Exploring the deeper meaning of kung fu

All over Jamaica, and, indeed, all over the world, young men, boys and young women, too, of every walk of life, can be seen doing some form of martial arts. Children of all ages like to make the sounds that usually accompany the movements while in earnest, seriously, trying to learn the skills, or in jest, striking the stances of kung fu, karate, tai kwan do, or some other form.

Since the 1960s and '70s, martial arts became popular with the advent of kung fu movies; they are now an accepted universal sport. Martial arts, however, did not have its beginnings as a sport. Far from it.

Martial arts (wu shu) was and is an intrinsic element of Chinese culture and has been so since 221 BC. It is considered as a means of acquiring self-discipline, of maintaining health and, above all, developing character. The violent combative image of martial arts projected in the movies by various stars such as Bruce Lee, depicted as awesome fighting machines chopping, punching and kicking, is an erroneous portrayal.

Wu shu is, in fact, a reflection of the peace-loving aspect of Chinese personality.

Before a person is admitted to one off the several hundreds of wu shu schools as a student, he or she must take a vow never to use the art aggressively, but only in self-defence and for chivalrous purposes. The schools were connected to a philosopher, a sage, a monastery or a temple and aimed to stop fighting and war. Students seemed to have shown a preference for wu shu temples, such as the famous Shaolin. The art was regarded almost like a religion, with adherents showing a devotion and discipline which earned them high regard and respect much like monks, many of whom were also among the finest practitioners and teachers.

CONTROLLED ENERGY FLOW

These temples and monasteries were located high up on remote mountains where a student might spend many years of rigorous religious discipline, learning the movements and philosophy. Only when he or she had displayed a certain degree of serenity and inner peace did the master begin to teach the art itself.

Although there are many schools, all share similar goals, aiming to develop a high degree of sensitivity, mental and physical, so the students can control their energy flow to the point where they can direct it to wherever desired, and to what degree of intensity.

Not surprising then, is the ability to break a concrete block or a thick piece of wood with a single blow of the hand, or reach the roof of an ordinary house with a giant leap, which the movies never fail to show.

Martial arts spread from China to, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and other Eastern nations. There is also the notion that Indian dance had some influence on Chinese martial arts in ancient times.

The best known form of wu shu in the western world is kung fu, but tai chee with its gentle, deliberate, and peaceful ways, is the form that best represents the ancient art. Wu Shu was not considered a sport in China until 1949, with the coming of the People's Republic of China. Nowadays, it is an accepted sport, with a proliferation of tournaments at all levels. The martial arts of China, and other countries of the East, are recognised as sports with rules that seem to reflect the original purpose. To see this, especially among young children, is very pleasant.

The improper use of this art is much resented by many Chinese who strongly disagree with this misuse. Many feel that the meaning and purpose of wu shu are widely misunderstood. They claim that using the art for show, or personal gain is bordering on sacrilege.

Some feel that this abuse has angered the ancestors to the degree where they will make this anger known and manifest. There is even the view in some quarters that the early almost mysterious death of Bruce Lee was one such manifestation, as many believe he used the art for the wrong reasons.

But like it or not, martial arts are practised all over the world for the entertainment of the millions who flock to the tournaments and shows, and kung fu movies continue to attract a good share of fans.

This article is courtesy of the Jamaica-China Friendship Association