Chinese Kung Fu

An illustrated introduction to the history and development of kung fu, a fascinating and popular branch of traditional Chinese culture.

Guangxi Wang (Author)

9780521186643, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 March 2012

122 pages
23 x 15.6 x 0.7 cm, 0.24 kg

Wushu, the Chinese martial art form known as kung fu in the West, embodies traditional Chinese culture and reflects the self defense and fitness practices of the Chinese people. The core philosophy of wushu is drawn from Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist principles and the Eastern philosophy that humans are an integral part of nature. In this illustrated introduction Wang Guangxi discusses the theory, schools, weapons and development of this distinctive and captivating branch of Chinese culture from ancient times to the present day, including its representation in literature and film.

Foreword
1. The origins of martial arts
2. Schools of wushu
3. Weapons
4. Three stages of Chinese wushu practice
5. Characteristics of Chinese wushu
6. Chinese wushu and Chinese culture
7. Chinese and foreign wushu exchange
8. The development of modern Chinese wushu
Appendix 1. Notes on wushu exercises
Appendix 2. Chronological table of the Chinese dynasties.

Subject Areas: Oriental martial arts [WSTM], Cultural studies [JFC]