. New forms of single and group dances exercises were designed, involving swords, spears, and broadswords, halberds, cudgels and staffs. Boxing also appeared.

During the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) KungFu associations were organized among the people. There are records of archery, crossbow, staff and wrestling societies. In the cities, every street and alley became a practice ground, with performances of horn-butting, boxing, kicking, staff and cudgel play, dances with broadsword, spears and archery. By the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), KungFu had gradually crystallized into many different schools. Theoretical works were written summarizing the development of many styles, works such as A New Work on the Effect of Martial Arts, Martial Writings and Skills Additional to Tilling. These works recorded the different schools of armed and unarmed combat, their development, technique, fighting methods and the names of the movement.

In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), secret KungFu societies were common. This period saw the rapid development of many styles as well as the appearance of such styles as: -

• Taiji Quan – Grand Ultimate Boxing
• Bagua Quan – Eight-Trigram Boxing
• Xingyi Quan – Imitation Boxing
• Baji Quan – Eight-Ultimate Boxing
• Tongbi Quan – Full-Arm Boxing

After the Revolution of 1911, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty, Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), leader of the revolution, greatly encouraged the practice of KungFu as a means to strengthen the body. Many other patriots advocated KungFu, and as a result, many famous practitioners were brought to the attention of the public.

Chinese KungFu has now spread throughout the world. Demonstration teams have visited more than 50 countries delighting audience everywhere. A budding KungFu craze is sweeping many countries. Enthusiasts in the US, Canada and Mexico have organizations teaching Chinese KungFu. The Shaolin Boxing League has more than 1 million members, with many branches in China and abroad. Taiji Quan has also spread quickly across Japan. All this is in sharp contract to old China when the Chinese people were considered the "sick men of East Asia" and KungFu practitioners faced discrimination. Now it is expected that Chinese KungFu will continue to grow in popularity and spread, promoting health among all peoples, and strengthening their ties.

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