Posts Tagged ‘Wing Chun’
Kung Fu: What Do I Need To Start Kung Fu?
Since there are so many different forms of kung fu, one would assume that there is a wide array of kung fu supplies. To some extent, this is accurate. Kung fu arts that deal with grabbing and seizing an opponent will use an eagle catcher spring device intended for strengthening grip. Arts such as wing chun which rely on short punches will strike wall bags to enhance performance.
Martial Arts such as hung gar will use all types of conditioning and toughening devices that are custom made. In general, all arts will use a similar uniform along with light shoes. Ultimately, the supplies you need will be based on the specific art that you study.
Kung fu is probably the least expensive of all martial arts systems to train in. Most schools merely require the purchase of a uniform and light shoes which are far lighter and less costly that karate or judo gis. In some schools, a traditional buttoned kung fu shirt is worn. But, in a great many schools, a simple T-shirt bearing the school’s name and logo is substituted.
By and large, it probably would cost less than $60 to procure all the items needed to perform in a class. Of course, membership fees are not included in this figure and their amount will depend on the particular school you are signing on with.
So, when you have your first class you will be ready to go. Although the classes and training may be hard stick to it and work through it and you will be happy you did!
The Differences Between Karate and Kung Fu
If you are interested in learning martial arts, you will meet several styles or systems of styles that might pique your interest. A couple of the systems of styles you might be interested in are karate and kung fu. For some people, these may mean the same moves or principles but in reality, there are many differences between the two.
In terms of origin, the karate systems of styles come from Okinawa in Japan. Kung fu, on the other hand, originated in China. One easy way to tell if you are looking at someone doing kung fu or karate is to look at their attire. Karate practitioners wear a white kimono top called “gi.” This “gi” is held together by a colored belt. Different colors represent different levels of expertise in the art of karate. Typically, those who do karate don’t wear shoes. Kung fu practitioners, on the other hand, wear tops with frog-style buttons. These tops are not in kimono style. They can be of different colors and usually, are made of satin or other light fabrics. Shoes are also typically used in kung fu.
When it comes to movements, you can also easily tell the differences between the two systems of styles. In karate, movements are more linear. You will observe practitioners doing strikes, kicks, and punches. This is a style of fighting that is considered “hard.” Power is given the biggest importance when doing karate training. Some styles under karate are kempo, shotokan, and ishin ryu.
Kung fu, on the other hand, gives emphasis to “soft” movements. You will notice practitioners doing circular moves and giving priority to speed. Even when doing some serious damage, a practitioner will look graceful, with his or her movements showing great harmony. A couple of the styles are tai chi and wing chun.