Pictorial guide to Chinese Martial Arts by the Kung Fu School, Crawley 01293 544 333

1. Chinese Martial Arts

3. The Yellow Emperor Huangdi, the legendary Yellow Emperor, reigned from 2697BC to 2597BC and his soldiers were taught ‘’Horn Butting” or “Jiao Li” to use against enemy armies. This is one of the oldest know martial art.

4. 2000BC the earliest pictures Martial arts have evolved around the world where ever there was a need to protect yourself, your family and survive. This picture is the earliest dipication of martial arts showing wrestling techniques taken from Egypt.

5. Confucius Lends a Hand Confucius was a Chinese philosopher born in 551B.C. His work has had massive influences in and around China. His wrote about his philosophies and teachings in the ‘Anelects of Confucius’. His work inspired many martial artists including the infamous Yip Man (Ye Wen).

7. Bodhidharma travels to China Bodhidharma was an Indian buddhist monk who travelled to China during the 5 th Century. Legend has it that Bodhidharma was concerned by the poor health of the monks at that time and introduced martial arts training to combat ill health. Many also believe he was responsible for Yi Jin Jing, an exercise system that creates a healthy body from the inside out.

8. Yi Jin Jing for Health & Strength Yi Jin Jing training is made of posturing, stretching, breathing and rotating. According to traditional ideas - The first year of training gives back physical and mental vitality - The second year enhances blood circulation and nurtures meridians - The third year allows flexibility to muscles and nurtures the organs - The forth year meridians are better and viscera are nurtured - The fifth year the marrow is washed and the brain is nurtured.

9. The Shaolin Temple & Kung Fu The Shaolin Temple where Bodhirdharma settled is home to the legendary martial artists, the Shaolin Monks. The martial arts served as a means to stay healthy and defend the temple against raids from bandits. The Shaolin Temple would go on to influence martial arts around the world.

13. Chen Style Tai Chi Tai Chi, the ‘Supreme Ultimate Fist’ is one of the most popular Chinese martial arts worldwide. They style dates back to the 1600s and legend has it that a Taoist Monk created the style. Using special ‘Pushing hands’ exercises Tai Chi focuses on an awareness of mind, body and chi.