The History of Kung Fu
The lineage of Kung Fu stretches back through a lengthy and demanding journey. It is highly plausible that Kung Fu predates the formation of the earliest Chinese socio-political entities in some embryonic state. Theories propose that Neolithic communities spread across the North China Plain could have been the trailblazers in crafting fundamental combat techniques, whether for self-defense or to overpower wild animals using rudimentary weapons like clubs and wooden spears. However, it is more probable that the first combat systems were developed on Chinese soil in tandem with the emergence of organized statehood and military over four thousand years ago.
According to ancient legends, Huangdi, also known as the 'Yellow Emperor,'' is believed to have ruled during the 27th century BC. Huangdi existed in a time of constant tribal conflicts, with as many as 40 wars and relentless plundering, making life in the Yellow River valley extremely challenging. It is believed that Huangdi authored extensive writings on various subjects, including martial arts, military training, and medicine. Furthermore, this text laid the groundwork for Chinese medicine by integrating it with a unique philosophy of life, which found its greatest expression in Laozi's Tao te Ching. This philosophy, in turn, paved the way for the development of Kung Fu, which became a martial art and a way of life for millions of people.
Kung Fu had already established itself as an independent practice during the Tang Dynasty, incorporating elements of spirituality and physicality. This unique discipline seamlessly merged medicine, religion, philosophy, and sport, fostering new perspectives in each realm. The Tang period witnessed the flourishing of Buddhism and Taoism, which further propelled the growth of Shaolin Kung Fu. The Tang emperors held the Shaolin monastery in great esteem, offering their patronage and enabling Kung Fu and various facets of Chinese culture to expand its influence across East Asia.
The Qing Dynasty's rise to power resulted in the implementation of a second ban on martial arts practiced by the Han Chinese. This ban was enforced due to the Qing Dynasty's Manchu origins and the rulers' discomfort with the popularity of Kung Fu for the ethnic Han Chinese. In fact, during the 17th century, the Qing forces even demolished the Shaolin monastery. Interestingly, this destruction inadvertently contributed to the spread of Shaolin Kung Fu across China.
Five monks, known as the Five Elders of Shaolin in Chinese folklore, managed to escape and go into hiding. As a result, Kung Fu was predominantly practiced in secrecy and only spoken about in hushed tones during most of the Qing Dynasty's reign. However, in the 19th century, following the First Opium War, numerous Kung Fu practicing groups emerged among the youth in China, fueled by an anti-colonial fervor that eventually led to the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the century.
During the late Qing Dynasty era, martial and boxing clubs became popular. Additionally, this period saw the emergence of many famous martial artists now featured in today's movies, such as Huo Yuanjia, Wong Fei-hung (both portrayed by Jet Li), and Yip Man.
At present, Kung Fu is meticulously organized and imparted through a vast array of schools spanning the globe, with the primary objective of preserving and spreading the knowledge of martial arts on an international scale. Undeniably, Kung Fu has gained immense popularity in recent times due to its remarkable health benefits, adherence to moral values in combat, and the profound wisdom it imparts to those in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and mindfulness. There's no denying Kung Fu's influence on professional Kick Boxing and Mixed Martial arts are the centerpiece of Pay-Per-Views and real money casinos. Owing to the chaotic and stressful nature of modern life, many individuals have turned to Kung Fu to restore harmony, attain self-control, and find solace within themselves.
