Kung fu comprises a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in what is today the country of China. It is also a form of exercise with a spiritual dimension stemming from concentration and self-discipline.
Kungfu also known as Wushu and hundreds of other styles
Most present day Kung Fu originates from the martial arts developed by Buddhist monks in the Shaolin monastery over the course of the past 1500 years. However, other martial arts practices existed in China dating as far back as 3000 years ago!
As martial art, kung fu can be traced to the Zhou dynasty (1111–255 bc) and even earlier. As exercise it was practiced by the Daoists in the 5th century BCE.
In Chinese, colloquially, kung fu (or gung fu) alludes to any individual accomplishment or cultivated skill obtained by long and hard work. It also refers to the form of martial arts.
Kung fu clothes have varies by style and school, but often includes kung fu pants (a loose fitting, elastic band cloth garment), kung fu shoes and a belt.
The fluid, circular movements in Kung fu are often imitations of the fighting styles of animals, initiated from one of five basic foot positions: normal upright posture and the four stances called dragon, frog, horse riding, and snake.