Classification of Chinese Martial Arts

Martial arts have been created and developed for self-defense and survival throughout human history. Chinese martial arts is generally called Wushu, where Wu means military and shu means art, thus Wushu means the art of fighting. Proper martial-arts training can improve physical ability, health, and willpower and mental discipline. The soul of the martial art is to increase a person's inner quality, not setting fighting as the purpose. Martial arts have thousands of years' history. Over the past two to four thousand years, many distinctive styles have been developed, each with its own set of techniques and ideas.

Since there are various styles, it is very difficult to classify Chinese martial arts. There are also common themes to the different styles , which are often classified by "families" or "schools" of martial art styles. Each style offers a different approach to the common problems of self-defense, health and self-cultivation. Traditionally, Chinese martial arts can be classified by the following three main methods:

(1) External and internal classification

(2) Geographical classification

(3) Religious classification

Internal and external classifications only became popular during the Republican period. It was used to differentiate between two completing groups within the Central Guoshu Academy. Regardless of the origin of this classification scheme, the distinction becomes less meaningful since all complete Chinese martial art styles have external and internal components. This classification scheme is only a reminder of the initial emphasis of a particular style and should not be considered an absolute division. Roughly speaking, the distinction between internal and external martial arts can refer to whether the strength is from the torso and legs (internal) or whether the strength is derived from training of the more specific arm and leg muscles (external). Internal styles focus on the practice of such elements as awareness of the spirit, mind, qi and the use of relaxed leverage rather than unrefined muscular tension, tension that soft stylists call "brute force". External style is characterized by fast and explosive movements and a focus on physical strength and agility. External styles begin with a training focus on muscular power, speed and application, and generally integrate their qigong aspects in advanced training, after their desired "hard" physical level has been reached. Example of external styles is Shaolinquan.

According to geographical classification, the Chinese martial arts can be divided into northern and southern style, referring to which part of China the styles originated from, separated by the Yangtze River. The main perceived difference about northern and southern styles is that the northern styles tend to emphasize fast and powerful kicks, high jumps and generally fluid and rapid movement, while the southern styles focus more on strong arm and hand techniques, and stable, immovable stances and fast footwork. The group of Northern martial arts includes many illustrious styles such as Baguazhang, Bajiquan, Chquán, Chuojiao, Eagle Claw, and Taijiquan. The term Southern styles typically applies to the five family styles of Southern China: Choy Gar, Hung Ga , Lau Gar , Li (Lee) Family and Mok Gar. Other styles include: Choi Lei Fut, Fujian White Crane, Five Ancestors, Wing Chun, Hakka, Southern Praying Mantis and Dragon.

Chinese martial arts being an important component of Chinese culture are also influence by the various religions in China. Many styles were founded by groups that were influenced by one of the three great religions: Buddhism, Taoism and Islam. Buddhist styles are those styles that originated or practiced within Buddhist temples and later spread to lay community. The most famous of these are the Shaolin (and related) styles, e.g. Shaolinquan, Luohanquan, Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Dragon style and White Crane. Taoist styles are popularly associated with Taoism, the credulous may believe that they were created or trained mostly within Taoist Temples or by Taoist ascetics, which often later spread out to laymen. These styles include those trained in the Wudang temple, and often include Taoist principles, philosophy, and imagery. Some of these arts include Taijiquan, Wudangquan, baguazhang and Liuhebafa. Islamic styles are those that were practiced traditionally solely or mainly by the Muslim Hui minority in China. These styles often include Muslim principles or imagery. Some of these styles include Chaquan, Tan Tui, some branches of Xingyiquan, and Qishiquan.

There are also many other criteria used to group Chinese martial arts, for example, imitative-styles and legendary and historical styles and family styles. The classification schemes, like the subject of Chinese martial arts, are endless. Here, I just list three main methods of classification.