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Kuk Sool Won
Hangul 국술원 Hanja 國術院 Revised Romanization Guk Sul Weon McCune-Reischauer Kuk Sul Wǒn

Kuk Sool Won is a Korean martial arts system founded by In Hyuk Suh in 1958.^[1] The name Kuk Sool Won translates to "National Martial Art" and it is currently taught worldwide.^[1] Founded as a martial arts system and not merely a martial arts style, Kuk Sool Won is generally not limited to any single discipline. The martial art system attempts to be a complete study of all Korean martial arts.

As a traditional martial art, Kuk Sool Won traces many of its roots back to the ancient and prehistoric martial arts used thousands of years ago.^[1] The study of Kuk Sool Won also includes many modern day techniques such as gun defense and weapon improvisation. Kuk Sool Won has many facets and is performed for self-defense, healing, conditioning, competition, fun and aesthetic purposes.

Contents [hide] 1 Characteristics 1.1 Technical Aspects 1.1.1 Forms 1.1.2 Techniques 1.2 Uniforms 1.3 General Uniform Outline Denominations 1.4 Belt Ranks 2 Sport 2.1 Forms, Techniques, and Board Breaking 2.2 Sparring 3 History 3.1 Kuk Sool Won Milestones 3.2 Ancient History 3.3 Modern History 3.3.1 1910-1945 Japanese Occupation 3.3.2 1945-1961 In Hyuk Suh's Training 3.3.3 1961-Present Organization and Instruction 4 Other Perspectives on the Source of Kuk Sool 5 References 6 See also 7 External links

[edit] Characteristics

Kuk Sool Won encompasses many different "styles." However, it still has some discernible characteristics that set it apart from other traditional martial arts. Kuk Sool Won is typically characterized by having low stances and fluid, graceful motions. There is also an emphasis on joint locks and pressure points. Kuk Sool Won is also described as being a hard-soft style, which includes hard and forceful strikes in addition to circular and fluid movements.

[edit] Technical Aspects

Kuk Sool won includes (but is not limited to) the following sets of techniques:

• Joint locking/breaking: Various joint locks are employed in Kuk Sool Won, including wrist locks, arm-bars, and small joint manipulation.
• Soo Ki (Hand Striking): Palm, fist, wrist, finger, closed hand, open hand, arm, shoulder and pressure-point striking techniques.
• Johk Sool (Kicking Techniques): Spinning, jumping, combination, double-leg, and pressure-point kicks.
• Throwing and Grappling: Body throws, projection throws, leg throws, pressure-point grappling, grappling defense, wrestling, and ground-fighting techniques.
• Nak Bup (Falling Principles): Falling techniques are taught in Kuk Sool Won. These techniques allow a practitioner to fall into a variety of positions while minimizing injury. This is typically accomplished through maximizing the surface area on impact to prevent damaging force on an isolated area of the body.
• Animal-Style Techniques: Tiger, Mantis, Crane, Dragon, Snake, Bear, Eagle etc.
• Traditional Korean Weapons: Sword (short, long, single and double, straight and inverted), staff (short, middle and long, single and double), jool bong (double and triple sectioned; also known as nunchucks and sansetsukon), knife, spear, wol do (Moon knife - a Korean halberd), dang pa (triple bladed spear, or trident), cane, rope, fan, and the bow and arrow (taught in the traditional style, using a thumb draw).
• Martial Art Healing Methods: Acupressure, acupuncture, internal energy, herbal medicine.
• Meditation and Breathing Techniques: Meditation and breathing postures and concentration techniques.

These principles and styles guide the following facets of Kuk Sool Won.

[edit] Forms

At each rank level, Kuk Sool Won martial artists are required to know one or more empty-hand forms or "hyung". These forms are performed solo. Each form has an overall guiding significance to it, which may range from balance and linear motion to preparation and practice for a knife form. Once a student has attained a black-belt level, they are introduced to solo weapons forms. These are similar to empty-hand forms, except they incorporate a weapon.

Also at black-belt rank or above, a student may learn partner weapon forms, or sparring forms. These are performed with two people in a scripted series of events. Caution is taken at first to learn the form and not to injure your partner, but true mastery is demonstrated (amongst other things) by full speed and full contact.

There are Kuk Sool Won forms which have never been shown in public.^{[citation needed]}

In addition, all forms have five guiding principles:

• Hands Fast & Precise
• Feet Slow & Deliberate
• Eyes Sunshine Bright
• Body Low, Soft & Supple
• Mind Clear & Calm

[edit] Techniques

Kuk Sool Won systematically divides applied principles of martial arts into techniques which are organized into technique sets. Each Kuk Sool Won belt level has one or more sets a practitioner is required to know before advancing. Sets range from six techniques to 23+ techniques, and are ordered and grouped by principle. For instance, there is a throwing technique set, as well as a counter-to-throwing technique set.

Technique sets also range in level of mastery, with some higher-ranking technique sets similar to lower-ranking technique sets, but with a more difficult and/or precise method of application. Individual techniques are performed with one or more partners from a predetermined stance. Most techniques end with a proper application of a joint lock, choke, strike, throw or a combination of any of these. In order to be effective, Kuk Sool Won techniques must be performed with speed, accuracy and control.

[edit] Uniforms

Kuk Sool Won uniforms or "dobok" are standardized, and consists of black medium weight martial arts pants and martial arts training top. The uniform material is stronger than a standard Tae Kwon Do uniform, but lighter than a Judo uniform, as it must allow the user to perform the complete spectrum of martial arts techniques.

Following in Korean tradition, Kuk Sool Won uniforms are black and not white due to the fact that white is a color associated with death in Korea.

There are three types of Kuk Sool Won uniforms.

Practice uniform This is the most used and plain uniform of Kuk Sool Won practitioners. It contains just the basic dobok, but also has several patches which may very slightly from practitioner to practitioner. In general, a vertical Kuk Sool Won patch written in Korean is worn over the right breast, while a South Korean national flag patch is worn over the left breast. The back of the uniform often has Kuk Sool Won written in either English or Korean, with a Kuk Sool Won logo patch in the middle of the back. These patches are also present on every type of Kuk Sool Won uniform.

An American flag patch may also be worn on the shoulder. However, no patches may be worn to identify a particular school of Kuk Sool Won. This is to help promote Kuk Sool Won as a unified association and to encourage a friendly, family like atmosphere between schools.

Black Belt uniform This uniform is a practice uniform with a yellow frill attached to a longer top skirt. It may only be worn by 1st degree holders and above. However The Uniform Will Not Have yellow frill if worn by an instructor or assistant instructor.

Generals uniform This uniform is for competition and some demonstration only and is modeled after the armor and uniforms worn by ancient Korean generals. Like the Black Belt uniform, it contains a longer skirt on the top which is cut into sections. The sleeve wrists are held tight against the wearer's wrists and a white collar is worn underneath with a small Korean flag in the center.

There is no belt with the generals uniform, and rank is denominated by a decorative outline on the uniform.

[edit] General Uniform Outline Denominations

• 1st degree - Silver
• 2nd degree - Silver
• 3rd degree - Silver
• 4th degree - Silver/Red
• 5th degree - Red
• 6th degree - Red
• 7th degree - Red/Gold
• 8th degree - Red/Gold
• 9th degree - Gold
• 10th degree - Gold
• Grandmaster - All Gold Dobok

[edit] Belt Ranks

Kuk Sool Won uniforms also include a belt which indicates rank and length of study of Kuk Sool Won. The belt color progression from beginner to instructor is:

• White - Huin Tti
• Yellow - No-Ran Tti
• Blue - Cheong Tti
• Red - Hong Tti
• Brown - Ja Tti
• Brown/black - Dahn Boh Nim (Black Belt Candidate)
• Black belt holder - Yu Dan Ja
• Black (1st degree) - Jo Kyo Nim (Instructor in Training)

Individual schools may also issue stripes of the next belt level, notably at the brown belt level. These stripes indicate proficiency in some of the requirements needed to attain the next rank. Between brown and black belt is an intermediary stage where the student is required to gain at least 10 black stripes before advancing to Jo Kyo Nim. Each student must have been studying for at least 3 years before advancing to Jo Kyo Nim. However many Kuk Sool Won practitioners study for 4 or more years before being promoted to 1st degree.^{[citation needed]}

Each 1st degree and higher rank is certified by In Hyuk Suh, who attempts to preside over each black belt promotion ceremony in person.

At black belt there are 10 levels:

• 1st degree - Jo Kyo Nim (Instructor in Training)
• 2nd degree - Kyo Sa Nim (Assistant Instructor)
• 3rd degree - Puh Sa Bum Nim (Deputy Instructor). Puh Sa Bum Nim and higher may wear a wider than normal black belt.
• 4th degree - Sa Bum Nim (Instructor)
• 5th to 8th degree - Kwang Jang Nim (Master) Masters are presented with a thick white belt to symbolize a new beginning
• 9th degree - Chong Kwang Jang Nim (Chiefmaster)
• 10th degree - Kuk Sa Nim (Grandmaster or National Teacher)

Non black belt students are often referred to as "colored belts", or by their belt color. Although Kuk Sool Won uses a Kyu/Dan Rank system, colored belts are never called by their Kyu (or Kup in Korean) rank i.e. "2nd kup".

[edit] Sport

The Kuk Sool Won Association officially hosts many yearly tournaments every year in the United States, Korea, and the UK.Kuk Sool Won News And Events These tournaments test various aspects of Kuk Sool Won and may include a demonstration or belt promotion ceremony as well. In the United States, Kuk Sool Won practitioners may compete in empty hand forms, weapon forms, techniques, sparring, and board breaking.

[edit] Forms, Techniques, and Board Breaking

Competitors in these categories are judged on a 10 point scale, by three judges whose scores are added together to determine a winner. For forms, a competitor must perform the form of their previous belt level. For instance, a brown belt would perform the form they learned at red belt. The same is true for techniques, where the competitor must perform three techniques from any set of their previous belt's curriculum.

Board breaking is judged on technique and power. Each competitor breaks the same amount of boards, in the same position relative to their height, with the same techniques. The board breaks are designed to be difficult to further spread out competitor's scores, and competitors often do not complete all the breaks.

[edit] Sparring

Kuk Sool Won sparring is point based and light to no-contact. Matches are three minutes long, and whomever has the most points at the end wins. The match is also over if a competitor's score is 5 or more than his/her opponent. Legal striking targets include the chest, sides above the waist, neck, and head. There are no strikes allowed to the back or to the back of the head. Excessive contact is forbidden and can result in warnings, point deductions and disqualifications. The points are as follows:

• One point - Kick to the body, punch to the body, punch to the head.
• Two points - Kick to the head

In addition to score a point, a fighter must clearly show technique and that they could have (but did NOT) successfully execute the strike at full force. Points are determined by a center judge, and two side judges. Two of the three judges must agree on the point for it to count. At any time, any judge may stop the fight and ask for a judge's decision about a point. Fighters start approximately 3 feet apart from each other in the center of the ring, and are reset to the center if a judge asks for a decision, if a penalty occurs, or if a competitor steps out.

The Korean principle of dae ryuhn bub guides Kuk Sool Won sparring.

• Dae - Posture and right mind
• Ryuhn - Combinations
• Bub - Circling your opponent

Although sparring is considered an important aspect of Kuk Sool Won, it is not emphasized as much as many other sport martial arts.

[edit] History

[edit] Kuk Sool Won Milestones

1958

• Founding of Kuk Sool Won

1961

• Founding of the Korean Kuk Sool Association

1966

• First Kuk Sool Won tournament held in Jang Choong gymnasium in Seoul^{[citation needed]}

1972

• Kuk Sool Won recognized in the World Athletics dictionary as a traditional Korean martial art^{[citation needed]}

1973

• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in New Orleans^{[citation needed]}

1975

• World Kuk Sool Association established in San Francisco^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in the United Kingdom^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in Canada^{[citation needed]}

1976

• Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism produces the documentary film "Ho Kuk Moo Yea" (Arts Used to Defend the Nation). Kuk Sool masters featured prominently in this film.^{[citation needed]}

1977

• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in Venezuela^{[citation needed]}

1978

• Kuk Sool masters participate as official representatives of Korean martial arts in a two-week celebration of the 75th anniversary of Korean immigration to Hawaii^{[citation needed]}

1981

• Inaugural Kuk Sool Won world championships and seminar held in Gudeok Gymnasium, Busan, Korea. Kuk Sool competitors from seven nations participated in this event.^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won registered as a trademark in 35 states (USA)^{[citation needed]}

1982

• Kuk Sool sponsors first open tournament in San Francisco^{[citation needed]}

1983

• Suh, In Hyuk elected president of Ki-Do Association^{[citation needed]}

1984

• Suh, In Hyuk honored as "Man of the Year" by Black Belt magazine^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in Iran^{[citation needed]}

1985

• Publication of Kuk Sool handbooks and instructional videos^{[citation needed]}
• Promotion of first non-Asian student (Barry Harmon) to Kwan Ja Nym (Master)^{[citation needed]}
• Promotion of first female student (Choon Ok Harmon) to Kwan Ja Nym (Master)^{[citation needed]}

1988

• Suh, In Hyuk honored as "Instructor of the Year" by Inside Kung Fu magazine^{[citation needed]}
• Publication of Kuk Sool weapon handbooks^{[citation needed]}

1990

• First Kuk Sool tournament and training seminars held in Canada^{[citation needed]}

1991

• Kuk Sool instruction made available as an extra curricular activity at the West Point Military Academy^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in Germany^{[citation needed]}
• World Kuk Sool Won headquarters relocated to Houston, Texas^{[citation needed]}
• Twenty-five American cities hold "Kuk Sool Won Day"^{[citation needed]}

1992

• Suh, In Hyuk honored by presentation of commander’s sword by West Point Military Academy.^{[citation needed]}

1993

• Suh, In Hyuk honored as "Best Martial Artist" by Tri-Mont Publications.^{[citation needed]}
• Suh, In Hyuk honored as "Master of the Year" by Tae Kwon Do Times magazine.^{[citation needed]}

1994

• Suh, In Hyuk honored by presentation of commander’s sword by U. S. Air Force Academy.^{[citation needed]}

1995

• First annual Kuk Sool Won regional tournament and masters demonstration held in St. Louis Missouri. Hosted annually by Kwan Ja Nym Jack Harvey and Pu Sabum Nym Lee Harvey^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won hosts martial arts tournament at West Point Military Academy.^{[citation needed]}
• Suh, In Hyuk honored as "Custodian of Korea’s Combative Arts" by Combat Magazine^{[citation needed]}

1996

• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in the Netherlands^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won registered as a trademark in the Netherlands^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in Belgium^{[citation needed]}

1997

• Kuk Sool Won registered as a trademark in Canada^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won registered as a trademark in Korea^{[citation needed]}

1998

• Suh, In Hyuk awarded Seogryu Order, Medal of Civil merit by government of South Korea.^{[citation needed]}

1999

• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in Spain^{[citation needed]}
• Kuk Sool Won registered as a trademark in Germany^{[citation needed]}
• Korean Broadcasting System produces and televises a documentary about the life of and contributions to Korean martial arts by Suh, In Hyuk.^{[citation needed]}

2000

• National Kuk Sool championship tournament held in Busan, Korea.^{[citation needed]}

2001

• World Kuk Sool Won headquarters relocated to Tomball, Texas^{[citation needed]}
• Establishment of a traditional Korean martial arts complex that includes a training hall, meditation center, equestrian facility and archery range.^{[citation needed]}

2002

• International Kuk Sool Won tournament and televised master’s demonstration held in Gyeongju Civic Auditorium.^{[citation needed]}
• Over 300 Kuk Sool Won students from around the world tour historic temples and shrines in South Korea.^{[citation needed]}
• Promotion of first non-Asian female student (Cheryl Cherowitz) to Kwan Ja Nym (Master)^{[citation needed]}

2003

• Kuk Sool Won dojang established in New Zealand^{[citation needed]}

2005

• On March 25, Kuk Sa Nim has received a full-scholar Professor appointment from Young-San University in Pusan, South Korea.^{[citation needed]} This appointment to a professorship is not an honorary one, but it allows Kuk Sa Nim to visit and lecture as guest lecturer on a regular basis. His position in the university allows Kuk Sool practitioners to attend and receive a college degree, the university will also offer a Kuk Sool degree under its Martial Arts Department.

[edit] Ancient History

Kuk Sool Won has a strong foundation and history based on the traditional and ancient martials arts from the Korean peninsula. The three branches of traditional Korean martial arts which comprise the basis of Kuk Sool Won and are:

• Sah Doh Mu Sool (Tribal or Family martial Arts) is the earliest form of martial arts developed in Korea; meaning tribal, clan, or family martial arts, as this type of martial art was mainly passed down from one generation to the next. SahDoh MuSool was popular among the ancient tribes, city-states and smaller kingdoms that formed in the Korean Peninsula and parts of what is now China. This was evident well before the first unified Korean kingdom of Ko-Cho Sun which was founded in 2333 BC by the legendary king, DahnGoon WahngGuhm. Later, SahDoh MuSool was further developed and made widespread by voluntary militias of the common people, who often fought in battles to defend their villages.

Traditional athletic activities such as Taekkyon, and Ssireum are considered to have originated from SahDoh MuSool.

• Bool Kyo Mu Sool (Buddhist Temple Martial Arts) has been practiced by Buddhist monks throughout Asia. In China, the famous Shaolin monks developed techniques and forms based on their observations of animals. Buddhist monks originally developed and then practiced BoolKyo MuSool to improve their health while meditating and to defend themselves while traveling. As a result, Buddhist martial arts include both internal training, with emphasis on special breathing and meditation methods, as well as external training, with emphasis on extremely effective self-defense techniques. Many Buddhist monks were so accomplished as martial artists that they were occasionally called upon during national emergencies to fight in battles by forming unprecedented armies of warrior monks^{[citation needed]}.

Today, the tenants of Bool Kyo Mu Sool are prevalent in Kuk Sool as they help teach practitioners meditation skills and the philosophies of non-violence and compassion for all living things.

• Koong Joong Mu Sool (Royal Court Martial Arts) is unique to Kuk Sool Won. Some of the weapons used in Kuk Sool Won were a part of the traditional daily court life. The rope or sash, cane, fan, and short sword were all used among members of the Korean Royal court. There were also many unique open handed and joint-locking principles of Koong Joong Mu Sool that are used extensively in Kuk Sool Won. Weapon training in Kuk Sool Won is very extensive involving 24 different weapons in its curriculum (see Weapons of Kuk Sool Won)

[edit] Modern History

[edit] 1910-1945 Japanese Occupation

Kuk Sool's modern history can be indirectly traced to the dissolution of the Korean Royal Court and the Japanese occupation in 1910. During this period almost all aspects of Korean culture were suppressed by the Japanese government, including the teaching of Korean martial arts. Those caught practicing Korean martial arts were severely punished, and many leading Korean martial arts instructors were forced into hiding.

Among them was Myung Deuk Suh, In Hyuk Suh's grandfather and head martial arts instructor to the Korean Royal court before it was dissolved by the Japanese.^{[citation needed]} Prior to 1910, the elder Suh taught three types of Korean martial arts: kwan sool, a kicking and hard punching style; yu sool, a soft style with emphasis on locking and throwing techniques; and yu-kwan, a combination which could be either hard or soft, but never used force against force.

Despite the Japanese invasion, the Suh family continued its 16 generation tradition of practicing and teaching martial arts in extreme secrecy. In Hyuk Suh was chosen by his grandfather to carry on this family legacy.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] 1945-1961 In Hyuk Suh's Training

By the time he was 20 years old, In Hyuk Suh had traveled to hundreds of Buddhist temples and private martial arts teachers, studying many aspects of Korean martial arts. During this intensive training-period Suh learned special breathing skills, meditation techniques and internal power (ki) knowledge, which is taught extensively in Kuk Sool schools across the globe.^{[citation needed]}

In the late 1950s In Hyuk Suh began to integrate the many scattered martial art techniques of Korea into a single martial art, Kuk Sool Won. Suh opened his first Kuk Sool school in 1958, and officially founded Kuk Sool Won in 1961.

[edit] 1961-Present Organization and Instruction

In 1974, when Kuk Sool Won in Korea was becoming well known by the public, In Hyuk Suh brought his martial art to the United States. Currently the World Kuk Sool Association headquarters is located in Tomball, Texas, which is roughly forty miles northwest of Houston. Kuk Sool Won is practiced all over the world, and has schools located in Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, The Netherlands, the United States as well as many others. Official Kuk Sool Won tournaments are held every year all over the world, including the U.S. and European tournaments, and attract many competitors to each event. They are also famous in the Kuk Sool community for their outstanding Masters' Exhibitions.

[edit] Other Perspectives on the Source of Kuk Sool

Over the years differing versions of the sources of Kuk Sool have emerged. Early sources presenting conflicting information on the source of this material include the writings of then Kuk Sool representative Kimm He-Young, the early statements of Seo In-Sun,^[2] and the early writings of Suh himself, which present versions of events inconsistent with his later writings.

The first red Kuk Sool book published by Suh In-Hyuk never mentions his grandfather, who died when Suh was 12 years old, as a source for Royal Court Martial Arts which he studied. This fact was not mentioned until published in Suh and Jane Hallander's "Fighting Weapons of Korean Martial Arts" in 1988.^{[citation needed]}

In Kimm He-Young's "Kuk Sool” it is written: "While compiling Kuk Sool techniques, he (Myung-Duk Suh) taught these arts to his grandson, In-hyuk Suh. Before the old master died in 1952, he handed down five compiled books of Kuk Sool to the young master Suh. They are: (1) Yu Sool; (2) Kwon Sool; (3) Yu Kwon Sool; (4) Whal Bub; (5) Hyul Bub.

"After his grandfather died, the young master searched other aspects of Korean Traditional Martial Arts for the next eight years from many other masters. These are some of the masters he studied under:

"1. Master Choi Yong-Sul: The young master visited many private martial arts schools and villages to study Tribal Martial Arts or private martial arts. One of the influencial [sic] in this area is master Yong-sool Choi. From master Choi, he received further education in Yu Sool.

"2. Hai Dong Seu Nim (The Great Monk of the East Sea): In order to learn Buddhist Martial Arts, the young master visited many temples throughout the country. One of his great teachers was Hai Dong Seu Nim. From this great monk, he learned Kwon Sool, Ki Bub (Ki Exercise) and breathing techniques.

"3. Master Tai-eui Wang: The young master also visited old masters of Royal Court Martial Arts. One of his teachers of this art was Master Tai-eui Wang. From master Wang, he learned Yu Kwon Sool"

Also according to Suh in the Kuk Sool Won Textbook: Volume 1 (Suh 1993:33) "Another of Master Suh's influential teachers was Yong Sool Choi, the founder of Korean Hapkido and a master of Korean tribal martial arts, as well." Oddly, Choi Yong-Sul never claimed to have studied native Korean "tribal arts" himself but rather claimed to have studied the Japanese system of Daito-ryu aikijujutsu having lived in Japan from age 8 to 42 during the Japanese colonial period. (1911-1945) Interestingly Choi Yong Sul and his students often referred to his art in its early years as yu sool (jujutsu) or yu kwon sool before settling on the name hapkido for the art.^{[3] [4]}

Suh is also known to have had associations with members of Kim Moo Hong's Shin Moo Kwan hapkido school in Seoul^[3] , especially with people like Kim Woo Tak and other senior members who founded the Kuk Sool Kwan school of hapkido, predating Suh's own efforts.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Korean martial arts

[edit] External links

• World Kuk Sool Association - Official Website For Kuk Sool Won
• Kuk Sool Won (Glasgow)

[hide] v • d • e Martial arts by focus Martial arts are listed by area of primary focus; please note that they may include training in the other areas. Striking Bājíquán · Boxing · Bokator · Capoeira · Fujian White Crane  · Karate · Kenpō · Kickboxing · Lethwei · Muay Thai · Pradal Serey · San shou · Savate · Sikaran · Silat · Subak · Shaolin kung fu · Taekkyeon · Taekwondo · Taido · Wing Chun · Wing Tsun  · Choi Lei Fut Grappling Aikido · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Catch wrestling · Glima · Judo · Jujutsu · Kinomichi · Kurash · Malla-yuddha · Mongolian wrestling · Varzesh-e Pahlavani · Pehlwani · Sambo · Shuai Jiao · Ssireum · Sumo · Wrestling · Yağlı Güreş Weaponry Battōjutsu · Eskrima · Egyptian stick fencing · Fencing · Gatka · Haidong Gumdo · Hojōjutsu · Iaidō · Iaijutsu · Jōdō · Jogo do Pau · Jūkendō · Juttejutsu · Kendo · Kenjutsu · Kyūdō · Kyūjutsu · Modern Arnis · Naginatajutsu · Okinawan kobudō · Shurikenjutsu · Silambam · Sōjutsu Mixed, hybrid, and multi-discipline Baguazhang · Bando · Bartitsu · Bujinkan · Freestyle Fighting · Hapkido · Hwa Rang Do · Jeet Kune Do · Kajukenbo · Kalarippayattu · Krav Maga · Kuk Sool Won · MCMAP · Northern Praying Mantis · Ninjutsu · Pankration · Pencak Silat · Sanshou · Shidokan · Shoot boxing · Shootfighting · Shorinji Kempo · Systema · Tai chi chuan · Vajra Mushti · Vovinam · Xingyiquan

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Kung fu and wushu are popular terms that have become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. However the Chinese terms kung fu (Chinese: 功夫 pinyin: gōngfū) and wushu (traditional Chinese: 武術; simplified Chinese: 武术) have very different meanings. Wushu can describe greatly varying martial arts traditions. Kung fu can be used in a context without any martial arts whatsoever. Colloquially, kung fu (or gung fu) alludes to any individual accomplishment or cultivated skill obtained by long and hard work. In contrast, wushu is a more precise term that refers to general martial activities. The term wushu has also become the name for a modern sport similar to gymnastics involving the performance of adapted Chinese bare-handed and weapons forms (tàolù 套路) judged to a set of contemporary aesthetic criteria for points.

Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Styles 3 Training 3.1 Basics 3.1.1 Stances 3.1.2 Meditation 3.2 Forms 3.2.1 Types of Forms 3.2.2 Controversy of Modern Form Work 3.2.3 Modern Forms: Wushu 3.3 Application 3.4 Weapons training 4 Martial arts and morality 5 Use of qi 6 Notable practitioners 7 Popular culture 8 References 9 See also

[edit] History

The origins of Chinese martial arts are traced to self-defense needs, hunting activities and military training in ancient China. Hand to hand combat and weapons practice were important components in the training of Chinese soldiers. ^{[1] [2] [3]} From this beginning, Chinese martial arts proceeded to different philosophies and ideas into its practice - expanding its purpose from self-defense to health and finally as method of self cultivation. In return, influence of martial arts ideals can be found in poetry, fiction and film. Chinese martial arts are now an integral element of Chinese culture. According to legend, the reign of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi, traditional date of ascension to the throne, 2698 BC) introduced the earliest forms of martial arts to China.^[4] The Yellow Emperor is described as a famous general who, before becoming China’s leader, wrote lengthy treatises on medicine, astrology and the martial arts. He allegedly developed the practice of jiao di or horn-butting and utilized it in war.^[5]

Shǒubó (手搏) kung fu, practiced during the Shang dynasty (1766-1066 BC), and Xiang Bo (similar to Sanda) from the 600s BC,.^[6] are just two examples of ancient Chinese kung fu. In 509 BC, Confucius suggested to Duke Ding of Lu that people practice the literary arts as well as the martial arts^[7] thus, kung fu was practiced external to the military and religious sects by ordinary citizens; (pre-dating Shaolin by over 1,000 years). A combat wrestling system called juélì or jiǎolì (角力) is mentioned in the Classic of Rites (1st c. BC).^[8] This combat system included techniques such as strikes, throws, joint manipulation, and pressure point attacks. Jiao li became a sport during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE). The Han History Bibliographies record that, by the Former Han (206 BCE – 8 CE), there was a distinction between no-holds-barred weaponless fighting, which it calls shǒubó (手搏), for which "how-to" manuals had already been written, and sportive wrestling, then known as juélì or jiǎolì (角力). Wrestling is also documented in the Shǐ Jì, Records of the Grand Historian, written by Sima Qian (ca. 100 BC).^[9]

A hand-to-hand combat theory, including the integration of notions of "hard" and "soft" techniques, is expounded in the story of the Maiden of Yue in the Spring and Autumn Annals of Wu and Yue (5th c. BC).^[10]

In the Tang Dynasty, descriptions of sword dances were immortalized in poems by Li Bai. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, xiangpu (the earliest form of sumo) contests were sponsored by the imperial courts. The modern concepts of wushu were fully developed by the Ming and Qing dynasties.^[11]

Martial arts are also mentioned in Chinese philosophy. Passages in the Zhuangzi (庄子), a Daoist text, pertain to the psychology and practice of martial arts. Zhuangzi, its eponymous author, is believed to have lived in the 4^th century BCE. The Tao Te Ching, often credited to Lao Zi, is another Daoist text that contains principles applicable to martial arts. According to one of the classic texts of Confucianism, Zhou Li (周禮/周礼), Archery and charioteering were part of the "six arts" (traditional Chinese: 六藝; simplified Chinese: 六艺; pinyin: liu yi, including rites, music, calligraphy and mathematics) of the Zhou Dynasty (1122-256 BCE). The Art of War ( 孫子兵法), written during the 6^th century BCE by Sun Tzu ( 孫子), deals directly with military warfare but contains ideas that are used in the Chinese martial arts. Those examples shows that over time, the ideas associated with Chinese martial arts changed with the evolving Chinese society and over time acquired philosophical basis.

Taoist practitioners have been practicing Tao Yin, physical exercises similar to Qigong that was one of the progenitors to Tai Chi Chuan, at least as early as 500 BCE.^[12] In 39-92 CE, "Six Chapters of Hand Fighting", were included in the Han Shu (history of the Former Han Dynasty) written by Pan Ku. Also, the noted physician, Hua Tuo, composed the "Five Animals Play" - tiger, deer, monkey, bear, and bird, around 220 BCE^[13] Taoist philosophy and their approach to health and exercise might have influenced to certain extent the Chinese martial arts.

With regards to the Shaolin style of martial arts, the oldest evidence of Shaolin participation in combat is a style from 728 CE that attests to two occasions: a defense of the Shaolin Monastery from bandits around 610 CE, and their subsequent role in the defeat of Wang Shichong at the Battle of Hulao in 621 CE From the 8th to the 15th centuries, there are no extant documents that provide evidence of Shaolin participation in combat. However, between the 16th and 17th centuries there are at least forty extant sources which provided evidence that, not only did monks of Shaolin practice martial arts, but martial practice had become such an integral element of Shaolin monastic life that the monks felt the need to justify it by creating new Buddhist lore.^[14] References of martial arts practice in Shaolin appear in various literary genres of the late Ming: the epitaphs of Shaolin warrior monks, martial-arts manuals, military encyclopedias, historical writings, travelogues, fiction, and even poetry. However these sources do not point out to any specific style originated in Shaolin.^[15] These sources, in contrast to those from the Tang period, refer to Shaolin methods of armed combat. This include the forte of Shaolin monks and for which they had become famous — the staff (Gun, pronounced as juen); General Qi Jiquan included these techniques in his book, Treatise of Effective Discipline. Despite the fact that others criticized the techniques, Ming General Yu Dayou visited the Temple and was not impressed with what he saw, he recruited three monks who he would train for few years after which they returned to the temple to train his fellow monks.^[16].

The fighting styles that are practiced today were developed over the centuries, after having incorporated forms that came into existence later. Some of these include Bagua, Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Five Animals, Hsing I, Hung Gar, Lau Gar, Monkey, Tiger, Bak Mei Pai, Praying Mantis, Fujian White Crane, Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan.

The present view of Chinese martial arts are strongly influenced by the events of the Republican Period (1912-1949). In the transition period between the fall of the Qing Dynasty as well as the turmoils of the Japanese invasion and the Chinese Civil War, Chinese martial arts became more accessible to the general public as many martial artists were encouraged to openly teach their art. At that time, some considered martial arts as a means to promote national pride and build a strong nation. As a result, many martial arts training manuals (拳普) were published, a training academy was created, 2 National examinations were organized as well as demonstration teams travelled overseas ^[17] and numerous martial arts associations were formed throughout China and in various oversea Chinese communities. The Central Guoshu Academy (Zhongyang Guoshuguan, 中央國術館/中央国术馆) established by the National Government in 1928^[18] and the Jing Wu Athletic Association (精武體育會/精武体育会) founded by Huo Yuanjia in 1910 are examples of organizations that promoted a systematic approach for training in Chinese martial arts.^[19][20][21] A series of provincial and national competitions were organized by the Republican government starting in 1932 to promote Chinese martial arts. In 1936, at the 11th Olympic Games in Berlin, a group of Chinese martial artists demonstrated their art to an international audience for the first time. Eventually, those events lead to the popular view of martial arts as a sport.

Chinese martial arts started to spread internationally with the end of the Chinese Civil War and the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Many well known martial art practitioners chose to escape from the PRC's rule and migrate to Taiwan, Hong Kong,^[22] and other parts of the world. Those masters started to teach within the overseas Chinese communities but eventually they expanded their teachings to include people from other cultures.

Within China, the practice of traditional martial arts was discouraged during the turbulent years of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1969-1976).^[23] Like many other aspects of traditional Chinese life, martial arts was subjected to a radical transformation by the People's Republic of China in order to align it with Maoist revolutionary doctrine.^[23] The PRC promoted the committee-regulated sport of Wushu as a replacement to independent schools of martial arts. This new competition sport was disassociated from what was seen as the potentially subversive self-defense aspects and family lineages of Chinese martial arts previously exhibited by the Boxer Rebellion.^[23] Rhetorically, they also encouraged the use of the term "Kuoshu" (or Guoshu meaning "the arts of the nation"), rather than the colloquial term gongfu, in an effort to more closely associate Chinese martial arts with national pride rather than individual accomplishment.^[23] In 1958, the government established the All-China Wushu Association as an umbrella organization to regulate martial arts training. The Chinese State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports took the lead in creating standardized forms for most of the major arts. During this period, a national Wushu system that included standard forms, teaching curriculum, and instructor grading was established. Wushu was introduced at both the high school and university level. The suppression of traditional teaching was relaxed during the Era of Reconstruction (1976-1989), as Communist ideology became more accommodating to alternative viewpoints.^[24] In 1979, the State Commission for Physical Culture and Sports created a special task force to reevaluate the teaching and practice of Wushu. In 1986, the Chinese National Research Institute of Wushu was established as the central authority for the research and administration of Wushu activities in the People's Republic of China. ^[25] Changing government policies and attitudes towards sports in general lead to the closing of the State Sports Commission (the central sports authority) in 1998. This closure is viewed as an attempt to partially de-politicize organized sports and move Chinese sport policies towards a more market-driven approach.^[26] As a result of these changing sociological factors within China, both traditional styles and modern Wushu approaches are being promoted by the Chinese government.^[27]

[edit] Styles

Main article: Styles of Chinese martial arts

See also: List of Chinese martial arts

China has one of the longest histories of continuously recorded martial arts tradition of any society in the world, and with hundreds of styles probably the most varied. Over the past two to four thousand years, many distinctive styles have been developed, each with its own set of techniques and ideas ^[28]. There are also common themes to the different styles, which are often classified by "families" (家, jiā), "sects" (派, pai) or "schools" (門, men) of martial art styles. There are styles that mimic movements from animals and others that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies, myths and legends. Some styles put most of their focus into the harnessing of qi energy, while others concentrate solely on competition and exhibition. Each style offers a different approach to the common problems of self-defense, health and self-cultivation.

Chinese martial arts can be split into various categories to differentiate them: For example, external (外家拳) and internal (内家拳)^[29]. Chinese martial arts can also be categorized by location, as in northern (北拳) and southern (南拳) as well, referring to what part of China the styles originated from, separated by the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang); Chinese martial arts may even be classified according to their province or city. ^[30] The main perceived difference about northern and southern styles is that the northern styles tend to emphasize fast and powerful kicks, high jumps and generally fluid and rapid movement, while the southern styles focus more on strong arm and hand techniques, and stable, immovable stances and fast footwork. Examples of the northern styles include Changquan and Xingyiquan. Examples of the southern styles include Nanquan and Wing Chun. Chinese martial arts can also be divided according to religion, imitative-styles (象形拳), and more. There are distinctive differences in the training between different groups of Chinese martial arts regardless of the type of classification.

[edit] Training

Chinese martial arts training consists of the following components: basics, forms, applications and weapons. Each style has its own unique training system with varying emphasis on each of those components ^[31]. In addition, philosophy, ethics and even medical practise ^[32] are highly regarded by most Chinese martial arts. A complete training system should also provide insight into Chinese attitudes and culture.

[edit] Basics

Basics (基本功) are a vital part of the training, as a student cannot progress to the more advanced stages without them; without strong and flexible muscles including the management of the concept of "Chi" (breath, or energy) and proper body mechanics, many movements of Chinese martial arts are simply impossible to perform correctly ^{[33] [34]}. Basics training may involve a series of simple movements that are performed repeatedly over a short interval; examples of basics training include stretching, stance work, rudimentary conditioning, meditation and basic kicking and punching techniques.

A common saying concerning basic training in Chinese martial arts is as follows ^[35]:

内外相合，外重手眼身法步，内修心神意气力。

Which can be translated as

Train both Internal and External. External training includes the hands, the eyes, the body and stances. Internal training includes the heart, the spirit, the mind, breathing and strength.

[edit] Stances

Stances (steps or 步法) are structural postures employed in Chinese martial arts training^{[36] [37]}. They represent the foundation and exaggerated form of a fighter's base. Each style has different names and variations for each stance. Stances may be differentiated by foot position, weight distribution, body alignment, etc. Stance training can be practiced statically, the goal of which is to maintain the structure of the stance through a set time period, or dynamically, in which case a series of movements is performed repeatedly. The horse riding stance (骑马步，马步 qí mǎ bù,mǎ bù) and the bow stance are examples of a stances found in many styles of Chinese martial arts.

[edit] Meditation

In many Chinese Martial Art systems, meditation is considered to be an important component of basic training. Meditation can be used to develop focus, mental clarity and can act as a basis for qigong training. ^{[38] [39]}

[edit] Forms

Forms or taolu (Chinese: 套路; pinyin: tào lù) in Chinese are series of predetermined movements combined so they can be practiced as one linear set of movements. Forms were originally intended to preserve the lineage of a particular style branch, and were often taught to advanced students who were selected to preserve the art's lineage. Forms were designed to contain both literal, representative and exercise-oriented forms of applicable techniques which would be extracted, tested and trained by students through sparring sessions.^[40] Many believe that Kung Fu form needs to be both practical, usable, and applicable as well as promoting flow, meditation, flexibility, balance and coordination. Often kung fu teachers are heard to say "train your form as if you were sparring and spar as if it were a form."

[edit] Types of Forms

There are two general types of forms in Chinese Martial Arts. Most common are "solo forms" which are performed by a single student. There are also "sparring" forms, which are choreographed fighting sets performed by two or more people. Sparring forms were designed both to acquaint beginning fighters with basic measures and concepts of combat, and to serve as performance pieces for the school. Sparring forms which utilize weapons are especially useful for teaching students the extension, range and technique required to manage a weapon. Today many styles of Kung Fu, as well as styles of Wushu, consider forms to be one of the most important practices in Chinese Martial Arts. Traditionally, forms played a smaller role in training combat application, and were eclipsed by sparring, drilling and conditioning. Forms gradually build up a practitioner's flexibility, internal and external strength, speed and stamina, and teach balance and coordination. Many styles contain forms using a wide range of weapons of various length and type, utilizing one or two hands. There are also styles which focus on a certain type of weapon.

[edit] Controversy of Modern Form Work

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Even though forms in Chinese martial arts are intended to depict realistic martial techniques, the movements are not always identical to how techniques would be applied in combat. Many forms have been elaborated upon, on the one hand to provide better combat preparedness, and on the other hand to look more aesthetically pleasing. One manifestation of this tendency toward elaboration which goes beyond combat application is the use of lower stances and higher, stretching kicks. These two maneuvers are unrealistic in combat and are utilized in forms for exercise purposes. Many modern schools have replaced practical defense or offense movements with acrobatic feats that are more spectacular to watch, thereby gaining favor during exhibitions and competitions. ^[41] This has led to criticisms by traditionalists for endorsing the more acrobatic, show-oriented Wushu competition.^{[citation needed]}

Appearance has always been important in many traditional forms as well; forms were often performed for entertainment purposes long before the advent of modern Wushu. Throughout the history of Chinese Martial Arts, practitioners have looked for supplementary income by performing on the streets or in theaters.

Many traditional Chinese Martial Artists, as well as practitioners of modern sport combat, have become critical of the perception that forms work is more relevant to the art than sparring and drill application.^{[citation needed]}

Another reason why the martial techniques often appear different in forms when contrasted with sparring application is thought by some to come from the concealment of the actual functions of the techniques from outsiders.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Modern Forms: Wushu

See also: Wushu (sport)

As forms have grown in complexity and quantity over the years, and many forms alone could be practiced for a lifetime, styles of modern Chinese martial arts have developed that concentrate solely on forms, and do not practice application at all. These styles are primarily aimed at exhibition and competition, and often include more acrobatic jumps and movements added for enhanced visual effect ^[42] compared to the traditional styles. Those who generally prefer to practice traditional styles, focused less on exhibition, are often referred to as traditionalists. Many traditionalists consider the evolution of today's Chinese martial arts as undesirable, saying that much of its original value is lost.

[edit] Application

Application training refers to the training of putting the martial techniques to use. Chinese martial arts usually contain a large arsenal of techniques and make use of the whole body; efficiency and effectiveness is what the techniques are based on ^{[43] [44] [45]}. When and how applications are taught varies from style to style; in the early stages of a student's training, most styles focus on drills in which each student knows what range of combat is being practiced and what attack to expect. Gradually, fewer and fewer rules are applied, and the students learn how to react and utilize technique. 'Sparring' refers to the major aspect of application training, which simulates a combat situation but usually includes rules and regulations to reduce the chance of serious injury to the students.

The subject of application training is a controversial one, and is the subject of a raging debate between the Neo-Traditional Martial Artists and Sports and traditional martial artists. In the neo-traditionalist view, martial arts training should eventually lead to and be proven by actual combat as well as being governed by a moral philosophy; neo-traditionalists often believe sparring to test techniques is either irrelevant because of their disbelief in the validity of a regulated test setting, or because the system's techniques are supposedly too dangerous to use outside of a real combat situation. In contrast, the sport-competition and traditionalist view suggests that all of the techniques in Chinese Martial Arts should be repeatedly time-tested through sparring to insure their effectiveness.^[46] An example of this approach in the Chinese Martial Arts is the tradition of Lei tai (擂臺/擂台, raised platform fighting) and Sanda (散打) or sǎnshǒu (散手)^[47]. Lèitái represents public challenge matches that first appeared in the Song Dynasty. The objective for those contests was to knock the opponent from a raised platform by any means necessary. San Shou and Sanda represents the modern development of Lei Tai contests, but with rules in place to reduce the chance of serious injury. Many Chinese martial arts schools teach or work within the rulesets of San Shou and Sanda, working to incorporate the movements, characteristics, and theory of their style. ^[48]

[edit] Weapons training

Most Chinese styles also make use of training the broad arsenal of Chinese weapons for conditioning the body as well as coordination and strategy drills ^[49]. Weapons training (qìxiè 器械) are generally carried out after the student is proficient in the basics, forms and applications training. The basic theory for weapons training is to consider the weapon as an extension of your body. The same requirements for footwork and body coordination is required ^[50]. The process of weapon training proceed with forms, forms with partners and then applications. Most systems have training methods for each of the Eighteen Arms of Wushu (shíbābānbīngqì 十八般兵器) in addition to specialized instruments specific to the system.

[edit] Martial arts and morality

Traditional Chinese schools of martial arts, such as the famed Shaolin monks, often dealt with the study of martial arts not just as a means of self-defense or mental training, but as a system of ethics ^{[51] [52]}. Wude (武 德) can be translated as "martial morality" and is constructed from two Chinese characters, "wu" (武) which means martial and "de" (德) which means morality. Wude (武德) deals with two aspects; "morality of deed" and "morality of mind". Morality of deed concerns social relations; morality of mind is meant to cultivate the inner harmony between the emotional mind (Xin, 心) and the wisdom mind (Hui, 慧). The ultimate goal is reaching no extremity (Wuji, 無 極) (closely related to the Taoist concept of wu wei), where both wisdom & emotions are in harmony with each other.

• Morality of deed
  • Humility (Qian Xu; 謙虛/谦虚 qiānxū)
  • Loyalty (Zhong Cheng; 忠誠/忠诚 zhōngchéng)
  • Respect (Zun Jing; 尊敬 zūnjìng)
  • Righteousness (Zheng Yi; 正義/正义 zhèngyì)
  • Trust (Xin Yong; 信賴/信赖 xìnlài)
• Morality of mind
  • Courage (Yong Gan; 勇氣/勇气 yǒngqì)
  • Endurance (Ren Nai; 忍耐 rěnnài)
  • Patience (Heng Xin; 性心 xìngxīn)
  • Perseverance (Yi Li; 毅力 yìlì)
  • Will (Yi Zhi; 意志 yìzhì)

[edit] Use of qi

Main article: Qigong

The concept of qì or ch'i (氣/气), the inner energy or "life force" that is said to animate living beings, is encountered in almost all styles of Chinese martial art. ^[53] Internal styles are reputed to cultivate its use differently than external styles.

One's qi can be improved and strengthened through the regular practice of various physical and mental exercises known as qigong. Though qigong is not a martial art itself, it is often incorporated in Chinese martial arts and, thus, practiced as an integral part to strengthen one's internal abilities.

There are many ideas regarding controlling one's qi energy to such an extent that it can be used for healing oneself or others: the goal of medical qigong. Some styles believe in focusing qi into a single point when attacking and aim at specific areas of the human body. Such techniques are known as Dim Mak and have principles that are similar to acupressure. ^[54] Some suggest that by practicing qigong to an advanced level it is possible to cause a physical reaction to an opponent without even touching the opponent. ^[55] This is a popular concept in Chinese martial arts movies but is rarely seen in the everyday world.

[edit] Notable practitioners

Main article: Chinese martial artists

See also: Wushu_practitioners

Examples of well-known practitioners (武术名师) throughout history:

• Yue Fei (1103-42 CE) - was a famous Chinese general and patriot of the Song Dynasty. Martial arts styles such as Eagle Claw and Xingyi attribute their creation to Yue. However, there is no historical evidence to support the claim he created these styles.
• Ng Mui (late 1600s) - was the legendary female founder of many Southern martial arts such as Wing Chun Kuen, Dragon style and Fujian White Crane. She is often considered one of the legendary Five Elders who survived the destruction of the Shaolin Temple during the Qing Dynasty.
• Yang Luchan (1799-1872) - was an important teacher of the soft style martial art known as tai chi chuan in Beijing during the second half of the 19th century. Yang is known as the founder of Yang style tai chi chuan, as well as transmitting the art to the Wu/Hao, Wu and Sun tai chi families.
• Ten Tigers of Canton (late 1800s) - was a group of ten of the top Chinese martial arts masters in Guangdong (Canton) towards the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Wong Kei-Ying, Wong Fei Hung's father, was a member of this group.
• Wong Fei Hung (1847-1924) - was considered a Chinese folk hero during the Republican period. More than one hundred Hong Kong movies were made about his life. Sammo Hung, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li have all portrayed his character in blockbuster pictures.
• Huo Yuanjia (1867-1910) - was the founder of Chin Woo Athletic Association who was known for his highly publicized matches with foreigners. His biography was recently portrayed in the movie Fearless (2006).
• Yip Man (1893-1972) - was a master of the Southern martial art of Wing Chun and the first to teach this style openly. Yip Man was the teacher of Bruce Lee. Most major branches of Wing Chun that exist today were developed and promoted by students of Yip Man.
• Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973) - was a Chinese American martial artist and actor who was considered an important icon in the 20th century. ^[56] He practiced the Southern martial art of Wing Chun and made it famous. Using Wing Chun as his base and learning from the influences of other martial arts his experience has exposed him to, he later developed his own martial arts philosophy which evolved into what is now known as Jeet Kune Do.
• Jackie Chan (B. 1954) - is a Hong Kong martial artist and actor widely known for injecting physical comedy into his martial arts performances, and for performing complex stunts in many of his films.
• Jet Li (B. 1963) - is the five-time sport wushu champion of China, later demonstrating his skills in cinema.

[edit] Popular culture

References to the concepts and use of Chinese martial arts can be found in popular culture. Historically, the influence of Chinese martial arts can be found in books and in the performance arts specific to Asia. Recently, those influences have extended to the movies and television that targets a much wider audience. As a result, Chinese martial arts have spread beyond its ethnic roots and have a global appeal. ^{[57] [58]}

Martial arts plays a prominent role in the literature genre known as wuxia(武侠小说). This type of fiction is based on a Chinese concepts of chivalry, a separate martial arts society (Wulin, 武林) and a central theme involving martial arts.^[59] Wuxia stories can be traced as far back as 2nd and 3rd century BC, becoming popular by the Tang Dynasty and evolving into novel form by the Ming Dynasty. This genre is still extremely popular throughout East Asia and provides a major influence for the public perception of the martial arts.

Martial arts influences can also be found in Chinese opera of which Beijing opera is one of the best-known examples. This popular form of drama dates back to the Tang Dynasty and continues to be an example of Chinese culture. Some martial arts movements can be found in Chinese opera and some martial artists can be found as performers in Chinese operas.

In modern times, Chinese martial arts have spawned the genre of cinema known as the martial arts film. The films of Bruce Lee were instrumental in the initial burst of Chinese martial arts' popularity in the West in the 1970s. A U.S. network TV western series of the early 1970s called Kung Fu also served to popularize the Chinese martial arts on television. With 60 episodes over a three-year span, it was one of the first North American TV shows that tried to convey the philosophy and practice of Chinese martial arts. ^{[60] [61]}

Martial artists and actors such as Jet Li and Jackie Chan have continued the appeal of movies of this genre. Martial arts films from China are often referred to as "Kung Fu movies" (功夫片), or "Wire Fu" if extensive wire work is performed for special effects, and are still best known as part of the tradition of Kung Fu Theater (see also: wuxia, Hong Kong action cinema).

The use of Chinese martial arts techniques can now be found in most TV action series, although the philosophy of Chinese martial arts are seldom portrayed in depth.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Eighteen Arms of Wushu
• Hard and soft (martial arts)
• Kung fu (disambiguation)
• Kung fu (term)
• List of Chinese martial arts
• Shaolin kung fu
• Taiji
• Wing Chun
• San Shou (or Sanda)
• Choi Lei Fut
• Wushu (term), Wushu (sport)

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mixed martial arts
Ground fighting during competition. The dominant fighter maintains side control while delivering strikes.
Also known as	MMA, Vale Tudo, Ultimate fighting,[1] No-Holds-Barred (NH
Focus	Various
Hardness	Full contact
Olympic Sport	No

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions, to be used in competitions. The rules allow the use of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground.

Modern mixed martial arts competition emerged in popular culture in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Initially based on finding the most effective martial arts for real unarmed combat situations, competitors of various arts were pitted against one another with minimal rules or concern for safety.^[2] In the following decade, MMA promoters adopted many additional rules aimed at increasing safety for competitors and to promote mainstream acceptance of the sport.^[3] Following these changes, the sport has seen increased popularity with pay per view reach rivaling boxing and professional wrestling.^[4]

[edit] History

[edit] Pre-modern

One of the earliest forms of widespread unarmed combat sports with minimal rules was Greek pankration, which was introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 B.C.^[5] Even as late as the Early Middle Ages, statues were put up in Rome and other cities to honour remarkable pankratiasts.

No-holds-barred events reportedly took place in the late 1800s when wrestlers representing a huge range of fighting styles including various catch wrestling styles, Greco-Roman wrestling and many others met in tournaments and music-hall challenge matches throughout Europe. The first major encounter between a boxer and a wrestler in modern times took place in 1887 when John L. Sullivan, then heavyweight world boxing champion, entered the ring with his trainer, Greco-Roman wrestling champion William Muldoon, and was slammed to the mat in two minutes. The next publicized encounter occurred in the late 1890s when future heavyweight boxing champion Bob Fitzsimmons took on European Greco-Roman wrestling champion Ernest Roeber. Reportedly, Roeber suffered a fractured cheekbone in this bout, but was able to get Fitzsimmons down on the mat, where he applied an armlock and made the boxer submit. In 1936, heavyweight boxing contender Kingfish Levinsky and veteran professional wrestler Ray Steele competed in a mixed match, which Steele won in 35 seconds.^[6]

Another early example of mixed martial arts combat was the martial art of Bartitsu, founded in London in 1899, which was the first martial art known to have combined Asian and European fighting styles,^[7] and which saw MMA-style contests throughout England, pitting European and Japanese champions against representatives of various European wrestling styles.^[7]

Mixed style contests such as boxing vs. jujutsu were popular entertainment throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s.^[8] In Japan these contests were known as merikan, from the Japanese slang for "American [fighting]". Merikan contests were fought under a variety of rules including points decision, best of three throws or knockdowns, and victory via knockout or submission.^{[citation needed]}

Professional wrestling died out after World War I and was reborn in two streams: "shoot", in which the fighters actually competed, and "show," which evolved into modern professional wrestling.^[6]

[edit] Modern

The history of modern MMA competition can be traced to mixed style contests throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s; the Gracie family's vale tudo martial arts tournaments in Brazil starting in the 1920s; and early mixed martial arts matches hosted by Antonio Inoki in Japan in the 1970s. The sport gained international exposure and widespread publicity in the United States in 1993, when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Royce Gracie handily won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship tournament, submitting three challengers in just five minutes,^[10] sparking a revolution in the martial arts.^[11] Meanwhile in Japan the continued interest in the sport resulted in the creation of the PRIDE Fighting Championships in 1997.^[12]

The movement that led to the creation of the UFC and PRIDE was rooted in two interconnected subcultures. First were the vale tudo events in Brazil, followed by the Japanese shoot wrestling shows. Vale tudo began in the 1920s with the "Gracie challenge" issued by Carlos Gracie and Hélio Gracie and upheld later on by descendants of the Gracie family.^[5] In Japan in the 1970s, a series of mixed martial arts matches were hosted by Antonio Inoki, inspiring the shoot-style movement in Japanese professional wrestling, which eventually led to the formation of the first mixed martial arts organizations, such as Shooto, which was formed in 1985.

The concept of combining the elements of multiple martial arts was pioneered and popularized by Bruce Lee in the late 1960's to early 1970's. Lee believed that "the best fighter is not a Boxer, Karate or Judo man. The best fighter is someone who can adapt to any style." His innovative concepts were recognized in 2004 by UFC President Dana White when he called Lee the "father of mixed martial arts."^[13] Recognition of it's effectiveness as a test came as the United States Army began to sanction mixed martial arts with the first annual All Army Combatives Championships held by the US Army Combatives School in November 2005.

The sport reached a new peak of popularity in North America in the December 2006 rematch between then UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell and former champion Tito Ortiz, rivaling the PPV sales of some of the biggest boxing events of all time,^[4] and helping the UFC's 2006 PPV gross surpass that of any promotion in PPV history. In 2007, Zuffa LLC, the owners of the UFC MMA promotion, bought Japanese rival MMA brand PRIDE, merging the contracted fighters under one promotion^[14] and drawing comparisons to the consolidation that occurred in other sports, such as the AFL-NFL Merger in American football.^[15]

[edit] Evolution of fighters

As a result of an increased number of competitors, organized training camps, information sharing, and modern kinesiology, the understanding of the combat-effectiveness of various strategies has been greatly improved. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has claimed that martial arts have evolved more in the ten years following 1993 than in the preceding 700 years.^[16]

"During his reign atop the sport in the late 1990s he was the prototype — he could strike with the best strikers; he could grapple with the best grapplers; his endurance was second to none. "

— describing UFC champion Frank Shamrock's early dominance [17]

The early years of the sport saw a wide variety of traditional styles - everything from sumo to kickboxing - but the continual evolution of the sport saw many styles prove ineffective, while others proved successful on their own.

In the early 1990s, three styles stood out for their effectiveness in competition: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, amateur wrestling and shoot wrestling. This may be attributable in part to the grappling emphasis of the aforementioned styles, which were, perhaps due to the scarcity of mixed martial arts competitions prior to the early 90s, unkown to most practitioners of striking-based arts. Fighters who combined amateur wrestling with striking techniques found success in the standing portion of a fight, whilst Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stylists had a distinct advantage on the ground: those unfamiliar with submission grappling proved to be unprepared to deal with its submission techniques. Shoot wrestling practitioners offered a balance of amateur wrestling ability and catch wrestling-based submissions, resulting in a well-rounded skillset. The shoot wrestlers were especially successful in Japan. As competitions became more and more common, those with a base in striking became more competitive as they acquainted themselves with takedowns and submission holds, leading to notable upsets against the then dominant grapplers. Subsequently, those from the varying grappling styles added striking techniques to their arsenal. This overall development of increased cross-training resulted in the fighters becoming increasingly multi-dimensional and well-rounded in their skills.

[edit] Olympic recognition efforts

It was thought that Olympic recognition would be forthcoming for the 2004 Summer Olympics, held in Athens, under the banner of pankration. However, the International Olympic Committee was unconvinced that Greece could handle the total number of sports proposed. To placate the IOC, the organizers removed all new medal sports and pankration was excluded.^[18]

[edit] Rules

Main article: Mixed martial arts rules

The rules for modern mixed martial arts competitions have change significantly since the early days of vale tudo and Japanese shoot wrestling and UFC 1 and even more from the historic style of pankration. As the knowledge about fighting techniques spread among fighters and spectators, it became clear that the original minimalist rule systems needed to be amended.^[19] The main motivations for these rule changes were protection of the health of the fighters, the desire to shed the image of "barbaric, no rules, fighting-to-the-death" matches and be recognised as a sport.

Rules included the introduction of weight classes, as knowledge about submissions spread, with more fighters became well-versed in submission techniques and avoiding submissions, differences in weight became a substantial factor. Small, open-fingered, gloves were introduced to protect fists in punches, reduce the occurrence of cuts (and stoppages due to cuts) and encourage fighters to use their hands for striking, to enable more captivating matches and time limits were established to avoid long fights with little action as competitors conserved their strength, matches without time limits also complicated the airing of live events. Similar motivations produced the "stand up" rule, where the referee can stand fighters up if it is perceived both are resting on the ground or are not advancing toward a dominant position.^[19]

Gloves were first mandatory in Japan's Shooto promotion and were later adopted by the UFC as it developed into a regulated sport. In the U.S., state athletic and boxing commissions have played a crucial role in the introduction of additional rules because they oversee MMA in similar way to boxing. Smaller shows may use more restrictive rules because they have less experienced fighters who are looking to acquire experience and exposure that could ultimately lead them to getting recruited into one of the larger, better paying promotions. In Japan and Europe, there is no regulating authority over competitions, so these organizations have greater freedom in rule development and event structure.

Victory in a match is normally gained either by the judges' decision after an allotted amount of time has elapsed, a stoppage by the referee (for example if a competitor can not defend himself intelligently) or the fight doctor (due to an injury), a submission, by a competitor's cornerman throwing in the towel, or by knockout.

[edit] Strategies

This section does not cite any references or sources. (March 2007) Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

The techniques utilized in mixed martial arts competition generally fall into two categories: striking techniques (such as kicks, knees and punches) and grappling techniques (such as clinch holds, pinning holds, submission holds, sweeps, takedowns and throws). As mixed martial arts has no international sanctioning body, rules may vary between promotions. While the legality of some techniques (such as elbow strikes, headbutts and spinal locks) may vary, there is a near universal ban on techniques such as biting, strikes to the groin, eye-gouging, fish-hooking and small joint manipulation.^[20][21][22]

Today, mixed martial artists must cross-train in a variety of styles to counter their opponent's strengths and remain effective in all the phases of combat. For instance, a stand-up fighter will have little opportunity to use their skills against a submission artist who has also trained take downs. Many traditional disciplines remain popular as a way for a fighter to improve aspects of their game.

[edit] Popular Disciplines

• Stand-up: Various forms of boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and forms of full contact karate are trained to improve footwork, elbowing, kicking, kneeing and punching.
• Clinch: Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, Sambo, and judo are trained to improve clinching, takedowns and throws, while Muay Thai is trained to improve the striking aspect of the clinch.
• Ground: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shoot wrestling, catch wrestling, judo, and Sambo are trained to improve submission holds, and defense against them. These styles are also trained to improve and maintain ground control.

Some styles have been adapted from their traditional form, such as boxing stances which lack effective counters to leg kicks and takedowns, or judo techniques which must be adapted for No Gi competition. It is common for a fighter to train with multiple coaches of different styles or an organized fight team to improve various aspects of their game at once. Cardiovascular conditioning, speed drills, strength training and flexibility are also important aspects of an MMA fighter's training.

While mixed martial arts was initially practiced almost exclusively by competitive fighters, this is no longer the case. As the sport has become more mainstream and more widely taught, it has become accessible to wider range of practitioners of all ages. Proponents of this sort of training argue that it is safe for anyone, of any age, with varying levels of competitiveness.^[23][24]

[edit] Hybrid Styles

The following terms describe hybrid styles a fighter may use, over the course of a fight, to achieve victory. While some fighters, such as BJ Penn or Fedor Emelianenko, can score victories by striking, ground-and-pound or submission, most fighters will rely on a smaller number of techniques while adopting a style that plays to their strengths.

[edit] Sprawl-and-brawl

Sprawl-and-brawl is a stand-up fighting tactic that consists of effective stand-up striking, while avoiding ground fighting, typically by using sprawls to defend against takedowns.

A sprawl-and-brawler is usually a boxer, kickboxer, Thai boxer or full contact karate fighter who has trained in wrestling to avoid takedowns to keep the fight standing. Often, these fighters will study submission wrestling to avoid being submitted, should they find themselves on the ground. This style can be deceptively different from traditional kickboxing styles, since sprawl-and-brawlers must adapt their techniques to incorporate takedown and ground fighting defense. Chuck Liddell and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović are examples of sprawl-and-brawl fighters.

[edit] Clinch fighting

Clinch fighting and dirty boxing are tactics consisting of using a clinch hold to prevent the opponent from moving away into more distant striking range, while also attempting takedowns and striking the opponent using knees, stomps, elbows, and punches. The clinch is often utilized by wrestlers that have added in components of the striking game (typically boxing), and Muay Thai fighters.

Wrestlers may use clinch fighting as a way to neutralize the superior striking skills of a stand-up fighter or to prevent takedowns by a superior ground fighter. The clinch of a Muay Thai fighter is often used to improve the accuracy of knees and elbows by physically controlling the position of the opponent. Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva and Anderson Silva are examples of effective clinch fighters.

[edit] Ground-and-pound

Ground-and-pound is a ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw, obtaining a top position, and then striking the opponent, primarily with the fists. Ground-and-pound is also used as a precursor to attempting submission holds.

This style is used by wrestlers or other fighters well-versed in submission defense and skilled at takedowns. They take the fight to the ground, maintain a grappling position, and strike until their opponent submits or is knocked out. Although not a traditional style of striking (it was first demonstrated as an effective technique by UFC and PRIDE champion, Mark Coleman), the effectiveness and reliability of ground-and-pound has made it a popular tactic. Today, strikes on the ground are an essential part of a fighter's training. Fedor Emelianenko and Tito Ortiz are examples of effective ground-and-pound fighters.

[edit] Submission grappling

Apart from being a general martial arts term, submission grappling is also a reference to the ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw and then applying a submission hold, forcing the opponent to submit. While grapplers will often work to attain dominant position, some may be more comfortable fighting from other positions. If a grappler finds themselves unable to force a takedown, they may resort to pulling guard, whereby they physically pull their opponent into a dominant position on the ground, then attempting to sweep them.

Submissions are an essential part of many disciplines, most notably catch wrestling, judo, Sambo, pankration, Army Combatives and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Josh Barnett, BJ Penn, and the brothers Antônio Rodrigo and Antônio Rogério Nogueira are examples of submission grapplers.

The Abu Dhabi Combat Club and FILA Grappling World Wrestling Games are examples of submission grappling tournaments.

[edit] Lay-and-pray

Lay-and-pray is a pejorative term for a strategy whereby a fighter can control their opponent on the ground, but is unable to mount an effective offense.^[25] They simply seek to negate the offense of their opponent, "praying" for a decision victory. In some MMA promotions, penalties may be imposed for lay-and-pray techniques if the referee determines that a fighter is stalling.

[edit] Safety

While competition in the sport is occasionally depicted as brutal by the media,^[26] there had never been a death or crippling injury in a sanctioned event in North America^[27] until the death of Sam Vasquez on November 30, 2007.^[28] Vasquez collapsed shortly after being knocked out by Vince Libardi in the third round of an October 20, 2007 fight at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.^[29] Vasquez had two separate surgeries to remove blood clots from his brain, and shortly after the second operation suffered a major stroke and never regained consciousness.^[28] While questions have been asked about the Vasquez's health before his final bout no firm indications of pre-existing problems have yet surfaced. Since he was age 35, he would have had to undergo extensive pre-fight medical screening in order to obtain a license to compete in Texas.^[28]

The only other verified fatality in MMA competition is the 1998 death of Douglas Dedge in an unsanctioned fight in Ukraine. There are unconfirmed reports that Dedge had a pre-existing medical condition.^[30]

A study by Johns Hopkins University concluded, "the overall injury rate [excluding injury to the brain] in MMA competitions is now similar to other combat sports [involving striking], including boxing. Knockout rates are lower in MMA competitions than in boxing. This suggests a reduced risk of traumatic brain injury in MMA competitions when compared to other events involving striking."^[31]

[edit] See also

• List of male mixed martial artists
• List of female mixed martial artists
• Freestyle fighting

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

[show] v • d • e Professional mixed martial arts organizations North American promotions: UFC • WEC • Elite XC • King of the Cage • Icon Sport • IFL • Strikeforce • HDNet Fights • Rumble on the Rock • Iron Ring • Adrenaline MMA • Affliction • TKO • EFC • MFC • Combate Extremo • FFC • Art of War (US) • IFC • YAMMA Pit Fighting • Asian promotions: DREAM • World Victory Road • ZST • DEEP • Spirit MC • Pancrase • Cage Force • Art of War (China) • Smackgirl • URCC European promotions: Cage Rage • Finnfight Defunct promotions: Cage Fury FC • PRIDE FC • IVC • RINGS • WFA • UFO • HERO'S • BodogFight Sanctioning bodies and networks: Shooto • International Sport Combat Federation • WWCN • North American Boxing Council • Japan Mixed Martial Arts Federation • WAMMA

[show] v • d • e Martial arts by focus Martial arts are listed by area of primary focus; please note that they may include training in the other areas. Striking Bājíquán · Boxing · Bokator · Capoeira · Fujian White Crane  · Karate · Kenpō · Kickboxing · Lethwei · Muay Thai · Pradal Serey · San shou · Savate · Sikaran · Silat · Subak · Shaolin kung fu · Taekkyeon · Taekwondo · Taido · Wing Chun · Wing Tsun  · Choi Lei Fut Grappling Aikido · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Catch wrestling · Glima · Judo · Jujutsu · Kinomichi · Kurash · Malla-yuddha · Mongolian wrestling · Varzesh-e Pahlavani · Pehlwani · Sambo · Shuai Jiao · Ssireum · Sumo · Wrestling · Yağlı Güreş Weaponry Battōjutsu · Eskrima · Egyptian stick fencing · Fencing · Gatka · Haidong Gumdo · Hojōjutsu · Iaidō · Iaijutsu · Jōdō · Jogo do Pau · Jūkendō · Juttejutsu · Kendo · Kenjutsu · Kyūdō · Kyūjutsu · Modern Arnis · Naginatajutsu · Okinawan kobudō · Shurikenjutsu · Silambam · Sōjutsu Mixed, hybrid, and multi-discipline Baguazhang · Bando · Bartitsu · Bujinkan · Freestyle Fighting · Hapkido · Hwa Rang Do · Jeet Kune Do · Kajukenbo · Kalarippayattu · Krav Maga · Kuk Sool Won · MCMAP · Northern Praying Mantis · Ninjutsu · Pankration · Pencak Silat · Sanshou · Shidokan · Shoot boxing · Shootfighting · Shorinji Kempo · Systema · Tai chi chuan · Vajra Mushti · Vovinam · Xingyiquan