Kung fu (also spelled gung fu) is a catchall term for the Chinese martial arts. Its often synonymous with chuan fa and wushu. Many believe that all forms of kung fu descended from the exercise techniques taught by Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who traveled to Shaolin Temple in 526. However, ancient Chinese records show that various forms of kung fu existed long before this time—specifically, historical records of studies on various animal movements that are still associated with the Chinese martial arts.

Some of the better-known styles of kung fu are Shaolin, hung gar, choy li fut, monkey, eagle claw, crane, drunken fist, long fist, south fist, five elders, lama, mantis, pa chi chuan and wing chun. With so many styles using the kung fu name, it's not surprising that a huge variety of techniques and principles are taught. Some styles, especially those that originated in southern China, emphasize hand techniques, while others, particularly those from northern China, stress foot techniques.


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