Kung Fu, also spelled Gung Fu, is a generic term for martial arts originating in China. A direct translation of the
term would be “hard work” or “effort”. Kung Fu has both external and internal styles. All styles teach the use
of throws, grappling holds, weapons, and self-defense which makes Kung Fu a more broad and complex system
of combat than most other styles of martial arts.

Kung Fu is not a martial art unto itself, yet it encompasses the most effective and devastating methods of
self-preservation known to man. The identity of Kung Fu is diverse with hundreds styles known or recognized.
From Kung Fu came Karate, Escrima, and most important, a way of thinking that became a code of life.

The power of the Kung Fu practitioner lay in his ability to defend himself against impossible odds and
situations. Kung Fu requires of the practitioner a strict code of physical and mental discipline. To be adept,
one must follow the Tao, the way, and the essence of the philosophy and life of the originators of the arts.
Kung Fu is acquired by the desire to learn, the will to discipline one’s self, and devotion to practice.

Many of the movements in Kung Fu were representations of the behavior of animals. A system sometimes
comprised the maneuvers of one specific animal and no other. All the blocks, attacks and stances were done in
imitation of the bird or beast. Each system had certain aspects peculiar to it since each of the animals was
designed differently by nature.

Kung Fu styles may generally be divided into two styles, External style and Internal style. An External style
is generally considered one where force is used against force. In External style a block is used to deflect an
incoming strike by meeting either head on, or at a 90 degrees angle. An internal style does not use force against
force, but rather deflects the incoming blow away from its target. Internal style Kung Fu depends upon chi and
timing rather than power while External style is one that relies primarily in strength and physical abilities to
defeat an opponent.