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Kungfu
■Melva
Mckenzie
TI
love watching kung fu. Webster's dictionary states that "kung fu"
is all-inclusive. The definition includes concentration and self-defense.
Kung fu is an exercise that demands concentration and self-discipline
as well as primarily being an "unarmed ode of personal combat."1
The deftness and skill with which legs and arms fly would certainly be
most helpful if you ever were in a situation where you needed to protect
yourself. I think it would be good for all men and women to know some
sort of self-defense. The benefits as a form of exercise are obvious.
The skill and grace with which the performers carry out their maneuvers
almost defy description. Stars such as Bruce lee, Jacke Chan,andchuck
Norris have kept this art alive, though attention to the skill has diminished
somewhat the past few years. In movies and on television, they were the
heroes with all those slick moves-conquering and defeating evil and their
encroaching enemies. Perhaps, it appears a bit unrealistic, but it is
exiting to watch. The new movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
is taking the US by storm and reviving interest in kung fu. Apparently
the world is watching with great wonderment.
As a child, our son wanted to learn karate. He wanted to wear those white
outfits with the black belt around the middle. Children in the village
gathered to be taught the art of kicking, jump ing, stretching, and moving
the body with such speed and coordination. I loved watching them perform
during half-time at he basketball games when we were in Hawaii.
Until I checked the encyclopedia, I was not aware that most of movements
in kung fu are "imitations of the fighting styles of animals."
Various moves stem from five basic foot positions: normal upright posture
and four stances called "dragon, frog , horse riding, and snake."2
I learned there are hundreds of styles of kung fu ; and, as a martial
art, it can be traced back to Chou dynasty(1111-255 BC) or even earlier.
Kung fu is truly one of China's great heritages and ancient traditions.
Yes, I love watching kung fu. I enjoy it very much and would recommend
it to all
1.Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc, 1994-2000
2.Ibid.
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