Chinese Kungfu (Gongfu) Performance

Chinese Kungfu or Chinese Wushu is one of the typical demonstrations of traditional Chinese culture. It is a sport which utilizes both brawn and brain. And it is fast becoming the most popular martial art in the world.

Wushu is a Mandarin Chinese word that literally means martial arts. It includes barehanded and weapons routines performed with a level of speed, power, skill, and grace matched by no other martial art in the world. Kung fu literally means work requiring time, effort, and dedication. The most famous Kungfu is Shaolin Kung fu, which has hundreds of styles. Among the many styles are Chang Quan (long fist), Nan Quan (southern fist), Tai Chi Quan (shadow boxing or supreme ultimate fist), Xing Yi Quan (mind fist), Ba Gua Quan (eight directions fist). The former two belong to the external style which emphasizes physical strength and abilities while the latter three belong to the internal style that depends upon internal power - Qi.

Tai Chi Quan (shadow boxing or supreme ultimate fist) is a Chinese Kungfu whose origin has been debated for centuries. It is based on the Taoist philosophy of the Yin and Yang (opposite attributes that complement in nature). It is generally practiced with slow and continuous movements, choreographed into what is known as "the form". Relaxed whole-body movement through a non-taxing routine promotes optimal harmony between mind and body; it stimulates new mental and physical awareness. Practicing the form, one learns to quiet the mind, relax the body and breathe deeply. The immediate outcome is physical and mental relief. Longer term practice will heighten sensory and spatial awareness, contributing to an enhanced state of well being.

Unlike other martial arts, Kungfu training includes endurance training, calisthenics, stretching, and more, all to improve the athletes fitness far beyond what they would otherwise achieve. Practicing Kungfu contributes to lifelong health and fitness. Learning Kungfu increases both aerobic and anaerobic capacity (long- and short-term stamina) and strengthens the muscles while increasing flexibility. When paired with a healthy diet, it also helps burn fat for those seeking weight losses.

In recent years, Chinese Kungfu has been modernized. Training and competing systems have been set up. Continuing its fighting function, Chinese Kungfu becomes a more athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive sport. More and more foreigners come to China to learn the mysterious Kungfu.

Red Theater

Add: East of Tiantan Hotel in Xing Fu Avenue, Beijing
Tel: +86 10 6714 2473
Time: 7:15 p.m. every night

Chao Yang Culture Center

Add: No. 17 Jintaili, Xiaozhuang, Beijing
Tel: +86 10 8599 0393
Time: 7:15 p.m. every night

Universal Theatre