Kung-fu facts for kids

Kung-fu fighters

Chinese martial artsis the several hundred fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. In Chinese, kung fu means "hard work", and it´s not only used for martial arts.

In Chinese, the term kung fu refers to any skill that is acquired through learning or practice. It is a word meaning "work", "achievement", or "merit"

Chinese martial arts has been attributed to the need for self-defense, hunting techniques and military training in ancient China. Hand-to-hand combat and weapons practice were important in training ancient Chinese soldiers.

Images for kids

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  Kung fu in Iran

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  Mural at Shaolin temple from 1830's depicting forearm strikes and reverse kicks

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  Depiction of fighting monks demonstrating their skills to visiting dignitaries (early 19th-century mural in the Shaolin Monastery).

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  Two Brazilian fighters in a Sanda/Sanshou match. Sanda is a modernized form of Kung Fu and one of the two disciplines of Sport Wushu

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  The Yang style of taijiquan being practiced on the Bund in Shanghai

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  Ancient Chinese weapons

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  Kung fu sword

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  Martial arts fan

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  Modern forms are used in the sport of wushu, as seen in this staff routine

See also

In Spanish: Artes marciales de China para niños