Kung Fu Styles
Kung fu styles refers to the skill and technique of an individual . Today the term Kung fu styles is applied to many styles of Chinese martial arts but is distorted from its distinctive meaning that is applicable to any skill or technique whether it be a skilled artisan, musician or fighter. In other words, there are many ways Kung fu styles may be expressed in daily life. The misunderstanding of the use of the term “Kung Fu” by Bruce Lee has led to the western world associating Kung fu styles with what, in China, is referred to as Wushu. 
Wushu evolved from combat incorporating kung fu styles into a formal study of Chinese Performing arts to become the most popular sport in China.  People of all age groups practice methods of achieving good health, self-defence skills, mental discipline, recreational pursuit and competition.  The kung fu styles seen in wushu are of dynamic, fluid motions along with arial kicks, rolling techniques and weapons styles of Chinese martial arts.  The many forms referred to as Kung fu styles that fall into the Wushu description include Tai Chi, Shaolin Boxing and Wing Chun. For the book "The Art of Shaolin Kung Fu" click here.
There is the question of the authenticity of teaching Kung fu styles as a martial art in itself. Western world teachers purporting to teach kung fu as traditional often do not know whether what they know is traditional or not. Beware as the reference to Kung fu styles or use of the term to describe the martial art being taught can be just a means of attracting students to the school.
Often the translation from Chinese languages into English and other languages can remove the true meaning of a term or sentence and lead to misinterpretation. The appropriate application of the terms kung fu style or kung fu in martial arts are, in truth, to the form or technique that produces a pattern of linked movements that flow together gracefully. It is therefore a term that can be used to describe the skill and technique of the student in any form of Chinese martial arts and it is within this context that Kung fu styles are discussed.
To the western world some of the best known Kung fu styles include the barehand styles of Changquan meaning long fist, Nanquan meaning Southern Fist and Taijiquan also known as Tai Chi. These and other Kung fu styles may also incorporate use of weapons notably sword, staff and spear.
Kung fu styles are often named after place of origin e.g. Northern Shaolin, or animals whose movements are incorporated into the many forms such as praying mantis, monkey, eagle claw etc. There are many different systems that have evolved out of these styles as they have been modified and refined by generations of masters. As well as the more common blocking/striking techniques, Kung fu styles can also include locks and chokes known as Chin Na. Perhaps the oldest of all is a wrestling form known as Shuai Chiao. Look out for more pages with information, clothing, books, DVDs and more related to wushu and Kung fu styles.
For our recommended Kung fu uniform click here