Kung Fu (despite its initial meaning of obtaining skill) often refers to Chinese martial arts in the contemporary world. What set the Chinese martial arts apart from most martial arts systems are its ambiguous origins. Some say that Kung Fu originated with an Indian Buddhist monk named Da Mo, whereas others recognize that the Chinese had already established their own form or Martial arts prior to his arrival.
Origin 1 - Da Mo
The first theory begins when Buddhism had migrated to China from India roughly around 58-76 A.D. A Buddhist Monk by the name of Batuo came to China; 31 years later the first Shaolin Temple was built by order of then emperor Xiao Wen -- roughly around 495 A.D. Batuo can be considered the first Chief Monk of the Shaolin temple, but the temples greatest influence on Kung Fu was Da Mo, also known as Bodhidharma.
After arriving in China at the behest of Emperor Liang Wu (502-550 A.D), Wu disavowed Buddhist preaching, causing him to withdraw to the Shaolin Temple. In his time there he noticed how sickly the monks. According to legend in order to ponder the problem he "faced a wall for nine Years, not speaking the entire time".
Da Mo emerged from seclusion with two classic teachings: The Yi Jin Jang, which taught the monks how to build their qi -- the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine (Dr. Jwing-Ming). The Ying Jin Jang increased their health, strength, and improved their already formidable martial arts techniques. The Second Teaching was the Xi Sui Jing utilized Qi to develop the immune system and more importantly the mind. The fundamentals of Kung –Fu were now well on their way.
Some historians deny Da Mo's part citing that Chinese martial arts originated with military men who retired to monastic life. Many martial arts are said to predate the monasteries -- Shuai Jiao and Sun Bin Quan, for example (Canzoneri).
Origin 2 - Military Men retiring to monastic life
Well before recorded history, the martial arts techniques were discovered and developed by man, albeit in a more rudimentary form. This came as a result of the seemingly never-ending battle of man vs. nature and man vs. man. After all, even in ancient times, tribes were at war with one another, conflict is innate to humanity. With the many ensuing battles came the development of these techniques, which were modified and handed down from one generation to the next.
These combat styles grew with the advent of weapons, creating new methods of utilizing these newfound tools. Eventually, various schools and styles originated, many of which were regionalized. Soon the schools tested one another. Interestingly, many of these styles mimicked fighting styles from animals found in nature: tiger, panther, monkey, snake, crane, and mantis are but a few examples. The obvious question arises: "why imitate animals?" This is because animals survive in harsh natural environments and carry an inherent skill for fighting. Keep in mind that all this took place nearly 1.7 million years ago, many factors contributed to what we call Kung Fu today.
Regardless of whom you credit for the origins of Kung Fu, one truth can be found; it developed in China, mostly through the training of soldiers, through the Shaolin temples, and among the so-called "commoners" of the many dynasties in times gone by. It seems history shaped Kung Fu and vice versa. Feudal Society which encompasses all the years between 221-1911 was a time when Kung Fu in its many forms flourished. The Song Dynasty, Ming, Qing, and even the republic of China all contributed to developing the art.
General Qi Jiguang
The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) is often considered the most prolific of periods for Chinese martial arts. It marked an epoch for the form. All of its present-day styles have their main origins in this time period. During the Ming Dynasty, various styles of martial arts became firmly established as separate schools. Famous General Qi Jiguang gathered the many styles/skills throughout China at the time. Heavily recognized for his success Qi Jiguang had a reputation for intense training and severe discipline, but as a superb training expert as well.
Once again Martial arts (Kung Fu) were partially responsible for shaping history, in this case, the arts made an already formidable army even more dangerous at the hands of General Qi Jiguang. Everything was ripe for use: Long Fist, Short Hands, Five Fist and Hua Fist of Shandong Province, Five Shapes Boxing and Crane Boxing of Fujian Province, as well as the Hung Kuen, Wing Chun and Choy Li Fut of Guangxi and Guangdong, were just some of the styles incorporated. Every style was ripe for use and developed in a time where the martial art of Kung Fu truly flourished. Qi JiGuang retains his fame to this day mainly as having left behind a famous book: JiXiao Xinshu (New book of Effective Disciplines), which is cited for it impact on martial arts to this day.
Kung Fu goes well beyond mere battle or warfare. In fact, the term describes "any individual accomplishment or refined skill that is achieved after hard work" (Rousseau); in actuality, it advocates virtue and peace.
The Kung Fu sensation has become ubiquitous mainly through its storied history, television/film, and its growth as a sport. To fully understand just how powerfully effective Kung Fu has been in widely spreading the Chinese culture it is pertinent to be privy to the origins of Kung Fu, its development, and its impact in spreading the Chinese philosophy to the world.
At its core, Kung Fu has proven to be essential and beneficial in depicting the Culture of the proverbial "Middle Kingdom" and is embedded deeply within the Chinese culture. Kung Fu isn't merely an offshoot of the Chinese culture but a firmly entrenched representation of the culture with ties to its people's history and development.
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