Shaolin Hung Mei History
General History of Chinese Kung Fu
In around the year 2600 B.C., Emperor Huáng Dì (黃帝) first taught the Chinese military a form of self-defense that was later formalized into the art of Kung Fu. The Buddhist and Taoist religions added to the philosophy of Kung Fu, making it more than simply a form of self-defense or fighting.
Many of the techniques incorporated into Kung Fu were first observed as the animals around us struggled in life or death combat. As these movements were studied and analyzed, forms were developed employing the essential qualities of each animal's unique method of fighting. For example, Fú Hŭ Quán (伏虎拳), or Tiger Fist Form, shows the great strength, speed, stealth and directness for which a Tiger is known (see Empty Hand Sets).
