2. Introduction

Title: Kung-fu，Wushu and Chinese Martial Arts 中国功夫和武术

Description: this webquest will explore the history, styles, and philosophy of Chinese Martial arts. After finish this project, you will get to know about Chinese Martial Arts theory as well as its spirit.

The history of Chinese martial arts is as old as that of man. In order to defend himself, early man gained knowledge by imitating the attack and defense movements of various creatures. In terms of technique development, these methods were crude and relatively unorganized. However, over time, as cultural and societal advances were made, established schools of philosophy and martial arts emerged, serving to organize systematic training methods. These arts, refined and perfected in China, were preserved mainly within family clans and religious temples. It is only within the past two or three generations that these arts have become accessible to the West. As the martial arts of China are deeply founded in Chinese philosophy, they contain both a strong theoretical framework pertaining to technique and skill development, as well as a deep rooting in ethics and morals. It is said that the true martial artist embodies not only physical skill but also a high level of intellectual and moral refinement. Understandably, painstaking effort, dedication and perseverance are essential in order to reach the highest accomplishments...or in short, Kung fu.

What is Kung-fu? In the West, Chinese martial arts are usually referred to as ‘Kung Fu’, or ‘Gung Fu’. However, the term does not specifically mean ‘Chinese martial arts’. Rather, Kung fu is the philosophy which is applied to any time-honored pursuit of excellence. It can refer to any endeavor in which one, over time, refines their skills and art through diligent practice, such as a cook, photographer, artist, and so on. In short, Kung fu may be translated as ‘Skill and success gained from painstaking effort’. Thus, for the practitioner of gung fu, consistent and accurate training are essential.

Wushu (武 术) is a form of contemporary Chinese martial arts that blends elements of performance and martial application. Wushu training emphasizes quickness, explosive power, and natural, relaxed movement. The wushu practitioner must combine flexibility with strength, speed with flawless technique, fierce intent with effortless execution.

In this webquest, you need to explore Chinese martial arts styles, its history, philosophy and its factors.

Here are the terminology you will learn:

Kung-fu or Gongfu - means a general ability and skill gained through minded repetition. (Unnecessarily a martial art one).

功夫

Wushu – means “martial methods” and is also the word used to define the modern day wushu martial art or sport competition.

武術（武术）

Goushu or kuoshu – meaning the “arts of the nation” or “national methods” is and was a term encouraged to use by the Chinese government to nationalize the martial arts practice。

國術（国术）

Shaolin, ermei or wudang – classifying them according to releligious origin.

少林功夫

Shuai Jiao

摔跤

Most of the Chinese styles focus either exclusively on stand up fighting, or in the very least devote most of their time to it. That said, there is evidence to suggest that the first martial arts style in China, called jiao di, served to teach troops how to use horns on their helmet to defeat adversaries. This style of fighting eventually morphed into a grappling art called jiao li. And, of course, jiao li soon became shuai jiao.

Tai Chi

太極（极）拳

Tai chi is an internal martial arts style characterized by its breathing techniques. It is a highly popular martial arts style that seems to aid balance and serves as stress relief for a significant number of practitioners.

In Mandarin, the term tai chi chuan or t’ai chi ch’uan translates to supreme ultimate fist, great extremes boxing, the ultimate, or boundless fist.

The thing about Tai Chi is that although it isn't necessarily the most effective self-defense style, it is practiced by millions throughout the world for meditative and health reasons.