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ABOUT KUNG FU
In general, Kung Fu is a label used to describe any Martial Art
that comes from China. It is the generic name for literally hundreds
of individual Chinese fighting arts, both "internal" and "external," ancient
and of relatively recent invention.
The words "Kung Fu" can be literally translated as "skill
from effort". It can be used to describe anything that requires
a person to invest both time and effort into training to become
skillful. In these terms, a chef, artist, musician or computer
programmer can all be said to have good "kung fu".
It is said that the term "Kung Fu" gained widespread
use in reference to Chinese Martial Arts during the influx of Chinese
immIgrants to the United States during the 1800s. An alternate
spelling, "Gung Fu," was made popular by the late Bruce
Lee during the 1970's. Lee's spelling is actually the most accurate,
as the pronunciation is closer to the hard "G" sound
of the English "good" or "gong" than the sharp "K" of "king" or "kong."
Regardless of spelling or pronunciation, the term "Kung Fu" has
become ingrained in popular consciousness as synonymous with Chinese
Martial Arts. Therefore, this is the term used throughout this
web site. (From
Kung Fu Online)
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