What is Kung Fu?

Do you know what Kung Fu means? Most people immediately think of martial arts when they hear Kung Fu, but they don’t know the true meaning of Kung Fu. In this article, we will tell you about the origin of the word, what Kung Fu has to do with martial arts, and how we apply this at KEI Kung Fu.

The meaning of Kung Fu

In our Western culture, the term Kung Fu is generally used to refer to Chinese martial arts. But, as you might have expected, Kung Fu originates from China. In the Chinese language, the meaning of Kung Fu has nothing to do with exciting techniques for kicking or punching, weapons, or an animated panda. Kung Fu is the study, learning, and practice of one particular skill or task. This requires time, patience, and energy. Kung Fu can be applied in school, sports, business, or personal development.

The history of Kung Fu

Originally, the term Kung Fu was not connected to Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu referred to the process, training the body and soul, learning and perfecting a skill. Kung Fu refers to excellence achieved through long training, in any field.

You could say someone has Kung Fu in cooking or calligraphy to indicate that they are particularly skilled in that area and have worked hard for it. Someone with ‘bad Kung Fu’ simply hasn’t spent enough time and energy training yet.

What does Kung Fu have to do with martial arts?

The Chinese first used Kung Fu in relation to martial arts in the twentieth century. Even then, Kung Fu was about perfecting a skill, but in combat arts. A more general collective name for several Eastern martial arts is Wushu.

Practitioners of martial arts were seen as heroes because they refused to be “average.” Through hard work, they grew physically, mentally, and spiritually and rose above themselves. It was not so much about achieving the next level, a new belt, or a higher rank, but personal development.

Wing Chun at KEI Kung Fu

Imagine what our society would look like if everyone strived every day to be a better version of themselves. At KEI, we focus on developing our own heroes, the best version of ourselves and our students.

How? By working together on more balance, energy, self-confidence, and strength. We believe that we can help and encourage people in Amsterdam with Kung Fu to excel and rise above themselves.

Would you like to get to know KEI Kung Fu? During a free trial lesson, we would love to show you what the lessons at KEI look like.

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