Seven Castles

Martial Arts

                                      

August 26, 2006

 

Martial arts are various forms of self-defense, usually weaponless, based on techniques developed in ancient China. In modern times they have come into wide use for self-protection, as competitive sports, and for exercise.

 

According to legend, the reign of the Yellow Emperor introduced the earliest forms of martial arts in China. The Yellow Emperor is described as a famous military general, who, before becoming China's leader, wrote a lengthy treatise about martial arts.

 

Taoist monks are claimed to have been practicing physical exercises that resemble shadow boxing at least as early as the 500 BC era. The noted physician, Hua Tuo, composed the "frolics of the five animals" - tiger, bear, ape, deer and bird, around 220. The Kung Fu that is practiced today developed over the centuries and many of the later additions to Kung Fu, such as the Shaolin Kung Fu style, later animal forms, and the drunken style were incorporated from various martial arts forms that came into existence later on in China and have accurate historical data relating to their inventors.

 

Hundreds of different styles of Chinese martial arts have developed over the past two thousand years, many distinctive styles with their own sets of techniques and ideas. Also, there are many themes common to different styles that lead many to characterize them as belonging to generalized "families" of martial art styles. There are styles that mimic movements from animals and others that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies. Some styles put most of their focus into the belief of the harnessing of qi (inner energy or "life force"), while others concentrate solely on competition and exhibition.

 

Chinese martial arts can be split into various categories to differentiate them, e.g. external and internal (or hard and soft). Chinese martial arts can also be categorized by location, as in northern and southern as well, referring to what part of China the styles originated from, separated by the Yangtze River. Chinese martial arts can even be classified according to their province or city. Chinese martial arts can also be divided according to religion, aspect (such as imitative-styles), and more.

 

Most styles of Chinese martial arts contain practice of the application of techniques (both as prepared drills and as free sparring), but also the practice of what is known as forms - a pre-choreographed series of techniques and movements, performed alone or with one or more partners. Another important part of the training, as in most other physical activities, is what is referred to as basics, such as various exercises for strengthening the body, and regular stretching.

 

The concept of qì that is said to animate living beings is encountered in almost all styles of Chinese martial arts. Internal styles are reputed to cultivate its use differently than external styles. One's qi can be improved and strengthened through the regular practice of various physical and mental exercises known as qigong. Though qigong is not a martial art, it is often incorporated in Chinese martial arts and practiced as an integral part to strengthen one's internal abilities.

 

In modern times, Chinese martial arts have spawned the genre of cinema known as martial arts film. The films of Bruce Lee were instrumental in the initial burst of Chinese martial arts' popularity in the West, and lately, martial artists and actors such as Jet Li and Jackie Chan have appeared in later films. Martial arts films from China are often referred to as "Kung Fu movies". Having its origins in the martial arts/ swordplay fiction of renowned writers like Louis Cha and Ku Lung that have inspired numerous filmic versions. Chinese martial arts appear numerous times in Japanese anime and manga.

 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2006年08月26日 星期六 08:04】【 加入博采】【打印】