Chinese Kung Fu - A Visual Introduction to Chinese Culture

Author: Wang Guangxi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Chinese martial arts center on combat techniques and aim to strengthen the body and defend oneself, but its training principles begin with cultivating qi and end with the path of harmony and tranquility. Fists and feet manifest externally, while gentleness and balance are rooted internally. Externally fierce yet internally harmonious, externally active yet internally still, externally expansive yet internally restrained—this is not about showing off strength or seeking victory through aggression and fierceness. The heart is like an ancient well, calm as still water without waves. Great skill appears clumsy, and the ultimate method is no method at all. This is the pinnacle of martial arts. This book introduces Chinese martial arts in a richly illustrated manner, covering the seven major fist systems, mysterious hidden weapons, the philosophy of martial arts, the various realms of life, the unique martial world, the unique Chinese martial arts complex, and the martial arts culture that has evolved from it. The green mountains stand tall, and the clear waters flow endlessly. Chinese martial arts have weathered the ages and have remained vibrant for millennia. Today, they still exude the vitality of life, serving as a vivid epitome of traditional Chinese culture and national spirit. Chinese martial arts (Kung Fu) are not merely combat techniques, nor are they simply physical exercises. They are the crystallization of national wisdom and the embodiment of traditional national culture, representing a unique "martial arts culture" in the world. Its core philosophy is the Confucian concept of harmony and cultivating qi, while also incorporating the Taoist practice of maintaining tranquility and achieving gentleness, and the Buddhist practice of meditation and enlightenment, thus forming a profound and extensive martial arts system. Chinese martial arts emphasize the balance of strength and gentleness, as well as the cultivation of both the external and internal aspects. They possess a robust and majestic external form, yet also hold a refined and profound inner meaning, embodying the insights of ancient sages into life and the universe. This book, with its accessible language, abundant illustrations, and extensive historical facts, lifts the veil of mystery surrounding Chinese martial arts: the seven major fist systems, mysterious hidden weapons, the various realms of martial arts, the unique martial world, the unique Chinese martial arts complex, and the martial arts culture that has evolved from it. The wonders of Chinese martial arts leave one in awe and fill one with longing. Chinese martial arts (Kung Fu) are not merely combat techniques, nor are they simply physical exercises. They are the crystallization of national wisdom and the embodiment of traditional national culture, representing a unique "martial arts culture" in the world. Its core philosophy is the Confucian concept of harmony and cultivating qi, while also incorporating the Taoist practice of maintaining tranquility and achieving gentleness, and the Buddhist practice of meditation and enlightenment, thus forming a profound and extensive martial arts system. Chinese martial arts emphasize the balance of strength and gentleness, as well as the cultivation of both the external and internal aspects. They possess a robust and majestic external form, yet also hold a refined and profound inner meaning, embodying the insights of ancient sages into life and the universe. This book, with its accessible language, abundant illustrations, and extensive historical facts, lifts the veil of mystery surrounding Chinese martial arts: the seven major fist systems, mysterious hidden weapons, the various realms of martial arts, the unique martial world, the unique Chinese martial arts complex, and the martial arts culture that has evolved from it. The wonders of Chinese martial arts leave one in awe and fill one with longing.