British Prince Charles practiced Chinese Qigong with unstandardized movements; in Australia, martial arts is among the top ten most popular sports, with millions of people practicing it all year round. In recent years, as the world has paid attention to China, more and more foreigners have become obsessed with Chinese Kung Fu.
The popularity of Chinese Kung Fu in the United States is far beyond that of other Chinese quintessences such as acupuncture and calligraphy. In spring, Tai Chi is a scenic spot in the park. Shi Xinghao, founder of the "Houston Shaolin Kung Fu Academy" and a 32nd generation disciple of Shaolin Kung Fu, has been running schools in the United States for many years. He believes that Americans not only like Chinese martial arts, but also worship it. They believe that the charm of Chinese Kung Fu lies not only in fighting and self-defense, but the rich philosophy and historical origins contained in it are even more fascinating. Therefore, Chinese martial arts are regarded by many foreigners as the key to traditional Chinese culture. There are currently millions of students studying Chinese Kung Fu in Europe, among which the proportions of Tai Chi, Qigong and Wushu students are roughly 50%, 30% and 20%.
In Shanghai, martial arts Tai Chi is very popular among foreign friends. There are students from seven or eight countries who follow us to learn Tai Chi. They are usually MBA students, entrepreneurs, business schools, etc. from various countries. The number of people who come to experience learning reaches hundreds. Westerners like Chinese Kung Fu mainly because of its magic. Westerners are straightforward, like challenges, and like to experience things in person. Hope to find answers, like to explore, not afraid of danger, pursue the truth, and want to understand this magical world.
Here, I have to state again that the essential difference between martial arts Tai Chi and other so-called Tai Chi magical skills lies in our pursuit of the authenticity, scientificity and rationality of martial arts itself. In recent years, a large number of pseudosciences have emerged, including fake products, fake medicines, and fake businesses. There have also been many sensationalists like Yan Fang in Tai Chi. The reputation of Tai Chi was greatly damaged. As a Tai Chi practitioner who pursues truth, I feel deeply saddened.
Martial arts sprouted in the primitive society period. In the era of clan communes, tribal wars often occurred, so the experience of fighting on the battlefield was constantly summarized. The more successful blows, stabs, punches, and kicks were imitated, taught, and practiced, which promoted the sprouting of martial arts. . Martial arts took shape during the slave society period. After the establishment of the Xia Dynasty, after continuous wars, martial arts further developed toward practicality and standardization to meet the needs of actual combat. The martial arts activities during the Xia Dynasty mainly developed in the following two aspects: 1. Military martial arts activities; 2. Mainly martial arts of school education.
During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, an important means of martial arts training appeared in the Shang Dynasty - field hunting. The Shang and Zhou Dynasties used "martial arts" to train soldiers and boost morale. Schools such as "Xu" and "Xu" were established in the Zhou Dynasty. The Chinese also lists archery and dance practice as one of the educational contents. It is said that an important work in the history of Chinese martial arts, "The Book of Changes", also known as "The Book of Changes", appeared during the Zhou Dynasty. This book "one yin and one yang is the way" contains rich philosophical thoughts and has a profound influence on health preservation in my country. The influence of its development is extremely far-reaching. "Yi has Taiji, which gives rise to two rites, two rites give rise to four images, and four images give rise to Bagua." The Taiji theory was produced, and from then on it laid the foundation for the Chinese martial arts system. After entering the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the princes competed for hegemony. We attach great importance to the application of technology on the battlefield. Duke Huan of Qi held "contests" in spring and autumn to select heroes from all over the world. During this period, sword manufacturing and kendo achieved unprecedented development.
Martial arts developed in the feudal society period. Since the Qin and Han Dynasties, wrestling and fencing have been popular. Following the custom of "dance at banquets", dance practice with hand-held instruments often occurs when people are having fun and drinking. For example, in the "Hongmen Banquet" recorded in "Historical Records·Xiang Yu's Events", "Xiang Zhuang's sword dance was intended for Pei Gong"
is a reflection of this form. In addition, there are "Knife Dance", "Power Dance", etc. Although they are entertaining, they are technically closer to today's routines.
Since the Tang Dynasty, the martial arts examination system has been implemented, which has promoted the development of martial arts, such as awarding honorary titles to soldiers with special skills. General Pei Min's swordsmanship was unparalleled for a while. Pei Min's swordsmanship, Li Bai's poetry, and Zhang Xu's cursive calligraphy were also known as the three masterpieces of the Tang Dynasty. It can be seen that martial arts as a form of literature has been quite influential.
During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, folk martial arts training activities with martial arts organizations as the main body of folk associations flourished, including the "Yinglue Society" for practicing spears and sticks
, and the "Yinglue Society" for practicing shooting. Bow and Arrow Club" etc. Due to the active commercial economy, "Lu Qi people" appeared who traveled around the world, practicing martial arts and buying arts to make a living.
There is not only individual training, but also sparring.
The Ming and Qing Dynasties were a period of great development of martial arts, with numerous schools and styles. There are dozens of boxing schools such as Changquan, Monkey Boxing, Shaolin Boxing, Neijiaquan, etc.; at the same time, major boxing systems such as Tai Chi, Xingyi Boxing, and Bagua Boxing have been formed.
In modern times, martial arts adapted to the changes of the times and gradually became an integral part of modern Chinese sports. During the Republic of China, many martial arts organizations such as boxing clubs and samurai societies emerged among the people.
In 1927, the Central Academy of Chinese Martial Arts was established in Nanjing.
In 1936, the Chinese Wushu Team went to the Berlin Olympics to perform.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, martial arts developed vigorously.
In 1956, the Chinese Wushu Association established Wushu Associations, Wushu Teams, etc., forming an unprecedentedly extensive network of mass martial arts activities and opening up a broad path for the development of Wushu.
In 1985, the first International Wushu Invitational Tournament was held in Xi'an, and the International Wushu Federation Preparatory Committee was established. This was a historic breakthrough in the development of Wushu.
The first Asian Martial Arts Championship was held in Yokohama in 1987, marking the entry of martial arts into the Asian Games.
In 1990, martial arts was included in the competition of the 11th Asian Games for the first time.
In 1999, the International Wushu Federation was absorbed as an official international sports joint member of the International Olympic Committee. This was another historic breakthrough in the development of Wushu, which means that in the near future, Wushu will become a Olympic events mean the further realization of the ambitious goal of "promoting martial arts to the world"!