Did the Chinese and Japanese base Martial Arts on animals? Because most of the names are like animal names like the move kip-up in chinese its called the Carp Leap because it looks like when a fish jumps around when its on land.
2006-09-14 09:44:51 · 10 answers · asked by Leo 3 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Many Chinese styles were formed from observing animals. Southern White Crane kung-fu style is a great example of this.
These people did not have technology like we have today, so they got inspirations from nature.
In Japan I am not sure I know of any animal styles but many Kung-fu styles migrated and influenced Japan and Okinawa.
but in Japan they still got concepts from nature. Tsunami wave kick is an example.
Another example of Japan being influenced by nature are the elements inherent in styles. Fire, air, water, earth and void. these describe the pace and "attitude" of the techniques. It is a philosophy, not a magical element attack as some far out people may now be thinking.
2006-09-14 10:44:30 · answer #1 · answered by spidertiger440 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot say for sure as it concerns Japanese martial arts, but it is fact that many Chinese martial arts are derived from animals, whether it be the personality or the actual physical movement.
Most people are familiar with the five animals of Shaolin: tiger, leopard, snake, crane, and dragon, but beyond that, there lies much, much more.
Often times, animal styles are paired up to create a balanced system (think yin-yang), such as eagle claw/bear and leopard/snake, but possibly the most famous pairing would be the system of Hung-gar which is primarily comprised of tiger/crane.
Beyond that, elements and colors can be added to an animal to make a sub division, such as black tiger or golden dragon.
Oh, and "gung-fu" is the southern pronunciation (Cantonese), where as "kung-fu" is northern (Mandarin). Also, "kung-fu" itself simply means skilled, but since it is a Chinese word usually associated with martial arts, it is now the generic term for all Chinese boxing.
2006-09-14 17:36:33 · answer #2 · answered by Steel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not very familiar with Chinese martial art, but I think you are correct that some arts are base on animals (i.e. Shaolin Kungfu).
As far as I know, Japanese martial arts are not based on animals. However many empty hand Japanese martial arts (like Aikido) have root in traditional Japanese sword fencing technique (kenjutsu).
2006-09-15 00:00:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you're partially right, the martial arts were based around an animals movement, and to mimic the actions of the animals that the discipline or form (or Kata) was based on.
The Martial Arts were based around many things that were observed in nature whether it was an animal, a plant, or an element such as water in a river, or the wind in the air.
Anther example the beginning of the Passai (a higher form in the discipline) form in Tang Soo Do, mimics a tree's movement.
2006-09-14 17:39:28 · answer #4 · answered by quiksilver8676 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the martial art. In a lot of styles of Kung-Fu moves and styles are named after animals, but in other martial arts like karate, kicks are kicks and punches are punches. Also, a lot of movies like the animal names because they sound cool, but these are not necessarily the real titles of the moves.
2006-09-14 16:56:39 · answer #5 · answered by skiiermandan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Martial arts originated from the first person to hit another. Just because the term martial arts is applied to chinese combat arts doesn't mean its all chinese.
All cultures have martial arts.
2006-09-14 17:23:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no the thought behind using animals to name moves came from the shaolin monks. They liked the power and grace of certain animals. there was five main types such as tiger, snake, dragon, panther and crane. And thats not to say they used modern day wing-chun methods before that. The monks learned martial arts from monks from other contreys specifically india thousands of years ago. than tehy built upon it. now its popular to use animal names in kung fu as tradition. Japanese martial arts have nothign to do with animals uaually body parts. As Karate means open hand, or void hand. Kung-Fu means formed fighting as you take a form from an animal or nature in sum cases as Wing-Chun means beautiful spring time. So not even all forms of kung fu are based on animals some seasons. its pretty confusing but if you do a little more research youll figure it out. good luck
2006-09-14 19:08:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
All martial art's originated in China. Yes! Gung-Fu is what they called and it's not really Kung-Fu they just used to coz it from that TV seriies,most of gung-fu styles came from the animals.As for Japanese Martial Art's they learn to create martial art's after the samurai's withdrawn their sword's coz of the Shogunate they wan't a modern. as for samurai warrior's they find there way to protect them selve's without their sword that's why they got diff. martial art's now.this a lil bit of history!
I hope this one answered your question..
2006-09-14 17:07:54 · answer #8 · answered by Geoff G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some arts based on animal movements. After all, some animals are great hunters. Other animals are great at particular movements. It also helps to name movements to create the proper visiuals and aid in retention... inspiration also helps.
2006-09-14 17:28:58 · answer #9 · answered by calmman7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't know, but i don't think. it's base martial arts on animals... they just named it... what was it look like...
2006-09-14 16:54:34 · answer #10 · answered by zugarthen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋