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Martial Arts Philosophy, Kung Fu
(By Ben Skywalker) (Return to Teachings)


 * Philosophy**

The term "kung-fu" has been applied to the Chinese Martial Arts for centuries, and means "hard work", a fitting description of the rigors involved in the learning and practice of the Chinese Martial Arts! A student of kung-fu is expected to practice the art diligently and faithfully, enduring many tiring and sometimes painful hours of training. This, combined with the higher moral character and mental discipline expected of the student, give the student a highly rigorous and demanding path to follow. No wonder the term "kung-fu" was chosen! Other terms exist for the Chinese Martial Arts, among them "ch'uan shu" (fist art), "wu shu" (martial art), and "kuo shu" (national art), yet none of these names has received as widespread use and popularity as "kung-fu."

Kung-fu is not only a form of healthful exercise and highly effective system of self-defense, but also a benefit to the practitioner's mental and spiritual well-being. A person's body cannot act without the mind, and the mind must be directed by a calm spirit. The practice of true kung-fu requires that the teachings become integral to the way of life of the practitioner, influencing every aspect of life. kung-fu blends mind, spirit, and body together, enabling the harmonious action between the elements of a person's life.

Chinese philosophy consistently stresses the importance of harmony within the natural order, as is perhaps best symbolized by the ancient Chinese symbol of yin and yang. Neither side of the symbol is larger or more important to the other both sides must be in perfect balance, or the whole is affected. This is the same with the practitioner of kung-fu. The true mastery of kung-fu may only be achieved when all elements of a person's life are in balance.

The harmony that must exist within an individual practitioner of kung-fu is also extended to harmony within the kung-fu school, and within society. Within the school, students are taught respect for each other, their instructors, and for the society in which they live. All students lend a hand in the care of each other and of the school itself. In this way, a kung-fu school acts as a family. In fact, in the Chinese tradition, members of the school are referred to as "brother" and "sister". The master in this sense is the "father" of the school, and thus receives much more respect than an ordinary teacher.

The master of a kung-fu school is known to the students as "Sifu." The Sifu is a highly learned and versatile person who has knowledge not only of self-defense, but may possess knowledge in many other areas as well, such as medicine, philosophy, or Chinese culture and literature. Not only a teacher of martial arts, the Sifu is also responsible for providing guidance and acting as a prime example to students. A common saying in kung-fu is that the student "starts in a dark room while the master stands in the sunlight." The saying exhibits how important the Sifu is in developing not only the student's kung-fu skills, but also attitude and philosophy as well.


 * Introduction to Kung Fu Training**

As the translation of kung fu implies, kung fu training and knowledge is not one that lasts a short time, nor one that leads to a final level, or goal. Kung Fu does not propose that one can learn a few techniques and be called a master. Kung Fu is an art learned over many, many years, an art where one may continually refine their ability and learn new things about the skill, the movements, the body and one's self.

As with any skill or art, Kung Fu training begins with the basics. Without a solid foundation, any structure built will not be stable and could find itself being taken down. At this level, students are introduced to the stances and basic blocking and striking drills appropriate to their style, with additional instruction in stretching and basic conditioning. The first set taught reinforces these basic precepts, and helps students begin to work on linking and fluidity.

Starting a new exercise regimen, especially one as involved as Kung Fu where not only stamina and strength are involved but also coordination and focus, it is perfectly understandable that one may feel a bit overwhelmed. There is so much to learn, the muscles hurt, the balance off, and just why won't my limbs go where I want them to go? Spending time focusing on the basics and attending regularly is key to making the body and self comfortable with Kung Fu. One does not need to be as flexible as a gymnast, as strong as a horse and as enduring as a marathon runner to begin Kung Fu training, for the training will improve all of those areas. Focus and drive will work through the 'limitations' over time.

Kung Fu training never really becomes easy, as we push and refine ourselves. But this is part of what makes Kung Fu so exciting; without a built-in plateau, Kung Fu continues to be new even after decades of training.


 * Philosophy of Training**

The words Kung Fu do not translate to mean martial art. Instead, they speak of skill developed through much time and effort. This is the prime philosophy behind any form of Kung Fu Training. "Kung Fu is not a road to a door, but a path leading forever towards the horizon." Some may jokingly call the training philosophy simply: "train more, train harder". The practice of Kung Fu is to improve one's self, both in body and in mind. Everyone will bring different goals to class, and everyone will have different aspirations. Kung Fu training can accommodate all who are willing to invest the time and effort into improving themselves. Honest and focused training, training with intent and with respect. Kung Fu training may be in many ways one of the most challenging disciplines student's encounter in life. Student's who demonstrate humility and seek reward from within, students who then train with patience, persistence and constant practice, those students will then become proficient in Kung Fu.