Kung Fu and Self Defense
Emphasis on the value of self defense couldn't be more understandable now, more than ever. As there are indeed dangers which people face in everyday life, self defense stands as safe avenues for such persons to take should they be put in dangerous scenarios, like say a mugger approaching with harmful intent, or a robber who finds his/her way into your home.
Bottom line, arming oneself with knowledge about self defense could actually save a person from the grief of being robbed, or worse yet, being injured, or even die. Kung Fu stands to be one of the most popular forms of self defense, which many have taken a liking to.
Kung Fu, along with Wushu, are two of the most popular forms of Chinese Martial arts, made famous though their involvement in many movies, books, and comic books which feature them. Basically, Kung Fu and Wushu are both Chinese Martial Arts, but are different from each other, in the sense that each has its own set of Martial Art principles, traditions and theories. Chinese martial arts, which Kung Fu and Wushu are, originate from self defense needs, as well as military training and hunting activities. Hand to Hand combat and weapon mastery were two major values which the Chinese learned to embrace, eventually becoming an integral component in Chinese Culture. During the rule of the Yellow Emperor, in 2698 B.C.E., the ancient forms of Martial Arts came to be in China. Described as a well known general before earning the title, the Yellow Emperor is known to have lengthily written about medicine, astrology and martial arts, thus his interest in hand to hand combat.
As a form of martial arts, Kung Fu boasts more than self defense values. Combat skills are greatly covered in Kung Fu training, but isn't solely limited to it only. Overall healthy fitness is one positive factor which Kung Fu students and practitioners gain from their Kung Fu excursions. Self cultivation/meditation, a building up of self confidence, character development, and improved mental discipline are also among the "benefits" which Kung Fu is known to result to.
All in all Kung Fu is one form of self defense which is simply practical to learn, as it features other "enhancement" which Kung Fu practitioners would also benefit from. If you are on the lookout for learning a martial art for self defense purposes, Kung Fu should prove to be what you are looking for.
