The Chinese martial arts, also known as Kung Fu, Quanfa or Gong Fu, has literally hundreds of individual styles, both internal and external, ancient and of relatively recent invention. The external styles, such as Wing Chun, focus primarily on combat aspects, while the internal such as Tai Chi and Qigong have a stronger focus on "chi" and healing aspects.

It is commonly believed that the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma invented Kung Fu, or brought it from India to Shaolin monastery in China. According to legend, the monk noticed that his disciples couldn't cope with the new religion, Zen [Buddhism]. In order to strengthen them, he developed a system of 18 movements known as the 18 Lohan, or monk's fist that became the basis for Kung Fu. These excercises are still practiced today in arts such as Chi Gung. It is true that he was probably the most important contributer in the development of the martial art, however he alone was not responsible.

In the 300s B.C.E., knights seeking fortune were everywhere. Many gained fame by being employed as guards for the royalty, nobility, and rich common-folk. Due to the growing popularity of cavalry, the guards not only had to be excellent with weapons to dismount the opponent, but also had to craftily engage the now-dismounted knight. This is why some very-early martial arts were techniques to use against an armored opponent. This is when martial arts became practical for the average civilian to use.

It was one of these escorts who, in 202 B.C.E., assumed the throne of emperor. He was a soldier by nature, and so in this way he ruled. The Han Dynasty was to last for four centuries, during which the martial arts, most of all Kung Fu, flourished. Four hundred years! They did something right.

In the 1900s, Kung Fu became even more popular among the civilian populace, in addition to being one of the army's martial art. It is not well-known that Kung Fu ("special skill" / "human struggle") isn't the proper name for the sport. It was called Chaun Fa ("use of the fists"). Since the western world got a hold of it and dubbed it Kung Fu, even China itself has come to call it by its western name. Today, people across the world attempt to master this ancient skill.

Shaolin

Shaolin Temple is probably the most famous temple in China, not only because of its long history and its role in Chinese Buddhism, but also because of its martial arts or Wushu Chan. There were five Shaolin Temples in all, but the first Shaolin Temple was situated in the Songshan Mountains, eight miles from Dengfeng and about 50 miles southwest of Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province.

Shaolin Temple was probably established around 495 during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). Batuo, an Indian monk, went to Luoyang, the ancient capital, to help to spread Buddhism. The Emperor, Xiaowen was a believer in Buddhism and decided to build a temple in the Songshan Mountains to house Batuo, who subsequently translated a great many Buddhist works and gained sevreal hundred followers there.

Damo (Bodhidharma), the legendary Indian monk, went to Shaolin in 517 and was the creator of Chinese Zen. There are many legendary stories about him including one of the most well-known, which reports his meditation in a cave for nine years. This cave is now called Damo Cave.

Many people believe that Bodhidharma wrote the famous 'Yijinjing,' or "Muscle/Tendon Change Classic", the basis of Shaolin martial arts and Kung fu. However, there is no record of the book up to the end of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and most experts believe that Damo had little to do with Shaolin Kung fu.

The first written record of the Yijinjing is by Zining Daoren, author of a text dated to 1624. Most notable are its forewords, one of which purports to be by the General Li Jing writing during the Tang Dynasty, the other purports to be by General Niu Gao of the Southern Song Dynasty. It is inconsistencies in these forewords that cast doubt on the veracity of the text.

The "Li Jing" of the foreword reports that Bodhidharma arrived in the Wei kingdom during Xiao Ming's "Tai He" year, but the "Tai He" era took place during the reign of Xiao Wen. "Li" also claims that he received transmission from Qiuranke, a fictional character from a Tang short story.

The "Niu Gao" of the foreword mentions the Qinzhong temple, which wasn't erected until 20 years after the date he claims to be writing. He also claims to be illiterate. Dictation could resolve the question of how an illiterate could write a foreword, but it is almost certain that a general of Niu Gao's stature was not illiterate.

Shaolin has a long tradition of Chinese martial arts, as the saying goes 'All martial arts (Kung fu) are from Shaolin.' This is partly because Shaolin was located in a strategic area so they had to protect the temple themselves from wars or any invading, and partly because of the support of most emperors from different dynasties, which came after the 13 Shaolin monks once saved Li Shimin, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Since then Shaolin was allowed to have solider-monks. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shaolin housed over 1,000 solder-monks at its peak and they were often used by the government to combat rebellions and Japanese bandits. But martial arts were forbidden during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Even with the protection of solder-monks, Shaolin was severely damaged by fire a few times. The largest fire set by the army of Shi Yousan in 1928 destroyed most of the buildings of Shaolin Temple.

There are many noted relics at Shaolin. There are over 300 ancient stone inscriptions, some of them by famous calligraphers. The large mural of 500 arhats in the Qianfo Hall was from the Ming Dynasty. There are 232 pagodas from different dynasties, known as the forest of pagodas. The oldest one was from the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas are the tombs of the celebrated Shaolin monks. The Shaolin martial arts are an important part of the relics.



History of Chinese Wushu

　

Wushu (or Kung fu) appeared in ancient China as early as 2,500 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States Periods (770 - 221BC), a method called Daoyin was evolved to promote health.

In a tomb of Western Han Dynasty (206BC - 24AD), discovered near Changsha in Hunan Province, a silk scroll was found on which figures were drawn in different postures -- sitting in meditation, bending, or squatting. At the end of Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220AD), a renowned medical doctor, Hua Tuo, created a set of exercises called Wuqinxi (Five Animals Play), mimicking the movements of animals. One of Hua's disciples, also a devotee of Wuqingxi, was said to have lived over 100 years. Wu Pu, another Hua's follower, was reputed to have sound teeth and acute hearing and sight at his late 80s. Hua Tuo's inventive work has a far-reaching influence on the history of Chinese Wushu.

During the Song (960-1279) and Ming (1368-1644) Dynasty, there appeared a large number of exercises, including Baduanjin (an eight parts exercise), Yijinjing (a system of muscular exercise), Taijiquan (also called Chinese shadow boxing), and Qigong (breathing exercise).

Today, both in China and around the world, millions of people are fascinated by Chinese Wushu and benefit from it. It is believed to be effective in preventing and curing some diseases like cold, indigestion, and eyestrain.

Among the many forms, Taijiquan may enjoy the highest popularity. Characterized by gentle, rhythmic movements, natural breathing, physical and mental coordination, it is of particular good to the old and weak, and those suffering from chronic diseases.

History has it that Taijiquan first derived in Henan Province some 300 years ago, in the late Ming Dynasty. It conforms to the principles of "the vigorous subdued by the soft," and "overcome a force of 1,000 pounds with one of four ounces." Having undergone significant changes, its movements become more relaxed and graceful. When practicing Taijiquan, you need to be tranquil but alert in mind and coordinate vigor and gentleness. In 1956, a set of simplified Taijiquan of 24 forms was developed to stimulate its popularization.

Shaolinquan is one of the well-known forms of Wushu with a long history. Situated in Henan Province, the Shaolin Temple can be dated back about 540. An Indian Buddhist priest named Bodhidharma (Damo in Chinese pinyin) traveled to China. When he arrived at the temple, he was refused to get in the door. So Damo went to a nearby cave and meditated until the monks recognized his religious prowess. Legend says that he bored a hole in the cave with his constant gaze. Later he taught the monks a set of exercises, which derived from Indian Yoga. And it is believed to be the origin of Shaolin kung fu. The Shaolin kung fu is mainly used to protect the temple. It complies with the Buddhist principles of non-violence.

Based on:
http://www.chinashaolintemple.com

based

1. Kickboxing.com's Kung Fu page - http://www.kickboxing.com/knowledge/search/styles/kungfu.htm
2. History of Kung Fu- http://www.kickboxing.com/knowledge/fitness/art2.htm