Chinese martial arts

Chinese martial arts often named under the umbrella terms kung fu and wushu, are the several hundred fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as “families”, “sects” or “schools” of martial arts. Examples of such traits include Shaolinquan physical exercises involving Five Animals mimicry or training methods inspired by Old Chinese philosophies, religions, and legends. Styles that focus on qi manipulation are called internal, while others that concentrate on improving muscle and cardiovascular fitness are called “external”. Geographical association, as in northern and “southern”, is another popular classification method. (Wikipedia)