Chinese martial arts have become popular cultural exports thanks to movies and TV shows. However, there is still limited understanding of the true nature and richness of these fighting systems. Chinese martial arts are more than just flashy moves – they offer a window into Chinese philosophy, religion, and culture.
An Overview of Chinese Martial Arts
Chinese martial arts (referred to in Mandarin as 功夫 (gōngfū) or 武术 (wǔshù)) encompass a variety of fighting styles developed in China over centuries. Unlike Japanese martial arts, which emphasize striking such as karate, Chinese martial arts blend both striking and grappling techniques. They incorporate concepts from Confucianism, Daoism, Chan Buddhism and other Chinese philosophies.
The origins of Chinese martial arts can be traced back to ancient China around 4000 years ago. They were practiced by soldiers, nobles, and commoners alike for fitness, self-defense, and competition. The first written records mentioning Chinese martial arts date back to the Nara period in Japan during the 8th century CE.
There are two main classifications of Chinese martial arts styles:
- Northern styles (北派): Known for their long-range techniques, acrobatic kicking, and resemblance to gymnastics.
- Southern styles (南派): Focus more on close combat fighting involving dirty boxing, joint locks, throws, and pressure point strikes.
Other classification schemes divide styles based on religion or founding family. The five most influential styles are:
- Shaolin Kung Fu: Developed by Buddhist monks at the Shaolin Temple and influenced by Bodhidharma. Known for its extensive collection of weapon and barehand techniques.
- Wing Chun: A close-range fighting style focused on rapid punches, tight defense, and controlling the opponent.
- Bajiquan: Uses explosive short power and elbow/shoulder strikes.
- Tai Chi: Slow, soft movements for meditation, health, and internal energy cultivation.
- Baguazhang: Circular footwork and palm changes for evasion and countering.
A Window into Chinese Culture
Beyond just fighting techniques, Chinese martial arts offer a profound window into multiple aspects of Chinese language, philosophy, religion, medicine, and history:
- Taoist concepts of yin/yang, qi energy, and Daoist alchemy influenced the internal styles like Tai Chi.
- Chan Buddhism, brought to China by Bodhidharma, led to the Shaolin temple styles.
- Martial arts terminology draws from broader Chinese language and concepts.
- Chinese medicine theories about meridians and pressure points inform martial arts like Dim Mak.
- Martial arts spread via mass migrations like the Han people moving south.
Experiencing the historical and cultural roots of Chinese martial arts offers a deeper appreciation of China itself.
The Interplay with Other Martial Arts
There are important distinctions between Chinese martial arts and other disciplines:
- Japanese jiu-jitsu originated during the medieval Nara period when Japanese monks traveled to China and brought martial arts knowledge back home. This cross-pollination influenced the development of both arts.
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu came later in the 20th century when Carlos Gracie learned traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu and adapted it into a ground fighting system with submissions and positioning.
Despite the interconnectedness, each has branched into distinct styles based on the native cultures they evolved in.
Conclusion
Rather than just teaching how to fight, Chinese martial arts give practitioners a holistic experience interweaving physical training with culture, philosophy, and traditions. With a history going back thousands of years, they offer a profound window into the richness of Chinese civilization. For anyone wanting to understand China better, learning one of its iconic martial arts is an enlightening path.