The roots of Kung Fu can be traced back to primitive societies dating back more than 1.7 million years. From the 21st century BC onwards, it was initially limited to basic skills such as splitting, chopping, and stabbing as hunting and defense were required. With the formation of the kung fu system, it gradually evolved into a fighting skill, and developed rapidly from the Xia dynasty to the Yuan dynasty, reaching its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In modern times, martial arts skills can be used not only to defend against others, but also as a way to maintain health and entertainment. Next, we will explore the ranking of the top 10 martial arts in China.
China's top ten martial arts ranking: Shaolin Boxing, Taijiquan, Sanda, Wubu Boxing, Baguazhang, Qigong, Juntiquan, Xingyi Boxing, Jeet Kune Do, Nanquan
1. Shaolin boxing
Shaolin boxing is one of the treasures of Chinese kung fu, originating from the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, Henan Province, and is deeply influenced by Buddhist culture. The spirit lies in the fusion of kung fu and Buddhist thought, and monks practice kung fu skills while also absorbing Buddhist wisdom to cultivate their temperament. Shaolin boxing has gone to the world and is favored by Westerners because of its unique dual effects of defense and fitness.
2. Tai Chi
Ranked second among the top 10 martial arts in China, Tai Chi is an excellent combination of Chinese art, dialectical thought and martial arts. It is deeply influenced by ancient Taoism, and is characterized by accumulating strength to attack the enemy and static braking. In addition, Tai Chi is an excellent way to maintain health, helping to develop breath, strength, quality and spirit.
3. Sanda
As one of the representatives of modern Chinese martial arts, Sanda focuses on practical skills. It blends the essence of traditional martial arts and absorbs the best of international martial arts. It is worth mentioning that the original intention of Sanda was to promote wushu to the Olympic Games and realize the Olympic dream, so its history is relatively short compared to other schools of wushu.
4. Five-step boxing
For beginners, Wubuquan is a great way to get started with traditional martial arts. Its moves are few but exquisite, covering the basic boxing and footwork of martial arts, and are widely taught in secondary school physical education classes. Most Chinese students have some knowledge of five-step boxing, and some schools even make it a compulsory skill in physical education classes.
5. Bagua
Baguazhang is a varied form of boxing that takes its name from its footwork practice that resembles traditional Chinese Bagua. It emphasizes a combination of fist style and straight combat routes, and effectively defends against enemy attacks with flexible and versatile moves. Some people describe Baguazhang as as a swimming dragon, as powerful as a sitting tiger, and as vigorous and free as a soaring eagle.
6. Qigong
Qigong is an important part of traditional Chinese martial arts, which combines physical exercise, breath control and psychological guidance. Qi represents the energy or life force between heaven and earth, while gong refers to martial arts skills that are cultivated through continuous training. Qigong can improve the basic conditions of the human body, enhance vitality and maintain health. It shows the harmony between man and the environment, man and self.
7. Military physical boxing
Military physical boxing was included in the "Physical Training Textbook" of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in 1989 and became a compulsory martial arts course for soldiers and students. During the military training in middle school, military physical boxing is one of the important learning contents. It is widely spread among students, and most middle school students have some understanding of military physical boxing.
8. Xingyi boxing
Xingyi Quan is characterized by its hand-to-hand combat and rapid attacks, which is suitable for actual combat applications. In the early Qing Dynasty, it spread widely in places such as Shanxi, Henan, and Hebei. Later, Xingyi master Hao Enguang brought the technique to Japan and taught it to local Chinese students, thus introducing it overseas. Today, Xingyi Quan is quite popular in Southeast Asia, Japan, the United States and other places.
9. Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do is not a traditional Chinese school of kung fu, but a self-defense technique created by martial arts star Bruce Lee. It encourages learners to be flexible and adaptable to the actual situation after mastering the basic kung fu moves. Bruce Lee believes that the moves of kung fu in actual combat are not the key, but the important thing is to adjust the strategy according to the different situations of the opponent. A good punch is one that can knock down an enemy.
10、南拳
Nanquan is a 400-year-old traditional Chinese kung fu that originated in southern China, with Guangdong and Fujian most likely being its birthplaces. Southerners usually practice southern boxing based on short boxing. The unique style of Nanquan is reflected in the smooth punch and kick movements and the expression of its power. Its fewer jumps, shorter fights, and flexible arm movements set it apart from the northern martial arts style.