9781422286692

W H A T I S K U N G F U ?

THE REAL VALUE OF KUNG FU

China, although combative and self-defense techniques already existed in China before the founding of the temple. The Shaolin techniques stressed dignity and morality, and the Shaolin teachers were men and women of great integrity. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) was considered to be the golden era of kung fu. Healing and self-defense techniques were popular in China from an early period. The techniques developed by the Chinese kung fu masters spread all over Asia, even finding a home on the Ryukyu (pronounced Reeyookoo) island of Okinawa, one of a small chain of islands roughly midway between China and Japan, where kung fu eventually developed into the art of karate. Today, both kung fu and karate are known virtually all over the world. A peaceful mind is less inclined to fight and more inclined to enjoy life. Wan Lai Sheng, a famous kung fu master, was recorded as saying: “Do not ask me how I fight, I only do my (kung fu) exercises.”. The real value of kung fu can be classified under the following: • Kung fu as a form of exercise. • Kung fu as a form of self-defense. • Kung fu as a form of self-discipline and spiritual training.

Left: For nearly 40 years, Oriental kung fu masters have increasingly and openly shared their knowledge with students from many countries, and these countries now boast their own masters of international standing.

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