Why Practice Kung-Fu?

By David Moylan1

Kung-fu is one of the most dynamic and holistic activities you can pursue. The benefits are wide-ranging, from physical to mental. This article briefly explains and illustrates some of the main qualities that we continually strive to develop at the Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy. The students and instructors exhibited in this article all started as novice martial artists at the Academy and developed their skills through time, effort and dedication to our curriculum. Kung-fu is an art form and physical activity that is accessible to anyone willing to apply themselves and try their best.

Self Defense

Kung-fu develops many physical and mental characteristics, but it also empowers the student with a skill that could one day save their life. In the scenario below, the attacker has secured a forearm chokehold.

Spirit

Spirit is demonstrated in various modes, including forms, which are moving combinations that comprise the techniques of a particular style’s curriculum. Many forms were originally based on the observation of animals. Our Shaolin Five-Animal Kung-Fu involves the tiger, the leopard, the snake, the crane and the dragon.

Safety

At our Academy, safety is a priority. For example, semi-contact sparring, (pictured below), is a carefully supervised partner activity whereby students develop confidence facing each other in controlled conditions. Sparring is not fighting. Partners wear protective equipment and work together to help each other improve.

Kung-fu has the potential to build many attributes that are essential in so many different aspects of your life. The confidence and improvement you experience in your training can be used as a template for success in life. Kung-fu adapts to a wide range of abilities and body types making it a very accessible activity. Furthermore, as you can see, there are many elements to kung-fu training, which keep you interested, motivated and having fun.

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