About the Art of Kung Fu...
Are there different kinds of Kung Fu?
There are literally hundreds of different Kung Fu styles, and then there are sub-styles and family styles within those. The variations are complex and wide ranging. These different styles of Kung Fu encompass what can be termed "soft" or "internal" as well as "hard" or "external." Some styles emphasize strikes and kicks, others include grappling, ground-fighting or pressure-point attacks. The arts of Kung Fu also includes a vast variety of weapons training.
There are many ways in which the various styles can be divided or catagorized. Here are a few ways that might be useful in defining and discussing the various arts. Note that these are not necessarily consensus definitions but they are commonly held.
Note, too, that very few of these styles are just one way or another. All are mixtures of these elements in various degrees. When we say a style is "hard" what we mean is that the predominant expression of that style is hard. If we say Praying Mantis is linear, it does not mean Praying Mantis has no circular techniques.
"Sport" vs "Fighting Art" vs. "Exercise" vs. "Philosophy"
These are usually NON-useful comparisons because people tend to be very strongly opinionated on this matter. Most people want to think their art is an ancient "fighting art" and can be applied thus on the street. Some styles truly are all four, and to some degree all styles contain all four elements. In discussions of a style it is most useful when people highlight which area or areas their style emphasizes.
"Linear" vs. "Circular"
This distinction refers to lines of movement in attack and defense. "Circular" styles use circular movements (ie, around and aside) to redirect, attack or otherwise move in relation to the opponant. "Linear" styles use direct, straight-on movements, attacks or head-on blocks. Styles can, and sometimes do, mix circular blocks with linear attacks. This is a subtle distinction and not absolute, but it gives some information.
"Soft" vs. Hard"
"Soft" styles tend to redirect energy, channeling and diverting momentum to unbalance an opponent or to move them into striking range. They tend to be lower commitment and use less physical force. Because of this emphasis, they are less likely to be unbalanced and can recover from redirection easier. Often a great deal of emphasis is placed on learning to use internal energy and skills such as "listening" and "sticking." Some examples are Taijiquan, Xingyi, Baji and Baguazhong.
"Hard" styles tend to direct energy outward and meet energy with energy. They will tend to strike more, and deliver more force with each strike. Hard stylists will often damage with their blocks, turning them into attacks. They deliver more power, and thus are harder to turn aside, but they are higher commitment, and thus don't recover as well from mistakes. Examples are Bei Shaolin Changquan (Northern Shaolin Long Fist), Hongjia (Hung Gar), Heihuquan (Black Tiger) and Xizang Baihe (Tibetan White Crane).
"Internal" vs. "External"
"Internal" styles are styles that emphasize the more non-tangible elements of the arts. They utilize Qi flow, rooting, and those elements which some people consider "mystical". They tend to emphasize meditation, body control, perception, mind control (of self, not others!), and pressure points. 'Typically,' internal styles are soft. Taijiquan is a popular internal style.
"External" styles tend to emphasize body mechanics, leverage, and applied force. They tend to use weight, strength, positioning, and anatomy to optimal advantage. 'Typically,' external styles are hard. Shaolin Monk Fist (Luohanquan) is an external style.
"Complete Art" or Not
The term "complete art" is sometimes applied to styles that includes the full range of martial techniques: strikes, kicks, throws, pressure points, and joint locks. Most Kung Fu styles can be called "complete arts," but although some styles contain more techniques than others, no single style is "complete" in the sense that it includes all the important techniques from other styles. In general, every style has its strong and weak points, and each has something to offer to the lexicon of martial arts techniques.
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