| The term kung fu is used to describe the many styles | | | | efficiency, and economy of movement. The idea is to |
| and schools of Chinese martial arts. The kung fu family | | | | use the least amount of force required to achieve |
| tree is complicated, and many different approaches | | | | results. Wing Chun offers the added bonus of mixing |
| have been developed. There are those that focus on | | | | defense and offense together; a punch acts a |
| the development of inner energy, or qi, while other | | | | deflector, a block is used as foundation for a |
| styles primarily develop the body. There are styles | | | | counter-attack. |
| focusing on fists, palms, thrusts, kicks, jumps, and tricky | | | | Simple principles like balance, quick punches, and blocks |
| footwork in kung fu fighting. What should be your | | | | are common among fighting styles. Balance is |
| primary consideration for a fighting kung fu? | | | | important, as being knocked down by an opponent's |
| The main difference lies in whether it is a | | | | blow or your own carelessness can lead to defeat or |
| straightforward fighting style or a more graceful | | | | serious injury. Balance is best achieved with two feet |
| acrobatic style. Straightforward Chinese martial arts | | | | on the ground, so styles that use a lot of jumping and |
| styles require more physical strength; they are not | | | | rolling are not ideal for simple fighting situations. Jumping, |
| flashy, and choose to go with efficiency of movement. | | | | rolling, and other acrobatic moves require more energy |
| Acrobatic styles require more flexibility and less power, | | | | and are difficult to execute in close quarters. Simple, |
| and while the extra movements may seem | | | | stable footwork is best for the amateur fighter. |
| superfluous, they are intimidating and can get you in the | | | | Quick punches to sensitive places are the best way to |
| right positions for precision strikes. It is basically the | | | | achieve results with little force. Making your attacks |
| age-old question of strength versus speed. | | | | quick also keeps you on guard, ready to intercept |
| All kung fu can be used to fight. What you choose will | | | | enemy attacks. Blocks can reduce how much |
| depend on your preferences. Most people who will not | | | | damage you take, and they can save your life. Use |
| spend a lot of time training regularly are best off with | | | | blocks as bases for counter-attacks in a self-defense |
| straightforward fighting styles. Acrobatic styles require | | | | situation. |
| constant practice, since their power lies in precision. | | | | Practice makes perfect, so sparring is highly |
| Straightforward fighting styles like Wing Chun are | | | | recommended. Remember to stay on guard at all |
| excellent choices for those who only plan to use kung | | | | times, and use your fighting kung fu only when needed! |
| fu in self-defense. Wing Chun emphasizes practicality, | | | | |