Kung Fu History:

Kung Fu (功夫), sometimes written as Gong Fu/Gung Fu, generally refers to the ancient Chinese martial arts associated with the Shaolin monks in China and has been practiced for over many centuries. However, the term literally means “achievement through great effort”. In more modern times (19th century to present day) from some research, the term Kung Fu in China was used, more so, to refer to any discipline or skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial arts. Thus, in modern times (~1949), the “Traditional Chinese Martial Arts” had been renamed and identified to what is called Wushu or 中國武術 zhōngguó wǔshù, (in the Mandarin language), mostly to identify the art as a nationally recognized sport as opposed to an art for specifically fighting or defense, also reflecting the art’s goal as a compilation and standardization of various styles.

Kung Fu is used to describe the many types of Chinese martial art systems, which mainly transcended from the Shaolin Temples. Within the Chinese martial arts system of Kung Fu, there may be styles, family style (lineages), or even new systems formed due to an evolution/combination of martial arts methods or philosophy. For example, Choy Ga, Lee Ga, Hung Ga, and Mok Ga, are “family styles” of Kung Fu within the Ng Ga Kuen system, which originated from Shaolin teachings incorporating various techniques, applications, structures, and postures from various Chinese Kung Fu fighting arts.

Some Differences Between Kung Fu Styles in Martial Arts

Below is a brief description between various Kung Fu styles. These ten styles will provide the reader a better understanding of Kung Fu and each styles’ unique characteristic from a broad perspective. However, for some small talk on “Shaolin and Wudang Ying and Yang, and the Shaolin 5-Animals 簡談少林武當陰陽, 少林五形“:

Shaolin (外家/Wai Jia, or external school) and Wudang (內家/Nei Jia, or internal school) differ in style, yet both embody the philosophy of Yin and Yang, reflected in their training approaches. Shaolin emphasizes strength, speed, and explosive power—attributes of Yang. However, it also incorporates breath control, stance training, and energy cultivation, which belong to Yin. This creates a balance of hardness within softness and motion containing stillness. Wudang, on the other hand, focuses on softness, internal energy, and intention, rooted in Yin. Yet it also includes Yang elements, such as the explosive force of Tai Chi and Xingyi, and dynamic body movements—softness with hidden strength, stillness with movement. Both schools inherit Daoist Yin-Yang theory, stressing the unity of motion and stillness, hardness and softness. Shaolin typically begins from Yang to cultivate Yin; Wudang starts with Yin to develop Yang. True masters transcend internal or external distinctions, seeking harmony of Yin and Yang, mind and body, ultimately reaching the state of “action through non-action.”

Shaolin’s Five Animal Style (dragon, tiger, leopard, snake, crane) integrates animal traits with Yin-Yang principles, each expressing both hardness and softness. Tiger is forceful and fierce—pure Yang—used for offense and intimidation. Dragon blends softness and strength, focusing on body flow and intent, representing Yin-Yang unity. Leopard is fast and explosive—pure Yang. Snake is smooth and agile, using softness to overcome strength—leaning toward Yin. Crane emphasizes balance and mind-body harmony—Yin with Yang. Practitioners must understand how Yin and Yang shift within form: softness within strength, strength within softness, achieving unity of form and spirit. Through Five Animal training, one develops movement, power, intention, and breath, realizing internal-external cultivation and Yin-Yang harmony—embodying the deeper philosophical essence of Shaolin martial arts.

1. Wudang: This internal style focuses on the cultivation of inner energy (Qi) and emphasizes fluid movements, balance, and internal strength. Techniques include Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Bagua.
2. Southern Five-Family/Five-Animals: An external style that emphasizes physical strength, speed, and powerful techniques. It includes movements inspired by the tiger, crane, leopard, snake, and dragon, each representing different combat strategies and attributes.
3. Choy Li Fut: A hybrid style that combines the techniques of Southern and Northern Chinese martial arts. It emphasizes powerful strikes, circular movements, and agility. Choy Li Fut is known for its versatility and effectiveness in both close and long-range combat.
4. Wing Chun: An external style that focuses on close-range combat and quick, efficient movements. It emphasizes direct strikes, simultaneous attack and defense, and the use of the centerline theory. Wing Chun is known for its practicality and effectiveness in real-world self-defense situations.
5. Hung Gar: An external style that emphasizes strong stances, powerful strikes, and the development of physical strength. It incorporates techniques inspired by the tiger and crane, focusing on both hard and soft movements. Hung Gar is known for its rigorous training methods and emphasis on building a solid foundation.
6. Shaolin Kung Fu: One of the oldest and most famous styles, known for its rigorous training methods, acrobatics, and powerful strikes. It combines both internal and external techniques, with a strong emphasis on physical conditioning and mental discipline.
7. Baguazhang: An internal style characterized by its circular movements and intricate footwork. It focuses on fluid, continuous motion and the cultivation of internal energy (Qi). Baguazhang is known for its evasive techniques and ability to generate power from any angle.
8. Xing Yi Quan: An internal style emphasizing direct, linear movements and the cultivation of internal energy (Qi). It focuses on powerful, explosive strikes and the use of the body’s natural alignment to generate force.
9. Praying Mantis: An external style inspired by the movements of the praying mantis insect. It emphasizes quick, precise strikes, joint locks, and trapping techniques. Praying Mantis Kung Fu is known for its agility and effectiveness in close-range combat.
10. Eagle Claw: An external style focusing on gripping and seizing techniques, inspired by the movements of the eagle. It emphasizes powerful strikes, joint locks, and pressure point attacks. Eagle Claw Kung Fu is known for its strength and precision in combat.

Each of these styles has its own unique philosophy, training methods, and techniques, making them fascinating and diverse in their own right. Please continue your research, and your journey to clarity as you may want to know more details on any one of these styles or even other styles.