Chinese kung fu encompasses a vast body of knowledge and techniques. It mixes health maintenance and self-defense tactics.
An athlete must often stop competing in his 30s in sports like track and field, ball sports, weightlifting, and boxing. Our capacity to exercise in later life may be impacted by injuries acquired during years of active sport activity at a young age.
But there is a difference between “external” and “internal” kung fu in Chinese kung fu.
According to a proverb, “In internal kung fu, you train your soul, your qi, and your mind;
in external kung fu, you exercise your tendons, bones, and skin.”
Therefore, internal kung fu can be practiced even as one ages and their physical strength declines.
Top 3 popular chinese kung fu styles are:
Taijiquan
Tai chi, also known as taijiquan (/tie-jee-chwen/), is a Taoist internal martial technique. According to one legend of taijiquan, the Taoist immortal Chang San-feng is credited with creating the form after being inspired by a battle between a ferocious eagle and a snake.
Chinese Qi Gong
Traditional Chinese medicine’s indispensable “qi gong” (literally, “breath practice”) has its roots in antiquity. Its main source of inspiration was the Chinese people’s long-standing fascination with immortality and their quest for longevity.
Shaolin Kung Fu
Both in China and worldwide, Shaolin Kung Fu is well known. Shaolin shadowboxing was originally practiced for self-defense, enemy repulsion, famed mountain protection, illness treatment, old temple preservation, and mountain preservation. It features numerous patterns, straightforward forms, and extensive internal and external kung fu.