Chinese Martial Arts

        Introduction
        Chinese Kung Fu is a series of fighting styles which has developed over a long time period in China. Nowadays, it is gaining more and more popularity and even stands as a representative for Chinese culture. Styles including Shaolin, Tai Chi and Qigong have many followers worldwide. Some westerners think that all Chinese people are Kung Fu masters. That’s not true, but this traditional heritage has its unique existence in modern times and left much influence worldwide. Although being fighting styles, Kung Fu’s purpose is peace and calmness. The turbulences in one’s heart and the disconnection with nature is unacceptable and will lead to destruction. 

        Classification
        The classification of this system of over 300 boxing styles is really difficult and The styles in northern and southern China are quite different. Therefore it is hard to be simply classified. Some of the schools are classified by geographical locations, for example, the Southern Fist (Nanquan) prevailing in south China, and Shaolin School based at Shaolin Temple in Henan Province. Some are named after the creator and master, like the Chen Style Tai Chi and Yang Style Tai Chi. Some are identified by different training methods, such as the Internal Boxing Arts (Neijiaquan) that concentrate on the manipulation of the inner breath and circulation of the body, and the External Boxing Arts (Waijiaquan) concentrating on improving the muscles and the limbs.

         Famous Fighting Styles
         Some of the most famous fight styles in Chinese Martial Arts are Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, which are classified due to their location on the famous mountains near their training temples. Also, Tai Chi, Eight-Diagram Form, Southern Fist, Qigong is also famous, and they are derived from some ancient forms and adopted some new styles and ways to perform. Chinese martial arts have a deep connection with the Tao and the pursuit of internal freedom and peace. 
         Bruce Lee and Influence of Kung Fu
         Bruce Lee is probably the most well-known Kung Fu master from China. Due to his poor health during his childhood, Lee was sent to a master at the age of 7 to practice Tai Chi, which was good for fitness. By age 13, he also learned Wing Chun from Ye Wen, a brilliant Wing Chun master. Later he learned Praying Mantis, Hung Kuen, Shaolin Boxing, Tam Tuei, Springing Leg, Jie Boxing and White Crane Boxing. He also explored Qigong and Yinggong, all of which laid solid foundation for his eventual creation of Jeet Kune Do. Besides Chinese boxing skills, he studied western fists skills and learned the boxing methods, steps and motions of some masters. Bruce was good at playing Long Staff, Short Staff, Nunchakus and many other weapons. He even organized a Chinese martial arts team in his university to practice and perform in extracurricular time. He took a break during his sophomore year at the university to establish the Jun-fan Martial Arts Club. The club became well-known ever since news spread about him saving a girl in Chinatown, Florida, by defeating four gangsters with bare hands. Very soon, branches of his club were established in Seattle, Auckland, Los Angeles, amongst others. He became well-known in America. An increasing number of learners or boxing stars, including Karate star Chuck Norris and King of Boxing Muhammad Ali, came to him. It was through this way that he spread Chinese Kung Fu by teaching and exchanging experiences.