Kung Fu In Your Real Life
Kung Fu can benefit us in many ways.
It develops self-esteem.
It is a wonderful outlet for aggression, and a way to help negative emotions dissipate without repression.
It can aid us in acquiring self-awareness.
It can teach us to become better scholars, as it improves memory and critical thinking.
It develops our understanding of other cultures.
It increases our capacity for creativity and artistic expression.
It develops our physical capabilities for athleticism, artistry and labour: strength, power, agility, endurance, grace, and coordination.
It promotes good health.
But, of course, as it is a martial art, people most often want to know if Kung Fu is good for self-defence.
The answer is “ABSOLUTELY.”
It should be noted that Kung Fu (a term accepted as any and all of the Chinese martial arts) refers to dozens of different styles. The styles have techniques specific to themselves; however, they share the majority of the techniques known, but simply prioritize some concepts over others. Thus, we can, nevertheless, speak of Kung Fu in general.
​
Almost all martial arts are wonderful and have great value.
No martial art is more encompassing and complete than Kung Fu.
​
Most Kung Fu systems include all aspects of fighting: blocking, evading, footwork, striking, kicking, weaponry, grand grappling involving throws and other takedowns, and fine grappling involving joint locks, joint manipulation, bone-snapping, gouging, and pressure points.
This array of techniques have been proven effective throughout ancient and modern history:
Huang’s Army Conquers China (2697 BC)
In 2697BC, China did not yet exist, rather the region was collection of kingdoms, nations and tribes. Many of the rulers or warlords were rallying for power. One such ruler was Qin Shi Huang, the man who would become the Yellow Emperor (Huang Ti). The militaries of these various factions were all trained in combat, but Huang was the first to develop a martial art. He systemized the training and developed a curriculum with unique training methods. He demanded his soldiers study this system (today known as Throwing Horns Kung Fu). In doing so, he forged his army into the most capable. His trained martial artists were able to defeat all the rival armies, some of which were larger than his own, even that of the feared Chi Sao. Huang’s army defeated Chi’s despite being only two thirds the size.
Thereby, unifying China for the first time, and proving indubiously that Kung Fu works.
*
The Overthrow of the Ming Dynasty (1644)
The history of the Manchurians’ successful revolt against the Ming Dynasty and establishment of their own Ching Dynasty is a complicated one. Without boring you with details, it can be said that they managed to convince other groups that they would be a more suitable and just ruling body. Their allies were of mixed origins. One such group was the Shaolin Monks who were known for their Kung Fu prowess. The Shaolin monks who fought proved to be quite dangerous opponents.
“Meet the new boss; same as the old boss.”
-Pete Townsend of The Who
Unfortunately, the Manchurians proved to be just as tyrannical. Noting how formidable a force the Shaolin had been when fighting on their side, one of the Manchurians’ first orders was to eliminate them as a potential threat. They had the Shaolin monasteries burned down while the monks slept; thus, killing many of them with smoke inhalation. Some escaped.
*
Wong Fei Hong (1847-1925)
Folk hero Wong Fei Hong (also known as Wong Sek-Chung) has had many films made about him due to his abilities as Kung Fu practitioner. (His skill as a medical doctor should also be noted.)
He made a name for himself in the military as a physician and a kung fu instructor, but gained most of his prestige in fighting against the invading Japanese Army in 1895.
Wong was often hired as security by wealthy patrons and his skill was called upon in many dangerous situations. Wong once defeated numerous gang members armed with clubs and bars on the docks of Guangzhou with a just a staff.
Wong’s reputation as martial artist was so strong that he was asked to be the figure head for the prestigious Chin Woo Athletic Association (the most famous Martial Arts institute in Chinese History, if not the World).
*
​
Huo Yuan Jia (1868 - 1910)
Huo was one of the founders of the fore-mentioned Chin Woo Athletic Association. He became a celebrity by defeating foreigners in challenge matches.
Such matches were helpful in bolstering the moral and esteem of his country, since emasculating terms for the Chinese had become too common among western men.
In 1902, a large Russian martial artist / wrestler was advertising such challenges in Xiyuan park in Taijin. The Russian had trash talked the Chinese referring to them as “sickly men.” But, when Huo accepted his challenge, the Russian fighter, knowing Huo’s reputation, (and possibly having seen him in action), backed down and apologized for his words
In 1909, an Irish boxer, Hercules O’Brien had made a name for himself in fighting competitions. He was easily beaten by Huo Yuan Jia.
Shortly after, Huo brought a team from the Chin Woo Athletic Association to a Judo competition arranged by his doctor and hosted by the Japanese Judo Association in Shanghai. In the opening bout, Huo’s student, Liu Zhensheng, fought a member of the Japanese team. Controversial calls ignited an argument which turned into a brawl between the Chin Woo and the Japanese team. Huo’s students beat up the Japanese team causing severe hand injuries to many of their practitioners.
*
Cheung Teng Shen
Fan Yu Tang (a.k.a Fan Xu Dong) (Mid 1800s – 1936)
Known also as “Giant Fan” and “The King of Mantis Boxing,” Fan Yu Tang gained fame by being undefeated in the Yantai Market’s free-fighting competitions and travelling to Russia where he also fought and was undefeated. He later returned and became China national champion.
A popular, but unconfirmed story of Fan is that he was crossing a farmer’s field as short cut home and was attacked by two bulls. Fan killed the two bulls with his bare hands.
Several of Fan’s students became famous for their martial prowess, including Lin Ching Shan, who is considered our great, great, great grandfather in our Praying Mantis Kung Fu lineage.
*
Cheung Teng Shen (1908-1986)
The most famous of all Throwing Horns Kung Fu (Kung Fu-Wrestling) practitioners, Cheung Teng Shen was trained by legendary Zhang Fen Yen (who was trained by the equally famous Ping Jin Yi). In 1933, Cheung won the heavyweight division in the China National Full Contact Fighting Championships hosted by the Central National Martial Arts Institute (the 2nd most famous martial arts academy of all time). Cheung later became an instructor there.
Following that, Cheung went undefeated for the rest of his in life having fought numerous tournaments and challenge matches that included matches during his time travelling with the military. During Japan’s occupation of China, Cheung visited several POW camps to compete against Japanese practitioners of judo, jujutsu and karate, defeating all, including famous fighters Haido Takayama, Kuma Hisa and Masao Hichi.
His most famous victory, however, was against the Mongolian fighting champion, Hukli, who was roughly 7 feet tall and close to 400 pounds.
In our Throwing Horns Kung Fu lineage, Cheung Teng Shen is our “great grandfather."
*
Brandon Lee (1965 – 1993)
Though Brandon Lee’s father, Bruce Lee has more fame, outside of his films Bruce Lee’s prowess is mostly conjecture. Though there are claims of him winning many fights, only one real encounter was undeniable. That was Bruce Lee’s fight against Wong Jack Man. But, Wong had no reputation to speak of prior to that fight.
​
Brandon, too, has only one known undeniable encounter. It was, however, more life-threatening. In the late 1980s, Lee came home and was startled by a burglar. Upon confronting him, the criminal grabbed a large knife from the kitchen counter and attacked Lee with it. Despite the disadvantage, Lee thwarted the intruder, breaking his nose and his arm.
*
Cung Le (1972- )
​
Cung Le’s training is primarily in San Sho, the kick-boxing techniques of Kung Fu. Le has had tremendous success in a variety of combat sports.
Le is undefeated in his Sanshou/kickboxing career (17–0). He has won three US Open International Martial Arts Championships (1994, 1995, 1996). In 1998 he won the Shidokan tournament championship. He has also won four US National Championships (Orlando, FL, 1994, Dallas, TX, 1995, Baltimore, MD, 1997). He earned three bronze medals in his amateur Sanshou world competition compiling an overall amateur record of 18–3. He has been a three-time captain of the United States teams that competed and was the U.S. team captain at the World Wushu Championships in 1997 (Italy) and 1999 (Hong Kong). On December 15, 2001 he defeated Shonie Carter by unanimous decision in San Jose, California, to win the IKF International Kickboxing Federation Pro Light Heavyweight Sanda World Title. In May 2003, Le entered into K-1 competitions where he garnered a 3–0 career record, including one knockout. (Wikipedia)
Le, also won the UFC by defeating legendary Frank Shamrock. He broke Shamrock’s arm in the process.
​
Donnie Yen ( 1963-)
In the 1990s, Kung Fu practitioner and acting star, Donnie Yen was leaving a Hong Kong nightclub when he and his girlfriend were attacked by a gang. Yen hospitalized all 8 of them. (mind-blowingfacts.com)
​
“The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done
by fools.” — Thucydides.
Small Title
