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Kung-fu means simply skill or ability, such as that possessed by
a painter, cook, or an adept in the fighting arts; the term refers
to no specific style or martial art. Some feel its synonymity with
the martial arts is a recent vogue originating in Hong Kong and
Kwangtung province. But as early as the 17th century, the Jesuit
priest, Pere Amiot, wrote of the "peculiar exercises,"
which he called "Cong Fou," practiced by the Taoist priests
of his area. A more precise term for the martial arts in China is
wo shu, although there have been other terms used in China through
the years whose meanings are equally clear. Kuo-hsu, according to
the martial historian Robert W. Smith, was a popular term until
1928; kui-chi has also been used. (Terms such as chien-shu (way
of the sword), tao-fa (way of the knife), or ch'uan-fa (way of the
fist) do not signify a martial art.) Wu shu is currently the official
term for martial arts adopted by the People's Republic of China*.
Kung fu is composed of a number of martially inspoired systems for fighting,
health development, and dance. There are several hundred styles
of kung-fu; most, however, were formed around a more limited number
of approaches to a specific subject, be it combat, health, or whatever.
Some systems of kung-fu emphasize strenuous, energetic kicking and
punching, while others stress more subtle techniques. Indeed, some
are nearly static*.
A
method of unarmed self-defense, Aikido offers four basic advantages
to it's practitioners: it develops rhythmic movement and encourages
discipline and a nonviolent attitude; it promotes strength and suppleness
in the joints and limbs through twisting, bending, and stretching-movements
that also free the limbs from harmful adhesions; and it increases
the practitioner's awareness of posture and good body alignment,
and improves reactions, perception, and coordination. In aikido
a student learns to use an opponent's force by bringing it into
his own circle, neutralizing aggressive action by gaining control
of the attacker*.
Thai Kick-boxing, or Muay Thai, as it is called in Thailand, is
the most popular spectator sport in Thailand. Its real origins probably
never will be known, since Thailand's early historical records were
lost forever in 1769 when Burmese armies laid siege to Siam's acnient
capital, Ayutthaya. According to stories from the reign of King
Naresuen the Great (1590-1605), Muay Thai was part of military training.
The king was an expert in indevidual combat techniques; he won several
contests and become a national hero at 22*.
Warriors
learned Muay Thai to supplement the sword and pike in close-range
fighting. Muay Thai reached its height in popularity during the
reign of Pra Chau Sua (1703-09). Siam was at peace and Muay Thai
became the favorite pasttime of the population. Prizefights were
staged in every village. In those days it was customary to bind
hands and forearms with strips of horse hide, to protect one's own
skin and to inflict maximum damage to an opponent's face. In the
1970s modern boxing gloves were introduced and metal groin protectors
added for safety*.
The use and development of weapons in kung-fu (skill, ability) varied
with the time and place in which each weapon originated and flourished.
Different weapons were used in northern China, for instance, than
were used in the south, and at different periods, for use in combat;
over the centuries, however, they have found new employment. The
massive Kwan-tao, for example, helps the kung-fu student develop
strength in the arms and wrists, while the three-sectional staff
promotes timing and control*.
The
current trend in the People's Republic of China (PRC) eliminates
altogether any combative qualities in weaponry, and they are thought
of as tools or props, to be employed in the strictly gymnastic
wu shu (national arts) routines*.
Originally, kung-fu weaponry was composed of 18 classical weapons
introduced by the 18 Lo-han or Buddhas, popular deities of the Chan
Buddhist religion. Literally hundreds of different kinds of weapons
were accumulated over the centuries: long, short, soft, double,
and throwing. Additionally, there are miscellaneous weapons that
defy orderly classification; examples are the wooden benches and
smoking pipes employed in Choy-Li-Fut*.
Grappling refers to the gripping, handling and
controlling of an opponent without the use of striking, typically
through the application of various grappling holds, choke holds, and
counters to various hold attempts. Grappling forms an important part
of both ground fighting and standing clinch fighting. Sports that
use grappling include Wrestling, Judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed
martial arts. FILA uses the term grappling interchangeably with the
sport of submission wrestling. [1]
Grappling is a mode of fighting used by many different martial arts
around the world. It is not a distinct martial art, but rather,
similarly to striking, a collection of techniques and strategies
aimed at defeating an opponent, these can be subdivided into:
Throws (as used in Glima, Judo, Jujutsu, Shuai jiao and Sambo).
Joint locks (in Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido and
Malla-yuddha).
Pinning Techniques; a victory condition in Wrestling and Judo and as
as transitional technique in others.
Most include all of the above aspects while others focus one. There
is no definite dividing line between the sections as locks may be
used in throws and a throw may lead directly to a pin. A possible
fourth category are sweeps and escapes, used to improve position in
ground fighting either escaping from or moving into a position where
a lock or pin may be better applied.
* Corcoran, John and Emil Farkas
with Stuart Sobel:
The Original Martial Arts Encyclopedia,
Pro-Action Publishing, Los Angeles, California, 1993.
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