Diving into the world of Kung Fu can feel overwhelming. Aside from the movements and techniques, there are many Kung Fu terms to remember. Learning Kung Fu terminology will give you a stronger handle on the ancient art of Kung Fu and a greater reverence for the craft.
The purpose of this guide is to assist in understanding. This non-exhaustive list of martial arts terms will provide a reasonable guide as you discover the philosophy behind Kung Fu. It will also enhance your classroom learning and help you better communicate with instructors.
Basic Martial Arts Terminology
Kung Fu (功夫)
Derived from the Cantonese word “gōngfu“, the meaning of kung fu in English is “hard work,” achieving a high level of skill over time with effort. Today, it refers to the martial arts connected to the last 4000-5000 years of Chinese culture.
At Shaolin Arts, we teach Wu Ling X’ing, a five-animal style of Kung Fu in an environment that facilitates structure, discipline, hard work, and self-respect. At Shaolin Arts, we teach the traditions of martial arts, including discipline, hard work, self-respect, and service to the community.
Sifu (师傅)
Sifu is Cantonese for “teacher” or “father”. Sifu is a master-level rank. Historically, a teacher had to hold the rank of Sifu to qualify to teach. So while Sifu is associated with teachers in today’s day, at Shaolin Arts we follow the tradition that Sifu still refers to mastery rank.
Respect and etiquette are highly emphasized in Kung Fu, not only to one’s self but to those around you.
Dojo (道场)
The dojo is a Japanese term and a martial arts word that means the training hall or practice area where martial arts learning and meditation take place. At Shaolin Arts, we can this training area a studio.
It’s ideal to have a designated place for practice where experiential and immersive learning can occur. We at Shaolin Arts create a dedicated studio space where students feel respected and valued, which helps them learn to respect and value themselves. Environment plays a vital role in lessons, learning, and growth.
Training and Techniques
Stances (步法)
Horse Stance: This is a foundation for strength and endurance.
Bow Stance: This key stance is for balance and power.
Forms (套路)
Forms are sequences of movements practiced for skill development. They can consist of stances, footwork, blocking patterns, evasive movements, strikes, and kicks.
Shaolin teaches a variety of forms of Kung Fu throughout training. You will master and combine forms to help you become more balanced, harmonious, and confident.
Chi (气)
Chi is the life force that flows through you and everything around you. It gives you life and is believed to be the essence of your true self.
Chi can be harnessed through breath and movement exercises. The more you relax, activate your breath, and become mindful, the more you can harness and balance your chi energy.
Fighting Techniques
Strikes (打击)
Straight Punch (直拳): A basic punch for direct attacks.
Palm Strike (掌击): An open-hand strike that can create the opportunity for a follow-up grab or throw. Palm strikes reduce the impact on your knuckles by directing the force into your palm.
Kicks (踢腿)
Front Kick (前踢): A direct kick aimed at the opponent’s midsection.
Side Kick (侧踢): A powerful kick excellent for offense and defense because it keeps you well-grounded and creates a lot of force against larger opponents.
Blocks and Defenses (防守)
High Block (上格): Protects against attacks on your upper body.
Parry (挡): A technique used to deflect and redirect attacks.
Philosophy and Concepts
Yin and Yang (阴阳)
In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are two opposite forces that create a whole. Yin is traditionally exemplified as soft, dark, feminine energy. Yang is exemplified by hard, bright, masculine energy. It is believed that yin and yang form a dynamic system that balances each other out to create harmony in the universe and everything within it.
Wu Wei (无为)
The ancient philosophy of wu wei rests in accepting yourself as part of the natural order of life. It denies pitting yourself against fate or destiny and lets life unravel as natural order dictates. Instead, you achieve harmony and effectiveness without forcing anything.
Weapons Training
Introduction to Weapons (武器)
Weapons training is available at Shaolin Arts in Sandy, Utah. An assortment of ancient and modern weapons can be utilized for self-defense. Some of the more common ancient weapons that people may associate with martial arts include the staff and the broadsword.
Bo Staff (棍)
The bo staff can block, parry, break, thrust, and deflect to get a combative advantage over your opponent. The largest benefit of a staff is the distance it can create between you and an opponent.
Broadsword (刀)
A broadsword is considered an introductory weapon in the realm of Kung Fu. Broadswords are also weighted toward the hand so you have higher control over the point. However, they can be tiring to use over long periods of time. They can be used for slashing, blocking, thrusting, and parrying.
Learn More with Shaolin Arts
Mastering martial arts vocabulary is one part of a whole. To learn more about the ancient art of Kung Fu and what it can do for your life, visit us at Shaolin Arts. Our highly trained Kung Fu instructors will guide you through a path of discipline and wellness. Contact us today to learn more about the history and mission of Shaolin Arts and for more information on Kung Fu classes, Tai Chi classes, private lessons, and youth martial arts.
