A word on the definitions of Kung Fu & Wu Shu.

The Chinese term Wu Shu originated around 500 A.D. and translates roughtly as Martial Skill. It refers to an individuals' fighting technique. The term Wu Yi translates as Martial Art but with more of a reference to the stategies of battling armies. However, Wu Shu became more commonly used. This, therefore, is the definition of Traditional Wu Shu.

It was in the 1960's and 70's that the definition of Chinese Martial Arts became altered by the Chinese government and athletic committees, with the definition of Wu Shu coming to refer to a display art, emphasising beauty and somewhat ignoring martial application. This is Contemporary or Modern Wu Shu.

Therefore, when speaking of Wu Shu, one should make the distinction between Traditional and Contemporary Wu Shu. Hung Leng Kuen practitioners study Traditional Wu Shu as serious Self-Defence application is the fundamental focus of our forms.

Fu is difficult to translate precisely into English, but refers to a length of time. Kung (pronounced Gong), again roughly, means work. Together they come to mean something like "great achievement through hard work" or "work person of merit". Therefore, Kung Fu could refer to any form of artistic, manual or achedemic study to which one has given a lot of time in order to become an expert.

It is in Western society that Kung Fu is believed to purely refer to martial arts, but this is a mistaken belief. However, it is because this is the common interpretation that we, and many other styles, are referred to as Kung Fu styles, although we also make the distinction the Hung Leng Kuen is a Traditional Wu Shu.

Sifu T. D. Prescott
Chief Instructor - Hung Leng Kuen Kung Fu, Surbiton