Training in martial arts and self-defense is important because it allows someone to defend themselves against an attacker. Martial arts are a matter of self-preservation and self-protection. But to be able to defend yourself in a stressful real life self-defense situation you have to train for many hours. Simply knowing the moves will not help in a real self-defense situation because you will be very stressed out and very excited. It is very easy to forget the things you learned in such situations. This is why martial arts students train for so many hours and repeat each move and motion so many times. The goal is for the movements to be committed to muscle memory so that the student can do the moves without having to think about them.

Kung Fu also places a lot of importance on footwork. Fast footwork is very important to performing moves and defending against attacks. But Kung Fu is not about jumping around or trying to show off. Kung Fu requires flowing footwork that allows for speed and change of direction to be accomplished without putting too much stress on the knees. Your body should give to each step and react like a spring, not a stuff board. This does not just help protect your knees during hours of training, but actually helps you move faster and change direction sooner.

Kung fu is one of the most commonly used types of Chinese martial arts. In the Chinese language, kung fu means ‘achievement through investment in time and energy and through great efforts’. Kung fu is not only the art of self-defense, but also a philosophy of life. Kung fu helps to keep the body as well as the mind in shape. It brings the mind, body and spirit together. It makes people stronger mentally and physically.

The art of kung fu is nearly as old as Chinese culture. One can trace its origin beyond 1,500 years in the past. Since dates and details of Chinese history are often ambiguous and considered myths, most of kung fu’s history is vague. In China, the basic methods of self-defense were converted into advanced methods of combat over time. These methods integrated fighting tactics with the principles of psychology, physiology, meditation and even medicines. The regular kung fu practice brings physical fitness as well as confidence in battle. It also brings clarity in thought processes and helps in spiritual awakening.