What is Kung Fu?
Kung Fu:
The traditional Chinese martial art practiced by millions of people in China, as well as in other countries.
A more detailed explanation:
Almost all of the other Asian martial arts have been derived from or were greatly influenced by Chinese Kung Fu. Thus, Kung Fu can be said to be the “mother system” of almost all the martial arts. Kung Fu is an all encompassing martial art whereas most other forms are narrower in scope. Japanese Karate Do deals mainly with punching, blocking, and kicking. Japanese Judo deals mainly with throws and joint-locks. Korean Tae Kwon Do deals mainly with empty hand and kick techniques. Chinese Kung Fu has empty hands, kicks, blocks, throws, joint-locks, weapon techniques, and healing skills. Kung Fu truly covers a much broader scope than any other martial art.
The terms “Kung” and “Fu” are Chinese terms that literally mean “Accomplishment” through time and “Effort or Energy”. This generic term was used by people to refer to anything that required a great skill because a skill is acquired through a large amount of time and effort. Hence, a good chef preparing a delicious meal can be said to have good “Kung Fu” or skill. However, in modern times the meaning has become synonymous with all the Chinese Martial Art systems.