All types of martial arts that were developed by the Chinese are considered an art form, but are still considered by some to be a sport that puts people in tune with their body. A person might begin learning them for safety reasons because they feel they need some form of self defense to keep them save in the urban environment where they live. The training for martial arts is most often pursued because the person desires to train their body and mind to be strong and alert.
The art of Kung Fu comes from China and it is taught in various formats. The Chinese people have a great respect for this particular art form because it is part of their heritage. Kung Fu was developed from the standpoint that the body and mind can interact together with peace and harmony and the result will be a healthy individual who has a strong character and is the epitome of what the Chinese culture represents. Kung Fu originated in China during the period 770-475 BC.
The art of martial arts incorporates the use of many weapons. The most commonly used weapons that were incorporated into training classes during the Yuan Dynasty during the period 1271-1368 were spears, axes, swords of all types, shapes and sizes. The Chinese people would practice martial arts in front of crowds in a stage setting and all of the people in the crowds were expected to learn from what they observed.
The Chinese organized martial arts schools to develop this art form further and this is how martial arts became an integral part of the Chinese culture. Taiji is another form which was influenced by the Ming Dynasty period in China. This martial art form incorporated the physical exercises found in boxing and various techniques were developed to serve as not only as a portal to receiving a certain amount of exercise, but to develop defensive techniques that could be used by each member of a Chinese family.
All martial arts in China are available to all sexes but Chinese men study the art form for defense. Martial arts are practiced in China for health benefits too. All martial arts students will train vigorously and learn to perform various breathing exercises that are mean to promote a better circulatory system. The breathing exercises are also used to clear the mind and allow the martial arts connoisseurs the opportunity to fight sickness and gain better control over their health.
Martial arts also prepares the individual for enlightened thinking and allows them to reach deep within their being to find an inner strength. Chinese martial arts incorporate the movements of kicking, punching, thrusting, hitting, and controlling. The martial arts student will learn to use all of these movements in an orchestrated manner that will provide the best defense tactics possible. Some of these movements are rendered with little speed but that reduction of speed will provide the highest impact. Weapons are used to enhance the defense capabilities of the student.
