Akshay Kumar in Kung-Fu

KUNG FU Kung Fu, "work" or "skill", is a broad term that is used to describe all martial arts of Chinese origin. It is sometimes referred to by the Mandarin Chinese term wushu. Kung fu consists of a number of fighting styles that can be classified according to common themes that are identified as "families" or "schools" of martial arts. The themes of each are physical exercises that mimic movements from animals or a history and training method that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies, myths, and legends. Each fighting style offers a different approach to self-defense, health, and self-cultivation from a Chinese perspective. Kung Fu is one of the oldest martial arts has been a tremendous influence to other martial arts styles such as certain styles of karate and taekwondo. The origin of martial arts in China has been traced back to around 500 A.D., when Buddhist monks began practicing qigong, or energy cultivation techniques. Historically, the Shaolin monastery housed many fugitives from justice, and many warriors turned monk. This rooted kung fu in the Shaolin Temple in Northern China. There were five different Shaolin temples in five districts. Thus, five distinct styles of Shaolin Kung Fu developed. Though, kung fu did not start at the Shaolin temple but rather began to flourish under Shaolin’s influence. Kung-Fu became eventually categorized into Northern and Southern styles. In the south, Cantonese people pronounce Kung Fu as gung-fu. There are hundreds of fighting styles indigenous to China, but all the styles have common traits. In the north where people were accustomed to walking and riding horses over great distances, strong legs gradually are the main weapons of attack and defense. Hand movement was restricted by thick robes and the mountainous terrain enforced the development of strong legs. Stylish and acrobatic, the northern styles are noted for their graceful, ballet-like movements. These movements provide the martial basis for many of the Peking Operas. Northern style stances are mostly very wide and open. Arms and legs are often full extended for defending and attacking with emphasis on fast jumps, turns, and kicks, and sweeping movements. Animals in this area which influenced the northern style include the white crane, the praying mantis, and the horse. In the south where the terrain of marshlands is cross cut by a huge network of waterways, rowing and poling was the primary means of travel. Subsequently, they developed great arm strength and used the fist as their primary weapon. Most southern styles have maintained a low and solid stance for balance. One of the most noticeable aspects of a southern attack is the principle simultaneous attack and defense showering opponents with blows, never allowing any limb to be grabbed, nor attempting to throw an opponent. Animals that influenced the southern style of attacks include the tiger, leopard, eagle, and monkey are all sources of inspiration. A kung fu fighter uses motions of attacking (yang) and yielding (yin) to overpower an opponent. In non-combative practice, this equilibrium of hard and soft, aggressive and passive, allows the chi to flow correctly throughout the body and encourage strength, flexibility, stamina, relaxation, and the release of nervous energy. Almost all fighting is done at close quarters where snap punches, elbow jabs, and open-handed cuts are combined with blocks to form single movements of devastating speed and power. Movies launched the popularity of kung fu with stars notably including Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. Additionally, David Carridine's "Kung Fu" television series introduced both the philosophy and art to an even greater audience in American homes in the 70's.