Chinese Kung fu is famous in all over the world because Bruce Lee promoted charm of martial arts in his films and his theory. In 80s of last century, Wushu is very popular due to Kungfu movies like Shao Lin Temple. But after decades development of social economy，people pay less and less attention to this trandition skill. Nowadays even an interesting question to query if martial arts can be used for fighting or not.
Recent match video between MMA can be watched on TV frequently. Even MMA vs traditional players makes this topic more hot again.
In my opinion, doubt is better than no attention. This question brings a series of discussions and debates which will activate public focusing on martial arts. Are they just acrobatics shows in movies or dances for old people doing exercise for fun in parks? The answer definitely is negative.
Hegel, the philosopher，said：“Existence is the truth. Rationality results existing. ”
Martial arts are quintessence from human being’s fighting and practicing activities during thousands years. For example, Xing Yi Quan（形意拳）is said to be created by Yue Fei（岳飞） who was a great commander in Song dynasty and transferred battle movements to a daily training pattern for army. Some actions of Xing Yi Quan still can reflect how to wave a weapon like spear or long knife. And lots of other martial arts like Ba Gua Zhang（八卦掌）, Taiji and Shao Lin Quan all came in same way.
A hero is nothing but a product of his time. Wars and chaos resulted unstable life in cold weapon time. People had to learn self-protecting skills to survive and in battle field. This tough environment made some famous masters who are filtrated from various exams and ordeals of their life. You cannot imagine the cruelty of these tests when you are living in a peaceful century. For example, when two leaders from opposite army met face to face like the scenario of the story - “Three Kingdoms”. These two were all excellent in martial arts and had practiced for decade years. But just in few seconds of their horse brush passing, one of them will be chopped to die by another. So generation after generation, only practical and suitable skills are remained.
The development of science and industry changed all aspects of society and our life style. Intelligence plays more important role than physical power ever before. Body fighting becomes less essential in daily time and descends to entertainment performance and sport in cage. But these cannot erase the core of martial arts.
There still are some objections to above explanation. Normally the objectors will say the legend of famous masters are fake because there is no evidence to prove. Or they will use current contest reference on internet. This is not individual phenomenon. Even lots of young people who have exercised tradition martial arts for many years gave up what they studied and start to learn MMA.
We need to identify if we just want to destroy previous worship to martial arts or we hope to figure out how to learn fighting quickly. That would be totally different approach.
Each legend no matter which country the story is from always combines fact and sagas. People need heroes. In fact, no one can prove it or deny it except oneself is that legend. Many posts on internet normally exaggerate some aspects to convince author’s point. So readers need to be smart and analytical.
Fighting is so tiny content and a consequent result in martial arts. We always say: "Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth", The practices for proving the militancy of martial arts are not only few fighting matches on internet but also reviews to their concept, training methodology and reference. The mystery of ancient oriental philosophies attracted many scholars to research from long time ago. But so far, limited results can be presented to public. Martial arts include thousands years content of Chinese philosophy, psychology, body mechanics, medicine and theology, etc. That is why so many people spent whole life and all treasure to pursue pioneer’s track and practice the methodology.
If you want to get snack of combat skill, you may just need a gun. That is the quickest way. Because there is no absolutely good or bad Kong fu style in this world but good or bad practicer. The result of match shows who practiced better not which Kung fu is better. Just like same tool used by different people will work out big different product. So each individual may only select suitable kind of martial arts and keep exercising. Gradually he will improve his body status from inside to outside. Please keep in mind. Being healthy and strong is always our first priority.
