Chinese Martial Arts
Long before the communists took power China was a diverse land with many beliefs and religions and many different martial arts. Most people when they think of Chinese martial arts think of Wushu a form of Kung Fu invented by the Chinese government in 1949 and is considered the official martial art of the state. Their form replaces spiritualism with communist rhetoric and making it more show than substance. The Shaolin monks did not create Kung Fu they are proudly the best teachers if not the best known and still teach Kung Fu to this day in China and around the world. China has a rich martial arts heritage.
They Shaolin monks only wish for a peaceful existence where they can worship in peace, but they understand the real world is a dangerous place, so they practice Kung Fu for self defense. Many do not know that each temple teaches its own style dependant on body type and terrain. The monks also train in traditional Chinese weapons like swords, spears, and daggers. For the monks the martial arts are a form of self-defense, exercise, and another way to find spiritual enlightenment. Protecting their monastery from thieves and invaders was just a side benefit. Bruce Lee himself saw the limitations of Kung Fu and developed his own techniques to make up for Kung Fu’s short coming. Until Bruce Lee no one trained with boxing gloves and pads in sparing matches and only played at fighting.
Kung Fu is not the only thing given to martial arts from China. Shuai Jiao dates back thousands of years to Qin Dynasty and is a form of sport wrestling that allows strikes, throws, and joint manipulation. Though Tai chi isn’t used for combat people around the world find it reduces stress, improves health, and prevents injury. Another difference is how China classifies its styles. In the North the styles are more modern and in line with the state and a harder tougher style while in the South more the more creative styles of Kung Fu can be found. With government restrictions on all facets of life martial arts in China have suffered like everything else. The state only wants a martial art that looks good and can be used in combat. In its drive to become a superpower China has let its people suffer, and has neglect its martial arts heritage.
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