What is a 'Martial Art'?

The "Martial Art" is a singular body of knowledge, which has existed for a very long time, and comes from nature (or God as your beliefs might dictate). We create nothing new - only discover what has always been and we as martial artist's carry the legacy onward.

The Martial Art is has been divided into many sub-groups or categories and are referred to as "styles." True and complete Martial Art training has a three-fold purpose of enhancing, protecting, and preserving life in general, and the individual's experience physically, mentally, AND spiritually.

What is Kung Fu?

Chinese martial arts are also often referred to as wushu or incorrectly as kung fu.. Its original meaning is somewhat different, referring to one's expertise in any skill Skill is human (usually learned) ability to perform actions.

Interpersonal communication Speech: Listening, talking, interpersonal communication, Nonverbal communication Literacy: writing, reading Motor skills Walking, Arts and crafts, Sport Miscellaneous, not necessarily martial. Many consider wushu literally means "martial art". It is commonly used much the same way as the popular term kung fu, referring specifically to Chinese martial arts, but is in China also used as a general and formal term for any martial art.

Today, many also use wushu, modern wushu or contemporary wushu as a name for the modern styles of Chinese martial arts that are practiced primarily for exhibition and competition.... a better term for Chinese martial arts, as it translates directly into martial art.

Are there different kinds of Kung Fu?

Yes, and they come in the form of Sport, Fighting, Exercise, Linear, Circular, Soft, Hard, Internal and External. Most kinds of Kung Fu incorporates some or all of these traits.

What are the Sash Rankings?

If you choose to stick with a system you will go through a series of sash rankings designed to show your progress. When martial arts started there was no sash ranking. You went from Black to White or from White to Black. In our system of Sil Lum Kung Fu we have the following series: white, yellow, green, blue, brown and then black. In the Emperor's Long Fist System the ranks are: White, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown, Black. In the Sasamba Kali Arnis System the ranks are: White, Green, Brown, Black.

What's the significance of the Belt or Sash?

Other than the obvious, belt-harder and sash-softer, there's not really too much difference. They both serve the purpose of showing rank/seniority for the school and the instructor. It helps give some students a feeling of progress. The belt or sash can be used as a weapon and it is taught in some systems. The Chinese use the sash more and the harder styles seem to use the belt.

How long until I reach Black Belt Status?

On an average it usually takes three to four years to get to black in our system but this depends on the individual's training hours and devotion.

Are Kung Fu classes tied to a Religious Belief?

No not at all. There's reference in some classes to Buddism, Taoism and it is discussed in certain systems historically and systematically but not taught as a religion.