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 Kung-fu

The generic name for hundreds of individual Chinese fighting arts, soft and hard, internal "nei-chia" and external "wai-chia." Many believe that all forms of kung-fu descended from the exercise techniques taught by Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who traveled to Shaolin Temple in 526 AD. However, ancient Chinese records show that various forms of kung-fu existed long before this time. kung-fu includes grappling, striking, nerve attacks, and training with many types of traditional weapons. Internal kung-fu systems include Pa-kua-chang, Hsing-yi-chuan, and Tai-chi-chuan, and Wing-chun.  Practitioners of external Chinese systems use kicks and punches, rather than chi, to get their point across. Some of the better known styles of kung-fu are Shaolin, H-choy-li-fut, Monkey, Eagle Claw , Crane, Drunken Fist , Long Fist, South Fist, Five Elders, Lame, Mantis, Pa-chi -huan, and Wing-chun. Some styles, especially those that originated in Southern China, emphasize hand techniques, while others, particularly those from Northern China, stress foot techniques. Some kung-fu styles are as follows.

Xingyiquan (Hsing-yi-chaun)

Xingyiquan is one of the three orthodox "internal" styles of Chinese martial arts (the other two being Taijiquan and Baguazhang). "Xing" refers to form and "yi" to the mind or intent. "Quan" literally means fist and denotes a method of unarmed combat. Xingyiquan is commonly referred to as "form and mind" or "form and will" boxing. The name illustrates the strong emphasis placed on motion being subordinate to mental control.

The exact origins of Xingyiquan are unknown. The creation of the Art is traditionally attributed to the famous general and patriot Yue Fei (1103-1141) of the Song dynasty. However, no historical data supports this claim. The style was originally called "Xin-yi-liu-he-quan" (heat mind six harmonies boxing). The six harmonies refer to the three internal harmonies (the heart or desire coordinates with the intent; the intent coordinates with the qi or vital energy; and the qi coordinates with the strength), and the three external harmonies (the shoulders coordinate with the hips; the elbows coordinate with the knees, and the hands coordinate with the feet).

The earliest reliable information makes reference to Ji Longfeng (also known as Ji Jige) of Shanxi province as being the first to teach the art of Xingyiquan. Longfeng was active near the end of the Ming dynasty (early 1600's) and was a master of spear fighting (he had the reputation of possessing "divine" skill with the spear). He is recorded as stating "I have protected myself in violent times with my spear. Now that we are in a time of "peace" and our weapons have all been destroyed, if I am unarmed and meet the unexpected, how shall I defend myself?" In answer to his own question, Longfeng reportedly created a style of weaponless combat based on his expertise with the spear. He referred to his art as "Liu-he," the six harmonies.

Longfeng had two very famous students, Cao Jiwu from from Hebei province and Ma Xueli from Henan province. At this point in history, Xingyiquan divided into three related yet separate styles, the Shanxi, Henan, and Hebei schools. After spending 12 years studying Xingyiquan with Longfeng, Jiwu entered the Imperial Martial Examinations and placed first (this was the most prestigious honor one could possibly win as a martial artist in old China, and assured the victor a high government position). Jiwu passed on his art to two brothers, Dai Longbang and Dai Linbang.

Dai Longbang passed his art on to Li Luoneng (also known as Li Nengran) who holds the distinction of being the greatest Xingyiquan Boxer in the styles' history and one of the top Chinese boxers of all time. Li Luoneng taught his art in his native Shanxi province and also taught a great number of students in Hebei province (his duties as a bodyguard involved escorting various members of wealthy families to and from Hebei). Two of Li's most famous students from Shanxi were Song Shirong and Zhe Yizhai. His most famous Hebei student was the formidable Guo Yunshen (who reportedly defeated all comers with his "beng quan," a straight punch to the body). Guo Yunshen passed on his art to Wang Fuyuan, Liu Qilan, Sun Ludang, and others; Liu Qilan passed on the art to some of the most famous practitioners of this century, including Li Cunyi and Zhang Zhangui (also known as Zhang Zhaodong). There are many practitioners of all three sub-systems active today, and Xingyiquan is still a popular and well respected style of martial art in China.

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