History of Gung Fu in Chinatown
The martial arts tradition in China is an ancient one, dating to the time of the Shang Dynasty (1600 – 1046 BC) when skill with weapons became enshrined in the military culture. Throughout the centuries, the weaponry of the military and the methods of hand-to-hand combat filtered down to all levels of society. In civilian life, the arts were used for performance, personal defense, self-cultivation and health.
Certain styles of martial art began to be linked with the various temples throughout China, the most famous being the Shaolin Temple near the Songshan Mountain in Henan Province. Practice of the arts at the temples could wax or wane, depending on the political relationships of the leaders of the temple, the emperor and the government. The Shaolin Temple, of which there were several throughout China, was so revered that it has inspired a many myths and legends with respect to the origins of some of our modern day kung fu styles. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) many kung fu styles emerged, one reason being that since weapons were outlawed among the general population, the citizenry then needed a way to defend themselves. The anti-government activity of Ming Dynasty patriots and secret society members also spurred the development in the south of martial styles such as Choy Lee Fut, Hung Ga, Wing Chun, White Crane and many more, all with the purpose of developing one’s ability to fight in a short time period. The slogan “Fan Qing Fuk Ming! ”(“Overthrow the Qing and Restore the Ming!”) reverberated throughout the south as southern China was virulently anti-Qing.
The basis for the different styles could originate for any number of reasons; there were village styles, family styles, animal styles, temple styles, and styles created and modified according to some underlying theory, a few examples being Taiji (Yin-Yang theory, Xingyi (Five Element theory), and Bagua Zhang (Eight Trigram theory). Certain styles emphasize close range combat as opposed to long range combat, others emphasize hand techniques over leg techniques (and vice-versa), while some emphasize dynamic tension over those emphasizing complete relaxation one’s body. The diversity of the styles created throughout China is simply remarkable and a tribute to the human intellect. During the Republican Era (1912-1949) styles became even more systematized and widespread due to the creation and proliferation of governmental organizations such as the Zhongyang Guoshu Guan (Central National Arts Academy, 1928) and private organizations such as Jing Wu Ti Yu Hui (Pure Martial Athletic Association, 1910) which supported and promoted the martial arts. The martial arts was used not only as a vehicle to promote the health of the population, but also as a way to inspire national pride, with many referring to the martial arts using the newer term “national arts” (guoshu), instead of the more traditional term of “military arts” (wushu). At this time, many martial texts and manuals were written to spread the art more widely. In short, there was a resurgence of a great many kung fu styles during this time.
Earlier, in the mid to late 1800s, thousands of Chinese emigrated from southern China—primarily from Guangdong province and, more specifically, the Pearl River Delta—driven by a series of devastating regional conflicts. These included the First and Second Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion, the Red Turban Rebellion, and the Punti-Hakka Clan Wars. This period was marked by political upheaval, violence, and widespread poverty. Seeking a better life, many left from the harbors of Hong Kong and journeyed across the vast Pacific Ocean to the United States. For most, the main point of arrival was San Francisco.
Although they had arrived in a new land they called “Gum San,” or “Gold Mountain,” these immigrants remained deeply connected to their cultural roots. One of the most vital aspects of their heritage was the preservation and continuation of their martial traditions. Even as Chinese immigration declined between the late 1880s and 1965—largely due to the restrictions of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882—Chinese communities in America continued to uphold and pass down their cultural practices.
武林 (Cantonese: mou5 lam4; Mandarin: wǔlín) literally translates to "Martial Forest"
